Gitzo or RRS Tripod/Head or mix of Both

[Jase]

I'm really fed up with my Monfrotto tripod with the lever style locks for the legs, after using my Gitzo Traveller on holiday its just so much easier with the twist locks.

I do however need a more heavy duty Tripod for landcscape stuff etc and also decided that I want a RRS BH-55 ball head to replace my arca swiss.

I can't however decide on a Tripod, I'm looking at either the Gitzo Systematic range or the RRS series 3.

Any recommendations? also opinions on either 3 or 4 section versions.

 

[Kodiak Qc]

Any recommendations? also opinions on either 3 or 4 section versions.

•


I can afford anything I want… but I purchase only the things I need!
Gitzo and RRS and others were on my "to investigate and compare"
list before I made a decision… they were not the winners. They both
offer cool features and great quality but the price is out of proportions.

New solutions appeared on the market and these are shuffling things
up a bit. Explore!

If your not on a long journey with backpack, go for 3 segment CF legs
with a min. of 35mm ∅. I stopped my choice on 2x Feisol top of the line
at 37mm ∅, 3 segment legs tripod and I got their 70mm ball head & column
for one and the other (for the gimbal) with neveling base without column.

The decision power is yours as long as the money is in your pocket!

 

[Jase]

•


I can afford anything I want… but I purchase only the things I need!
Gitzo and RRS and others were on my "to investigate and compare"
list before I made a decision… they were not the winners. They both
offer cool features and great quality but the price is out of proportions.

New solutions appeared on the market and these are shuffling things
up a bit. Explore!

If your not on a long journey with backpack, go for 3 segment CF legs
with a min. of 35mm ∅. I stopped my choice on 2x Feisol top of the line
at 37mm ∅, 3 segment legs tripod and I got their 70mm ball head & column
for one and the other (for the gimbal) with neveling base without column.

The decision power is yours as long as the money is in your pocket!

Interesting, why didn't the RRS and Gitzo make the choice, purely value for money?

Before I purchased my Gitzo Traveller I went to the shop with the intention of buying a Sirui CF tripod that I was told was excellent value and comparable to the Gitzo.. it wasn't so I spent the extra on the Gitzo.

Gitzo have an offer on at the moment which is saving a good £150 on the Systematic series so it brings the price down a fair bit.

 

[Kodiak Qc]

why didn't the RRS and Gitzo make the choice, purely value for money?

Yes, mainly.
…but just under, in second place, the relation between the
asked price and the offered solution and system…
and I don't look back for sure after 2 years.

I went to the shop with the intention of buying a Sirui CF tripod

Sirui was a solution that was not considered either nor would
I recommend all of the Feiso's as only the CNC'ed plateaus are
recommendable… CF is just one feature.

You got the right camera and lenses, and the right computer too,
I trust you will take the right decision, Jason.

 

[choppie]

When I was looking RRS were just too expensive and hard to find http://www.cameranu.nl/en/p629785/really-right-stuff-tvc-34l-versa-series-3-statief. So went for a gitzo 3542ls, can't complain so far but not really used it as much as I should.

 

[PorcupineFloyd]

Purely in terms of the design and quality of engineering RRS has it in my opinion, using machined as opposed to cast components just for starters.

However if you are UK based I would probably go with a Gitzo as dealing with RRS for something as heavy and bulky as a tripod could be overly expensive in my experience. Also you can get decent deals on Gitzo stuff now and then (as you mentioned) which does make the difference.

The 3 vs 4 section decision I view as a very personal choice really. It can actually be influenced by so many things, from the weight of the kit you want it to support to how much "hillside" photography you do.

Personally I use a Gitzo GT3542LS with RRS leveling base, BH-55, PG-02 and other RRS bits and pieces. They genuinely make a superb package, everything works perfectly, they are certainly not cheap but as long term investment I feel it's worth it.

The BH-55 is a great head, in an ideal world I wouldn't mind an Arca C1 for landscape stuff though

 

[Chris_911]

I have an RRS BH-55 tripod head which I use on a Gitzo tripod. TBH I would not recommend the head for two reasons.

Firstly I have had two of the QR plates fail in exactly the same way - both have lost their ability to clamp a lens or camera plate. The first replacement lasted only a few cycles before failure.

