I am considering getting a light tripod for travel purposes. I went to a camera shop recently and was recommended the GT0541 weighing less than 0.8kg. Very light and look pretty stable to support my Canon 40D with 17-40/F4 or 70-300/F4. It is quite costly at about US$410 but if it is really good and meet my travelling need, I don't mind getting one for long term investment. Anyone use this tripod before? Any other alternatives?
I use this tripod for general travel photography and it works great. It's small enough to carry inside my Lowepro Compurover backpack. For extra stability I just hang the backpack on the centre column. If I'm only shooting landscapes however I prefer a larger Gitzo.
You bet!
I've been using the Feisol CT-3442 for the better part of a year now, and it's been an excellent tripod for travel/backpacking.
Compare the specs...load capacity of the Feisol is twice that of the Gitzo. Max. height (w/o center column) is higher, while the min. height is lower.
With the right ballhead, the Feisol even folds backwards over the head for a compact package.
At 1.05 kg, the Feisol is slightly heavier than the Gitzo, but the tradeoff was worth it to me.
Best of all, it's well over $100 cheaper (@ $309) than the Gitzo (list price-$485) and it includes an excellent padded bag with a shoulder strap, not just a cheap cover.
I bought mine from Really Big Cameras in Oregon.
The owner provides superb customer support should you ever need it.
I didn't bother with a center column as the height is just fine as is for me (6 ft. tall).
I also use a Feisol that's even smaller than John's...the 3441S. It extends higher than other travel tripods, and it folds in on itself to 17 inches, and weighs about 3lbs with the ball head...I also have a Photo Clam ballhead, and is the only ballhead this small that has a pan head...also available through ReallyBigCameras. I've only had it for less than a year, but so far so good, it's been on a raft trip and in lots of sand, and I found it easy to take apart and clean...and has really improved the weight problem when hiking. Though these aren't as well known or have the long tested reputation by photographers as Gitzo (I do feel like I'm taking a chance, but the whole package was just too perfect to pass up) it is cheaper and the tubes are larger. For the cost of a Gitzo I think you get more bang for your buck...especially with a much better ballhead than comes already attached to the Gitzo (if I'm thinking of the Gitzo you're considering). Check out the site...it gives all the stats...and as John says you can email them with any questions. I don't know about John's version, but mine is the second improved version.
I use the Gitzo 1541. Superb tripod. Yep, they are expensive, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The 1541 has been used many times to support the Canon 100-400 with a 5D. Very solid for a tripod that light. I use it with the Markins Q3 head.
Thank you very much for your prompt and valuable inputs. 2 of my friends also recommended me the GT1541. I will also take a look at Feisol CT-3442 before making a final decision.
Discussion
7 repliesI am considering getting a light tripod for travel purposes. I went to a camera shop recently and was recommended the GT0541 weighing less than 0.8kg. Very light and look pretty stable to support my Canon 40D with 17-40/F4 or 70-300/F4. It is quite costly at about US$410 but if it is really good and meet my travelling need, I don't mind getting one for long term investment. Anyone use this tripod before? Any other alternatives?
Your advice will be very much appreciated.
Regards,
Anthony.
You bet!
I've been using the Feisol CT-3442 for the better part of a year now, and it's been an excellent tripod for travel/backpacking.
Compare the specs...load capacity of the Feisol is twice that of the Gitzo. Max. height (w/o center column) is higher, while the min. height is lower.
With the right ballhead, the Feisol even folds backwards over the head for a compact package.
At 1.05 kg, the Feisol is slightly heavier than the Gitzo, but the tradeoff was worth it to me.
Best of all, it's well over $100 cheaper (@ $309) than the Gitzo (list price-$485) and it includes an excellent padded bag with a shoulder strap, not just a cheap cover.
I bought mine from Really Big Cameras in Oregon.
The owner provides superb customer support should you ever need it.
I didn't bother with a center column as the height is just fine as is for me (6 ft. tall).
I know that my PhotoClam ballhead takes Really Right Stuff L plates, and those plates are compatible with Arca ballheads.
Thank you very much for your prompt and valuable inputs. 2 of my friends also recommended me the GT1541. I will also take a look at Feisol CT-3442 before making a final decision.
Cheers!
Anthony.