Trekking with Gitzo 1341 or 1410

[kw]

I've using a Manfrotto 055 with 410 headset on my 4x5 Tachihara field camera. Would like to upgrade to either Gitzo 1341 or 1410.

As I walk a lot of my tripod and Photo Trekker classic, I felt that 1410 is too heavy. Would appreciate if any advice given for the choice of the 2 tripods.

Thank you..

[Christopher Condit]

I have the G1341. I am 6'6", and I use it only with my 8x10; for 4x5 and 5x7, I have a smaller tripod (G1228).

The G1341 is a big, heavy tripod, while the Tachi 4x5 is a relatively light camera. I believe it is more than you need, unless you take lots of pictures on very steep terrain, or are 7 feet tall. I would recommend looking at something in the G11xx or G12xx range instead. You will save money, bulk, and weight, and still have plenty of height and stability.

[Lloyd Lim]

I would not suggest the G1410 for trekking. it is really too heavy and too long, even when collapsed. I use mine with an arca swiss and a pentax 67, only for shots close to the car..

As the tachihara is a smaller and lighter camera as compared to most monorails, I would suggest something smaller. (I use a G1126 with a crown graphic for trekking, but that is because the 1126 is about the smallest Gitzo tripod when folded up)

Any reason why the manfrotto is not good enough?

Lloyd

[kw]

Thanks for the reply so far, my reason of upgrading is that I have found Manfrotto 055 lacks stability when I tilted the Tachihara at odd angle. And also that the shop that sells Gitzo is having an offer for the 1341 and 1410.

Guess what? 1410 is even cheaper than 1341. But I guess you guys are right, I have tried to walk around a bit with the 1410, it's really too heavy.

I've been checking the specs from Gitzo homepage and found out that 1340 is just 300 grams heavier than Manfrotto (2.6kg). Since I've been trekking a bit with the Manfrotto, so I presume that additional of 300 grams should be OK for me.

Lastly, would like to hear any users of Gitzo 1228 for using on 4x5 field camera.

Thanks..

[Christopher Condit]

After reading many raves for the G1228, I bought one for a trip to Burma, and I couldn't have been more pleased. I recommend it unreservedly to anyone who can afford it. With a ball head it packs very easily. I don't have the model numbers in front of me, but the similarly-sized 3-part legged model (the G1228 has 4-part legs) is also superb.

For less money, I would look at the corresponding aluminum models.