I find the head just has too much stiction, even with the controls backed right off. I simply cannot move the ball a small amount - in applying the force to overcome the stiction it invariably overshoots the position I want it in. Very frustrating.

At about the same time I bought the RRS I bought a Markins to go on my travel tripod. OK the ball is much smaller than the RRS but it's a joy to use in comparison.

Just my 2p.

 

[Jase]

I have an RRS BH-55 tripod head which I use on a Gitzo tripod. TBH I would not recommend the head for two reasons.

Firstly I have had two of the QR plates fail in exactly the same way - both have lost their ability to clamp a lens or camera plate. The first replacement lasted only a few cycles before failure.

I find the head just has too much stiction, even with the controls backed right off. I simply cannot move the ball a small amount - in applying the force to overcome the stiction it invariably overshoots the position I want it in. Very frustrating.

At about the same time I bought the RRS I bought a Markins to go on my travel tripod. OK the ball is much smaller than the RRS but it's a joy to use in comparison.

Just my 2p.

That's really interesting as I heard the BH-55 was one of the best head out there... I'll have to do some research to see if this is a problem.. Also I think if it is that twitchy it would drive me mad. I have and Arca-Swiss Monorail Z1 at the moment which is silku smooth but I'm not over keen on the release leaver.

Purely in terms of the design and quality of engineering RRS has it in my opinion, using machined as opposed to cast components just for starters.

However if you are UK based I would probably go with a Gitzo as dealing with RRS for something as heavy and bulky as a tripod could be overly expensive in my experience. Also you can get decent deals on Gitzo stuff now and then (as you mentioned) which does make the difference.

The 3 vs 4 section decision I view as a very personal choice really. It can actually be influenced by so many things, from the weight of the kit you want it to support to how much "hillside" photography you do.

Personally I use a Gitzo GT3542LS with RRS leveling base, BH-55, PG-02 and other RRS bits and pieces. They genuinely make a superb package, everything works perfectly, they are certainly not cheap but as long term investment I feel it's worth it.

The BH-55 is a great head, in an ideal world I wouldn't mind an Arca C1 for landscape stuff though

Thanks for this, it's kind if the setup I was think about but maybe the 4 series to grow into how do you find the BH-55?

 

[Chris_911]

Jason my RRS is now about 8 years old but is well-looked after and not that heavily used. There may be design changes since I bought mine that make a difference or mine may be the exception.

RRS kit is very expensive and my experience suggests the quality doesn't match the price, especially in respect of the two B2 AS II clamps I have had fail.

 

[Mitzyboy]

I'm off to Iceland later in the year and wanted a light weight but sturdy tripod. I ended up buying a Manfrotto Carbon Fibre MKBFRC4 at the photography show. Its light at 1.1 kg, ball head, takes 4 kgs, only 41 cms when folded and extends to 142 cms. Only thing I'd say is no hook for added weight, but its sturdy enough for landscape photography. Mind you, I could be dealing with all sorts of wind and weather in Iceland

It's not a cheap tripod though at £180, and does have those lever style (adjustable) locks you dont like

 

[Jase]

I'm off to Iceland later in the year and wanted a light weight but sturdy tripod. I ended up buying a Manfrotto Carbon Fibre MKBFRC4 at the photography show. Its light at 1.1 kg, ball head, takes 4 kgs, only 41 cms when folded and extends to 142 cms. Only thing I'd say is no hook for added weight, but its sturdy enough for landscape photography. Mind you, I could be dealing with all sorts of wind and weather in Iceland

It's not a cheap tripod though at £180, and does have those lever style (adjustable) locks you dont like

I've just got back from Iceland and yes you will face all sorts of weather and the wind can be very strong.. almost hard to walk at times so you will need a very sturdy tripod. I took a Gitzo Traveller with me which did the job (just) and and it had a hook to add a sand bag but there were times I could not use it. When I go back next time during the Winter months I'll bring a bigger tripod with me. When are you going to Iceland? (you say later in the year) if it's in Winter I think you'll struggle with that tripod as it really isn't that sturdy (unless you luck out with the weather), it's certainly not a tripod I would use there, sorry

If you have a bigger tripod take that and put it in the hold luggage.

