Any thoughts on the Gitzo GT 3541L?

[Noah A]

I've been using an aluminum Benro tripod, I forget which one, and it basically works ok but it's a little flexible. On top of that, the center column is seized up, I can't loosen it to extend it (not that I use it too often, but still). I have a shooting trip to Mumbai coming up in the very near future, and the last thing I wanted was to rely on (what I consider to be) an unreliable piece of kit.

So I decided to bite the bullet and go for a decent tripod. I bought the Benro when I was just experimenting with 4x5, but now I'm committed to the format and am happy with my entire kit other than the tripod.

I considered my options for a while but I needed to make a choice so I have time to test out whatever I get before my trip. I ordered a GT 3541L today...was it the right choice?

Just looking for any experiences since it's a pricey tripod and I want to make sure it's up to the task. I did consider a 5-series, but they're very heavy and large for travel. Ultimately for use close to home and in the car I'd love one of those Gitzo Giant tripods. But this one is intended as a general use and travel tripod.

I'm shooting mostly with a Linhof Master Technika 2000, my longest lens is 300mm. The head will be a Linhof 3-way leveling head (3663). I also sometimes work with a Technikardan 45S which isn't much heavier than the Technika but it has a higher profile. I sometimes use a Manfrotto 410 geared head, but not too often.

Will this be a good combo? Should I have gone all the way for a 5-series? Is aluminum better and/or more durable?

[vinny]

I woulda asked this BEFORE I ordered:) Yikes! That's a lotta $$$$$. What do you need the center column for?
I'm 6'3" and I use a Gitzo 1325. Rarely have I wished for a center column as on flat ground with a camera mounted, the ground glass is right at eye level at full extension. No longer made but the gt3530ls is the eqiuvalent (yikes, the prices have gone way up) I think my 1325 was under $500. I use it with everything up to 8x10.

[Noah A]

I woulda asked this BEFORE I ordered:) Yikes! That's a lotta $$$$$. What do you need the center column for?
I'm 6'3" and I use a Gitzo 1325. Rarely have I wished for a center column as on flat ground with a camera mounted, the ground glass is right at eye level at full extension. No longer made but I'm sure there's an equivalent. I use it with everything up to 8x10.

Well, yeah, sure I would have asked first in a perfect world. But I'm up against a deadline and jumped the gun before asking. I'm almost sure that it was the right choice and I ordered from B&H, so the return policy is good just in case.

I don't use a center column all that often, but I do in two scenarios: for portraits where I might want to fine-tune the camera height quickly without fiddling with all of the tripod legs; and for higher angles (in which case I stand on something).

But the fact that the center column on my 1-year-old Benro is stuck for no particular reason raises questions with me about the tripod's reliability. That's more of an issue than actually needing the column. What if something else gets stuck or breaks? Anyway, considering it's size, it doesn't seem all that sturdy.

My previous tripod was a Gitzo 1500--now that thing was sturdy, but really big and really heavy. I'd love another one of those for shooting in wind storms but it was too big for travel and in any event, mine was stolen.

I think the 1325 is equivalent to a current series 3, so I'm glad to hear yours works well.

[biedron]

Noah,

I have the similar 3541xls, without center column. I went without center column since when the center column is extended, you basically have a monopod (though a short one) on top of a tripod. I'm 6"1", so I wanted a tripod that was tall enough to accommodate both my height and setting up on a slope. If I don't need the 4th section extended - on level ground - I only use the stouter top 3 leg sections. I got mine about 4 years ago when shooting solely DSLR. But it's been sturdy enough for me when shooting LF - I have a Toyo 45AX, and lenses up to 500mm (which requires the relatively heavy extension back). I've been very happy with the 3541xls.

Bob

[Noah A]

Thanks Bob. I decided against the systematic since I've heard lots of stories about the top plate coming loose from the tripod. Since I like to carry the thing over my shoulder, that would be bad.

I'm sure it doesn't happen often, but it was a concern for me.

The center column probably won't get much use, but once in a while I like to shoot over fences, etc. or just get a higher angle to reduce mess in the foreground.

But it seems like the legs are good. If the center column seems shaky I can return it and order the systematic version. But from my experience, gitzo center columns are rock solid if they're not extended. So that means if I need stability for shooting in the wind or for long exposures, I don't have to use it. But it's there if I need it.

I was more concerned about the legs themselves, and it sounds like they'll be good for my needs. I'll report back, mine should arrive tomorrow.

