Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

I primarily shoot landscape, so I need a portable tripod that is easy to set up and will support my camera and heavy lenses. This tripod has the leveling feature for the center column which makes quick work of getting ready on uneven terrain. It also supports removing the center column so you can get down very low for macro work. Using it with a Gitzo ball head to support a D200 and one of several f/2.8 zooms. It is a little heavier than I expected, but such is the price of rigidity. Overall, I love these legs.

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

These legs will be used with a Gitzo GH2780FQR ballhead to support a Nikon D200, soon to be a D800, primarily for landscape work. All my lenses are Nikkor AFS 2.8 zooms, so they are heavy. I needed a very solid platform from which to shoot, and this gear looks like it will do the job. The carbon fiber is stiffer than my previous aluminum tripod, and damps out vibrations more quickly. I like the ability to remove the center post, both to remove a little weight and more to allow me to get close to the ground. The design of this feature is clever and easy to use. The leveling feature with its associated bubble level makes it easy to get the plane of the ballhead mount parallel to the horizon without adjusting the individual leg length - a real time-saver. The build quality is first rate, and all the features have been well thought-out with the user in mind. I've only been using the new tripod and head for a few days, but I'm quite happy with its workings. It would be nice if it were lighter, but stability is more important, and this is stable. No complaints of any kind.

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

Amazingly high without unfolding center column, very sturdy, rigid and light. The leveling base is a must have.

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

Comparing with Manfrotto 190MF4 and 556B leveling center column which I used for spherical panorama shooting several years, this product gave me additional 44cm height and more stability in exchange for 1kg extra weight. Its ball joint-mounted center column is easier than 556B to level since you can use bottom of center column as a lever.

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

I use this for long exposures at night, HDR, and panoramas. I had previously been using a Manfrotto 190, and I thought that was pretty slick, but it's apparent just from picking up the Gitzo that the build quality is top notch. The action of extending and tightening the legs further demonstrates excellence in engineering and build. It's a joy to use. The leveling center column works flawlessly, especially when you hang some weight from the ballast hook. This causes it to act pretty much like a plumb bob when you loosen the column and literally level itself. I have a QTVR pano setup, and I can mount it directly to the column without a ball head. The savings in weight, stability and complexity are considerable, so this tripod should be considered by anyone who is serious about panoramas for the leveling feature alone. Solidity vs. weight is just amazing. The thing is absolutely rock solid. My only complaint is that, unlike the Manfrotto with ball head removed, I can't fit this in a roll on suitcase. I guess I'll have to buy the Gitzo traveler!

Comments about Gitzo GT2540LLVL Leveling 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg):

After using the Manfrotto 055PROB for many years I wanted to upgrade to a much lighter tripod for travel, I debated over the Gitzo and the Manfrotto 190MF4, being a lover of Manfrotto gear I purchased the Manfrotto only to be dissappointed, I should have stuck to my first choice and purchased the Gitzo, It is a much more sturdy tripod coupled with the ease of use and light weight, I use the Canon 1d mkiii with the 100-400 lense on this tripod with no problems!!!