Unique tripod problem. Advice please. Thanks

[tappan]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am in need of a new tripod that will be used for something as big as a Canon 1Dx with an 800mm lens on a Wimberley 200 head...and something as small as a Leica M9-p on a Feisol CB-40 or CB-50 ball head. That is my problem, since I do not want to buy two tripods. So, I was looking at the new Gitzo GT3542 carbon Series 3 6X Systematic and wondering if it would be too big for the Leica system.

I want to have a very sturdy and strong tripod for the 800mm and I think this tripod is only 4LBS (2.0kg). I know many here have spoken highly about the Gitzo Traveler GT1542T Series 1, but that would be too small for my other camera system. I need to find somewhere in the middle. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Do you think this tripod is too big?

Thanks,

Mark

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Mark,

 

As long as you don't mind carrying it: No tripod is ever too big, too solid or too heavy. As it is w/ the tripod: The bigger & more solid the head, the better it holds your camera.

 

Don't forget to wait a minute or so after focussing, cocking the shutter, etc to allow the vibrations to dampen before you release the shutter gently w/ a cable release.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[-ph-]

Hi Mark,

 

with your 800mm lens, you need a series 3 tripod, anything smaller would not work so great. Waiting a minute for vibrations to be absorbed sounds a bit long to me, I would rather say a few seconds, if the mounting is proper. Depending on how far you want to walk with the tripod you can still add the 1542 later on, the 3 series tripod certainly will work great with the Leica, it's just a bit big. (I both have a 3 series and a 1541T tripod)

 

Peter

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Again Mark,

 

If waiting a minute (when possible) after setting up a tripod, etc sounds like a waste of time: Try a series of 10 pairs of photos of the same finely detailed subjects: 1 photo waiting 1 minute after locking up the mirror (when possible) & 1 photo waiting a few seconds after locking up the mirrror (when possible). The same w/ an M w/ its lens.

 

Compare & let us know.

 

The majority of time spent taking a picture on a tripod is spent setting up the picture & the camera.

 

That last minute waiting for vibrations in the system to dampen before exposure might seem like a long & unnecessary delay.

 

Experience often shows it isn't.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[k-hawinkler]

Gitzo GT3541XLS or whatever the replacement model is called now.

Works great for the OPs purposes.

[pgk]

No tripod is ever too big, too solid or too heavy.

Agreed, except for the too heavy;). My theory is to carry as big a tripod as it viable (I use a 1548/BH55) for use with any camera/lens system, BUT that said I do also have a much smaller and lighter tripod for when I am using just the M9. Like with cameras, there is no universal solution with tripods IMHO I'm afraid.

[Bill Allsopp]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

If you can afford an 800 buy a tripod to suit that and spend a lesser amount lighter one for the M9 when you want to walk a bit further than the big one is ideal for carrying. I have a metal one for short walks and a good carbon one for long walks (plus one that stays indoors). You can't have too many tripods.

[Bill W]

Buy the lightest one you can get away with for the 800mm. Your M9 will work with whatever you decide on.

[pico]

You cannot find a lightweight tripod that behaves like a heavy one that can handle a big head and 800mm lens. Get two. There is no alternative.

[tappan]

Thanks Bill and Pico and all,

I think I have found the perfect mix of strength and lesser weight. A FEISOL CB-50DC Ballhead. it will hold 41LBS (18.6KG) and weighs 1.25 lb (571 g) and height 4.25" (10.8 cm)

and...

Gitzo Series 3 6X Systematic GT3542LS it will hold 55LBS (25kg) it weighs 4.3 lb (2.0 kg)

and it folds to 1.9' (57.5 cm)

 

Best,

Mark

[tappan]

I ended up getting the GT3532LS 3 6X Systematic

and a Markins Q20 ballhead.

This is the lightese combination that will work with the bigger dslr and larger lens while still being MUCH light than what I had (a Manfrotto 475B) for my Leica M(.

Best,

Mark

[peter_n]

Mark I use a Gitzo 3541LS with an Arca-Swiss Z1 for the heavy stuff and a 2-series Benro traveler with a Markins head for the light stuff. I have the Z1 on a RRS leveling base. Both tripods are very solid and so far have worked for me in the weather we get around here. Your 3-series and a Q20 is a solid rig, but read the Markins manual on preventing lock-up in very cold weather.

 

There have been some troubling instances of Gitzo bases fracturing in extreme cold in the last couple of years; not the systematics but the 2-series models. These tripods broke within Gitzo's stated temperature range for use which is less than -30°C or more than +70°C (-22°F/158°F). Likely causes are manufacturing defect, batch QC that missed, or materials. The Gitzo bases are made by casting a magnesium alloy, and cast parts are susceptible to breakage in extreme conditions.

 

You look at a 3-series base and can't imagine it breaking as it looks so solid but if anything ever happens to my Gitzo I'll replace it with a RRS TVC-33 as I've come to believe that the RRS tripods are probably more durable. Their bases are milled from a solid block of billet 6061-T6 aluminum which will absolutely not fracture in extreme cold.

 

Having said all that, my 3541LS has survived two winters and is doing fine so far, it's really stable and I'm sure you'll have the same experience. Glad you didn't get the Feisol ballhead, they make good tripods but the ballheads aren't so great. Kind of like Gitzo really. Good luck with your new rig!

[tappan]

Thank you Peter. I just received the tripod and it is SO lite! I am hoping it will hold an 800mm :-(

I know it will be great for the Leica. My old tripod was a Manfrotto 475B. almost 10lbs of weight.

Best,

Mark

[peter_n]

Mark I sent you a PM.