Gitzo tripod combination

I'm looking at getting my first tripod and was considering going with Gitzo, specifically
Gitzo G1410 tripod
Gitzo G2180 fluid head
Gitzo GS5120LVL Levelling Base

Not having used or physically seen this tripod or head I was hoping to get some feedback from any people who have used Gitzo tripods before, I just want to make sure its for me.

I went with the G1410 as I have the 100-400Canon lens and if the future I want upgrade to a longer lens I want something that be able to take the weight. plus it seems like a more versatile tripod switching the base will give me more options with smaller lens maybe some Macro work, and the fluid head seems ideal for capturing birds. but without actually using the tripod and head I could be wrong, so please anybody with some info, or recommendations let me know.

I'm really eager to get the tripod so any help is much appreciated.

Merry Xmas everybody
Andy

I think that you would be better off to use a Wimberley type head if you are planning to shoot birds with a longer lens. The Gitzo G2180 head seems very small and lightweight. I cannot imagine that it would be stable with a large telephoto. The specifications say that it only supports 8.8 pounds, while the tripod is rated for 26.8 pounds.

A Canon 500 f4 weighs 8 1/2 pounds. Add your camera, flash and ball head and you have near 13 - 14 pounds. I think you will need a set of legs that are rated for 25-30 pounds to be stable. I would suggest you consider the Gitzo GT 3530 LS V and the GT 3540 LS. These are both rated at more than 39 pounds. This will give you plenty of support for your camera, 500mm lens, 2 X tc, flash and Sidekick. It will last a lifetime.

RE ball heads you will find many use Arca Swiss B1 or Z1, Markins Q 10 or Q20, Kirk, or Really Right Stuff BH-55. These heads are capable of holdiing your projected equipment and have drag adjustments that allow ease of use. They will also last a lifetime.

I think Ed is dead on the money here! Personally, I've never seen the need for a leveling base. I just level my camera using the ballhead. If you're thinking about panos, it's easy enough to level the tripod by just leveling the legs. I would much rather put the cost of the leveling base into better legs and head.

Gitzo is pretty much the gold standard for tripods. But most photogs I know don't use Gitzo heads. I'm not familiar with the Gitzo fluid head you named so I can't express an opinion about it. I had a Gitzo 1276M offset ball head that I sold after getting an Acratech Ultimate. The 1276M wasn't a bad head, (It was especially good for macro work) but it just wasn't up to supporting big lenses and it didn't use the Arca-Swiss style quick release system.

I think I'd like the Gitzo leveling base. I used one once and was impressed with its ease of use. I just can't bring myself to spend that much money to add weight to my rig. So, I use Bill's method for leveling, as do most photogs.

Thanks for the responses, you have given me a lot to think about, definitely will reconsider the leveling base and the fluid head, the recommendation for the heavier tripod (Gitzo GT 3530 LS V and the GT 3540 LS) I will look into tonight, I will also do some more research into the Arca-Swiss and Really Right Stuff BH-55, both seem ideal.

Thank you again

Andy

Well I went with the Gitzo GT 3530 LSv and the Z1 arca swiss and after taking them out I'm very impressed, the tripod and head are not heavy at all, I was expecting something alot heavier and seem very stable when using the 400 lens, no problems there, easy of setup is quick as well. I'm very happy with what I've got, thank you all for the responses and recommendations.

Andy