Lightweight Tripod Question

[Arthur Morris]

We have long been recommending the 3530LS for all purposes for most folks less than 6' 2" inches or so tall. Recently we have been getting inquiries from folks who are 100% positive that they will never own a super-telephoto and would like to know of a lightweight Gitzo CF tripod that will work well with their 100-400s and 300 f/4s.

I am interested only Gitzo CF models with no plastic parts.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Chris Klapheke]

Artie--

The 2 Series Gitzo tripods should fit the bill just fine:

GT2351 (3 section) and GT 2541 (4 section) both have a load capacity of 26.4 lbs and weigh 3.1 lbs.

They have a center column which is removable, and the top plate then screws directly to the legs.

They are slightly smaller copies of the 3 series with the same G-lock features.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Chris. Is there one out of the box without a center post? I hate center posts.

[Chris Klapheke]

Artie--

Both 2 Series tripods do come with center columns. It looks like that is the only way they are sold.

You can, however, remove the center column and attach the plate (Gitzo's new "safe lock" plate) directly to the legs and leave it that way. Definitely the way I would approach it!

Here is a link to Gitzo that shows the procedure: Gitzo

Chris

[Michael Pancier]

Artie, I use the Gitzo GT 0541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber

with RRS BH-40 PCL. The heaviest lens it will handle would be a 70-200 2.8L. it's rated to just under 12 pounds.

It's even lighter than the series two tripods. It does have a center column which is easily removable. I use it on my long hikes and with the head off, it can fit inside a standard backpack so I don't put it in my checked luggage.

In windy condition, I just attach my camera bag to it if necessary. It's a Godsend when you have to hike 10 miles in the desert.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks all for their suggestions. Let's say we look outside of Gitzo; I am not happy with any of the options above. What I want is a 3-section tripod that weighs about 3 1/2 pounds, is of sturdy construction, farily stable in the wind, is durable, and will handle the intermediate telephoto lenses up to say 4 pounds at most with a pro body (3 pounds at most???)

Note: the 3530 LS weighs only 4.3 pounds.

[Jay Abrams]

I am happy with my new Manfrotto 055cxpro3. Carbon fiber, weighs 3.6 lbs. Has a center column but can be swung up and over into a lateral position in one movement allowing use of the ball head low to the ground. Only problem, need to refocus since the camera position will have moved. Tripod is sturdy, rated to hold 17.6 lbs. and costs about $400.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Jay. I am looking for something simpler.... I know that it's gotta be out there.

[Chris Klapheke]

Artie--

I think Jay means the Manfrotto model 055CXPROB. The PROB version comes with the head that lets you tilt the center column. That tripod is also available without the tilting head, model 055CX3.

Manfrotto also makes a smaller lighter CF tripod, the 190CX3. It weighs 2.9 lbs and has a load capacity of 11 lbs. It does have a removable center column.

A more expensive but very lightweight and compact option is the GT1541T traveler from Gitzo. It only weighs 2.1 lbs and has a capacity of 17.6 lbs. Center column, removable. I've enjoyed using (and packing) it. It is 4 section though, to allow it to fold down to 16".

Here is a link to a chart that lines up several brands with all their specs: chart

Hope this helps! If you do find an option you like please post it!

Chris

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Chris. I hate the clip locks. When folks used to use them on IPTs they were forever breaking and nobody ever had the little tool that you needed to adjust them. And I hate center posts. And using a 2.1 pound tripod under five pounds of gear does not make any sense to me regardless of the alleged load capabilities.

The more that I search around the more I come to realize that the 3530 is the best answer for all serious photographers....

[Arthur Morris]

Chris, Do you know if you will be able to set this one up without a center column?: Gitzo GT2932 Basalt Tripod

[Arthur Morris]

Same question for this one:

Gitzo GT2531 Mountaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod

[Bruce Miller]

This is exactly what I need to know. I am currently using a 3021 that is 5.75 pounds and is way to heavy. I use a 100-400 and am doing more shooting off a tripod. I would like to get to 3 pounds or so and try to keep the cost down.

Has anone used the gt2530/2531 with a 100-400???

Bruce

[Chris Klapheke]

Artie--

Yes both the GT2351 and GT2932 can be set up without the center column.

See my earlier post of 9-22 in this thread for a link to Gitzo showing how it's done.

[Chris Klapheke]

Whoops, looks like I misspoke.

Jay did correctly identify the CF model Manfrotto as 055CXPRO3. I looked at our shelves and saw the 055XPROB, but that is an aluminum model.

Sorry Jay!

[Wally Nussbaumer]

Perhaps a little late on this discussion, but I decided to throw my two cents worth in. I currently have two Manfrotto tripods, one is the older 055 and the other is their 055 pro. Both have two section center columns to allow almost flat on the ground use. Three section aluminum snap legs which I have never had a problem with on the Pro series. Other tripods with twist tighten I ran into problems with when they got wet or had grit in the column. Both series allow one to mount the center column reversed so the camera can be used in odd positions, the 055 Pro the column can be mounted sideways for additional flexiblity. The best part for me is they were considerably less expensive than other brands. Perhaps one of these days I will be able to justify $800-900 for a "better" tripod.