 

[PorcupineFloyd]

Thanks for this, it's kind if the setup I was think about but maybe the 4 series to grow into how do you find the BH-55?

Well I've used the BH-55 for over 3 years now and it's worked well for me. As for the quick release clamp mechanisms; I can stick a camera plate in the clamp, hold it up by that (tripod and all) and shake it extremely hard, it's as ridged and robust as anything, it feels like one whole chunk of metal (not that I advise anyone doing that at all).

I will say that the quick release clamp on my PG-02 had an issue when I got it, in that it wouldn't clamp securely (I believe it was missing a washer/spacer on the shaft that the jaw travels on) but after RRS sent a replacement clamp it's been fine. I trust my Canon 500 F4 II mounted sideways on it all the time if that's any testament *shrugs*.

In terms of the usability of the BH-55 these would be my thoughts:

Overall it's not quite as smooth and fluid as the Markins head I tried, but I don't find that a problem personally, I don't find it jolting/overshooting at all. I would also say that it's got smoother over time as it's "worn in". Unfortunately I haven't tried an Arca Z1 so I cannot offer a comparison.

If anything I find the slight lack of smoothness only noticeable under lighter loads anyway, with light loads like one of my rangefinders it's a bit harder to find a sweet spot for the drag setting (I found adding a bit of main lock helps), but with my gripped 5DIII + 16-35 it's very pleasant to work with. The BH-55 is definitely designed with heavier loads in mind and with that comes some compromise I guess.

Ergonomically I find the BH-55 is particularly nice, the placement of the drop slots and controls work really well.

On the tripod: as with the sections, deciding on the series depends on what you want to do with it. I find my 3542LS just comfortable for supporting the Canon 500 F4 II (on the RRS PG-02) but anything heavier/bigger and I'd want more rigidity. A 4 series might mean I end up taking the tripod out less when lighter kit is all that's required, whereas with the 3 series it's that bit less of an imposition - but that's just me . Also I don't particularly fancy the slippery slope of having a tripod for every occasion haha .

RRS kit is very expensive and my experience suggests the quality doesn't match the price, especially in respect of the two B2 AS II clamps I have had fail.

Do you know what particular element of them failed Chris? It certainly sounds like something for me to watch out for. Thanks.

 

[Jase]

Well I've used the BH-55 for over 3 years now and it's worked well for me. As for the quick release clamp mechanisms; I can stick a camera plate in the clamp, hold it up by that (tripod and all) and shake it extremely hard, it's as ridged and robust as anything, it feels like one whole chunk of metal (not that I advise anyone doing that at all).

I will say that the quick release clamp on my PG-02 had an issue when I got it, in that it wouldn't clamp securely (I believe it was missing a washer/spacer on the shaft that the jaw travels on) but after RRS sent a replacement clamp it's been fine. I trust my Canon 500 F4 II mounted sideways on it all the time if that's any testament *shrugs*.

In terms of the usability of the BH-55 these would be my thoughts:

Overall it's not quite as smooth and fluid as the Markins head I tried, but I don't find that a problem personally, I don't find it jolting/overshooting at all. I would also say that it's got smoother over time as it's "worn in". Unfortunately I haven't tried an Arca Z1 so I cannot offer a comparison.

If anything I find the slight lack of smoothness only noticeable under lighter loads anyway, with light loads like one of my rangefinders it's a bit harder to find a sweet spot for the drag setting (I found adding a bit of main lock helps), but with my gripped 5DIII + 16-35 it's very pleasant to work with. The BH-55 is definitely designed with heavier loads in mind and with that comes some compromise I guess.

Ergonomically I find the BH-55 is particularly nice, the placement of the drop slots and controls work really well.

On the tripod: as with the sections, deciding on the series depends on what you want to do with it. I find my 3542LS just comfortable for supporting the Canon 500 F4 II (on the RRS PG-02) but anything heavier/bigger and I'd want more rigidity. A 4 series might mean I end up taking the tripod out less when lighter kit is all that's required, whereas with the 3 series it's that bit less of an imposition - but that's just me . Also I don't particularly fancy the slippery slope of having a tripod for every occasion haha .

