I've been thinking about replacing my old Gitzo 1325 (because I want less frustrating leg locks). My understanding is the new leg lock design has eliminated the problems with the old style leg locks on the 1325.
Dimensionally, the 3530LS is virtually an exact replacement for my 1325. The 3541LS is very similar, but fully exended it's 2cm (0.8") shorter. It has four leg sections instead of three and collapses to a smaller package. The 1325 is the perfect height for me (I'm 6'0" tall)and I'm concerned that the slight reduction in height (less than an inch) might be uncomfortable - but maybe it wouldn't even be noticeable.
The choice should be easy. I would select the 3530LS except that it costs $165 more than the 3541LS.
So, here's what I'm wondering about:
1) Will I notice the height difference?
2) Are the improved leg locks good enough that the extra set of locks on the 3541LS is not going to be an extra misery?
3) Why does the three section tripod cost so much more than the four section tripod? Is there any good reason not to go with the less expensive model?
and finally
4)Are the new design leg locks worth upgrading for?
Posted by Keith Bauer on August 24, 2011 at 3:04 PM
Buck: I never used the older Gitzo tripods so I can't confirm wither the new design is worth upgrading for. I use the 3541 LS today. I chose it because of the smaller dimension when collapsed. I don't find it to be an issue at all to have the 3rd set of locks to lock/unlock. When collapsed, I can unlock each leg with one motion and turn all three locks on that leg with one twist. I believe the specs say that both the 3530 and 3541 are rated at the same load bearing capacity. I regularly use mine with a full Wimberly head and a 500mm f/4. I'm 5'10" and if I extend my 3541 all the way, it is too tall for me to use with my Wimberly on it unless I'm pointing a something way up in the sky.
Posted by Bill Chambers on August 24, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Hey Buck - I can't speak to the height difference because I use the GTS5540LS, but I can speak the the newer model leg locks are great. The older style kept me from buying Gitzo for years because I find myself in salt water quite often and I heard horror stories about them. I've used the new style in fresh & salt water, in mud and sand, and have yet to have a problem, even though I'm NOT a maintenance freak at all. If it gets a fresh water rinse every few months, I figure that's plenty enough maintenance.
Yes, both the new Gitzo models are rated to support the same weight, and it's more than the 1325 is rated for. I didn't know the new leg joints were okay to use in seawater. That's where I use 'em. The 1325 came with a caution not to use it in seawater but I poo-poo'd that and learned the hard way. Now I'm ultra-careful to keep the joints out of the water, and if it does catch a wave or get splashed, a complete disassembly and cleaning is in order.
Your sharing of your experience helps ease my mind about the 3541. (Doncha just love this NPN forum?) I still can't fathom why it, with 50% more leg joints, is more than 20% less expensive.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on August 25, 2011 at 3:47 PM
1) Will I notice the height difference?
Yep. I'm 6'3", and my back is deeply grateful for the additional length.
2) Are the improved leg locks good enough that the extra set of locks on the 3541LS is not going to be an extra misery?
There's not getting around the fact it's three additional wrist twists when you first open the tripod up. But mine stays extended most of the time, so it's not a big deal. The newer clamps seem to grip and hold a lot better.
3) Why does the three section tripod cost so much more than the four section tripod? Is there any good reason not to go with the less expensive model?
Long pieces of carbon fiber tubing are significantly more expensive than shorter pieces.
4) Are the new design leg locks worth upgrading for?
It's kind of subjective, but I find they clamp easier (no hard twisting) and hold better. My old ones would come loose all by themselves. Doesn't seem to happen any more.
BTW, even with four pieces, I still have to take the head off the tripod to get it into a very nearly legal sized carry-on bag. Given what we pay for Gitzo gear, I'm not about to check it.
Just to make sure I got you correctly. You're are using the 3541LS, right? It's slightly shorter than the 3530LS and it is a comfortable height for you, even though you're 3" taller than I am.
