Which Gitzo tripod?

[bmoulton]

Help needed! I'm searching for a new tripod to use with an Arca-Swiss F Line Field camera with lenses up to 300 mm. The Gitzo line seems most promising, but I find the product descriptions posted by the company and retailers less than illumintaing. I'd appreciate some advice. The only criteria besides holding the camera securely and stably would be this: I like the idea of a variable leg spread but dislike the spread available on at two or so click stops.
Bob

 

[Jorge]

I have the 1548, I put everything on it from 4x5 to 12x20, with the 1570 Head it is an unbeateable combination. Light, strong and "cool". Gotta remember even if you are loosing you gottal look good...

 

[Thilo Schmid]

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bmoulton @ Dec 15 2002, 05:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Help needed! I'm searching for a new tripod to use with an Arca-Swiss F Line Field camera with lenses up to 300 mm.
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Bob,

I can recommend a G1348 from first hand experience. Equipped with a Monoball B1, it would be the perfect tool for your Arca F. I originally bought the G1349, but removed the center column after I found that I didn't need it and that it is much more stable without it. Since the View Camera is relatively high, the leverage onto the head and its mount is much higher than with a medium or 35mm camera. Tiny movements or bends do have a visible impact on the ground glass. But a G1348 with a B1 is a secure mount and is still portable.

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bmoulton @ Dec 15 2002, 05:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>I like the idea of a variable leg spread but dislike the spread available on at two or so click stops.
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You must look at the leg spread in the context of the leg length. Any combination is possible. I cannot imagine a situation where the Gitzo could be insufficient.

 

[Steve Hamley]

Ditto Thilo's recommendation for the 1348. Add the center column only if you need to tilt the camera up or down sharply. I find the 1348 stiffer than my monster 9 foot 1504, which I use to get above roadside brush. The longer leg locks make the CFs stiffer, I think.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

No comments on legsets, but I also have the G1570M head and think it's great for view camera use (3-way pan-tilt, low profile, magnesium head). Very solid and lightweight for its size. For a 4x5 or 5x7 camera you could use the next size down (G1370M, if I'm not mistaken).

 

[EDC]

I like the G1325. It only has 6 leg locks to deal with instead of the 9 on the G1348. The G1325 is 58.7" fully extended, 7" shorter than the G1348. The G1325 is also 2" longer folded up. It's tall enough for me, I'm 5'10". But if you're real tall you might want the 4 leg G1348. I also use the G1370M which I find easy to use and stable. I'm really very happy with this setup.

 

[paul owen]

I use a 1348 with the 1370 magnesium head. A great combination and it always surprises me just how stable it is, even when fully extended!

 

[Thilo Schmid]

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (tschmid @ Dec 15 2002, 01:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>I originally bought the G1349, but removed the center column after I found that I didn't need it and that it is much more stable without it.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Let me add one thing: The center colum of the 1349 has a hook on its other end. You can hang your bag/backpack on it (I have modified my PhotoTrekker such that I can open it while it hangs on the hook). This adds more weight and stability to the tripod and keeps your bag away from the mud.

After I removed the center column, I missed the hook. Fortunately, the hook was removable and could be screwed upside down into the mounting hole of the head. Since I never use the single central mounting thread for my heads (I always let them custom mount with at least three excentric screws), this thread was still unoccupied. Additionally, I had to modify my PhotoTrekker mounting, because there was not enough space between the legs that high. It's perfect now and I can highly recommend it.

You should be able to get a sole hook as a spare part from Gitzo. For the PhotoTrekker, you'll need a ring with three cords attached. One goes round the carrying handle the other two go through the small loops at the front bottom corners. Balance the whole construction with all your usual equipment except the camera in the backpack. If the backpack happens to start rocking in the wind, you can usually block it with one of your legs and it will be more stable in the wind than without the additional load.