which gitzo tripod?

I would appreciate advice on the selection of a tripod. For a variety

of reasons I am thinking about the Gitzo line. I need a tripod that

is reasonably light, can hold an Arca-Swiss F Line Field with lenses

up to 300 mm. I would like one that has a variable leg spread but one

which can be spread and stopped anywhere, not just at two or three

click stops, like the bogen/manfrottos.

I have searched websites that deal with these tripods but have not

found the product descriptions too usable.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob, I have the G2220 with is the one where you can adjust the legs to any position. Its a wonderful tripod, but I have found that with my 4X5 view it doesn't have firm enough support, and I should have gone for more of a heavy duty tripod. It is perfect for medium format but not 4X5 views in my opinion.

 

-Jerry

Bob, the 320 is a great metal tripod that should be sturdy enough

for your ARCA. If not, the 410 would be for sure. If you want a

want a light tripod, go fo the Gitzo 1325.

Bob,

 

I have used several Gitzo tripods over the years. I currently have a 1348, which is a carbon fiber model. I use it with a Gitzo 1370 head and a Linhof Technikardan 45. These carbon fiber tripods are good on solid ground, but don't work as well in tundra or tussocky ground because they aren't heavy enough to sit down into the vegetation. They need to be weighted down a bit, and doing that takes extra time. I bought mine knowing that, but with the goal of saving my back (perhaps mostly by lightening my wallet).

 

I have used their 510 tripod extensively and found it worked well on all types of ground, but it is heavy. The 410 may be the best compromise. The 300 series seemed a bit light to me for 4x5 work, but once again, can be weighted when needed. I thought that it had adequate rigidity.

 

Best wishes.

Bruce, I have the same problem of instabillity you have when your tripod stands in vegetation or on mossy unstable soils. I was wondering if the Gitzo rubber feet could be replaced by spikes? Bogen has them for some of their models. I know it makes setting the tripod noisy and shaky on stone grounds, but it solves the "elasticity" problem in vegetation very well (well, maybe not in peat). Additionally, could be a last resource against an insisting hungry grizzly ;-)

 

Bob, I have a Gitzo 411 with rapid column and Linhof III ball head (5,8Kg). It's my workhorse when I am shooting near the car and for half an hour walks, solid and stable, can be extended to 2.10m for those higher stand shots and I have no problem using a monorail with a 600mm lens. But is much too heavy to carry all day. For hiking, I use a Studex 322 with a modified Manfrotto 168 light ball head (3,6 Kg).

 

I bought both tripods before the carbon fiber tripods were made. My choice would probably go to lighter models now and I am following this discussion closely.

The Gitzo 22** are the only ones I know where the legs can be stopped at any point. But these might not be the best for your use. The 1325 (CF, 3 legs sections and no center post) is a great tripod and the one I use but the legs only have stops in 3 positions.

 

As for spiked feet. There were some posts some time ago about adding the lower legs sections with spiked feet from the 1338 to other 13** tripods. I don't think the 1338 is made anymore and I'm not sure if these leg sections are available anymore. But you could check.

Hi Bob,<p>

 

I've got a G2220 and have tried it with the Arca Field and found it to be too small/unstable. I use the Gitzo G1329 carbon fiber (the 1325 plus the center column) and it's as light as I'd use with that camera. It has stops, not infinately variable, but for a heavy load I would think the stops would be safer and more stable. On windy days, use the center column with your camera bag hanging off the hook at the bottom. <p>If I had it to do again, I'd think more about the alloy version (G1320?) because its not that much heavier to carry, but the extra weight might add a bit more stability. It's much less expensive, too. If you think you'll be going any distance off-road, you may want the 2lb savings, but if not, it's not going to matter that much. Also the leg friction locks are a bit grabby on the carbon fiber & can sometimes be difficult to release if you tighten them down too much.<p>

 

Best regards

From what I've heard (I've only owned the CF Gitzo, so this is second hand info) the CFs are said to be more stable and better at absorbing vibration than a alloy model in the same size. The CF 13** are rated for a 26.5 lb load while the metal alloy ones are rated for 22 lbs. Acording to the Gitzo website.

I did a small road trip yesterday to shoot this 1950's motel of

teepees. When I left, I had a choice of that silly Bogen carbon

fiber, or my trustworthy Bogen 3051 body bag. It was a

no-brainer; I took the heavy one.

 

I wish there was a CF version of this 3051. There are SO many

advantages to this design; I'm amazed that everybody doesn't

use one. You can release each leg's "pitch" individually; you don't

have to unscrew leg sections; it's rock solid; it has a crank center

column. The only drag is that it's very heavy. (I use an NPC

ball/socket head on it).

 

I've looked and looked at CF tripods, and nothing holds a candle

to the design of this 3051. In terms of real use, in real conditions.

I'll never bend over and fight those screw legs ever again.

 

Attached photo.

 

Link: http://www.bogenphoto.com (3051)

 

MT

As long as we are sort of off topic (wasn't the question about Gitzo tripods in particular) may I suggest a Ries tripod. They may be a little heavier than some Gitzos but around the same as the 4-5 series models, but their Tri-lock design will allow you to lock each leg individually to any position from 0-90 degrees and they have rubber and spiked feet. After using various Bogens, Gitzos and others, I find the Ries to be the most stable tripod I have ever used plus it is quick to set up in the field. The model I have is the J100 with the J250 double tilt head, probably the finest head made for LF cameras. Look up www.riestripod.com to learn more. They also have excellent customer service and support, why else are they called(not) "the best damn tripod in the world"!

I have found the Gitzo 1325 to work well with 4x5 field cameras and lenses up to 450 mm. It is a very stable tripod. I haven't found the non-continuous adjustment of the leg angle to be a problem. With a LF camera there is less need of a center column. Only you can decide your cost/weight/height/stabilty tradeoffs. For me, the weight issue comes into play in the weight of my suitcase for air travel rather than the weight of my setup when actually taking photos.