Questions concerning Tripod Legs

I'm currently using Benro tripod legs that are ready to give up the ghost (parts are missing) and am considering buying a Gitzo 3540 to use with my Wimberley head--Version II. The camera is presently a D200 and the lenses I use are an f/4 500 mm, an f/2.8 70-200 mm, and an f/2.8 60 mm.

Would like to hear the experiences of anyone using that particular Gitzo tripod with the Wimberley Head and specifically the f/4 500 mm lens.

Sure looking forward to hearing what you have to say. Not keen on spending the money for the tripod but stability is an issue.

Thanks in advance,

Carol

Carol

I have a Gitzo 1325, the 3540's precursor, and use it primarily with my 500 f4 on a Wimberley sidekick. It has worked extremely well for me and I know the same is true for many others on npn and elsewhere. Unfortunately, just last Friday I had to send it in for repairs because a CF leg had come loose from the aluminum fitting that it was glued into. I have since learned that this is a well described problem with "older" versions (mine is 3 years old) that have been subjected to extremes of temperature. Mine has certainly spent it's share of time in the ice and snow. They say that the problem has been dealt with and that new tripods don't have that problem but thought you'd be interested to at least know about it. That aside, it's an excellent, extremely stable tripod I'd buy it again if I had it to do over. The 3540 will serve you well.

Keith

Carol,

I don't won the Wimberley, (I use a BH55 RRS Head with a D200 & a D700 --I just don't shoot enough wildlife) but I can tell you this.

Just buy the Gitzo. I own the 3541 and it really saves my back,. I've had a 500mm, on the combination and it works great. The best part is the ease of operation opening & closing down the 3 part legs as compared to precious GItzo. I would just but it. You'll love it.

Have a happy and keep your great images coming in 09!.
JG

I have the 1325. I bought this model because I'm tall and it was a taller tripod. But it has too many sections. I feel this adds some instability and slows setup.
I suggest considering a tripod with fewer leg sections. Bit I do believe you should buy an expensive tripod like the 3540, or you will just need to spend the money again.
I not good at remembering model numbers, but there are just a few most people use with the Wimberly. I would make a short list of these model. The 3540 may certainly be on that list.

I frequently buy two or three models of something until I finally buy the expensive item that I wanted to buy in the first place. My way of wasting money by trying to save money. :)

Edit: To be more specific, I suggest buying a tripod with three leg sections, not four.

Hmm. I have a 1325. I bought it because it has the fewest number of sections you can get. Each leg has three section and two joints. I think Don must be mistaken about the model number. The 3540 is the same height and capacity as the old 1325, I think, but it has one more section on each leg than the 1325., i.e. four sections and three joints.

Edit: Carol, the 1325 is plenty sturdy enough for your intended use. I assume that the 3540 is, too.