Which Gitzo to buy for my D3x

[kuau]

I am going to purchase a new gitzo tripod which I will be using with a RRS BH-55 Ball head.

I have narrowed down my search to either the GT3531S
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/tripod...ic?code=GT3531S

or: GT3541LS
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/home/p...c?code=GT3541LS
 
The 3 column is a little lighter but not by much and is about 70.00 cheaper then the 4 column.

Any advice?

Thanks

Steven

[Ken Bennett]

You seem to be comparing the standard 3-section with the Long 4-section -- could this account for any of the weight and price difference?

I have the 3530 LSV. This is the tall 3-section version. With a RRS BH-55 mounted, the camera viewfinder is at eye level without a center post. I chose the 3-section for greater strength and rigidity, and slightly faster setup. The 4-section may be slightly taller, and fits in carry on baggage, which may appeal to you.

Depending on your height, you may wish to compare the Long versions of both 'pods.

My tripod is a couple of years old and holding up very well.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

RRS has a new tripod which is similar to the 3531

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.a...amp;eq=&Tp=

You may check that one, too.

Michael Reichmann seems to like "Induro", tripods, check here: http://www.llvj.com/reviews/accessories/indiro413.shtml

I have a Gitzo GT3541LS and I'm quite happy. I really wanted a 3531 but decided against it as I often strap it to my backpack, and even the 3541 is a bit long for that.

Best regards
Erik

I am going to purchase a new gitzo tripod which I will be using with a RRS BH-55 Ball head.

I have narrowed down my search to either the GT3531S
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/tripod...ic?code=GT3531S

or: GT3541LS
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/home/p...c?code=GT3541LS
 
The 3 column is a little lighter but not by much and is about 70.00 cheaper then the 4 column.

Any advice?

Thanks

Steven

[dgberg]

Stephen,
I think more of an issue before picking a tripod is what lenses you are planning to use rather then what body.
Wide angle to mid telephoto or big guns? (500vr or 600vr)
I have a 3521 which is great for my small to medium setup(200-400vr and 200vr) but with a big lens and mount you will want a heavier model for sure.
Gitzo has some of the best quality products available today.

[John Collins]

As far as stability goes, a 55XX Gitzo is as good as it gets. I use a 5D on a 5561 - with a weight bag & ladder on occasion, I also don't move very far from the car. The 5541 is lighter and very stable if you don't need the height and have no requirement for a lightweight tripod.

[Scott O.]

The Gitzo web site and the new Really Right Stuff catalogs both have recommendations for tripods.  Of course, it depends on your largest lens/camera combo and the number of leg segments you want.  And account for possible future growth of your arsenal!  You don't mention where you are, but if you happen to be anywhere around San Luis Obispo, CA, a trip to RRS would be excellent, as they carry a full line of Gitzo and RRS.  I wouldn't rule out the new RRS legs as they look excellent.

[vandevanterSH]

The Gitzo web site and the new Really Right Stuff catalogs both have recommendations for tripods.  Of course, it depends on your largest lens/camera combo and the number of leg segments you want.  And account for possible future growth of your arsenal!  You don't mention where you are, but if you happen to be anywhere around San Luis Obispo, CA, a trip to RRS would be excellent, as they carry a full line of Gitzo and RRS.  I wouldn't rule out the new RRS legs as they look excellent.

"I wouldn't rule out the new RRS legs as they look excellent."
********
I received my RRS TVC-33 legs last week.  They are typical RRS quality.  They are rated at essentially Gitzo 55xx capacity and 35XX weight.  In addition, the head plate fixation is "positive".  I have not seen any reviews of the RRS yet, probably due to the small numbers produced so far.

Steve

[aaykay]

I am going to purchase a new gitzo tripod which I will be using with a RRS BH-55 Ball head.

I have narrowed down my search to either the GT3531S
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/tripod...ic?code=GT3531S

or: GT3541LS
http://www.gitzo.com/cms/site/gitzo/home/p...c?code=GT3541LS
 
The 3 column is a little lighter but not by much and is about 70.00 cheaper then the 4 column.

Any advice?

Thanks

Steven

The tripod choice depends on the lens you will be using it with.  The lenses listed within your signature, would work just fine with the series-3 Gitzo products you have listed above.  I personally have the 3540LS (similar to the 3541LS you listed above) and the 5540LS and find both of them to be really good.  The 5541LS (or the previous 5540LS) are larger/heavier but can comfortably stabilize even long lenses, while the 3541LS/3531S can stabilize upto around 500mm (but I would personally consider it to comfortably stabilize upto around 300mm or so).