GITZO Tripods

Ah! The French Gitzo, the ultimate tripod, first choice of most leading Nikonian professional photographers and advanced amateurs.
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World Code	Load Kg/lbs	Weight Kg/lbs	Closed size cm/inches	Max height cm/inches	Min height cm/inches	Load to weight Ratio	Current price*
GITZO						L/W	USD
G1220	6/13.2	2.2/4.8	59/23.2	120/47.25	44/17.3	2.7	$265
G2220	6/13.2	2.3/4.9	64/25.2	126/49.6	11.5/4.5	2.7	$250
Mountaineer Series 2 (Mountaineers have removable center column)
G1257	8/17.6	1.4/3.1	66/26	137/54.1	33/13	5.7	$485**
GT2530	12/26.4	1.4/3.1	65/25.6	138/54.2	29/11	8.6	$520
GT2541L	12/26.4	1.5/3.3	61/24.0	151/59.4	44/17.3	8.0	$650
Mountaineer Series 3
G1327	12/26.4	2.3/5.1	71/28	152/59.8	44/17.3	5.2	$605**
GT3530	18/39.6	2.1/4.6	66/26	133/52.4	44/17.3	8.6	$630
GT3540L	18/39.6	2.1/4.6	60/23.6	150/59.1	39/15.4	8.6	$775
Systematic Series 3
G1325	12/26.4	2.0/4.5	67/26.4	148/58.3	11/4.3	6	$558**
GT3530S	18/39.6	1.8/4.0	61/24.0	128/50.4	10/3.9	10.0	$560
GT3530LSV	18/39.6	1.8/4.0	67/26.4	148/58.3	11/4.3	10.0	$650
GT3540LS	18/39.6	1.7/3.8	55/21.7	146/57.5	10/3.9	10.6	$650
Systematic Series 5
G1548	15/33.0	3.0/6.7	59/23.2	150/59.1	15/5.9	4.9	$813**
GT5540LS	25/55	3.0/6.7	60/23.6	151/59.5	14/5.5	8.3	$785

* As of December, 2006.  ** Models in darker lines are now discontinued.

Explorer. A Good Compromise in aluminum for general use is the G1220; sturdy for its weight and carrying a relatively low price tag, it handled almost any camera body and even long lenses when coupled with a quality pro head and with good technique. It could be said to be the equivalent in performance to the Manfrotto 055CLB (3021BD), without a center column. Another aluminum tripod with similar characteristics -and also liked by Nikonians enthusiasts- is the G2220, for its off-center column with a unique "shoulder-knuckle" design that allows for the column to be tilted 100°; considered good for into-the-ground shots. New models are coming out soon for 2007.

It is important to note however, that Carbon Fiber tripods are not only lighter but also stiffer and better dampen vibration than even the best aluminum tripods we have ever used, especially if under the slightest breeze.

For Backpacking and Trekking, with Light to Medium Loads  (Up to a pro body + 300mm f/2.8 (5.7 lbs / 2.6 kg)
Mountaineer. The G1127 carbon fiber tripod, although found among a few beginner enthusiasts, it is not recommended but for very very light loads. And so, the G1227 was usually its most popular replacement at a very similar weight, making it ideal for hiking. The Manfrotto 443 fitted exactly in between these two Gitzo tripods.  The G1228 was also found amongst Nikonians who wanted a more compact tripod for backpacking, like Photo_Phil at right who had one for a while (as shown at right), later replaced by the G1258. Most owners eventually trade it for a G1227 or the newer G1257 6X 2006 model.
Now, for 2007, the G1257 6X has been further improved and acquired a new denomination: the GT2530, with much better characteristics as shown in the table above and with a great load to weight ratio of 8.6, bound to become the new favorite of the Series 2. The GT2541L for tall photogs is also offered, however it doesn't make much sense since for the same price you can get a Series 3 tripod, making you ready for bigger loads.
For Big Guns - Heavy Loads - A Pro Body and a  200-400mm VR or 500mm f/4 (7 - 8 lbs / 3 to 3.6 Kg)
Heavy loads require a Series 3 tripod. The Systematic carbon fiber G1325 flat-top was a true workhorse, chosen by seasoned photographers; shown at right in the field. Virtually unmovable, rock solid steady with the heaviest loads, commonly sold with a top flat plate and no center column, until then with the highest load to weight ratio of the carbon family.
The G1325 has been replaced with the GT3530S or the GT3530LSV, depending on whether you may want a more compact version or the same height as the previous generation G1325. For an even shorter length when folded, the GT3540LS is offered.
The Mountaineer G1327 -shown at right- was best suited for taller photographers, and tested as having even better anti-vibration design, although slightly heavier -see detail clicking on the thumbnail at right. Very likely it should had been preferred over the G1325 for professional critical work in exteriors. With the center column removed, replaced with a Markins TB-30 anti vibration plate the G1327 became a Super Gitzo. The TB-20 plate can still be used on the new Series 2 Mountaineer GT tripods and the TB-30 on the Series 3 Mountaineer GT tripods.
But Gitzo also surprised us for 2007 here by replacing the G1327 with the introduction of the new GT3530, although loosing a few inches in height. To retain the height of the G1327 one needs to go for the new GT3540L

The GT3530 tripods and the GT3540L, like its predecessors, are most suitable for those big lenses (200-400mm f/4G AF-S VR and 500mm f/4 AF-S), even when needing to pan for fast running animals or flying birds. The GT3540LS offers the convenience of a shorter folded tripod. The most often found set up combines such tripods with a pro ball head. like the Markins M20 and the Wimberley Sidekick.

For Bigger Guns - Heavier Loads  A Pro Body and a 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 (9.7 - 10.7 lbs / 4.4 - 4.9 Kg)

Series 5. The G1548 was a heavier but even sturdier tripod, the lighter one in the Gitzo series 5 Studex family, mostly seen in the field in conjunction with a full Wimberley head, when birding with a 400mm f/2.8 and teleconverter or the 600mm f/4 AF-S.

Now we have the G1548 replaced by the GT5540LS with much improved performance characteristics and a lower price tag.

 

With the exception of the GT2541L, GT3540L, GT3540LS, and GT5540LS, all of the new tripods on the table above have three section legs. The 4-section legged Gitzo's are, like the Manfrotto's, shorter when folded and more convenient for backpacking. Although much improved with 6X ALR and G-Lock technology, we still tend to prefer 3-section legs, although mostly based on previous experience.

Most new Gitzo 6X tripod legs have the new ALR (Anti-Leg Rotation) and G-Lock (Gravity Lock) twist lock system that increases rigidity by 20%, and a new foot system, featuring rubber feet screw-in tips which can be replaced by other feet alternatives.	..
So now most new 6X Gitzo tripods can also have steel spikes. In the recent past, not on any of the carbon fiber ones we liked; that's why there was a Markins solution made of Titanium, for added strength and long life, now discontinued.
By the way, don't even think about taking a spiked tripod on board an airplane as carry on. Place it inside the luggage, preferably inside a hard suitcase. I've seen tripods curved like English long bows after airplane traveling inside a simple unpadded tripod bag. But, if your suitcase is not large enough, another solution is to carry it inside a hard cardboard tube in a good padded Manfrotto or Gitzo tripod bag, for better protection.