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HoppyUK
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Gitzo half price bargain
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tijuana taxi
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Possibly, in theory. But that's never stopped me
Me neither, do love a bit of diy modification, just that some people worry about such things
sk66
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Well, take care to bevel the edges... you don't want sharp edges cutting the anchor loops (there will be very sharp edges left after drilling).
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HoppyUK
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sk66
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I thought twice before drilling a hole into a $600 CF lens hood... but I still did it.
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HoppyUK
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On second thoughts, on the ballast hook end, all you have to do is unscrew it, loop the Anchor over the bolt, and screw it back in! Doh
Those Peak Design Anchors are well handy 
sk66
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Seems like one heck of a strap for carrying a tripod around...On second thoughts, on the ballast hook end, all you have to do is unscrew it, loop the Anchor over the bolt, and screw it back in! Doh
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HoppyUK
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It's the Peak Design Leash, not the comfy but bulky Slide. The Leash is very slim and minimalist. I have two, used with or without a nice Billingham shoulder pad as necessary
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HoppyUK
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It's the Peak Design Leash, not the comfy but bulky Slide. The Leash is very slim and minimalist. I have two, used with or without a nice Billingham shoulder pad as necessary
Hole now drilled and duly beveled. Sorted, v neat solution
If anyone's interested, the shoulder pad I use with the PD Leash is this SP10 from Billingham https://www.billingham.co.uk/accessories/sp10.html It's comfy and just the right width for the Leash, very grippy and the strap slides through it a treat. Then it unclips in a second and stores flat in the bag. Not a cheap combo though unfortunately.
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HoppyUK
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I've made a few tweaks, and slackened the leg lever locks just a smidge - takes a few seconds with the little adjustment too supplied. They're set quite stiff from the factory, presumably because they'll settle a bit after first use, but they don't need to be very tight - in use, the tripod takes very little stress in that dimension so I can now just flick them out with firm thumb pressure.
I've also put some tiny stickers the leg pivots as an easy reference for setting the tripod up square on a flat surface. There are marks actually cast into the metal for this, but they're extremely hard to see. Also, I prefer a slightly wider and more stable leg angle than the standard 23 degrees so the stickers are set at around 25 degrees. And a couple of sticky Velcro pads to attach remote release etc.
I'm also thinking of drilling a couple of tiny holes to attach a Peak Design strap, one on the lip of the camera platform and another on the edge of the screw-in ballast hook. About 4mm is all you need to slip their little Anchors through for a very neat and easy solution
I should have said, 'in normal use, the tripod takes very little stress in that dimension' - as things are rather different when you've got the legs splayed out wide. Even then, the locks don't need too much tension but best to check that and keep the adjustment tool handy and clipped to one of the legs until everything's settled down.
sk66
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I think the lever lock leg angle adjustment is both the Explorer's biggest advantage and biggest disadvantage...
The unlimited adjustment makes it very versatile but also a bit quirky, kind of like Benbos... either you love them or you hate them. (personally, I kind of hate all tripods; and Benbos a bit more than the rest).
They also require quite a bit of clamping force in some situations, the short/low leverage clamps are more difficult and more likely to bite you than the type used on Benbos. Reducing the clamping force should make it easier to use and less likely to pinch.
I do like the increased versatility of these types of designs, that's why I own/use a Benbo even though I don't quite get along w/ it... But I don't really think anyone needs completely unrestricted positioning.
sk66
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But isn't that kind of the point? You don't need a tripod with unrestricted leg positioning and a boom column for "normal use"... you buy them because they can do things "normal" tripods can't do and that's what you want to use them for.
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HoppyUK
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Hence my amendment
But you still don't need the locks to be as tight as they come from the factory.
Bebop
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I tried mine for the first time yesterday for macro use. I was really pleased with it - so easy to set up for low positioning!! The only down side was that when I got back to the car one of the feet had come off 
I've emailed Gitzo so hopefully I can get a replacement. They unscrew and I hadn't thought to check they were tight. I'd left the legs as short as possible when out.
I've emailed Gitzo so hopefully I can get a replacement. They unscrew and I hadn't thought to check they were tight. I'd left the legs as short as possible when out.
sk66
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Do you *have to* clamp them down completely?Hence my amendment
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HoppyUK
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A lot of the time, at normal kinds of leg angle, you don't actually - the tripod will stand quite solidly without locking. Though I have to say, for an actual exposure I'd clamp them down* - they just snap shut, a bit like Manfrotto lever leg-locks in that sense. At flatter leg angles, the legs need locking for sure to stop the thing collapsing like a dead octopus.
