Julian,
I am wondering if you could give us your impressions after some weeks of use. [a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=70152\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hi, I'm now back after 3 weeks shooting in New York and Chicago, using the 1158T and Markins Q3. The heaviest gear I used was a 1DsII and 70-200 f/4 on a Kirk L bracket. My overall impressions are very positive. My main observations are:
1) The tripod really is small and light enough to carry around all day without it wearing you down. I had it strapped to the side of my daypack when not in use. My full size Velbon Sherpa Pro is too bulky and heavy to do this. So whenever I felt I needed a tripod, I had one ready.
2) It really is sturdy enough for this setup. Using mirror lock and the 2 second timer, I have reviewed my shots and they are pixel sharp - no vibration or shake at all. While the camera does vibrate for approx 0.5 sec after you touch it, it settles down perfectly before the shot is taken. I even raised the centre column a few inches on occasion to get some extra height, and had no problem. I would not want to raise the column all the way though.
3) It is short, only 122cm high without the column unextended. I am only 5'8", and while this was not a bother for the occasional shot, when using the tripod for an extended period (e.g. skyline shots at sunset, where you might have the camera set up on the pod for an hour or two) it does become a bit annoying not having it a bit taller. But taller would mean heavier etc, so I am happy with the compromise - when I need a full size tripod I have one available.
4) The new anti rotation legs are great! Why has it taken Gitzo so long to invent them?! Although it has 4-section legs, I can set it up and take it down faster than my 3-section Velbon (which also uses rotating leg locks).
5) The 1158T achieves its very small size by having the legs flip 180 degrees when collapsing it, with the centre column fully extended. This does make it about 5cm shorter than it would be otherwise, but is a little bit fiddly. However, you can also fold it conventionally if you don't mind the extra 5cms or are in a hurry. When I didn't think I would be using it again for a few hours I would fold it up completely, otherwise I would just fold it conventionally.
6) The Q3 seems a very good match for it. In fact, the Q3 is so sturdy that I couldn't really tell any difference between it and the M10 with my setup on my full size Velbon. If using heavy lenses this may be different however.
7) While in NYC I popped into B&H (who can resist) and compared it directly to the main competition in the ultralight tripod category: the regular 1158, 1157, and Slik 614. Although more expensive than all of them, the 1158T folds shorter, stands taller and is just as sturdy as the other Gitzos. The Slik is taller but much flimsier and is not in the same league. It would be fine for a 350D and kit lens, but anything more than about 1kg on the top would be overload IMHO.
I have been using the 1Ds with a Kirk L-bracket, meaning that I do not have to flop the ball head for verticals. I cannot confirm how stable the setup would be with the ballhead flopped, but I would imagine that stability would suffer considerably. With a smaller, lighter body this may be OK however.
Overall, I think Gitzo have done a great job with it. It is not a replacement for a full size tripod, but is a very useable alternative when weight and size are at a premium. The only drawbacks with it are the inevitable ones associated with making an ultralight tripod and I think that in the 1158T they have made fewer compromises than any other model. If given the choice again I would still buy it.
Ref: using a 400 f/5.6...I have not seen this lens so am not sure exactly how long and heavy it is. However I would imagine that it would be fine if using the tripod collar, but verging on unstable if not.
I hope this helps those considering this tripod. If you need ultralight, are aware of the limitations (short, no long heavy lenses) and can afford it, I think you will be happy with your purchase.
Julian
