GT3530LS vs GT3541LS

[Pao Dolina]

Other than the GT3530LS having 3 section tripod and the GT3541LS having 4 section tripod what else are the difference? Any design issues to be aware off? :)

[Ed Cordes]

I am using the 4 section with a RRS BH 55 and Sidekick and love it. It is light weight and easy to pack as it folds very small. I have not had a stability issue with it using my 1DMK2 500 F4 and 2 X TC

[Aravind Krishnaswamy]

No other design differences as far as I'm aware. I chose the 4 section tripod purely because it'll pack easier as its my travelling tripod.

[Alfred Forns]

With the older model the four section was not stable but this new one works just fine !! I chose the three section but was very tempted to purchase the four ... smaller packing is nice !!!

[Chris Klapheke]

No differences, Pao. Same weight capacity and stability.

I'm with Aravind. If I were getting a new one I would go with the 4 section for packing purposes.

One more leg section to set up, but quite a bit smaller when folded up.

[Pao Dolina]

Thanks guys! Can't wait to get this for my 800 as the 055CXPRO4 will be assigned to the 200 & 300. :)

[edgar-junior]

No differences, Pao. Same weight capacity and stability.

I'm with Aravind. If I were getting a new one I would go with the 4 section for packing purposes.

One more leg section to set up, but quite a bit smaller when folded up.

Agree with chris in his comment ....;)


Here is mine recieve few weeks ago "GT3541LS"

[Pao Dolina]

Nice setup you got there edgar. I was contacted by one dealer in Hong Kong and he said the GT3530LS was discontinued (probably out of stock) and was offering the GT3531. Wish Gitzo had a simple way to pick and choose tripods then compare them side by side. :(

Reevaluated what I needed and came up with the GT3541 & GT3541LS

BTW is it better to get a tripod with a center column or without? Should I also get a tripod whose 3 legs are exact to my height or a little bit of extra leg length good?

[Nancy A Elwood]

I ended up getting the Feisol CT-3371 which is carbon fiber and a bit taller than myself, no center column. I love it. A picture with a small review are on my blog, www.naturesportal.blogspot.com . It is very stable and quite a bit less money than the Gitzo. Just another option.

[Arthur Morris]

I am using the 4 section with a RRS BH 55 and Sidekick and love it. It is light weight and easy to pack as it folds very small. I have not had a stability issue with it using my 1DMK2 500 F4 and 2 X TC

Hey Ed, With all due respect, if you ever tried a Mongoose M3.5 with your 500 you would use your ballhead for a cod-fishing sinker.... Ignorance is bliss. I know, I used a ballhead with a big lens for more than a decade.

ps; Thanks for your supportive post at the Friendly Bear thread.

[Arthur Morris]

Other than the GT3530LS having 3 section tripod and the GT3541LS having 4 section tripod what else are the difference? Any design issues to be aware off? :)

There are huge differences in these two tripods. Click on the orange link above and then on the link to the BAA Store and then on the tripod links. Follow the links for more info for both of the tripods above and all of your questions will be answered.

How tall are you?

[Pao Dolina]

I ended up getting the Feisol CT-3371 which is carbon fiber and a bit taller than myself, no center column. I love it. A picture with a small review are on my blog, www.naturesportal.blogspot.com . It is very stable and quite a bit less money than the Gitzo. Just another option.

I'll keep the brand in mind. Thanks :)

Hey Ed, With all due respect, if you ever tried a Mongoose M3.5 with your 500 you would use your ballhead for a cod-fishing sinker.... Ignorance is bliss. I know, I used a ballhead with a big lens for more than a decade.

ps; Thanks for your supportive post at the Friendly Bear thread.

Hi Artie I'm about 5'8". May I know how Gitzo measures tripod legs? It appears Manfrotto measures theirs from the rubber feet til half the joint connecting the leg to the center.

Also a few questions.

1. Have you used the 7D? Will you be upgrading your 50D to it? How does the AF compare to the 40D or 1D3?

2. Does the Mongoose M3.5b accept the plates used by Wimberly II?

3. Would you recommend a ballhead over a gimbal for 200/2L IS or a 300/2.8L IS?

Many thanks. :)

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Pao,

re: I'm about 5'8". May I know how Gitzo measures tripod legs?