[Ari]

Noah,
I've had an Induro A413 for over a year now, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
It's basically a Gitzo copy, but a very well-made copy nonetheless, and does not feel cheap at all.
It's served me without complaint on everything from a Canon 5D to the Toyo 8x10; considering what it does, it isn't that heavy at 8lbs.
The price will make you look twice: I bought mine on sale for $175, but they usually go for around $225 or so.
Something to consider.

[George Pappas]

Noah,

I have had a Gitzo 1348 for 10+ years. It is no longer made but comparable to the current 13X carbon fiber series. While "old" Carbon fiber technology - I still use this tripod often with a 5x7 view camera and everything smaller.

I agree with several posters; make do without the center column if you can. It does add to stability. Especially when you get a view camera, with bellows, blowing in the wind. Check the specs to ensure that the fully extended tripod will meet your height requirements.

Big carbon fiber benefits: rigidity/weight ratio, good in cold weather, folds well.

One last thing; don't put too much faith in the weight capacity estimates of the manufacturers. borrow/rent if you can and try it.

Good luck in your journey.

[Frank Petronio]

I used the XLS model with a 4x5 Technika V for a couple of years, same 3-way Linhof head too. It is undoubtedly the best tripod combination... for me, I thought everything was matched up very well for weight/bulk/stability. The Really Right Stuff tripod has been introduced since and may be a slightly better and a little more expensive tripod but I still think the Linhof 3-way leveling head is the best compact 4x5 head ever. I don't like all the Arca-Swiss quick release BS, it adds a lot of expense without really doing anything worthwhile for a view camera mounting (it has value for smaller formats no question especially for macro and pans).

[Steve Hamley]

I have the same as Bob, with a Gitzo pan-tilt head. My thoughts are that it is lighter than the 1348 CF it replaced, maybe too light for a 6 pound 4x5. It's plenty rigid but at about 6 pounds camera weight, it starts seeming top-heavy whereas the 1348 did not. But I bought the new one for hiking (plus the locks) and for that, and I imagine travel, it's great.

When working out of the car or on short jaunts I prefer the 553X (number?) with the 1570M head, and a column. Even with an 8x20 on it, I can't feel any flex caused by the column. Raising the column does raise the center of gravity though, which may make a difference especially if you're near the edge with camera weight.

Cheers, Steve

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah with a 5-series I can't imagine having a problem using at least a few inches of the column since it is so massive.

[Mike Snider]

I use the 3541LS. I shoot 4X5 and have been very satisfied. My only advice would be to consider putting some "Loctight" on the tripod's feet. I've found they unscrew very easily.

[timparkin]

Fantastic tripod - crap glue. I've had to reglue all of the feet and also one of the legs that came out. Saying that I do use the long spikes which are fantastic but place additional load on the camera. I've used West Systems epoxy (pro boat building epoxy) to glue things back together and everything has been fine since. You'll be happy definitely (although I wouldn't have got the centre column)

[Tony Flora]

I had the 3541L for several months but sold it because it was a little too big for my travel needs. Super tripod if you need the height. I tried to go to a carbon fiber Manfrotto but the center column is not nearly as smooth as the Gitzo. I also prefer the twist locks over the flip locks. Once you get the hang of the twist locks they are quicker to use then the flip locks.

Re: feet on the Gitzo. they will come loose. I lost one while on assignment in Egypt and they were a bit difficult to find over there so I had to shoot without one for 3 months. Not fun. I now crank them down pretty hard and keep a couple spares in the bag and I have not had any issues.

[Noah A]

So the tripod arrived today and I don't know what to think about it.

To be honest, it kind of feels cheap. Now I'll admit that maybe it's the nature of the lightweight material, but it seems brittle and doesn't have the nice feel of the old Gitzo 1500 aluminum tripod that I used years ago. The legs don't slide particularly smoothly and I don't really love the feel of the twist locks, though they seem to work fine.

Do these carbon tripods really hold up? I don't abuse my gear but it gets used pretty hard and often. It just feels fragile to me. My old Gitzo aluminum tripod got pretty scratched up. Will those sort of scratches weaken the carbon fiber tubes?

I got my Benro unstuck. It's a bit heavier than the Gitzo but it seems more solid as well. It goes a few inches higher (without using the center column on either) and at full height, they seem similar in stiffness and stability.

The reason I wanted a gitzo was I thought it would be tougher and more reliable. But I've heard lots of stories like Tim's about legs and other stuff falling off, and I'm wondering if they're really any better than the cheap imitations.

Someone convince me not to send the thing back. I already requested an RMA but I could still change my mind.

