Gitzo Studex, Mountaineer, or Systematic? (Series 2, 3, or 4)

I'm looking for a good used tripod, and I've narrowed my options down to Gitzo. The smallest camera/lens combination that I currently shoot is the Nikon F3 w/ Nikkor AI-S 105mm f/2; and the largest camera/lens combination that I currently shoot is a Hasselblad 203fe w Zeiss CFE 180mm f/4. But one day I'd like to be able to shoot a Nikkor AF-S 200mm f/2 or possibly a Zeiss CFE 350mm f/5.6 (when I'm rich and famous)

I would like to hear from other Gitzo owners who are also medium-format shooters: Do you think I can get away with a Mountaineer (Series 2/3) or do I need to go for the Systematic/Studex (Series 3/4) for the additional stiffness? Gitzo's marketing materials say that the Series 2 Mountaineers are rated for "large SLR's and lenses up to 300mm" while the Series 3 Mountaineers are rated for "heavy professional cameras and lenses up to 400mm" which makes me think that it could handle my Hasselblad and all but the longest super-telephotos.

But I know that the Systematics are much more popular among medium-format and large-format shooters. I don't ever plan to shoot large-format. And no matter what I need a tripod with a center column (which is available as an accessory for the Systematic/Studex.) If I ever do buy a larger format camera or a 600mm telephoto, I'll probably end up buying a Systematic Series 5 anyway. How does the Series 3 Mountaineer stand up to the Series 3 Systematic? Thanks.

I use a Systematic GT3532LS with an Arca Swiss Z1 ballhead. This pairing is rock solid and works like a charm with all my cameras, including Hasselblad 501CM and Pentax 6x7 systems. I have never used the Mountaineer series of tripods to compare it to.

GLS said:

I use a Systematic GT3532LS with an Arca Swiss Z1 ballhead. This pairing is rock solid and works like a charm with all my cameras, including Hasselblad 501CM and Pentax 6x7 systems. I have never used the Mountaineer series of tripods to compare it to.

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Just curious, how do you attach your Hasselblad to the Z1? Do you use one of the ball heads that terminates in a 3/8th inch screw? Do you use a the standard Hasselblad quick coupler? Or did you replace the bottom plate on the camera body with one of those Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail plates?

waffles said:

Just curious, how do you attach your Hasselblad to the Z1? Do you use one of the ball heads that terminates in a 3/8th inch screw? Do you use a the standard Hasselblad quick coupler? Or did you replace the bottom plate on the camera body with one of those Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail plates?

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I use an official Arca-Swiss quick release plate (part no 802221), which screws directly onto the existing Hasselblad foot.

I believe there are some AS-compatible replacement foot options from other manufacturers, but I prefer to keep the original foot intact. The foot-plate connection is very solid and works well.

I have a lighter version, I've had it 30 years but I think it was called the "Reporter".
I use it for 35mm and 120.

The Reporter (Series 2) will be plenty. Series 3 works well for 4x5 and 5x7.

Edited to add: I used a Series 3 (Studex) for years with a lightweight 4x5 (2.5 pounds, including lens). I appreciated the extra pound or so between the Reporter and the Studex for increased stability in windy conditions or on marginally-safe set-ups (about 7 pounds with the Gitzo Ball No.2). Plus, being 6'4", any extra height was also appreciated.

In the past (early 90s) the same set-up also worked well with a Deardorf Special w/ 5x7 back and a 210mm lens. Recently, I have used both a Studex and a Reporter for an older 5x7 out in the field -- which one I choose is based on how long I will be carrying it -- not their stability.

I think the selection is Series 2 vs. Series 3, initially...not which feature set (which version of Series 2, or which version of Series 3) if your selection criteria is primarily the tradeoff of sturdiness v.portability.

I have read that 'Gitzo Systematic: Differences with Mountaineer? Systematic - top plate of the tripod can be replaced with rapid column, geared column, leveling base, right angle adapter etc. Mountaineer - fixed rapid column. "Ground level set" = Very short rapid column'

Keep in mind the FL guideline (300mm vs. 400mm) applies to 135 format and is the primary choice, Medium format weight is not so much a selection criteria. (For medium format, the equiv. FL choice is roughly 650mm vs. 900mm lens! ) I have both medium format and 135 format and use the same Series 2 tripod for both. I go larger only for large format monorail use.

Yep I have a 1228, 2 series mountaineer works fine fo rmy RB67 and H500 CM. In terms of the camera mount. I just use a cheapie camera plate that was given to me with the Kirks BH3 head. It uses a acra-swiss style ballhead.

Interesting information to be found here: https://thecentercolumn.com

Thanks, Pieter. I guess I am just too use to carrying weight in my hands -- hundreds of miles hiked with a shovel, pick-mattock, Pulaski, or a Ries A100 w/ 250 head in my hand -- to worry much about a couple pounds difference. The article leans too heavy on the side of lightness, so to speak. Gitzo aluminum tripods are well made with good materials..so one should compare them to equally high quality made carbon fiber tripods.

Vaughn said:

Thanks, Pieter. I guess I am just too use to carrying weight in my hands -- hundreds of miles hiked with a shovel, pick-mattock, Pulaski, or a Ries A100 w/ 250 head in my hand -- to worry much about a couple pounds difference. The article leans too heavy on the side of lightness, so to speak. Gitzo aluminum tripods are well made with good materials..so one should compare them to equally high quality made carbon fiber tripods.

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I have become spoiled by CF tripods. I have an older aluminum Gitzo that I rarely use. My everyday tripod is a Gitzo Mountaineer GT3530 (I think it has been superseded by the 3532). It works for 90% of the times I need a tripod in the studio, or in the field where I don't have to backpack my gear (that is, close to the car!). Lately I have had my eye on a Chinese copy of a RRS tripod for traveling. I'd love the RRS, just too much for me right now. I have a 3LeggedThing travel tripod that I dislike--its not the steadiest and a bit fussy to set up, but it does strap easily to my backpack and weighs less than 3 lbs with a small ballhead for medium format.

I bought a lightweight 4x5 from Chamonix, weighs about 4.5 lbs, not including the tripod head. What's the standard spec requirement in weight when you shop for a tripod with this kind of load? Is there a formula? IS it different for large format then let's say 35mm vs. medium format.

Hello,

I think the weight of the camera is not the problem. Each tripod manages 5 kilograms. The problem is the extension of the lens. It makes the camera unstable. The weight distribution is changing. The image becomes blurry, especially at long focal lengths. With a central leaf shutter and mirror lockup everything is ok, but with a focal plane shutter without mirror lock up you might want to use the heaviest tripod with the best damping. - Imho, the Gitzo Studex Performance (series 3) and the Gitzo Reporter Performance are very good tripods, made of aluminium, but very stable. I also like the GH2780 head, with a Hejnar clamp.

Greetings