Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: JamesJetel on October 29, 2014, 03:57:46 pm

Title: Two Giants: Gitzo GT5562GTS vs Gitzo GT5560SGT
Post by: JamesJetel on October 29, 2014, 03:57:46 pm

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone has had any experience with the two of these. I've compared the specs (New (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846221-REG/Gitzo_GT5562GTS_GT5562GTS_6x_6_SECTION_SYSTEMATIC.html) vs Old (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475961-REG/Gitzo_GT5560SGT_GT_5560SGT_Giant_Systematic_6X.html)) and it's clear that the newer version (5562GTS) has the better specs - it's really a matter of cost $1300 vs $800. Does anyone have any insight as to Gitzo's improvement over the last 5 years that would make the extra $500 worth it?

Thanks!
JJ

Title: Re: Two Giants: Gitzo GT5562GTS vs Gitzo GT5560SGT
Post by: michaelbiondo on October 29, 2014, 06:16:39 pm

I have the Gitzo Series 4 6X Systematic 5-Section Tripod (Giant) and love it. One does pay a premium for the brand but if you are lugging one around all day, every day then it is a no brainer. I am curious about the RRS tripods as I use a lot of their gear and it is top notch (although) I do wish that the would make a geared head.
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com
MB

Title: Re: Two Giants: Gitzo GT5562GTS vs Gitzo GT5560SGT
Post by: JamesJetel on October 30, 2014, 12:15:19 am

Good to hear you love the older model, I bit the bullet on it, a guy had one with a center column on FredMiranda for 800, it sounds like it may have been a decent choice. Especially if all I have is an Rm3di sitting on top on a 410 head.

The search for big sticks was prompted by a recent gig. Couldn't get a scissor lift or a Condor on site so naturally I had my tech cam Mafer'ed(with a plate and the 410) to a 12 ft ladder -  Then, so as not to shake during a 15s expo, I was standing on another ladder in the back of a truck bed triggering it.
I figured, maybe it's time to get some bigger legs.

The RRS looks great, specs are good, it's a more aesthetically appealing tripod in my opinion, but this deal seems to have won out. Speaking of other brands though,  I actually have a smaller Feisol CT-4432(I think) that has served me really well internationally. Only run into minor issues every once in a while with set screws and legs coming a bit loose. If you carry an allen key set with you, it's no problem... just the times you don't and you have one floppy leg can be a pain.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on it.

Title: Re: Two Giants: Gitzo GT5562GTS vs Gitzo GT5560SGT
Post by: pixjohn on October 30, 2014, 12:33:09 am

I also have the older version and never had a problem with it. I do hang a 15lb sand bag from the center column when I have the legs extended.