[Ari]

If that's how you feel right off the bat, return it while there's still time before you leave.
I can recommend this, because I use it:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655225-REG/Induro_472_413_Alloy_8M_AT413_Tripod.html

[Frank Petronio]

I can't imagine a Benro or Induro being a better product than the Gitzo. I certainly liked the similar one I had but in the end it seemed rather silly to tie up nearly a grand in one tripod so I went back to the metal Gitzos and bought more film/paid bills with the $700 difference. But it was a really sweet tripod, I didn't think it felt cheap at all and I can be snobby about that stuff too.

For tossing around I agree the metal Gitzos will hold up much better than the CF tripods, which are really meant for upscale enthusiasts more than rough-and-tumble commercial work. I guess I was a little prissy because I always stored mine in the bag and then put it into the grip case carefully packing around it. With the metal ones I just toss them in with the light stands.

Right now I have an older 3-series metal 1326 Gitzo with that Linhof head, it is great for Technikas and such. But once I get paid I should look for another Gitzo 1504 type tripod, those are great when you work out of the car or in the studio.

If you want an inexpensive tough tripod maybe a Tiltall? It will hold a 4x5 Techika just fine. Only reason I got rid of mine was out of snobbery and lack of leg spreading (Tiltall = old girlfriend!)

[Noah A]

I'm not saying the Benro is a better product, just that the Gitzo feels a bit fragile to me.

Has anyone really traveled with a Gitzo CF tripod and can it stand up to abuse?

I'd love to get a 1504 for use closer to home. My old 1500 was solid and the height of the 1504 would be useful on certain occasions, but of course I'd have to pack a ladder.

[Frank Petronio]

I flew with the XLS model in it's protective bag to prevent the legs from getting scratched, I tossed this bag into a bigger Lightware case with stands, clamps, umbrellas, etc. and flew it on 15 to 18, 3 to 5-hour flights over two years. It looked mint. It probably had a few minor scuffs somewhere.

I think it is like ski poles, if you slice the fibers with a sharp edge you'll compromise the integrity but compression, scraping, and scuffing isn't going to do much.

[Richard Wasserman]

I have 2 Gitzo CF tripods, a 1227 that I travel with, and a 1325 I use closer to home. I have had them for several/many years and do not baby them and they work as well now as when they were new. If they disappeared I would replace them with whatever the current version is without hesitation.

[r.e.]

I'm not saying the Benro is a better product, just that the Gitzo feels a bit fragile to me.

Has anyone really traveled with a Gitzo CF tripod and can it stand up to abuse?

I wonder whether your concern about the Gitzo has to do with the fact that you have been using aluminum. Carbon fiber is light, but it is not fragile.

I've owned a Gitzo 1325 (no centre column) for at least six years and I have travelled extensively with it - New Zealand, Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North America. I don't baby it. It goes, cushioned with clothes, into a Dakine roller bag like this one - http://www.dakine.com/p/bags/luggage/guys/split-roller---lg - as checked baggage. It has never suffered any damage, and one of the great things about the tripod is that it will fit into one of those bags.

[Frank Petronio]

Well the other question is whether Carbon Fiber is worth it at all? I think it does make the tripod more damp and it is easier to handle in cold weather... and for carrying it makes a difference. If you're trying to come under the 50# limit for luggage it matters.

But... in practical terms, if you aren't backpacking it, the advantages are minor. You still need a hefty tripod for a hefty camera, and sometimes the heavier tripod is advantageous on a windy day. And the Aluminum models are pretty much bulletproof, I've never seen a metal Gitzo fail or go wobbly.

[Noah A]

I wonder whether your concern about the Gitzo has to do with the fact that you have been using aluminum. Carbon fiber is light, but it is not fragile. ...

That's probably it. It feels very stable when set up, even with the center column extended. But when I fold it up it just seems too light.

I'm glad to hear you and Richard have had good experiences over time. While I don't backpack in the traditional sense, when I travel I may spend 8-12 hours a day walking, taking mass transit and otherwise navigating urban areas. So light weight is definitely a plus as long as it doesn't mean sacrificing strength or rigidity.

I got my return authorization but I could always change my mind. I'll sleep on it...

[r.e.]

That's probably it. It feels very stable when set up, even with the center column extended. But when I fold it up it just seems too light.

I'm glad to hear you and Richard have had good experiences over time. While I don't backpack in the traditional sense, when I travel I may spend 8-12 hours a day walking, taking mass transit and otherwise navigating urban areas. So light weight is definitely a plus as long as it doesn't mean sacrificing strength or rigidity.

I got my return authorization but I could always change my mind. I'll sleep on it...

Given the urban-oriented work that you do, I have very little doubt, if you feel a noticeable difference in weight between your aluminum tripod and the carbon fiber one, that you'll be happier with the latter.

Sorry to see that you dropped your Havana street photos from your site :) Have you got any shows coming up?