Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Holds my D700 with 70-200 and teleconverter with no problems. Rock Solid. Makes me feels like I'm a better photographer because of the confindence this tripod gives me. Note: I don't extend the center column much so that makes it much more stable, but that being said I really like the off center center column that has an adjustable angle to give me some additional flexiblity when photographing products or macro. You must use some counter weight like a camera bag hooked to the bottom of the center column to prevent tip over but like I said the flexibilty is great

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

This is the most flexible, yet sturdy, tripod that I've found. I shoot images down near water level in the large rocks along the coast (away from the beaches). Due to the flexibility of this tripod, I am able to adjust the legs in a way that locks the tripod in place in the rocks. Even large waves that crash through the rocks are unable to shake the camera on this thing. My previous traditional tripods couldn't do that, at least not as consistently and easily.
The construction is excellent. The weight is light and the tripod collapses down small enough to fit in my checked luggage for flights. I would buy these legs again in a second.
Due to the complaints about the off-center Gitzo ballheads, I decided to pair this up with an Acratech GP-s ballhead. The pair does an excellent job of holding my kit securely and steadily in all scenarios tested.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

robust construction, ease of use, speedy set up and compact when not required..would recommend to all photographers in any field.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

If you need to get your camera into awkward positions or in difficult situations, this is your tripod. It doesn't set up as quickly as other Gitzo's I've used, but that's because it's a bit more flexible. It's also just a bit heavier because of the assembly at the top (that provides some of that flexibility).

If you primarily shoot on level surfaces and don't need to get into odd positions, get the simpler models (GT2541/2531) that are less expensive and probably better suited for you.

Construction quality is, of course, superb.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I had thought a carbon fiber tripod would be too expensive, not good value for money. Time will tell if my Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod is good value, but I think it will be.

A colleague bought a Gitzo and I was very impressed by the build quality, its compactness and its weight. I have previously owned two tripods of another well known brand and they have served me well for over twenty years. However, I am now well into my fifties and wanted something that was lighter and more compact but sturdy at the same time. Previously I was only taking my tripod on a job if it was definitely going to be needed. My new Gitzo at about half the weight of the old is nowhere near as much a burden to carry.

My hands are a bit arthritic and so gripping knurled knobs and the like can be a problem but I have found no difficultites using even the smallest of the knobs at the base of the legs as they undo and tighten with ease. A feature I particularly like is the ability to fold the tripod with its off-centre head fitted so that the head doesn't add to the overall length of the tripod when transporting it. In practice, it works well. I took it on a job the day I obtained it, used it without a problem even though the operation was quite different to my previous tripods.
I believe that this tripod will prove to be a good investment, not an expense.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

A well designed high quality tripod, very versatile, and a joy to use, fast set up and wrap. Expensive ? Yes, but I have learnt the hard way that you get what you pay for, there are many cheaper tripods out there, but this Gitzo is worth every $. Highly recomended

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

This tripod does exactly what you would expect. Just what you need for low to the ground shots or macro. Of course it is not as stable with the collum out to the side, but it is OK. Gitzo is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Many years ago I did a lot of research and checked out a bunch of tripods before settling on the original Gitzo explorer. It was the only tripod I found that allowed the legs to lock independantly at any angle. Now that my business has grown, it was only natural to once again select a Gitzo explorer. This time I went for the Carbon Fiber version. This doesn't replace the original, it augments it. The original is still going strong after 5 years of heavy use.

All I can say is that this is everything the original was and even more.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

This is an outstanding tripod for getting stability in awkward positions, including close to the ground. The three legs open to any angle, and can be locked independently in different positions. The off center camera mount can also be swiveled and tilted in any direction. It's a little heavier than I would have liked, but is still a good compromise between weight and stability. I'm using it with a Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick head, which further adds to quick and easy locking in any position. Highly recommended.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I love the versatility of this pod. Quick to set up and it really does go into any position. It is a tad heavy and bulky for travel, but that's not really whhat it's designed for. Well worth the money because it will last a lifetime. If your thinking macro. Definitely go for this one! I wasn't sure but after getting it I'm glad I didn't get the mountineer. If your traveling a lot Mountaineer would be a better choice.
I'll keep the manfrotto for travel but it just isn't aswell built as the Gitzo.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I am an amateur photographer. I've never used a tripod before and only recently (two years ago) upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark II. I joined a camera club to upgrade my skills and it soon became evident that a good tripod is essential. I did a lot of research online and attended an industry show with many vendors. Frankly I found it confusing. I knew I wanted quality. I wanted as little weight as possible. A friend who is a pro gave me his recommendation for a tripod (a Gitzo), a tripod head, and a quick release, from three different manufacturers. The quick release he recommended was hard to find. In the end, B&H made it easy by offering a combo deal, all Gitzo, with a Gitzo head (GH2750QR 2 MAG. OFF CENTRE HEAD QR) that includes a quick release. So far, I've used it on three different photo outings. I like the four section legs (easier to carry, I think, than a three section tripos would be). The tripod sets up quickly and has great flexibility in its configuration. I'm sure there are other good tripos but this one works for me.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

