Gitzo 2530 CF sturdy enough for travel with MF (& 4X5 in a pinch)?

[Henry Carter]

My main travel camera now is a 6X9 Linhof 'Baby' Technika.

I have been using an aluminum Gitzo 226 with an AS B1 as travel support for 6X9 (and even 4X5). I was thinking it is time to move to a CF tripod - 3 sections, and sturdy and small enough to keep with my carry-on kit.

Is the Gitzo 2530 a consideration, or would the Gitzo 3531S be a better choice (or is it just too big as a purely travel tripod)?

Cost differences are not an issue, only size and function etc.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Henry Carter]

I think it is now called the GT 2531. The Gitzo model numbers are confusing!

 

[bwakel]

You really don't need a 2-series tripod for a baby Linhof. I use a 1-series Gitzo 1128 (not sure what the latest model is called but this is the four section leg carbon model, it's very light and very compact when folded) with an Arca Swiss B1 head for everything from 35mm through Mamiya 7II and Baby Technika and on to my Toyo 4x5. It supports them all with ease. The only issue is that the height is restricted but for travel I'd rather suffer that than the large folded size and increased weight of the 2-series. When hiking I actually use my GT1550T Gitzo Traveller for everything up to the Mamiya 7II or Baby Technika. This also works so long as conditions are reasonably stable and you're using a cable release.

Barry

 

[Henry Carter]

Thanks for your insights!

I had a chance to inspect the Gitzo 2541 (the four section version of the GT 2351), and it is certainly as sturdy (if not more so) and much lighter than my older aluminium Gitzo 226.

I was also able to compare the GT 2541 to the GT 1531, and though there is not much difference in weight, I think that the 2 series would be better suited to MF (and LF in a pinch). The GT 1531 is however amazingly stable for its weight, and certainly compact.

Years ago, I replaced the center column of 226 with a short center post made by Kirk Enterprises, which provided a stable flat platform for my Arca Swiss B1 ballhead. I see that Kirk still makes a similar solution- "Designed for the Gitzo 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 series tripods, these plate assemblies mount between the tripod and the tripod head to eliminate the original center post, thereby enhancing stability, reducing vibration, and allowing you to get closer to the ground":
Dead Link Removed

I think that a GT 2531 (with a Kirk FP-200N short center post) would provide stable support for an AS B1 ballhead (or a Linhof 3663 3-way levelling head) and would make for an excellent MF (and LF) travel or hiking tripod.