Rigidity of new Gitzo MkII series tripods?

[Matt Long]

I was wondering if any of you have noticed a difference in rigidity between the older Gitzo tripods and the newer MkII versions. In terms of eliminating play a t the connections, it seems to me that having the head mounting platform resting directly on the shoulder of the tripod (old version) would be preferable to hav ing the platform located above the center column locking collar. Any thoughts?

[paul owen]

Matt, the 1349 mountaineer has the option of removing the centre column and mounting the head onto a flat plate. It is very rigid. I use it with and without the centre column and find both ways equally stable.

[Roger Marques]

My 1549 is perfectly rigid.

[Georges Pelpel]

I have the G1349MKII which I use without center column. The MKII improvements seems to be in the center column which now has a groove. The MKII units also seem to have new leg locks. I have mine since October and find it very rigid and easy to lock/unlock. With the 1349 removing the column lighten the unit by about 3/4 Lb and it's still plenty tall (I am 6').