It's great because of all the positions you can take pictures of. But it is a little heavy and for the price they could have added in a carry case.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I use this tripod for landscape photography. It is excellent on the uneven rocky terrain where I prefer to shoot.
It is sturdy, light, & being able to clamp the legs at any angle is a plus. I bought this as a spare & to use while my previous Gitzo was sent for a minor repair.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I wanted this tripod to do macro work outside, the adjustable arm is great.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

This tripod is very lightweight and appears well made. The legs extend smoothly and lock firmly. The legs can be spread in any angle and the locking mechanism is much better than the simple tabs found on other Gitzo tripods. In fact, this particular clamp-style mechanism was a major factor in my purchase, as I found the sliding tabs (stops) controlling the leg spread on other tripods extremely annoying to operate. (Bogen, for example, has a lot better design of this). According to company literature, this tripod is good for lenses up to 200mm. I found this overly optimistic. During my test (indoors!) I had to use mirror lock-up to get sharp pictures with 200mm lens. This tripod is still useful as a not too heavy travel tripod that can be set up in really awkward places or positions. For close to ground applications, the Gorilla tripod (I own it too) will probably perform equally well for a lot less money. My tripod came without a head and I am using my old Linhoff ball head. When I was checking out the Gitzo heads in a brick-and-mortar store I was not too impressed. The small heads are not good for heavier cameras and lagrer ones negate the low weight factor for travel. I suggest reading other reviews, as the results are decidedly mixed. So, in the end, for a lot of money I have not saved much weight over my older aluminum tripod which this one is replacing.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

The GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs are the finest set of legs I have owned. Speaking honestly, I feel these legs will be my last set I will ever need to buy. Solid, Light, Low Angle and easy to work with.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

The GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs legs with the off center post is almost a must for macro/micro photography. I match these leggs with the off center head - any position/angle is possible.
Common Sense, when extending the center post out past the legs center of gravity with a heavy lens camera combo, the results will be obvious. The center post comes with a counter balance ring but I just position the leg to a point that offers the most support. When used with reason this tripod system offers exceptional support, stability and possibilities at any height or angle.
Everything feels tight and secure when working with the legs.

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I love all the features of this tripod! I was looking for one that I can use both near home and when travelling. This folds up small enough for airplane carry-on, which is a must-have feature for me since I shoot in other states and other countries.

I picked this over the lighter travel-labeled tripods because of the off-center tilting center post, which is perfect for when I do macros and some other types of shots. I love how low this tripod can get to the ground! It also can get well above my head (I'm 5'4"), which is nice for certain foliage shots.

When the tripod came, the latches on the legs to angle them out were too stiff/took too much strength to open (I'm female!), so I used the included tool to make them easier for me to open yet still completely sturdy where they're not going to move when in use. I'm grateful for that option and that little tool!

I knew from the photos of the tripod on this site that I didn't like the feet that come with it, so I also got the All-Weather Tripod Shoes, which are just like what I have on my monopod and I really enjoy them on that. I do enjoy them on this tripod, too.

I use this tripod with the Gitzo Series 3 Off-Center Head, which I chose over the Series 2 because it can hold more weight and because it has a level on the head. (The level on the tripod legs is fairly useless, as fully opened my tripod legs I guess aren't exactly level, not to mention if the head is off by a tiny bit, even if the tripod legs' level shows perfection, the photo will be off. The best place for a level is on the same surface the camera is on, in my opinion/experience.)

By the way, in case you don't know, the included "Tripod Head Grease" is in case you want to take the tripod legs apart to clean them, then you use the grease on each section. This isn't mentioned in the instructions anywhere and from the name, people might think you use the grease on the threads you put the tripod head on (no, I did not do that, but I think they should make that clear or rename the grease 'cause there are all kinds of people out there).

I love this tripod and am very happy with my decision to get it! Oh yeah - and it is beautiful!

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I've used this tripod for over 2 years now and have loved it ever since the first use. Light weight and flexibility were my main requirements when purchasing.
I've traveled the world with this tripod in my pack, on my bicycle and it's going strong. There's none better... Thanks Gitzo!

Comments about Gitzo GT2541EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I spent many months looking for a tripod with the best combination of light weight, compactness, and flexibility, and I found it all in the Gitzo GT2541EX Carbon. I've paired it with a Markins ballhead, and this setup provides a rock-solid base for any shooting environment. I've already taken it on a couple outdoor treks, and I'm really looking forward to an upcoming Grand Canyon trip!