Any experience with the small Gitzo GT0542 Mountaineer?

[simone_degan]

<p>Hi All,<br>

I am interested in the Gitzo GT0542 Mountaineer Series 0 but I have not found many reviews about it. On paper I like the Mountaineer because of the new Ultra Lock system and the new carbon fiber "exact tubing". As an alternative there is the Traveller GT1544T that is slightly shorter but extend higher. A thing to consider: the Traveller is older and may be replaced with a new version with the same locking and the new carbon fiber system. Both the Mountaineer and Traveller are rated 17.6 lb. This will be used as a secondary tripod and only for backpacking since I already have what I think is a rock solid tripod, the Systematic. <br>

Thank you for sharing any experience.</p>

[jimcee]

<p>Well.. if you're interested in the Gitzo GT0542 tripod now would seem the time to buy one. B&H Photo is showing it presently with a "Holiday Special" $150.00 mail-in rebate that's available until January 29...</p>

<p>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1034909-REG/gitzo_gt0542_mountaineer_series_0.html</p>

<p>Jim</p>

[simone_degan]

<p>Yes, the rebate is the reason why I am deciding between the two. I was looking for someone opinion since the Traveller has been very well reviewed but not the Mountaineer that was launched last year.<br>

Thanks</p>

[lilly_w]

<p>If used as a secondary tripod and only for backpacking, I suggest a lighter set of legs, and only three sections/leg. Four-section legs add an additional weak link (more prone to vibration), are heavier and require more time (set-up/collapse). Do you really need 17 lb capacity on the these conservatively rated tripods? Review your potential load combination (ballhead, camera/grip, big lens, flash, other accessories, etc.) and I think you'll find that 11 lb capacity will serve well. Be sure to add another few inches (for a ballhead) when accounting for height.<br>

I have a Gitzo GT-0530 Mountaineer 6X CF pod that has traveled many miles off-trail. Very happy w/ it and not carrying the extra .5 - .9 lbs. I have other Gitzos and all have performed well over the years.</p>

[larry_lief]

<p>Hi Simone,</p>

<p>I just bought the GT0542 and it's just what I was looking for. I also own a systematic which I absolutely love and I also wanted a top notch tripod for backpacking. I chose this over the GT1544T because it is the newer and stronger design, supporting the same weight (17.6 lbs) as the older version "1" series GT1544T and it's also cheaper. I really like the new center column locking collar which provides a lot more leverage than the one on the 1544 which uses a locking collar similar in design to that used on Gitzo legs. Another feature is that this is a great table top tripod going down to 5.5" without the column. The 1544 needs an optional disc, the GS1320D, for $34 at B&H, in order to go down to 8.7".<br>

It works flawlessly and fits in my small carry-on luggage w/o its head, another plus for me. I owned a Gitzo monopod which I have just sold because this is just as light and much more versatile, except I wouldn't put my Nikon 300mm f2.8 on it even though it should be able to support. I usually use that 6.6 lb lens on a gimbal head on my systematic.</p>

[simone_degan]

<p>Thank you Larry for sharing your thoughts about the Mountaineer. I have to second the fact that I like much more the design of the center column of the Mountaineer compared to the Traveller (along with the Ultra lock). I tried the Traveller and I had to strengthen very much the the locking collar to perfectly block the center column from moving during panning. I have also noticed that (because of the slim design) the GT0542 Mountaineer can fit perfectly inside the closed legs of the bigger systematic. When I travel I always bring the systematic and a small tripod for trail hiking. I have also tried that you can carry the ball head attached to the tripod (I tried with the big Arca Swiss Z1). With the column reversed the total minimum length of the tripod is even shorter. The new release mechanism to reverse the center column is very quick. Now I have to decide either to buy the Markins Q3T or the Arca Swiss P0 (any suggestion?).</p>