Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 26.4 lbs (12 kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I carry this without the centre rod while backpacking.

It's stable, relatively light weight, and so far very durable.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I use this tripod for my travel and location jobs. It's light and functional. My only gripe is that the camera is only about 6 feet high at maximum.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

nice and light while stable and sturdy

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

As a long-time owner of multiple Gitzo alloy tripods, I am delighted with my recent purchase of my first carbon fiber tripd, a Gitzo GT-2530. The non-rotating legs, 1/4-turn tightening collars, and the light weight make it a joy to use. Its stability is better than anticipated, and it feels lighter than it is.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I first used the tripod this weekend as an instructor in an area wide photography festival. I used my old aluminum tripod against the new carbon fiber for comparison, primarily weight, and of course there is no comparison. I got to actually use it for the first time in the field while assisting another instructor. Quite frankly it was the very tripod I wish I had along while working to get to the top of Clingmans Dome last year (age being the factor here). I had no trouble adjusting height or balance. I had no trouble in quickly opening, closing and locking the tripod's legs. The only problem was one of the leg tips came off, but fortunately landed on the boardwalk and not the swamp. It quickly screwed back into place. From a technical perspective, it is A+, with weight being the factor that let me pay such a price for such an important piece of equipment. Given the right ballhead, this is one outstanding item of equipment that is headed to Alaska with me next month.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I use this tripod, along with a manfrotto 468MG HYDROSTATIC BALL HEAD w/RC4. Don't let this tripod's lightweight material fool you, Its very strong, and stable when I use it to support my view camera, hasselblad, 35mm with large lens, all with no problem at all.
This has been the best investment I have made, I can see my grand children using this tripod long after I am done with it.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I'm an intermediate level photographer with 30 years of experience, the last 4 years with a Nikon D70 and the 18-70mm Nikon DX and 55-200 Nikon DX. During these last 4 years I've actively worked to increase the quality of my work. One aspect I've struggled with is image blur. After tackling many aspects of this issue I decided I must invest in a quality tripod and ball head.

I had two other tripods, one twist lock and one with lever locking legs, and prefer the twist lock, so after reading many reviews on many blogs, I ordered the Gitzo. The engineering is superb and set-up intuitive. The twist legs are smooth and simple to extend and release, the center column is easy to remove or insert upside down, the multiple angle locking legs adjust to accommodate uneven terrain, and the tripod is light enough that I always carry it with me.

There is a distinctly noticeable improvement in images from shooting situations in which I'd previously seen blur.

The steep price (with ballhead, over $1000) had kept me from purchasing sooner - I debated purchasing a better lens versus a stable support. In the end, I knew I'd need the support for a better lens and spend the money on the tripod. I'm absolutely delighted with this choice and wish I'd done it sooner.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

light weight...just what I needed for hiking easy to set up, even with the column can be just 18"off the ground...perfect for macros.

The feet come loose and are easily lost.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Stable, easy to adjust and light. I am using it with RRS pano equipment.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I did quite a lot of research before buying a tripod, and I’m glad I did. I’ve read too many horror stories about cheap tripod look-a-likes, and I didn’t want to go through all that. GT2530 is great. Recently I’ve been doing some photography near the shore. There are always some strong winds coming from the lake, but the tripod was steady as a rock. Locks are easy to work with, but just be careful not to pinch yourself (I did and it hurt a bit). Overall, a great tripod for all my needs.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I have almost every sized gitzo in my shooting gear from old 320 to huge 5 series. this little gt2530 is the best travel and all around legs I have ever seen! I put a small Markins q3 on it and it handles my 400mm 3.5 nikon fine.With airports making life hard on over wieght bags this was great on my trip to argentina. Its also a big improvement over the old legs without the ani leg twist. much faster to setup and take down.This may soon replace all my legs with the exception of the 505 for 4x5.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

All parts of this tripod are high quality.
The stability is very good but this is very light.
This is a great product.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

This tripod is very light, yet sturdy. Quality seems top-notch, the only minor quibble is that the leg extension locks have a slight plastic feel (with carbon fiber legs this may be unavoidable).

When ordering I was concerned if it would stand tall enough for me (6' 2"), but with a BH-3 ballhead and camera on top of it, I don't feel the need to extend the center column at all.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Using the 2530 for a variety of applications have been a pleasure. Light weight but strong, quick to extend and collapse - includes center hook to hang gear (giving added stability if desired). I find it perfectly capable of toting along on walks/hikes of several miles. Extension is nice -- at 5'8", I would have to tip-toe with legs at full extension. Aside from practical application and ease of use, the quality of build is evident - beautiful work of engineering.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Light, rigid, versatile, fast setup, and portable. That pretty much covers every need I have (except for being cheap, but I'll still give it 5 stars for value). The twist lock leg is simple, fast, and secure. For example, if using your right hand and holding the head with your left, a quick half twist down loosens and up tightens. It's carbon so ham-fisted types need to take it easy. Surprisingly little strength is needed to get a tight hold with no creep. An elegant solution that also keeps weight and size to a minimum. I use this for my 1DSMkII and any lenses I care to haul around in all sorts of conditions and situations. It performs perfectly and unobtrusively. What more could I ask?

Expertise: Professional

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Too much

Comments about Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I was very impressed when I first picked up this tripod. It is ultra-light (3.1 pounds including the center post) for the weight it can support (they claim 26 pounds but I will not go that far). However, when placed on a firm platform (I tested on concrete) it is very rigid. Truly remarkable. Great for bird photography while travelling.

Problems Encountered: None. The 4 on ease of use is only because I prefer levers to twist lock leg extensions.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Bogen and Gitzo tripods - several

Items I Recommend: For a big lens (400 or 500 mm) use a Wimberley head