Posted by Lon Sharp on January 25, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I am on the verge of ordering my upgrade to Gitzo, but am agonizing over the choice. I would be grateful for guidance or thoughts! Which one and why? Is the only difference between them the center column?
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 26, 2008 at 2:53 PM
In order to give the best advice we would need to know what equipment you are planning to put on it. If you will use a pro body and 500 or 600 mm lens with a sidekick or full Wimberly the 3530 or 3540 would be the way to go. If you were to use not more than something similar to a 100-400 a mountaineer may do. My personal experience is to buy a bit more than you need right now so it will still be good when you upgrade your body and lens.
Posted by Lon Sharp on January 26, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Thanks Ed, but I'm still confused. I thought originally that the mountaineer was smaller but then saw a listing of a 3530 mountaineer, as well as 3530 LSV and 3530 S. I know the S is supposed to mean systematic, but I am not sure what that means or a reference to it as a "two stage" tripod. I do understand the S does not include a center column.
I currently use a manfrotto 3021 with a manfrotto ballhead. Planning on going with the RRS BH55 and Gitzo legs, and just can't nail down which ones! My camera is a D200 and for now my longest lens is the 70-200VR plus 1.4 TC, but I intend on adding the Nikon 200-400 VR within the near future. I expect most use for that lens will be from a blind or a bean bag and my truck! Birds have been beyond my current equipment, but the challenge they represent interests me, so I can also image a sidekick added to the gear list sometime further out in the future.
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 27, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Hi Lon, It has taken me a while to get back to this post as I have been busy. I believe the difference between the 3530 S and LSV is extended height and folded length. the 3530 S is max height of 50.4" and closed length of 24". The 3540 LSV is 58.3" and 26.4". A ball head will add a few inches. So, if you are short the 3530 S is for you. If you are taller the LSV would be better. I believe the supporting capacity is the same for each.
I am 6' tall and FWIW, I just got the 3540 LS and RRS BH55 and Sidekick. I strongly believe this system is in a class by itself and will last a lifetime. I am so pleased I don't have to bend over any more to see the view finder.
Let us know what you decide.
Posted by Gene Lugo on January 29, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Lon,
Feisol has just announced a new Large Tripod (CT3372) which has physical specs similar to the 4 series Gitzo, but only weighs in at 1.7 kg. The big difference seems to be the top plate, which is machined from aluminum billet instead of the gravity casted aluminum used by Gitzo, so it should be stiffer and less prone to failure. Given the number of positive reviews here and in other forums, it should be worth a look.
Discussion
4 repliesI currently use a manfrotto 3021 with a manfrotto ballhead. Planning on going with the RRS BH55 and Gitzo legs, and just can't nail down which ones! My camera is a D200 and for now my longest lens is the 70-200VR plus 1.4 TC, but I intend on adding the Nikon 200-400 VR within the near future. I expect most use for that lens will be from a blind or a bean bag and my truck! Birds have been beyond my current equipment, but the challenge they represent interests me, so I can also image a sidekick added to the gear list sometime further out in the future.
I am 6' tall and FWIW, I just got the 3540 LS and RRS BH55 and Sidekick. I strongly believe this system is in a class by itself and will last a lifetime. I am so pleased I don't have to bend over any more to see the view finder.
Let us know what you decide.
Feisol has just announced a new Large Tripod (CT3372) which has physical specs similar to the 4 series Gitzo, but only weighs in at 1.7 kg. The big difference seems to be the top plate, which is machined from aluminum billet instead of the gravity casted aluminum used by Gitzo, so it should be stiffer and less prone to failure. Given the number of positive reviews here and in other forums, it should be worth a look.