tripod for MF: center column or not

[ymc226]

Thanks to all for their help,

I just received from B&H:

Gitzo Series 4 aluminum 3 section tripod (GT4330LS) with added center aluminum column (GS5310S) for series 4/5 (thanks Q.G.) I just put an Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 head on it and am awaiting a quick release lever clamp from RRS to complete my platform. So far, as this is my first tripod, the combination seems rock steady. I will be building muscles with this set up!

 

[Q.G.]

Congrats!
You wil not like hauling it to wherever you go, and back again.
But you will know (it shows) why you do so.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Congrats on the new tripod.

I'd stick with a screw QR clamp. They're stronger and work with any plate or an Arca-Swiss rail. Lever clamps don't work with some plates, even if theoretically they are all supposed to be the same.