Another tripod thread - Gitzo GT3532LS Series 3 6X Systematic

[User.82148]

My best tripod is a Manfrotto 055, which is good but not perfect in that is it not always as stable as I would like.

Gitzo are probably the best but very expensive, I am tempted by the Gitzo GT3532LS Series 3 6X Systematic Tripod.

If I get one secondhand it will be for camera (DSLR and heavy lens) and also for a spotting scope..

Any good or do I need a more expensive version?

 

[sk66]

A Gitzo series 3 isn't really all that stable, but probably miles above the 055. There really isn't any tripod that I would consider "rock solid." I've sprung for the Gitzo 5 series and RRS tripods only to find they still wiggle in the wind and appropriate care/technique is still required in demanding situations.

 

[User.82148]

A Gitzo series 3 isn't really all that stable, but probably miles above the 055. There really isn't any tripod that I would consider "rock solid." I've sprung for the Gitzo 5 series and RRS tripods only to find they still wiggle in the wind and appropriate care/technique is still required in demanding situations.

Many thanks. If it is miles better it will probably suit me as I do not want to spend a fortune. Some people say they have a rock solid tripod but I have yet to be convinced.

 

[Kodiak Qc]

A Gitzo series 3 isn't really all that stable

The key thing is the Series 3 should not have more than 3 segments.
The fewer segments, the more stability!

 

[johnf3f]

By "Heavy Lens" do you mean something like a 500 F4 +? If so then the 3 series Gitzo tripods will do the job quite nicely.

I used to have the earlier GT3530LS and it worked just fine with my 600 F4 L IS and later 800 F5.6 L IS, with the newer and more rigid spider the GT3532LS should be slightly better but a bit heavier. I currently use the GT4542LS and it is only marginally better though heavier again. Even the "old" G1329 Mk2 does an excellent job with these lenses.

Naturally a 4 or 5 series would be better, but having tried them (+ own a 4 series) the improvements are marginal. If you are looking on the used market then any 3/4 or 5 series systematic will be fine - even tho old non ALR models are great. Stick to as few leg sections as practical - it helps rigidity and they are quicker to set up.

For scope use my GT3530LS offered the best combination of rigidity and light weight that I have (yet) found for my Kowa. My (current) 4 series is a little more rigid but abut 25% heavier.

Don't know where you live Archie but Gitzo tripods can be quite reasonable in the UK. I have had a number over the years, mostly bought new, and none have cost more than £400.

 

[rob-nikon]

I came from a manfrotto 055 carbon tripod to a Gitzo GT3542LS. Whilst it may not be the most stable of the Gitzo tripod family Ive found its night and day better than the manfrotto 055 I was using before that and plenty good enough for my needs. I have a 4 section tripod (that keeps the closed length down), the leg extensions are much more secure than the manfrotto 055. I’ve used it so far with a Nikon 200-400 f4, it’s taken that weight fine.

I first had the XLS version first, that meant I was only using the first 3 sections but had a 70cm closed length (plus head on top meant I was pushing 80-90cm). I sold the XLS on here to get the LS because of the shorter closed length. I was lucky to pick up the gitzo tripods when they were being sold off cheaper due to the new models coming out a year or so ago. I’ve not regretted getting the Gitzo GT3542LS for one moment. A 4 or 5 series may be more stable but you are paying for those extra (small) returns in extra weight, closed length and cost.

These are photos I took comparing the size of the manfrotto 055 and Gitzo GT3542XLS I first had.

All Photos-559 by -Rob - Nikon-

With only 3 sections of 4 extended on the XLS (roughly set at the same height as the LS can get)

All Photos-558 by -Rob - Nikon-

The LS will be a bit shorter in closed length and overall height because the XLS was a huge 2m open height (it nearly touched the celing). The build and leg diameters is much better on the Gitzo 3543LS and 3542XLS than the manfrotto 055.

 

[Canon Bob]

The key thing is the Series 3 should not have more than 3 segments.
The fewer segments, the more stability!

I'm inclined ro disagree on that point. I think a 4 segment (XLS version) is more more stable than a 3 segment if the 4 segment is set to the max height of the 3 segment....legs fully extended are not as stable as legs 3/4 extended.

Bob

 

[Kodiak Qc]

With only 3 sections of 4 extended on the XLS

An other point is to extend the legs using mainly / mostly
the fatter segments… equally if possible.

