Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

A landscape photographer primarily, I use a tripod for most of my images. I have tried a number of metal, wood, and carbon fiber tripods. I turned to Gitzo because of its reputation and my experience with its bigger units when I shot only large format.
I turned to the Explorer because it has the totally variable leg spread. I loved this feature in some wooden tripods I own.
But the Explorer series has the stability and strength of those other units, the benefitbof signicant less weight and for me the important versatile leg spread. I like being able to spread and lock the legs where I want them, not at preset points.
This unit does all that and most importantly supports my dslr with lenses ranging from extreme wide angle to 300 mm telephoto.
For long exposures or multiple exposures where HDR is required the GT 2531ex is as stable as could be. I know perfection in any tool is a dream, but this tripod comes very close.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Ease of use for landscapes is outstanding.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Ok, like camera bags, there are no perfect tripods. This one is a good compromise for what I need, which is a general purpose, carryable, and macro tripod. As a general purpose tripod, it's a little light, as a carryable its a little heavy, and for macro, its superb. As I said a compromise.

Setup time on it is a little longer than my Manfroto, but I'm not in a hurry most times so that's not a problem. The leg hinge lock is taking a little getting used to, I'm used to just pulling them open, with this I have to unlock the legs, set them then lock them. Turns out this makes it pretty easy to set the tripod relatively level quickly. Here's what you do, extend the legs equally to about the height you need. Unlock the hinge on all three. Set the let that will be on the highest piece of ground first, go really wide if you need to. Spread the other two lets out, level the tripod, and then swing the other two legs down and lock. You are pretty close to level even on uneven ground. Takes a little practice, but works nice. If you move it's even easier just pop the locks and adjust.

Only negative is that as a light tripod, and a 4 segment at that, it's not as stiff as I would like. But it does fit diagonally (minus head) inside a rollaboard (definite positive there). It's also folds down pretty tight.

Swing arm is a joy to use compared to the Manfroto, nice being able to pick the angle and have a positive lock.

Why only 4 stars, well as I said it's a compromise tripod, doesn't do anything great, you won't put big glass on it, but it does everything good enough.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Nice, sturdy tripod. Very flexible and well constructed tripod. Certainly on the pricey-side, but works like a charm.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

GREAT tripod. the leg locks are wonderful. not only is this tripod the nicest one I have used but the thoughtfulness with which it was designed is second to none. I was worried going from Manfrotto to the Gitzo's twist locks but after only a day of using it I find it to be as good or better in some circumstances then the Manfrotto locks. The fully independant legs are fantastic and despite what the page may say. you can get this all the way flat to the ground which is fantastic for shooting ground or low angles.

Now for the dislike. the only thing I really found to be poor quality was the supplied leg lock tension adjuster "Wrench". The wrench broke after trying to loosen the tension a tad. I had to use a socket wrench out of my tool box to adjust it.
But other then that I cant find a flaw it is absolutely a fantastic product.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

This is a excellent tripod,everything I expected
easy set-up and take down

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Very sturdy and rigid legs. I've been using Manfrotto 055CLB legs for the last 5 years and went for these legs to enable easier positioning of the camera for macro work. The multiple position centre column is excellent and very flexible as are the legs that can be set to any angle. Setting up these legs is slightly fiddlier than the Manfrotto as each leg must be set individually. No more using my feet to kick the legs out to the first stop. This is a minor inconvenience. These legs are marginally longer than the 055 legs but a little lighter. Overall build quality is excellent.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

great on macro. easy to use. lightweight.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Bought this for a trip out west and had it strapped to my back for a two week hiking trip. Most worthwhile piece of equipment I bought for the trip. The independant leg lock is wonderful, as it allows you to get into any position(something I wasn't sure I would be needing but turned out I did all the time). It is fast to set up in any location, and it feels extremely solid. Very durable also as when I was in the subway in Zion NP, I practically threw it down when I fell in the water(cringe) but the tripod didn't have a scratch on it. I was relieved and amazed. Great product, chose over the standard mountaineer for more applications.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

Provides solid support - which is what a tripod is all about. A replacement for my 6 year old Gitzo aluminum Explorer. Suffers from the same problem that my 2220 did - the feet at the bottom of the legs "unscrew themselves". Left two of them behind in the first two hours of use (and retrieved them).

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I have used this tripod a few times now and I'm most impressed with it's solid Mercedes Benz like construction. The twist locks on the legs worried me (I preferred the locking clamps on my old one). After a few uses though, they're no problem to use at all.

I find it light and easy to carry.

I like how you can lock the legs individually at any angle you like. I LOVE the moveable centre post that angles downwards as well. It's just perfect for my macro work and still superior for portraiture too.

I can't understand why every photographer doesn't have one of these tripods. It may be a bit expensive perhaps, but you'll have it a lifetime.

Comments about Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Explorer Tripod Legs:

I bought this tripod specifically for use with my macro lenses, especially my new Canon MP-E 65; pair it with a focusing rail and you're in macro heaven! It's great with my other lenses, too, of course. It's sturdy, and I like the ease with which I can set it up and break it down; I won't be getting any blisters on my hands as I sometimes do with my other Gitzo very lightweight tripod that I also love but which isn't as versatile.