OK, I have my heavy duty tripod Gitzo 2-series tripod with a nice Markins M10 ballhead and gave away my lightweight set as a gift 🙁 so what to get to replace it. With my LowePro AW 250, I can carry a Canon 5D II, 24-105 F/4 as the base camera and also the 16-35, 50mm F/1.4 and even the monster 100-400, but a tripod is still needed for those great HDR shots. Bob recommended the Gitzo1541T and the Really Right Stuff BH-40LR as a lightweight ballhead. I use Markins and like them, so will probably get the E3 Traveler instead and I need some sort of bag, so the GC1200T seems right. Here are what others have to say including Photo.net and DPForum:
The Gitzo GT1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs uses a unique patented 180° folding mechanism that accommodates a head inside the folded tripod legs, which makes this the smallest folded tripod for its open size and number of sections. Weight 2.1 lbs, Folded Height 41cm and the Markins Q3T Traveler Edition Ballhead which is custom designed for the Gitzo 1-series. Weighs 0.84 lbs
NatureScapes.Net • View topic – Gitzo 1541 vs Gitzo 1541T (any experiences?) (Now 0541)
One other main difference is how the legs are attached. The 1541 legs are attached in the traditional manner to a ring that holds the center column. The 1541T legs are attached to that ring in a way that will let them fold back “on themselves” to get an even shorter collapsed length
NatureScapes.Net • View topic – Gitzo 1541 vs Gitzo 1541T (any experiences?) (Now 0541)
I have the slightly smaller Gitzo GT0530\Markins Q3 ballhead and it handled my 40D and 70-200 f/4L setup just fine as it does the 50D now. Its a very lite weight setup making it great for strapping on my Gregory Z30 backpacks hiking pole straps. It is a pound lighter, but while the 1541T handles 8kg and can handle a 100-400 OK (but it is not recommended, the 0531 isn’t really crecommended for this (0530 was old model, new is the 0531).
lightweight carbon fiber tripod choices – Photo.net Filter, Bags, Tripods and Accessories Forum
The two lightest carbon fiber ‘pods Ive found are the gitzo GT0531 ($350) and the Slik 613 pro CF ($220) ; both weigh about 1.6lbs, without a head, which sounds great, but I can’t find a store that stocks them so I can check out their stability. The lightest model I’ve been able to try is the manfrotto 190cx3, which weighs in at 2.9lbs and seems to be quite sturdy.
lightweight carbon fiber tripod choices – Photo.net Filter, Bags, Tripods and Accessories Forum
I opted to go pretty light with a Gitzo GT 0530 (CF Mountaineer) and Really Right Stuff BH-25 Ultralight ballhead (no separate pan feature). I’d like a lighter clamp but have been using a RRS B2-LR-II. I regularly use a D200 (no vert grip) with 12-24/f4, 17-35/2.8 or 28-70/2.8 (sometimes an 80-200/2.8 with care). I find the set-up to be adequate as I usually don’t extend (or even carry) the center column and prefer minimal leg extension in the interest of rigidity if windy.
lightweight carbon fiber tripod choices – Photo.net Filter, Bags, Tripods and Accessories Forum
The gitzo 0531 is not what i’d call a full sized tripod; it stands only about 40″ high and the leg sections are extremely thin. for overnight backpacking trips this might be acceptable, but for day hikes and other use my choice will be the feisol (or the Gitzo 1541T). it extends past my eye level (without a center column), is quite sturdy, and only weighs half a pound more
Consider GC1200T or GE10P: Canon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
s that better? I have a Lowepro Vertex 200 bag and with that I would
just attach it to the bag but when I’m more casual going around with
my Crumpler six million dollar home I need a tripod bag…The GC1100 would be too long for your setup. It kind of forfeits the compactness of the tripod.
The GC1200T is designed specifically for your tripod but can be a tight fit with your Q3 head, but really compact and cool.
The GE10P is longer and should work really well, less cool though.
