Show of hands for a Gitzo '1525'

[martin_wouterlood]

I wonder who among you may have deliberated upon a line of thinking

such as this:

 

I would love to see Gitzo make a 3 section version of their

beautiful 1548 CF tripod, which I baulk at buying, mainly because of

the number of locks I�d always have to wrest. It would still be a

beauty if it were a few inches longer, and even more so with three

locks less, but if I settled for a 1548, and later they brought out

a 3 section �1525�, I would be irked.

 

Gitzo�s 1325 and 1348 provide a great choice in the 13xx series.

According to the brochure and many threads in these forums, the

distinct differences between these tripods clearly offer discerning

photographers a choice according to their needs.

 

Folding up a number of centimeters shorter, the 1348 is an obvious

choice for those who value this feature the most for transport

considerations. The 1325 is a little less tall when extended, but

quite adequate, according to most users. It does have several

advantages that make it a clear winner for those wanting maximum

performance within a given weight range:

� It weighs less

� It costs less

� With one third less locking collars, it has less parts to

wear out or go wrong, and is correspondingly easier and quicker to

set and pack up

� The 1325�s greatest benefit is the extra rigidity and

stability that a 3 section leg, with fewer joints and a larger foot

and end section, has over a 4 section leg.

 

Since many larger format and nature photographers already use a 1548

or similar sized tripod precisely BECAUSE they want maximum rigidity

and stability in camera support, even sometimes with a happy amount

of overkill, it would not be too unreasonable to ask a manufacturer

long specialized in meeting the demands of fine photography to

provide a similar choice in this size.

 

In my correspondence with them, Gitzo has remarked that they do not

offer custom orders, but I would hope that a little �customer

feedback� (I�ll send them this thread if it gathers momentum) might

persuade their marketeers to add a �1525� model to their production

line. Extra tooling should be no more than minimal as they already

make a 3 section series 5.

 

So, hands up those who�d consider buying a Gitzo 1525 CF tripod.

Y�all get in line after me, please.

[yun_chen3]

I have both 1227 and 1327. They are great. The height of the 1227 is enough for me to support my Hasselblads. I hope Gitzo makes '1527' which is as long as 1227.

[mlfly]

I'm not saying a 3 section 15xx isn't a good idea, but the 1548 handles the 500 and 600 superbly AND it fits in my suitcase. It's impossible to predict the size of a 3 section unit but to reach a certain height, the base legs have to be a certain length. At some point (410, for example), it gets hard to take on a trip and you end up needing a travel tripod, which takes you back to square one. Just IMHO.

 

Regarding all those collars, I just leave the bottom-most ones at the length which gives me the most comfort and never touch them again until I'm packing up. Sometimes I can do that with the next section of legs also. Then, there's only the top section to adjust.

 

Mike