Gitzo tripod/ballhead for my D2

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I just bought the Gitzo G1027 (3 section Carbon Fibre, 0.8Kg) tripod and matching Gitzo G1177M Magnesium ballhead (0.3Kg) for my D2. I am really pleased with how light weight and stable the Gitzo is, despite being their smallest and lightest tripod.

 

Measuring G1027+G1177M+D2 together...

Max height as measured, ground to D2 eyepiece is 106.5cm

Max height as measured with full column extended, ground to eye piece is 134cm.

Which for me with my height of 169cm, the above heights are acceptable, as I move and travel as light as possible.

 

Also I found whilst seated, in theatre's/auditorium's the above combo with only the two largest sections of the G1027 tripod extended, to be perfect for just peeping over the

shoulder of the person in front of me, without being obtrusive for those behind me.

 

I was initially concerned that extending the full center column would be unsteady ( as reported on the net, but now realise that this may only be the case with long lenses). Fortunately for the D2 it is rock-steady.

 

I played with many Bogen Manfrotto Carbons (055), Aluminium's, Manfrotto Neotec's and even a few Aluminium Gitzo's. I see why Gitzo's are considered the best, they are an engineering masterpiece.

 

This combo of Gitzo's is just 1.1 Kg ...... I am so pleased, as I hate weight.

 

Considering the expense of the Gitzo's, before purchasing, I went to the extent of building a mock-up cardboard viewer for the exact heights of the D2 mounted at the specified viewing heights to make sure the low height of this tripod would be usable. Considering the ultra-light weight, moderate height and ability to also use the D2 lcd........the Gitzo's are a winner in balancing these combinations.

 

I can really recommend this combination.

 

Specifications can be found-

http://www.centralcamera.com/tripods/gitzo/g1027.htm

http://www.centralcamera.com/tripods/gitzo/g1177m.htm

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[Micheal]

I also use the magnesium Gitzo on my carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod. I also use a Novaflex "Magic Ball" on the carbon fiber monopod. I really feel the Novaflex is ideal for 35mm. I often attach it to the Gitzo monoball (for 4"x5") as I do find it far superior to the Gitzo for 35mm. I would guess you purchased the smaller/35mm version of the Gitzo which is an excellent head.

 

 

md

[dugby]

MD, thanks for your reply.

 

I actually bought the Third smallest Gitzo head G1177M, which has a few more cm in height and wider ball for better/finer control than the two smaller Gitzo's G0077 and G1077M. <http://www.gitzo.com/flash/>

 

The think the smaller Gitzo heads are more suitable for D1 and smaller cameras.

 

I did look at Novoflex <www.novoflex.com/english/html/products.htm>

The MagicBall you refer to is 920g, but the MagicBall Mini (330g) may be a better fit, for my light weight desire.

 

The Really Right Stuff have had terrific user reviews. <http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html>

I was all keen on the RRS BF-25PF (148g) for my Carbon Gitzo legs, But I got a good deal on the above Gitzo combo from ebay, so if I want to lose another 150g I will get a RRS BF-25PF