Again many thanks for the reply. I'm going to my local(ish) camera shop on the weekend and will try out the Gitzo tripods as they have the series 3 and 4 in stock.. my guess is I will probably get one of those and then decide on the head. The Arca Swiss Z1 is a nice but my main complaint with it is the fiddly little safety mechanism on the quick release, in terms of smoothness its nice and holds in place with very little tightening. Maybe I'll try it on the new tripod as its that bit that I really dislike.

I'm happy to have 2 tripods as I really think a good travel tripod is essential but I only want 1 other tripod for everything else.

 

[Mitzyboy]

I've just got back from Iceland and yes you will face all sorts of weather and the wind can be very strong.. almost hard to walk at times so you will need a very sturdy tripod. I took a Gitzo Traveller with me which did the job (just) and and it had a hook to add a sand bag but there were times I could not use it. When I go back next time during the Winter months I'll bring a bigger tripod with me. When are you going to Iceland? (you say later in the year) if it's in Winter I think you'll struggle with that tripod as it really isn't that sturdy (unless you luck out with the weather), it's certainly not a tripod I would use there, sorry
If you have a bigger tripod take that and put it in the hold luggage.

Well .... I guess you have to work sometime on the advice and experience of people that live there ... which I have.
I'm going the last week of September. Weather is always changeable, but tends to get worse as October goes on. Expect anything I guess

Having used it I would say that it is sturdy in UK conditions. I was only taking cabin baggage when we booked, but now hold also so I may review plans

 

[Wissel]

I'd definitely look at the Feisol before buying.

I spent ages trying every tripod I could lay my hands on and was set on a Gitzo series 3 until I had a chance to try the Feisol. Great value and really sturdy (although not what I ended up with).

I

 

[Chris_911]

Do you know what particular element of them failed Chris? It certainly sounds like something for me to watch out for. Thanks.

No, unfortunately. The first one lasted a little while before it lost its ability to apply adequate clamping force. I returned it to RRS and they sent me a used but 'quality checked' replacement (I refused to pay for a new replacement). This failed in the same way after only a few cycles. This time they've sent me FOC what looks like a new one, without me returning the failed part. So I could investigate and see what's happened.

Externally the only difference I can see on the new one is a revised lever arm shape.

 

[nass]

I have RRS BH-55 ball head. Can't fault it in any way whatsoever other than the price which we always want to be cheaper. But you do get what you pay for

 

[Jase]

Well .... I guess you have to work sometime on the advice and experience of people that live there ... which I have.
I'm going the last week of September. Weather is always changeable, but tends to get worse as October goes on. Expect anything I guess

Having used it I would say that it is sturdy in UK conditions. I was only taking cabin baggage when we booked, but now hold also so I may review plans

One thing for sure is you'll love it, end of September will be around change of season so weather (as always) will be unpredictable. You shouldnt have to worry about the cold, it's not bad the only thing really is the wind (and rain) which can be rough. Luckily a lot of shots can be taken close to the road, on occasions when I wanted to take a shot but couldnt risk the camera out in the elements I'd park the 4x4 facing the win and open the boot and use that as a bit of shelter, worked a treat.

 

[Mitzyboy]

One thing for sure is you'll love it, end of September will be around change of season so weather (as always) will be unpredictable. You shouldnt have to worry about the cold, it's not bad the only thing really is the wind (and rain) which can be rough. Luckily a lot of shots can be taken close to the road, on occasions when I wanted to take a shot but couldnt risk the camera out in the elements I'd park the 4x4 facing the win and open the boot and use that as a bit of shelter, worked a treat.

I'm doing the whole Island circuit in 8/9 days on self drive. Should be interesting

 

[Jase]

ThoughtI'd update this, I ended up getting the Gitzo GT3542LS, I was able to try it at a local store and went for the 4 section as it suited me better (for size etc) yet was still very sturdy.

At the moment I'm using my Arca Swiss on it which fits fine. I used it last night and it was so much better than the Manfrotto thing I was using.

I will get the RRS head next month, I've spent far too much lately

 

[Nod]

Mind you, I WILL be dealing with all sorts of wind and weather in Iceland

FTFY!!! (Have a great time - we did last year.)