Gitzo Tripod Confusion

[Bartman01]

I've been thinking about getting a good tripod for a while, and now my old one is finally starting to have issues.

Looking at the 132x series. Are they all the same base with different options included? The online descriptions leave a lot to be desired - it is hard for me to tell what is included and what would require 'optional' equipment.

1325 = base only
1327 = 1325 + center column? Can it be used without the center column or would I need additional accessories for that?
1329 = 1325 + what? Does it have more than one center column - the descriptions imply that it comes with 2 or 3? What does it have that the 1327 does not?

[SilverShooter]

I'd look at the B & H site for the best descriptions of the various options. The Gitzo site leaves a whole lot to be desired.

In general, you have options on build material: Carbon fiber, Basalt, Aluminum and the new alloy Aluminum. You have three basic center column options: geared column, rapid column (which adjusted sort of like the legs), and no column (which comes with a flat plate and 3/8" stud to mount your head). There are several leg options: 3 sections, or 4 sections are the most popular options and you can get a compact version which has shorter legs for those who travel. The G1348 has no center column, 4 section legs, and is made of CF. The G 1349 is the same but with the short legs. The G 1346 has the rapid center column, 4 section legs, and the shorter legs, and is made of Cf.

Just look at the spec tab for each Gitzo listed on the B & H site and you can find the rest of the specifics (at least for those tripods that B&H handles).

[rwwright]

BUT - gitzo is in the process of coming out with a new line of tripods. I am just waiting for the 3540ls to be available. it looks like the 3530s is available now.
not sure what you are looking for, but if you are looking at a 1325 at least consider the 3540 / 30 series.

[zeroendless]

Bart,

FYI, Gitzo just released new full line to replace current options. The new 6x, Anti Leg Rotation system as well as G-lock features lacks from current models. I don't think i need 6x since it's not any lighter and current model is more than capable to hold my setup but the anti-twist and G-lock been on most nature /wildlife photographer wish for very long time. You don't have to get you the new models but so you know u probably get to see price drop or good 2nd hands 13xx series on sale very soon.

You can't go wrong with Gitzo, it's state of the art tripod :)

[zeroendless]

varies replacement models for 1325
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/pr...3&cat=0&page=1

level base for 1325
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/pr...p?productid=40

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by rwwright

BUT - gitzo is in the process of coming out with a new line of tripods. I am just waiting for the 3540ls to be available. it looks like the 3530s is available now.
not sure what you are looking for, but if you are looking at a 1325 at least consider the 3540 / 30 series.

Thanks for the heads up. I had seen that on the Gitzo site a while back, but never saw any evidence of them actually in stores. I can wait a while longer.

Originally Posted by SilverShooter

I'd look at the B & H site for the best descriptions of the various options. The Gitzo site leaves a whole lot to be desired.

Actually my questions are AFTER looking at the B&H site descriptions. I don't see any concrete this comes with X, Y, and Z information. Just a lot of 'can use this' and 'optional that'.

[Jim Victory]

I don't know about Daniel but I have considered replacing my 1325 with the new model. You may want to check them out. You could save yourself $200+ getting the 1325 used though.

I'm considering it because of the easier leg adjustment on the new ones. It gets hard trying to level your legs or adjust the length with 25# of gear on your tripod.

[zeroendless]

Jim, To be honest. I freaking hate it when it come to adjusting height with long lens. It's rather impossible to untwist the lock especially when i get down low. I can't imagine with 600 :) Lets hope this G-lock & ALR thingie work.

[RGWeber]

My advice is to go to Houston Camera Exchange and try them out. Alot has to do with personal preference and what you are going to be mounting on the tripod. I have a 1348 that I use with a center column and a RRS BH-55 for the smaller lens. I remove the center column, use the center plate with a Wimberley head for the larger lens. I would not go any smaller than the 1348 with the bigger lens. You can't go wrong with a Gitzo.

[SilverShooter]

Bart

If you look at the spec page for each tripod you cut thru the sales hype and get a list of features. The features page doesn't really tell you what that particular model has.

This is hard to explain in detail how to get to this page and I can't send you a url since this is all internal to B&H. Here goes anyhow, if you go to Gitzo tripod legs, then pick one particular model. You will see the description page where you have a chance to add that model to your shopping cart. The Accessory tab (just below the picture of the tripod and its brief description will be selected automatically. You need to select the Specification tab (Your choices will be Accessory, Features, Specification, and Item includes). Then you will see the specific number of leg sections, the material, the closed length, the weight, and a description of the center column or a note that it doesn't have one for that particular model, and more.

You do need a little help with the code words. eg. "ALR" means anti rotation leg couplings. That's what Daniel is describing. G Lock has to do with a new system to tighten the leg twist locks. And both those things are very nice. My older series 3 doesn't have either, but you can see some models that do at HCE. I was there last week and they had the Series 3 equivalent with ALR on display. The catalog HCE has chained to their display is old, so has little or no value on the newer models.

Steve

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by RGWeber

I remove the center column, use the center plate with a Wimberley head for the larger lens.

Were you at MSRH back in November with the SVT Cobra club? There was a family there with a pair of D2x's and a Wimberly setup. Got to check out the Wimberly, and if I ever get a big lens - that will be a 'necessity'.

Originally Posted by SilverShooter

look at the spec page

Thanks. That helped.

One additional question: if you order a model with a center column, does it also come with a base plate for non-column use - or do you have to order that separately?

[RGWeber]

"Were you at MSRH back in November with the SVT Cobra club? There was a family there with a pair of D2x's and a Wimberly setup. Got to check out the Wimberly, and if I ever get a big lens - that will be a 'necessity'.

That was us. The wife posts under Pixie. We were photographing the daughter's boyfriend's Cobra. We are planning to go to Texas World Speedway next Sat. He is trying to get us down in one of the work areas on the track. Should get some awesome photos from that vantage point.

BTW - I had trouble with the Gitzo websites as well. I wouldn't invest that kind of money in one without putting my hands on it first. I bought a different Gitzo model than I intended after playing with them.


They we doing about 85 mph at this point in the turn.