gitzo 1228CF tripod sufficient for shen hao 4x5?

[peter lagus]

i am slowly creeping back to LF. i have a gitzo 1228 CF tripod that i use with a nikon
F4 and kirk ballhead. for LF i'll probably get manfrotto 410, but do the forum members think the 1228 is sufficiently robust for a shen hao 4x5?

since i plan to do some hiking with the camera (an lenses) weight is always a worry so any thoughts or experience that the members can share would be appreciated.

pete

[Richard Wasserman]

I use a 1227CF which is a similar tripod and I think it will work fine with a fairly light-weight 4x5. I use my 1227 with a Horseman 45FA. I always hang my camera bag from the center hook which adds a fair amount of stability.

[Scott Knowles]

I think the 1228 will work. I use a 1227 with Horseman HD for hiking. I think it's better than the 1228 because of the 3 section design, although taller when compact, offer a little more stability. I agree to find something to hang from the hook. When full extended either becomes top heavy.

[Roger Thoms]

I have a 1228 with Manfrotto 410 gear head and use it with a Sinar Alpina and a Calumet CC400. I do like to hang a weight off the center column if it windy. I'd use it with a Shen Hao in a heartbeat.

Roger

[Steve Barber]

I use a G-1228 MK II with a Manfrotto 460MG head and Really Right Stuff clamp and adapter for a light weight rig that is very useful, but it is not what I would recommend for everyday use with a 4x5. It is definitely marginal outdoors for time exposures with longer lenses. On the other hand, it is a joy when having to carry everything in urban areas where you are using shorter lenses and wind is not a problem.