*Edit: I can't feel any movement in the leg as it's locked down. Zero, nil. Thankfully - that would be a PITA.
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tijuana taxi
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I tried mine for the first time yesterday for macro use. I was really pleased with it - so easy to set up for low positioning!! The only down side was that when I got back to the car one of the feet had come off
They are buggers for doing that and no joke at twenty quid a set for replacements, newer ones come with a washer which helps a bit
I buy walking stick ends from the hardware shop, fifty pence each, they push on over the existing feet and help keep them in situ whilst protecting them too
jerry12953
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jerry12953
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Funnily enough since typing that a few minutes ago, mine has just arrived. Excellent service from Gitzo.
the tracking number is completely different to the one they sent me.
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Yes. Not sure exactly when but Mrs Nod reckons it was somewhere between 09:00 and 09:30. Long square box containing a slightly smaller (but significantly sturdier!) box containing a tripod (with loads of room to rattle around.) Just registered it for the extra 5 years warranty - hopefully never needed but at the thick end of £300, a nice thing to have!
Seems good and sturdy - about the same as my 3 section CF Manfrotto 190 X-Pro. Can't widen the stance with the leg clamps done up but with firm pressure can push them back towards the centre. Bubble level on the centre column clamp is handy. Just need to dig out a head for it now!
jerry12953
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I'm not sure it is designed so that you can widen the legs without opening the clamps. It is reassuring how firm all the clamps etc are on this new tripod. It makes me realise how worn my 2531EX has become.
I tried my OTHER new toy out on the 2531 over the weekend - an Acratech GPss head - and I'm sure that and the 2541 together will be a great set-up. I was very pleasantly surprised at how well the GPss functions as a Gimbal.
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Hopefully it's designed so you CAN'T widen the stance without releasing the clamps! Could be quite handy if it's possible to close them without using too much force - I'll have to read the manual and see if it's a feature or verboten!!!
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When I first tried the 2531 out at Focus I was surprised at how easily the legs could be moved without releasing the clamps. IIRC the legs on the one i actually purchased were much tighter. I think it may be a matter of personal taste, and of how worn the mechanism has become . You can always adjust them anyway, as Hoppy has described.
sk66
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Too much clamping force will only result in premature wear, and possibly even damage. It will not increase the rigidity/stability beyond a certain point... I would suggest adjusting them so that you have "enough plus a touch" for the gear you're putting on it. You should also expect it to "wear in" with use and require occasional adjustment.
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Bebop
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Interesting tip! I will certainly make sure they are screwed up tightly from now on.
I didn't get an email with the link for the extended warranty. Nor any auto response, or response today from my email ( although it is only the first working day of the week)... so I have made some phone calls - took me a while to get the right number, and they are going to send me a replacement foot which I'm very happy about.
Now for a head... Acratech GPss or Arca Swiss Monoball P0 which is cheaper.... but there are so many options... fliplock, classic, monoball fix...
jerry12953
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https://www.bobrigby.com/acratech/item/acratech_gpss_ballhead_standard_clamp_1185
Say no more.........
First impressions have been very favourable.
Say no more.........
First impressions have been very favourable.
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sk66
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Personally, I'd get the P-0 w/o clamp and attach a standard arca swiss clamp instead.
If muck/mud/sand are frequent, then the Acratech would be my choice. Add a side-kick for any semi-serious "gimbal" use with either of them.
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The label tied around the tripod has the link and instructions on how to use the QR code on the box or a link to register the thing and extend its warranty.
Bebop
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The QR code just took me to the product page. I have managed it now by going to the manfrotto.co.uk page and clicking on warranty terms and conditions - having completed the form, it made me register and I ended up having to enter everything again
...I got there in the end. Hmm I live near the beach, but I'm usually pretty careful with my gear. I could do with seeing these heads in the flesh. I'm a bit confused about the clamps and if I get a plate to attach the camera, will it fit any of these heads? There seem to be two sizes in the Arca heads.
sk66
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If you get a standard type Arca swiss clamp with knob tensioning (or adjustable lever type) it will work with any arca swiss plate... It's kind of funny that Arca Swiss's clamps aren't really all that "arca swiss compatible." Arca Swiss makes pretty amazing products, but I don't like any of their clamps. The classic and flip-lock will work with regular arca swiss type plates, but they're stepped to also accept their own form factor which makes them fiddly/annoying IMO. The slidefix requires dedicated plates.