Of course, I can put the height to the test when I go out Saturday morning just by setting up my old 1325 about an inch shy of fully extended. My back went out this morning, so it will be a true test.
Posted by Kent Staubus on August 25, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I have the 1325 and have been using it for the past 7-8 years. I looked at doing the replacement but couldn't justify it. I don't have much problem with the leg locks as I start at the top and work my way down, tightening as I go. I really don't want to go from 3 locks per leg to 4, for sure. I often have to set up very quickly. Instead of spending money on re-buying a tripod, I spent it on a brand new c.1880 Darlot Petzval lens.
Kent in SD
Posted by Jim DeWitt on August 26, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Hi Buck, I am 6.2" and 3541LS is a very comfortable hight for me. And It is very easy to set it up and collapse it. You only need a half a turn to lock or unlock the joints. I am very happy with it and I appreciate the smaller collapsed hight. I am still looking to find a proper bag for it. As I post a thread to get help from knowledgeable people here.
Posted by Buck Ward on September 17, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Mohammad - I've never felt the need for a tripod bag, so I'm afraid I can give no advice there.
B&H lists many tripod bags. Do a search and sort by 'top rated' to see what users recommend.
Discussion
9 repliesDimensionally, the 3530LS is virtually an exact replacement for my 1325. The 3541LS is very similar, but fully exended it's 2cm (0.8") shorter. It has four leg sections instead of three and collapses to a smaller package. The 1325 is the perfect height for me (I'm 6'0" tall)and I'm concerned that the slight reduction in height (less than an inch) might be uncomfortable - but maybe it wouldn't even be noticeable.
The choice should be easy. I would select the 3530LS except that it costs $165 more than the 3541LS.
So, here's what I'm wondering about:
1) Will I notice the height difference?
2) Are the improved leg locks good enough that the extra set of locks on the 3541LS is not going to be an extra misery?
3) Why does the three section tripod cost so much more than the four section tripod? Is there any good reason not to go with the less expensive model?
and finally
4)Are the new design leg locks worth upgrading for?
Yes, both the new Gitzo models are rated to support the same weight, and it's more than the 1325 is rated for. I didn't know the new leg joints were okay to use in seawater. That's where I use 'em. The 1325 came with a caution not to use it in seawater but I poo-poo'd that and learned the hard way. Now I'm ultra-careful to keep the joints out of the water, and if it does catch a wave or get splashed, a complete disassembly and cleaning is in order.
Your sharing of your experience helps ease my mind about the 3541. (Doncha just love this NPN forum?) I still can't fathom why it, with 50% more leg joints, is more than 20% less expensive.
Yep. I'm 6'3", and my back is deeply grateful for the additional length.
2) Are the improved leg locks good enough that the extra set of locks on the 3541LS is not going to be an extra misery?
There's not getting around the fact it's three additional wrist twists when you first open the tripod up. But mine stays extended most of the time, so it's not a big deal. The newer clamps seem to grip and hold a lot better.
3) Why does the three section tripod cost so much more than the four section tripod? Is there any good reason not to go with the less expensive model?
Long pieces of carbon fiber tubing are significantly more expensive than shorter pieces.
4) Are the new design leg locks worth upgrading for?
It's kind of subjective, but I find they clamp easier (no hard twisting) and hold better. My old ones would come loose all by themselves. Doesn't seem to happen any more.
BTW, even with four pieces, I still have to take the head off the tripod to get it into a very nearly legal sized carry-on bag. Given what we pay for Gitzo gear, I'm not about to check it.
Just to make sure I got you correctly. You're are using the 3541LS, right? It's slightly shorter than the 3530LS and it is a comfortable height for you, even though you're 3" taller than I am.
Of course, I can put the height to the test when I go out Saturday morning just by setting up my old 1325 about an inch shy of fully extended. My back went out this morning, so it will be a true test.
Kent in SD
Yes, a 3541LS.
B&H lists many tripod bags. Do a search and sort by 'top rated' to see what users recommend.