Yet another tripod question

<p>I currently have two tripods and am considering merging to only one. I have an Induro C413 with a Nest carbon fiber, gimbal head on it that I use for birding and such. It's a little overkill for the D7200 + 70-200 VR & TC1.4 I mount on it but a 200-500 Nikon lens is on my short list. I also have an Induro CT214 that I bought to travel with. I have an Acratech GV2 mounted on that one. The CT214 packs well and is light but IMHO, isn't as stable as I'd like. The C413 is huge and heavy but very stable. My thoughts lean towards a Gitzo GT3542 or GT3532. I'd prefer the 4-section for its ability to fit in a carry-on suitcase but if there is a difference in stability, I'll choose stability over packing ease. The Gitzo's have a considerably higher rated capacity (46#) than either of my Induros (both @ 25#). My thought is to purchase an additional stem to mount my 2nd head on and interchange the stem/head as needed. The weight of the 3-series Gitzos is only a pound more than my CT214 and two pounds less than the C413, so with exception to the sticker shock, it seems like a perfect fit. Either 3-series Gitzo seems well suited for the gimbal head, and light enough to drag around all day if I need to with the Acratech.</p>

<p>I guess I'd like to hear from anyone who might have either of these Gitzos and your thoughts on the 3 vs 4 section options. A friend has an older 1-series Gitzo that is stiffer and more resistant to rotational movement than my 2-series Induro. It's not as stiff as the C413 but that thing is a beast. Right now and through the end of December, Gitzo is offering rebates bringing the price down to a more reasonable point and I'd offset the price by selling the two Induros I have. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Tom</p>

<p>I have a GT-354x or two, one is the extended version which reaches 72" without a column. There's no problem with stability. Gitzo CF tripods are as stiff as their aluminum versions a size larger. The tall version is used mainly for video, usually zoomed well out (600 mm). The high holding strength is due to the quality and design of the leg joints. The G-Force collars jam in place, and their strength increases with load. You can even back the collars off a bit without loosening the hold. The bushing is keyed to the collar and forcibly extracted when you open the collar further. Need I mention, they are completely self-adjusting.</p>

<p>The leg sections are braced internally with bushings at the end of the moveable section. I have both 3 and 4 section tripods, and use them interchangeably.</p>

<p>A 4-section #3 Gitzo is short enough to fit in a 24" suitcase if you remove the head, and possibly the column. However the top is 6" in diameter, compared to 4" or less for a #2. It takes up a lot of space. I carry the head on my camera bag. You can always find another tripod if your luggage gets lost, but a good head takes a lot longer to replace.</p>

<p>The #3 series would work perfectly well with a Wimberly gimbal head. If you use a 400-600 mm lens at slower shutter speeds, a fixed head on a #5 Gitzo would be a better choice for outdoor use. I see that Gitzo now makes a Systematic #2 tripod, which is more portable, but with a removable column clamp.</p>

<p>I use a Gitzo leveling platform instead of a column. It's very easy to change heads by moving a lever on the platform rather than changing the column or center section. It's a little tricky positioning the bushing if you replace only the column.</p>

<p>So, you're thinking a Systematic may work better for the interchangeability I'm looking for? I'm 5'7" so I need a standard sized tripod. I'll have to look into those. Also, the spider width is something I hadn't considered. That's a pretty significant difference. Thanks for the tip.</p>

<p>Tom</p>

<p>I suggest you have a look at the current Induro offerings - your C413 is two generations old now and the CT214 one generation. </p>

<p>Dieter, I assume you are referring to the Grand Series Stealth or what Induro calls their Modular tripods with an interchangeable top plate? Those have no center column and would presumably be more rigid. They certainly are rated higher as a 2-series is rated at 44# and a 3-series at 55#.<br>

My concern with my current CT214 is that when I grip the camera or the spider and twist, I can see leg deflection. If you push straight down, it's solid. And that deflection translates into a slight wiggle, or can. I don't know if it's a function of it being a 2-series diameter leg or a 4-section leg. I love the weight but hate the lack of rigidity. And if I would move to a 3-series, 4-section Induro Modular, I'm sure I'd have all the rigidity I'm looking for but the carry weight goes up to 4.6#, 4.5# for a 3-section. I see I have some more research to do. Thanks for the advice.<br>

Tom<br>

</p>

<p>Both the tripods you cited are Systematic, so I just went on with that in mind. Is a Systematic tripod better? I think so, because it makes changing the center easy. I frequently interchange a 75mm video bowl with a Gitzo leveling platform. I have a rapid column which will fit any #3 tripod, but seldom use it. The downside is the tripod is larger than one with a fixed column clamp, and possibly not as secure. RRS uses the same concept, but uses set screws to retain the center disk.</p>

<p>For what it's worth, an aluminum Systematic column will fit a CF Systematic tripod, at half the cost of a CF column.</p>

<p>You can make any tripod flex if you put enough muscle into it. Try a simpler but useful test for damping factor. Put your longest lens and camera on the tripod, then tap one of the legs midpoint. There's no absolute value to look for, but it's an easy way to compare how different tripods handle vibration (e.g., from the wind).</p>

<p>I've never laid hands on an Induro tripod, but I'd do the tap test for comparison. I know that Gitzo delivers the performance I want, but maybe pay more than necessary. I've had my newest one for five years and the oldest for over twenty, and both still work like new. The cost per annum is not unreasonable, and service parts are a phone call away (I replaced two sets of internal bushings and one leg section damaged by accident).</p>

<p>If you ever think you will need a center column the Mountaineers are a better option as they have the same rating and weight etc, but are a bit cheaper as they come with a center column already. Putting a third party levelling head on them is trivial, if this is wanted.</p>

<p>I second the recommendation for a Mountaineer. I have the GT3532, along with an Arca Swiss Monoball Zi ballhead and Wimberley Sidekick -- a highly stable platform for a D800e and 200-500mm.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I don't know if anyone is still checking this post, but I did decide to go with a Gitzo GT-3542. There is a rebate that takes some of the sting of the price away so I mustered the troops to chip in where they could and found a way to fund it. I sincerely hope this thing is all I expect. There is much banter around about what tripod to buy and why this one or that is as good or better than a Gitzo. Soon I will be able to comment on how they compare with the two Induros I have. Again, thanks for the suggestions and comments<br>

Tom</p>

 

<p>I have two Gitzos and can't fault them</p>