Gitzo GT3540XLS/GT3530LSV tripods.

[Messiah Khan]

Does anyone have either of these tripods? Im considering a new set of legs as my Manfrotto 190X ProB ones arn't stiff enough when using my 300mm f2.8 with a Gimbal head. They're also not quite tall enough, meaning I have to extend the centre column, reducing stability further.

So now im after some tip top legs without a centre column. I think ive narrowed it down to the Gitzo GT3540XLS or Gitzo GT3530LSV. Im just shy of 6'2", so I want to be able to have it at least eye level, but I also want the minimum amount of leg sections possible to make setting up as quick as possible. So anyone got any words of advice, reccomendations or pictures (I like pictures.)

 

[wez130]

dunno about them particular models but i'm still chuffed with my gitzo, great build quality and looks sexy haha

 

[Messiah Khan]

dunno about them particular models but i'm still chuffed with my gitzo, great build quality and looks sexy haha

Yeah, I know most if not all Gitzos are great quality. Today really showed up the need for a better one as I was shooting birds in really poor light, having to use the centre column to get the height needed. Quite a few shots suffer from slight camera shake on the gimbal head.

 

[madmitch]

I got the 3540L a short while ago, i'm 5-101/2 and i don't use it fully extended, it has a centre column which is removable for low level work which is gathering dust in the cupboard it's a 4 section tripod which is very quick to set up and very solid.
I took it for a 2 mile walk today set it up once and carried it that way only altering it once for the hide window.
Don't forget if you set it up at eye level and have to shoot down you will end up on tiptoes with longer lenses.

 

[grumpybadger]

I have a 3540LSV and very happy with it. Holds a 500 with gimbal and 1D fine. I'm 5'9" and it is too tall for me when fully extended.

It's the most stable tripod I've ever used.