Lightweight Gitzo tripod for 4x5

[Roger Richards]

Hi everyone, I would like to ask your help in regard to my search for a very light but stable Gitzo legs/head tripod for an Ebony 45s. I already have a Berlebach 3032 but I would like to find something a bit smaller and lighter for walking around. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[SHY]

G1327/G1377M

[Eric Leppanen]

I've been happy with my Gitzo 1228 and Linhof Profi II ballhead (with Really Right Stuff Arca-compatible quick release plate) for my Ebony RSW45.

[Nicholas Fiduccia]

A Gitzo 1325 with Arca-Swiss B1 would be my preference. A lighter weight but, less stable alternative would be a Gitzo 1227 with a Arcatech ballhead.

[Donald Hutton]

Either the Gitzo 1227 or 1228 will be perfect. I think the Acratech ballhead is a really nice head if you prefer a ballhead - alternatively, the Bogen 410 geared head seems awesome for a 3-way. I would definitely not recommend the 1325 over the 1227/1228 - I have both the 1228 and 1325 - the 1325 will be overkill for the 45s. The 1228 paired with the Acratech head is an extremely lightweight functional piece of gear which is short and light enough to fit in any luggage (the reason I own it).

[Nature Photo]

I have used for 3 years a Gitzo 1227 CF with Arca B1. It is stable enough so that the weak link in the chain is the wood field camera itself.

[Juergen Sattler]

Another vote for the 1227 CF with the Arca B-1 Ballhead. I use it with a Canham DLC45. My biggest lens is a Rodenstock 240 in a Copal 3 and the camera with this combination is very solid. Great for hiking.

[Armin Seeholzer]

Hi

I use since 3 years a Gitzo 1228 and it works perfect for my Horseman HF und my Sinar F1. I use it with a Mamiya 3D mag. head.

[Brian Ellis]

The 1227 has a load capacity of about 12 pounds. The 1325 has a load capacity of about 25 pounds. The 1227 weighs about a pound less than the 1325 but with tripods this light (3 pounds vs 4 pounds) I don't think that makes much difference. I'd get the 1325 for the much greater load capacity. Even with your existing setup you're approaching the load capacity of the 1227 and if you ever get a heavier 4x5 camera, or want to move up to 5x7 or 8x10, the 1325 will be usable whereas the 1227 very possibly wouldn't be. As you might have guessed, I have the 1325. I've used it with cameras ranging in size and weight from a Nikon D100 digital camera to 8x10 (12 pound Deardorff) and its worked well with everything I've put on it. It fits in my hard shell suitcase with the head (Bogen 410 geared head) on it.

[Roger Richards]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. After looking at the specs of all the tripods mentioned I am considering the 1228 over the 1227 and 1325. This tripod will be for foreign travel, and shaving dimensions while maintaining efficient performance is a priority. My specific reasons are:
1. Folds down to 21 inches comparedto 25 inches of the 1227 and 26 inches of the 1325.
2. Weight with an Acratech ballhead is about 5 pounds, a big consideration for me.
3. Brian made a very good point about the adaptibility of using the 1325 with a larger 4x5, or 5x7/8x10 camera. That is not an issue for me as I already own an Berlebach that will work for those formats. The Ebony 45s, which is quite light, was chosen because of the rapid set up ability, it is one of the non-folders. The longest lens I intend to use on this camera is a 210 Fujinon, maybe a 240 in future; my other lenses are Rodenstock 150 APO Sironar-S and Schneider 90 f8 Super Angulon. I also have a 90 5.6 Super Angulon for interiors/low light for better viewing ability.

What I am clueless about is the head, but like what I read about the Acratech. I am wondering what kind of quick release plate is required.

I am appreciative of all your help.