Question about a Gitzo CF Tripod

[kash80]

I am looking to pick up a used Gitzo GT-2531 CF tripod (Link). Looking up the description on B&H, it says it can support up to 26.4lbs and is recommended for lenses up to 200mm. I was looking at the combined weight of my R6M2 & RF100-500, which comes to approximately 5lbs. Even after adding a good tripod head, the total weight will be less than what this tripod can support. Any issues of picking up this tripod for my setup?

 

[West Coast Birder]

The payload capacity listed by the tripod manufacturer is a bit of a meaningless number because there is no standard that is consistent across manufacturers. So, while a higher number is better, the absolute number relative to what your camera + lens actually weighs has no intrinsic value. Looking at the link you have posted, this is a tripod with a center column. Do you have to have a center column? It is probably the weakest link of any tripod setup, along with the quality of the ball head. I always prefer tripods without a center column, but then again, I am only 5'6" tall, so I don't really need the extra height that a center column provides.

 

[kash80]

The payload capacity listed by the tripod manufacturer is a bit of a meaningless number because there is no standard that is consistent across manufacturers. So, while a higher number is better, the absolute number relative to what your camera + lens actually weighs has no intrinsic value. Looking at the link you have posted, this is a tripod with a center column. Do you have to have a center column? It is probably the weakest link of any tripod setup, along with the quality of the ball head. I always prefer tripods without a center column, but then again, I am only 5'6" tall, so I don't really need the extra height that a center column provides.

I do need a center column if going with this tripod, as I am 6' tall and this tripod goes to 54" without the center column extended. The center column gives me the additional height without having to kill my back

 

[West Coast Birder]

I think carbon fiber is good because it is stiffer and better at suppressing vibrations. Does it have a hook at the bottom of the center column, or the ability add one? You can hang a bag with a weight (or a rock) in it to add extra stability.

I don't have personal experience with the Gitzo you have listed (I have an older GT3530S that I purchased used as well, several years ago) but it looks reasonable. Make sure you get a good ball head as it is the second weak point in the chain. My GT3530S also has the carbon 6X process that your link listed and I have been happy with the stiffness.

 

[kash80]

I think carbon fiber is good because it is stiffer and better at suppressing vibrations. Does it have a hook at the bottom of the center column, or the ability add one? You can hang a bag with a weight (or a rock) in it to add extra stability.

I don't have personal experience with the Gitzo you have listed (I have an older GT3530S that I purchased used as well, several years ago) but it looks reasonable. Make sure you get a good ball head as it is the second weak point in the chain. My GT3530S also has the carbon 6X process that your link listed and I have been happy with the stiffness.

Appreciate the input.

OT - Based on the location in your profile, hope you aren't impacted by the crazy wildfires around LA.

 

[West Coast Birder]

Appreciate the input.

OT - Based on the location in your profile, hope you aren't impacted by the crazy wildfires around LA.

Thanks! We are ok here. We are pretty far away from LA. But things are bad over there. Really feel for the folks who have lost their homes and everything they have.

 

[Wilt]

A couple of comments...
Ignore the 26 lb. rating, as there is no uniformly measured standard for weight bearing capacity
You can reasonably accept Gitzo rating for FL, as it is indicative for their assessment of the rigidity of their tripod being acceptable for 35mm cameras with that FL

This indicates how ridiculous a weight bearing claim is, illustrated by Lester Bogen in a Bogen tripd ad many decades ago...

...obviously Bogen never advertised an ability for their tripod to support 150-200 lbs., yet it clearly could.

 

[Nature's Spectrum]

You should be fine with a 2 series. I know the tripod is shorter and you may need to use the center column some. Gitzo are very sturdy. I have a 2 series as well (for hiking g) and wouldn't hesitate to use it if my 3 series wasn't available.

 

[Stinger]

I have a similar tripod in this range, paired with a Markins M20 ballhead. I've had it for years, originally I bought it without the centre column but I added that later, and it's actually really handy, just because you have it doesn't mean you need to use it... but I never take it off, makes adjusting the height precisely way way quicker (besides the obvious additional height).

I've had all sorts of gear on the tripod over the years and never had to worry... if anything it's overkill, but given that it's CF it's really light so apart from the cost there's really no drawback.

 

[Wilt]

One additional comment: Look for the BEST camera position for every shot...just because you are 6' tall does not make THAT the best point of view!
(Remember that lots of folks do not see every day from your lofty position...the median height for women is only 5' 3.5")

 

[ShipleyNW]

I have a GT-2541, same as the one you're looking at except with 4 leg sections instead of 3. Has the center column too. It's an older set of sticks, but it's a rock. Can't go wrong with a Gitzo. It's my main tripod. I bought mine used as well. A 2-series probably isn't the best for something like a 600/4, but it'll handle that 100-500 and a body no problem.

 

[kash80]

I have a GT-2541, same as the one you're looking at except with 4 leg sections instead of 3. Has the center column too. It's an older set of sticks, but it's a rock. Can't go wrong with a Gitzo. It's my main tripod. I bought mine used as well. A 2-series probably isn't the best for something like a 600/4, but it'll handle that 100-500 and a body no problem.

Thanks for the feedback. Is the 4 section just an older version?

 

[kash80]

One additional comment: Look for the BEST camera position for every shot...just because you are 6' tall does not make THAT the best point of view!
(Remember that lots of folks do not see every day from your lofty position...the median height for women is only 5' 3.5")

Agreed! I am looking to get into portrait photography, so looking for a tripod that doesn't make me hunch over too much.

 

[ShipleyNW]

Thanks for the feedback. Is the 4 section just an older version?

I don't know for sure, but I think the 2531 and the 2541 were available at the same time. The '3' is probably a little more stable, the '4' a little more compact.

 

[Nature's Spectrum]

I don't know for sure, but I think the 2531 and the 2541 were available at the same time. The '3' is probably a little more stable, the '4' a little more compact.

Yeah that's the way it's supposed to work. I have the 4 section as well. Great for hiking with an arca p0 head.

 

[West Coast Birder]

One thing to consider is collapsed length. A four section may have a better chance of fitting into a carry-on than a three section. At any rate, if that is of importance to you, make sure you verify the collapsed length.

 

[Wilt]

More sections means that the fourth section has smaller cross section, so less rigid inherently...price paid for more compactness in length. And if you buy with center column, you can always remove it and put on a top plate to mount the head directly.

 

[ShipleyNW]

More sections means that the fourth section has smaller cross section, so less rigid inherently...price paid for more compactness in length. And if you buy with center column, you can always remove it and put on a top plate to mount the head directly.

Yep. On mine, that 4th section is about the width of my index finger. If I can sacrifice any height, I take it from that bottom section.