These two clamps would be a nice match for the P0 (which is 60mm diameter):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT...828215?hash=item4d5522d637:g:I3IAAOxyVaBS1EgQ
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FotoPanda...166644?hash=item3f619619f4:g:5VsAAOxyHE5Rpy2Q
I happen to like Acratech quite a lot, but I would be using a tripod like this primarily to get into odd positions for macro/closeup type work and their heads shift laterally pretty notably when tightening.
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sk66
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I use blue or green loc-tite... On all of my tripods yo have to remove the ball feet and install the spikes if you want to use them, but I never do. Does anyone use spiked feet? I find they just help the legs sink easier...
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HoppyUK
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You're near one of the few places where you can get to try Arca-Swiss heads - Robert White in Poole. Another is WEX in Norwich. Phone ahead to makes sure they've got a demonstrator on hand. If the head is brand new and you want to avoid leaving any marks, line the clamp with a slip of paper and the base too - it's the only way and doesn't affect performance.
Arca-Swiss P0 is my choice. Acratechs are very nice indeed, but do suffer a tiny shift of position on lock-down, as Steven says. Acratech clamps are my favourites - light, with a fast locking thread, and a nice rubberised triangular-shaped knob. And Arca-Swiss clamps, as actually made by them, are my least favourite ironically - agree with Steven. I replaced mine with this excellent cheapy, with fast thread lock too https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00N5HHRO2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I don't like lever-clamps, none of them, and they're not the perfect solution they might appear to be. Obviously some people like them though.
Other top grade ball heads I can vouch for (though there are plenty I haven't tried) include Arca-Swiss Z1 (The King, bit heavy), Markins Q3i (light), Manfrotto 468 (bargain, bit heavy), SunwayFoto DB44 (silky, bargain), Feisol CB-40 (bargain). Personally, I still prefer the A-S P0 over any of those - if you can sort the clamp out, performance is pretty much faultless and the unusual design has some real advantages, but be aware that it really needs to be used with an L-bracket for verticals. Edit: not forgetting the new Gitzo Centre Ball heads of course (at last Gitzo has made some really good heads, with Arca-Swiss clamps!). All excellent in their respective class, though the mid-sized GT-1382QD is probably the pick for performance/weight.
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The QR code just took me to the product page. I have managed it now by going to the manfrotto.co.uk page and clicking on warranty terms and conditions - having completed the form, it made me register and I ended up having to enter everything again
I CBA with the QR code and hate typing on my phone so went through the website. Only had to enter the info once though. A bit of a PITA but worth it for the extra 5 years IMO.
Ordered a Manfrotto 496 RC2 ball head. Should be man enough for the relatively light (Fuji X series) kit it'll be used under and was on clearance from SRS for £47.98 delivered. Stupid thing is that I think I've got one lying around somewhere but the tidying fairy has hidden it!
Bebop
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@Nod we're having some building work done at the moment, so I am in need of a tidying fairy if you have one spare - everything is in the wrong place, including the furniture and our bed!
@HoppyUK @sk66 Thank you so much for all the info. I'm leaning towards the Arca P0. I will mainly be using it for macro, but also some landscape.
It'll be over £50 on the ferry to Poole, so I might try and combine it with a trip to get some photos when I get chance, but it would be great to get my hands on them.
@HoppyUK @sk66 Thank you so much for all the info. I'm leaning towards the Arca P0. I will mainly be using it for macro, but also some landscape.
It'll be over £50 on the ferry to Poole, so I might try and combine it with a trip to get some photos when I get chance, but it would be great to get my hands on them.
johnf3f
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On two of my Gitzo tripods I have spiked feet, but there are rubber caps to go over them for normal use. This makes changing feet easy.
Are spiked useful? Definitely! A few years ago I was photographing Sgwd Gwladys (don't you love Welsh spelling!) when it was frozen. I decided that it was a bit bright for the shutter speed that I wanted so dug out my filters - only to find my tripod and gear gently wandering off across the frozen plunge pool towards the waterfall! They are also good on rocky river beds and slippery rocks.
I don't use spiked feet often - but they can be very handy now and again.
As to Gitzo feet "coming off"? I have no idea! When I got my first Gitzo (3530LS) I, naturally, pulled it to bits to see how everything worked. Put it all back together and, about 8 years later, I had to work hard to get the feet off when I bought spiked feet! I bought my Gitzo GT2531 in 2007/8 and didn't touch/check the feet until 2015 when I put spikes on it. On my GT 3320BS (late 2008) I have still to check the feet..............