 

[sk66]

An other point is to extend the legs using mainly / mostly
the fatter segment… equally if possible.

Actually, the key is to not extend any leg segment completely if possible.
Most of the flex is in the leg joints, not the tubes. And if you can keep the ends of the tubes farther apart (not fully extended) there is more leverage/less play to stabilize the joints. That's part of the reason I prefer extra tall tripods for stability...

 

[Kodiak Qc]

the key is to not extend any leg segment completely if possible.

That's what I thought I said…

extend the legs using mainly / mostly
the fatter segments… equally if possible.

 

[User.82148]

By "Heavy Lens" do you mean something like a 500 F4 +? If so then the 3 series Gitzo tripods will do the job quite nicely.

Thanks.

500 f4, I wish!

My heaviest lenses are a Canon 300L and a Sigma 150-600 C, sometimes with a converter.

I have bought a used Gitzo GT3532 LS which I can always return if it doesn't suit.

 

[sk66]

That's what I thought I said…

​

I guess so if I read that as "extend them equally if possible and don't use the smallest tubes if they are not needed." But I read it a little differently, i.e. "avoid using the smallest tubes." The reality is that you will typically get more rigidity/stability by extending all of the tubes partially than you get by not extending the smallest tube at all (for same total height).

 

[sk66]

Thanks.

500 f4, I wish!

My heaviest lenses are a Canon 300L and a Sigma 150-600 C, sometimes with a converter.

I have bought a used Gitzo GT3532 LS which I can always return if it doesn't suit.

It should be more than adequate. One of my favorite tripods for long lens/action was a GT3541xls... I kind of regret selling that one and getting the RRS I use now.

 

[robinsslee]

Thanks.

500 f4, I wish!

My heaviest lenses are a Canon 300L and a Sigma 150-600 C, sometimes with a converter.

I have bought a used Gitzo GT3532 LS which I can always return if it doesn't suit.

I use 500mm and mounted on an old 2 series Gitzo 4 section tripod and it is stable. With your setup, I feel Gitzo 3-series is too much.

 

[User.82148]

From the comments above, the Gitzo beats the Manfrotto 055. Does this apply to all 055s? I found a video where Simon King mentions that he uses a Gitzo GT 2542LS when travelling light and a Manfrotto 055CX3 when weight is not an issue and needs better stability. Both tripods have since been updated.

For the price I paid for used GT 3532 LS, I could buy a new 055 CXPRO3 but I am not convinced it would be any better.

 

[User.82148]

I use 500mm and mounted on an old 2 series Gitzo 4 section tripod and it is stable. With your setup, I feel Gitzo 3-series is too much.

I prefer too much rather than too little. The spotting scope probably requires a sturdier tripod than the camera and lens.

I will find out soon.

 

[robinsslee]

I prefer too much rather than too little. The spotting scope probably requires a sturdier tripod than the camera and lens.

I will find out soon.

I have never seen people with Gitzo and spotting scope, alas, good luck.

 

[sk66]

where Simon King mentions that he uses a Gitzo GT 2542LS when travelling light and a Manfrotto 055CX3 when weight is not an issue and needs better stability.

I think he must be sponsored by Manfrotto... that statement makes no sense at all.
I wouldn't say "Gitzo beats the Manfrotto 055," but most Gitzo models do... TBH, I think there are a lot of tripod brands that compete quite favorably with Manfrottos. The same is less true for Gitzo... (there *are* quality competitors, but not a whole lot of money to be saved).

 

[johnf3f]

From the comments above, the Gitzo beats the Manfrotto 055. Does this apply to all 055s? I found a video where Simon King mentions that he uses a Gitzo GT 2542LS when travelling light and a Manfrotto 055CX3 when weight is not an issue and needs better stability. Both tripods have since been updated.

For the price I paid for used GT 3532 LS, I could buy a new 055 CXPRO3 but I am not convinced it would be any better.

I used to have a Manfrotto 055 and it barely equals a Gitzo 1 series let alone my 2 series (GT2531)! Except for their big studio tripods there is nothing in the Manfrotto range that equals a Gitzo that is one (maybe two) sizes smaller - but then they are MUCH cheaper so that is only fair.

As to your GT3532LS? You will be delighted, pure and simple. Whilst your gear is light you are still going to 600mm so a top quality tripod is still needed and you have bought one of, if not the, best in my experience - enjoy it