Help with new Tripod

[Shootar401]

For the past year I've been using a Gitzo Series 1 mountaineer with my Master Technika :eek: I think it's time I retire it and get a proper LF tripod. I've been thinking of the Gitzo Series 3 or Series 4 Systematic tripod. I never used the center column extension so I won't miss it and the almost ground level spread is a big plus.

Would the series 4 be over kill for a 4x5? Should I go with a series 3 or just spend the extra $150 and go all the way for a Series 5?

If it maters I'm using a Manfrotto 410 geared head.

[Ari]

Tripod overkill is ok, as long as carrying the larger tripod isn't too much harder.
And if you ever get heavier equipment, or move up in format, you'll be covered.

[Bill_1856]

Since you don't use the center column, your Series 1 should do the trick just splendidly! (If it ain't broke don't fix it.)

[Luis-F-S]

Why don't you go to one of the great NYC camera stores and try them out? L

[Drew Bedo]

Why don't you go to one of the great NYC camera stores and try them out? L

+1^ Nothing beats a test drive.

[Shootar401]

I spend a good hour at B&H going over the tripod all brands and settled on the gitzo systematic series 4 traveller. Then I got around to looking at the series 3 and series 5. I couldn't decide and wanted some opinions.

[Jeff Keller]

I use a series 3 (3540LS) for almost everything. Without the center column it only weighs 3.8 lbs. but is plenty tall enough for me. If you can find a series 3 which matches the height you want, I would think it would be fine. If you get in a heavy wind you will need to weigh the tripod down.

I switched from a series 1 because it wasn't stable enough for an SLR with a long telephoto in the wind. The Gitzos without the center column save a surprising amount of weight ... less metal.

I also have a series 5 ten foot giant which I bought used. It has a center column, foam leg protectors, and is the heaviest CF tripod I've ever seen. It is definitely sturdier than the series 3 but the only time I use it is when I need the height.

Check the heights and weights of what is available. They may give you a more compelling reason than how stiff the tripod is.

Good luck, jeff

[mihag]

I went with Manfrotto for my Linhof Kardan and have never regretted it.

http://www.manfrotto.com/photo-supports-tripods-057-series

[Shootar401]

I went with Manfrotto for my Linhof Kardan and have never regretted it.

http://www.manfrotto.com/photo-supports-tripods-057-series

I used to really like Bogen (now manfrotto) had about 3-4 Tripods form them over the years. But recently Manfrotto had become too mainstream, being sold at Best Buy and Costco of all places. Even though I didn't want to sell them I had to get rid of them. I do like their heads though and have two 410 geared heads and those will probably be replaced by a Arca-Swiss C1

[mihag]

I see no problem in being a maninstream company, they are after all a worldwide leading brand and their quality is impeccable. The 057 series is made of carbon fibres and megnesium joints. It really feels like a quality piece of equipment.

[cowanw]

I have a series 5 and while it is great in the studio and for car trips out, it is too much tripod for 4x5, in my opinion.

[macolive]

I use a Gitzo 3532 S and I'm just starting to get used to carrying it. The tripod itself is light...It's the head that makes it heavy...nonetheless i'm really happy with it.

I do want to get a levelling head. I was going to get the systematic levelling base but they didn't have stock in Hong Kong. Just as well, as I read some bad reviews about it after.

[Greg Miller]

Perhaps look at the Really Right Stuff tripods. I switched from Gitzo to RRS a few years ago and am very happy. I was pretty unhappy with Gitzo with their problems with the mounting plate falling out of the 3 series tripods several years ago and they never acknowledged it. I was very lucky once when a very expensive camera/lens combo completely fell to the ground and magically landed in a patch of sand barely large enough to contain them (and missed the surrounding boulders).

[biedron]

I have a series 5 and while it is great in the studio and for car trips out, it is too much tripod for 4x5, in my opinion.

I agree with this. I have Gitzo 3 and 5 series tripods - I bought the 5 when I got an 8x10. But even with the 8x10 on the 3 series, the weakest link is not the tripod, it is the head.

Bob