Which Gitzo tripod?

[Desmond Chan]

Hi all,

I've been pondering getting a gitzo tripod. Ball-head-wise I think I'm good for even a 600mm. Legs could be improved though, I think. Anyhow, I'm using a D300 with battery pack and mostly a 200-400. Totally possible that I could be using heavier lens in the future. But at the same time I prefer not to have the largest tripod for now.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Alfred Forns]

Very little choice here Desmond !!! Would go for the Gitzo GT 3530LS If you need longer can get the XLS These replace the old 1325 they are lighter and have the improved locking for the legs. Do a search in the bulletin archives for specifics !!!

... are you planing on using a ball-head?

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Desmond,
I have the Gitzo 3530LS. I use the 400mm f2.8 and the 1DII with no issues at all. So you can use the 600mm as the weight is similar. I am 5' 9" and the height is ok for me. I think it would be ok even if you are 6 feet tall. If you are taller still, then you may need to go for the XLS.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[allanrube]

I have the 5540. I have a D300, gimbal head and 400 VR lens. I had a 1325 and feel the 5540 is sturdier.

[Desmond Chan]

... are you planing on using a ball-head?

Al, I'm using a Markins M20 ball-head with the Wimbley sidekick. I believe this combo should be able to hold up even a 500mm so I'd still be using it for a while (not that I have the 500). The ball-head itself is strong enough for a 600mm and more, probably not the sidekick though.

Thanks guys for your suggestions ! I'll check out those tripods.

[Alfred Forns]

Yes Desmond that will work. I never been a fan of the sidekick If I'm mounting a lens from the side I will use the Mongoose, at least its light (under a pound) and the flash bracket convenient.

The full Wimberly is a joy to use.

[Ed Cordes]

FWIW, I use the 3540 LS and the RRS BH55 with a Sidekick and 500f4 with a 1 series Canon. All seem to work fine.

[Eric Silvi]

Another vote for the 3530-LS. I've used mine with an older Arca Swiss ballhead, which I plan on replacing. The combo has worked great with my 500mm lens. By the way, I got my tripod through Art Morris. Fast, great service!

[Marc Mol]

I also have the Gitzo GT3540LS and use it all the time with my D300, 200-400VR and sidekick, it's a superbly balanced combo. The sidekick is a joy to use and have teamed it up with the 500VR and works great with this also ;).
Cheers
Marc

[Desmond Chan]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

I just pulled the plug and ordered the 3530LS.

[Alfred Forns]

Good move Desmond !!! :)

[Arni Cheatham]

Hello All,

Any Mongoose experts out there? I'd appreciate your opinion. Here's the combination I have a question about. Canon 30d with BG ,Mongoose 262 (Original), Gitzo 1325 and Sigma 500mm f4.5

I've just gotten a Sigma 500 f4.5 (Used but in great condition and that's all my budget can take.) I have a Gitzo 1325 tripod with the smaller Mongoose head mounted. I just tried this out a bit (although only at home) and it seems like the small mongoose head will handle the roughly 10 lb total weight. Also seems stable too.

Should I have any safety concerns with the lighter head? Lens falling out of the clamp or the latch slipping? I can't afford to buy the bigger head for a while. I also have a Manfrotto 3021 with an Acratech ball head. I know I could swap the Acratech onto the Gitzo but the Acratech (slanty) head is just not very convenient for bird work and I worry about an accidental flop over while making tension adjustments. Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks
Arni

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Arny

I know John does not recommend the 2.5 for that weight. Here I think is a matter of common sense so mount it and see how it feels !!

one concern I would have is flexing. I did use some of the prototypes and it was the one area of concern.