Best Tripod for the Bird Lens - 2011

[Henry Domke]

I'm considering upgrading from the Gitzo G1548 and I've used for the past decade; it's getting a bit heavy. Plus I hear that the new "G-lock" leg locks from Gitzo are a big improvement.

I know Artie Morris uses the Gitzo GL3530LS
Moose Peterson recommends the giant Gitzo GT5561SGT

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Note: I will be using this with a Wimberley Head.

[Danny J Brown]

Hi Henry,

I live down the road from you in St. Louis and we have a mutual friend in Nop Paothong. I've been using the Gitzo GT3530LS with a Wimberley II for a few years now and it is quite a wonderful tripod. I find the height and stability perfect for my 500/4 and I'm 6' tall. Actually, I don't even extend it all the way sometimes if I'm shooting stuff at eye level or below because I have to stand on tip toes if I tip the camera up at all. I also use a Feisol tripod for lighter gear (300mm) and find the lack of "G-Lock" to be highly annoying. In other words, "Once you've used "G-Lock" legs, everything else is a pain in the butt." Regarding Moose's recommendation, it sounds like overkill, even for the Canon 600. In short, I love the Gitzo GT3530LS!!!! Hope this helps.

DB

[Doug Brown]

I agree with Danny. The one that Moose Peterson recommends is overkill. You will not go wrong with the GT3530LS, even with a 600, a gimbal head, and a pro body.

[Henry Domke]

What about the Gtizo's 3541XLS instead of the 3530LS?
I am tall (6 feet 2 inches)
Sometimes I shoot up into trees at birds
Sometimes I am on steep slopes where I need to greatly extend one leg.

Compared to the 3530LS the 3541XLS gives you:
20-inches more in height!!

0.3 pounds more weight (surprisingly not much difference!)
$100 more in cost
1 more leg section (4 vs 3)
About 1-inch more in folded length

Thoughts? Comments?

I will be using this with a Whimberly Head and a Canon 1D Mk4

[Nick Palmieri]

Can't give you a comparison but the 3541 is a great tripod. I use it with the 600 and Wimberley head. Just have to keep it clean. Would also look at the Manfrottos without the twisting locks.

[Chris Brennan]

I am 6' 5" and invested in a GT3541XLS several years ago... one of the best investments I ever made in photography... period! I use it with a Wimberley II and a 500 (previously a 400 DO), and 90% of the time I don't need to extend all the legs. It's definitely worth the $$ for me, and will probably be the last tripod I'll ever have to buy.

[Ed Cordes]

Gitzo 3541 here for several years with RRS BH55 and Sidekick. Love it. I clean it when it gets very wet or if in sand. Great set up with my 500 F4 and pro body.