No clue.

It appears Manfrotto measures theirs from the rubber feet til half the joint connecting the leg to the center.

I did a piece in a Bulletin a while back about the actual height of the 3530. If you are 5'8" then the 3530 is way tall enough for you.

Also a few questions.

1. Have you used the 7D?

No.

Will you be upgrading your 50D to it? How does the AF compare to the 40D or 1D3?

Don't know. I do know that the 50D AF accuracy is superb for birds in flight.

2. Does the Mongoose M3.5b accept the plates used by Wimberly II?

Yes.

3. Would you recommend a ballhead over a gimbal for 200/2L IS or a 300/2.8L IS?

I do not know the former but would unequivocally recommend the Mongoose M3.5b for all of the 300mm f.2.8 lenses.

[Arthur Morris]

Should I also get a tripod whose 3 legs are exact to my height or a little bit of extra leg length good?

I abhor tripods with center columns for almost all folks.

[Arthur Morris]

I ended up getting the Feisol CT-3371 which is carbon fiber and a bit taller than myself, no center column. I love it. A picture with a small review are on my blog, www.naturesportal.blogspot.com . It is very stable and quite a bit less money than the Gitzo. Just another option.

Hi Nancy, I was surprised to note that the CT-3371 was about one-half pound heavier than the 3530 LS. Were you aware of that?

[Arthur Morris]

Reevaluated what I needed and came up with the GT3541 & GT3541LS

Pao, I am glad that I caught the above. If you are 5'8' tall as you state, the tripods above are NOT RIGHT for you not matter what lens you are using. Learn more about Gitzo tripods here: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/ca....aspx?catid=13

[Matty Fidler]

Thanks guys! Can't wait to get this for my 800 as the 055CXPRO4 will be assigned to the 200 & 300. :)

Pao if your getting the 800 i would invest in the 5541 as it will offer much better stability especially on windy days. An 800 will magnify the slightest vibration and if your spending that kind of money you might as well spend a couple hundred more and get the 5541, I did

[Pao Dolina]

Thanks for the heads up Artie and Matty.

So it is down to the GT3541LS (18kg) and the GT5541LS (25kg) for the 800 setup. What I dislike about the 5541LS is the bulk and the added 1.08 weight it imposes and the price difference. As it has become my practice to lay down the rig on a table or floor when unused would the added capacity be that noticeable while shooting?

Like if I can already do 1/100 shots on my Manfrotto can the 5 series allow me to shoot at 1-2 seconds vs the 3 series 1/8 or 1/10?

[Arthur Morris]

Pao, How tall are you?

[Pao Dolina]

I'm 5 feet 8 inches Artie. :)

[Arthur Morris]

In that case, even considering the GT3541LS is absurd.... The bottom leg sections are pathetically thin. Be careful whom you take advice from.

[Ray Downs]

Artie, would the GT3541L be suitable for a 500 f/4? I shoot mostly sitting in a blind, when not on my front deck.
Shooting a nikon D-700 with battery pack and a D-90. Usually with the TC-17 or TC-20. Have been known to use a 100 lb camera stand with wheels on the deck, works well but not at all portable. I am 5' 11" and just getting started on bird photography. Been shooting for a while, but not with long lenses.
Thanks, Ray

[Arthur Morris]

The 3530 LS would be much more stable..... We have them both in stock.

[Ray Downs]

Thanks Artie, I just got your The Art of Bird Photography II CD in the mail. Perfect timing as I just finished the hard cover book. This is great stuff...with no fluff. Still trying to commit to memory the exposure infomation. Thanks for the no BS advise.
I will probably go for the 5541LS, I don't mind the extra weight, I want it to be 100% sharp, and I dont have the VR lenses. I can only afford the old school stuff until I hit the lottery.

Ray

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for your kind words. And yes, for folks without VR or IS we always have recommended the 5541. We have those in stock too an would appreciate your order. Thanks for considering that request.