what gitzo do i need ?

hi
i have a gitzo g1227 i use with a king cobra head with my 1dmk2 and 300 2.8is + x2 extender but i dont think its firm enough for the bird photography im doing at this time.

could you give advice on what would be the best model to go for so i can be confident that iv got a set up thats able to do the job.


thanks in advance
chris

Do you need a Gitzo?....

Lots of money... Manfrotto, Benro, Fiesol will all provide a solution for what you are shooting...

To qualify I own a heavy Gitzo 1500 series, I also own a Benro A-327 which I am happier with....

AtB

Phil

i just want a tripod that i know is up to the job and iv had a lot of feedback that says gitzo are the best but im open to other ideas some models i have in mind are the gitzo 1325 or the 1548

I think you'd be okay on a 1325 with a 300 f2.8, but if you want to future-proof yourself for the real big glass then a 1548 would be the way to go.

If you get either, a leveling base might be a good idea too - cheap(ish) and really useful

In the Gitzo range either the 1325 or 1548 will serve you well (both can happily handle big glass such as a 500/4). Can't speak for other makes.

Hi Chris,

The 1548 is a very sturdy tripod, I have no worries with it carrying my 600/4. You may want to think about a lighter weight pod if you will only ever use 300, but if you have plans for bigger glass, then the Gitzo 1548 or similiar model is the one to go for. the levelling base for the 1548, is the G1321 and is a very useful bit of kit.

Regadrs

Rob

Hi Chris,

I use the Gitzo 1325 on a dailly basis and it hasn't let me down yet ( now i've gone and tempted fate ) and IMHO is a cracking piece of kit , but as Andy A and Rob have mentioned the 1548 is the way to go if your thinking of bigger glass in the future.

Regards

Andy...

thanks lads for your help as the 1548 is no longer made im going to look out for one secondhand for now

The replacement for the G1548 is the GT5540LS but you could consider the GT3540LS.

T

Hi Chris,

I have a Gitzo 1325 and it is rock solid even with my 600mm on, so it probably the best option for you. It has no centre column and the legs splay fully, so its great for low-level ground work. The 1548 is probably overkill for you kit and its a big piece of kit to travel with.

Hi Chris,

I have a Gitzo 1327 a 1325 or 1327 which has a centre column and is removable, it can be replaced with a flat plate so can be like a 1325 it has no trouble supporting my 800.

Phillip.

Another recommendation for the Gitzo 1548, although if funds will stretch to a new one I'd go for the latest model that Tom mentions above (GT5540LS), as the anti-rotating legs on the new models would be nice to have, although certainly not essential.

If I had the bucks I'd probably go for the 1548 or whatever it is, just because it's top of the range and an awesome bit of kit, but weight wise and stability wise, I'm more than happy with my 1325. It would be perfect for your 300/2.8 and keep the weight to a minimum, although you wouldn't make a mistake buying the 1548. It would handle anything you throw at it now and in the future probably. cheers