Do Gitzo make enough #*@!?* options?

[Uri A]

I had a look at the Gitzo catalogue; those guys make about 100 different tripods! And the model numbers are apparently created by a random number generator .. how the hell do you choose??

I need a sturdy carbon 3 section unit to hold an 8x10 Deardorff with various glass. Prefer with center column and a min size that packs down into a regular suitcase. Thoughts?

[Songyun]

I had a look at the Gitzo catalogue; those guys make about 100 different tripods! And the model numbers are apparently created by a random number generator .. how the hell do you choose??

I need a sturdy carbon 3 section unit to hold an 8x10 Deardorff with various glass. Prefer with center column and a min size that packs down into a regular suitcase. Thoughts?

For current model for example 3541XLS
3 stands for 3 series
5 stands for carbon?
4 stands for 4 section
1 stands for a newer model than the last one 0
XL extra long? L long? or nothing here means regular?
S systematic
I would have a systematic tripod with extra center column.
depends on your height, you can choose from 3531S, 3541S, 3541LS, 3541XLS, 3531LS

[Songyun]

Just find a local store maybe grab a Gitzo brochure. Very nice printed, and make you want to buy all of them in the brochure.

[Steve Hamley]

Uri,

The best choices weight and price notwithstanding are the current GT5541LS (23.6" closed and 6.5 lbs) or the last generation 1548 ( 23.1" closed and 6.4 lbs). The newer model has the super nice leg locks. I'm currently using the last-generation carbon fiber 1548 with a center column and a 1570M head it's great, but I wouldn't mind upgrading the sticks to the GT5541LS if a nice clean used set comes along.

The next set down are the GT3541LS at 21.7" closed or the GT3540XLS at 27.6" closed. I use a GT3540XLS for 4x5 and light 8x10 with a now-discontiunued 1370M head, which has a larger camera platform than most competing heads which is useful for 8x10. Either of these will be somewhat top-heavy with a Deardorff, which is O.K. on level ground, smaller shutters, and shorter lenses. The last CF generation of these tripods is the 4-section 1348 and its 3-section sibling whose number I don't remember. The 1348 falls in between the current specs (4.6 pounds and 24" closed).

Cheers, Steve

[Songyun]

The upgrade from 1325 to 3530s is great, but from 3530s to 3531s is not much IMO. So go for 35**s or 55**s

[BradleyGibson]

Yes, I agree -- it is confusing. I just waded through all this and picked out a tripod for myself a few days ago.

Here is a suggestion based on your criteria above:

http://gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/trip...er?code=GT3531

It's not going to be the absolute smallest packer. The 3541 increases the number of leg sections to 4--concerns about vibration and 4-section legs are not a problem with this tripod, IMHO. You might also consider the 'Long' version (for more height without extending the center column) 3541L.

Hope that helps,
-Brad

[Clement Apffel]

that's funny cause I find that their tool called "gitzo tripod configurator" on their website
makes the choice of a tripod cristal clear.

Did you try it ?

[kev curry]

FEISOL CT-3371 tripod with optional centre column?

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

[Uri A]

Thanks for your advice everyone! I now kind of understand the model numbers (still too many products methinks). I still don't understand the letter codes at the end.... L for long?? longer than what? Systematic???
Songyun: Thanks for explaining the numbers! Unfortunately there is no B&H/Samys in Australia where I can go & play hence the need to shop online.
Clement: I may be too dumb for this, but I did try the configurator, but I put in the parameters and nothing appears in the gray box!
Steve: thank you for your suggestions - I dont think 4 leg sections are a good idea for me...
Bradley: I think your bowl of porridge is just right

[Songyun]

3541L is longer than 3541, and 3541XL is longer than 3541L
Systematic means modular system? you can change from w/o center column to w/ center column