The Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs is an eye-level tripod that uses advanced "Carbon 6X" carbon fiber material for its leg construction. This improved tubing is stronger, lighter and as resistant as its 12 layer predecessor. Carbon "6X" is manufactured using a complex, 3-D process weaving 6 layers of carbon fiber into smooth, solid constructed tubes.
The GT2542 is ideal for use with DSLRs with 200mm lenses (up to a 300mm maximum), lightweight camcorders, and spotting scopes. It offers an excellent load capacity rating of 26.4 lbs (12kg) and good torsional rigidity.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 26.4 lbs (12kg) |
| Maximum Height | 68.9" (175cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 59.4" (151cm) |
| Minimum Height | 6.7" (17cm) |
| Folded Length | 24" (61cm) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible stud) |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4kg) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | 6 layer carbon fiber |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3/4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No (optional) |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid (sliding) |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I primarily shot birds and this tripod is just what I needed to successfully support my Nikon body and Sigma 500 lenses. Mounting devices are well engineered and lock right in place. Carbon fiber makes it a light weight tripod and esay to carry around.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I shoot a lot of landscapes and seascapes, so needed a versatile, well built tripod, but being 6'4" was sick of stooping over short tripods. The ability to quickly disassemble and clean the legs of sand and salt water is fantastic. I probably could have spent the extra to get the Ocean series but am very happy with this. Just be careful with rocks and the bottom leg section. When setting up for low level shots I am conscious of the exposed nature of the legs and have a couple of scratches. Carries an Olympus E-3 and 50-200mm perfectly.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I chose this tripod because I was tired of always bending down to look through the viewfinder and/or raising the center post and losing stability. This tripod is tall and is perfect for average to tall people.
The weight difference over a shorter model is insignificant.
It allows me to shoot from the side of hills and sand dunes with two legs fully retracted and one leg fully extended with the camera at a good working position.
Sand does not seem to get in the locks.
Gitzos are worth the cost.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I am really enjoying the extra height and reduced weight of this tripod. The legs are easily set to whatever height the subject requires.
Some care is needed when attaching the Manfrotto 410 gearhead as the tripod setscrew is too short for the wavy plate on the heads bottom.
I will be looking for some foam pads for the upper legs and a sling to make carrying this on hiking trips more comfortable.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
Incredibly well built, reliable, strong, light, tough and with silky smooth operation. I often use a tripod above eye level which is why I went for this model. Absolutely no complaints at all.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
After upgrading from the Manfrotto, I am really pleased with this tripod. It costs a small fortune, but I'll never have to buy another one. When I take the center post out, I can get about 6 inches off the ground. Without the post, it is still eye level and I'm 5-10. Awesome!
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I had been using my brothers Manfroto 190 for 2 weeks. When I tried this tripod at the Store I was hooked.
The legs are very easy to extend, and closing all segments with a single hand with 1/2 twist is magic.
The same night I took it for a large landscape of mahatma from the NJ side. The tripod was easy to setup even in freezing weather, very solid on the ground even with my big lens and camera.
Used inverted for macro shots as well.
Love this tripd. It is very light but my ball head is rather massif so there is no big difference to the manfroto it is just a bit taller and easier to work with
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
Simple to understand product guide was provided. It is as light in weight as I was hoping for. The adjustment for tripod height is quick and secure. The quality of workmanship is evident throughout. I will never need to buy another tripod.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
Have had this pod for a few weeks (added a RRS BH-40 w/QR Plate) and like it very much. It gets the camera to my height (I am 6'5") and is very stable with my gear. Folds up to about 24" and is VERY easy to carry around or strap to my pack. While it is heavier than, say, the smaller Gitzos, in store tests it is taller and more stable than its lighter bretheren, and IMHO a good compromise between true usefulness and weight. While it is quite pricey, I am very pleased with the quality, stability, weight, and size.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
This tripod lives up to the many great reviews I've read about it. It is solidly build and very easy to set up and take down with just a twist of the wrist. It is fairly compact and not too heavy for taking on trips. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get a top notch tripod. Having used a variety of other brand tripods, this is by far the best tripod I've ever used.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
As a semi-pro photographer I use this tripod for panoramic and HDR shooting. I've had no troubles with it at all and no regrets. Nice and light for the size and great for us taller people. Well built as expected for a Gitzo.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
This is my 3rd tripod purchase. I did extensive research before settling on gitzo, the price was my only point of hesitation. After using this tripod for a few weeks now I am very satisfied. I upgraded from a manfrotto - the Gitzo is much lighter, more stable, has a higher max weight capacity and is easier to deploy. The GT2542L was a perfect choice for me, I wanted something that could extend above my eye level (I am 6 foot), folded small and was light. This tripod accomplishes this (even with the center column removed). This should be the last set of tripod legs I ever buy.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
Elegant, simple, lightweight and strong. I like how it folds to a very short length for transport and raises nicely to my 6'4" height. I wish there was a bit of a quicker mechanism for the leg locks, but that's a minor beef. All-in-all, the best photo tripod I've ever owned.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
This tripod (removed center leg)+ Markins TB-21 base + Photo Clam PC-44NS. You can do this:
For bird shooter, Canon 500mm + 1.4 EX + Canon 1Ds MIII without any problems even Gitzo only recommend 300mm as maximum. I didn't try wimberley gimbal yet because I still need the ballhead for landscape but I believe it shouldn't have any issues.
For landscape shooter, medium format camera Mamiya 645AFD III + P45+ back + WA lens, no problems at all.
To me, it seems like Gitzo's recommended support weight is less than what it can actually do.
Overall, this tripod is worth the price. I did consider 3541 but weight is the most important thing when you have to carry different camera systems and hike + walk.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
The legs extend & that is the feature I love the most as it isvery easy to use.
Very tough material
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
For many years, I have been delighted with my Gitzo monopod. With a little coaching, I asked my wife for this tripod for my birthday. She made an excellent choice. This tripod has the same excellent quality of the carbon fiber monopod. I love the twist latches, which work smoothly and don't slip.
Most importantly, this tripod fits my 6'2" high without wobble.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I did a lot of research before settling on this tripod. For the weight, height and build quality, IMO, this is the best tripod on the market. I used it for week long workshop in Glacier Park and I love it! I have one of the ultra light weight Gitzos for travel as well, but this will be my go to tripod from now on.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
After looking at several options of tripods, I decided this would be my best choice. My scenario was trying to get all my gear on a plane for international flights and domestic flights. As a Pilot I always need to keep in mind weight and balance to fit in my airplane. I have had to find ways to cut down all the weight of all my gear and still have a tripod that will withstand allot of usage and support the weight of my camera properly. The Maximum Height was perfect for what I needed it for, as well as Minimum Height for really low level landscape shots. Many years ago I was a Photo Assistant and Gitzo was always the standard choice for all professional photographer I assisted. The photography rental house we rented from always bought gear to rent that works and Gitzo was the main choice of tripods. I go with what I know and what other professionals know in the industry "Go with what works well all the time and every time".[...]
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
This tripod is used, along with a Really Right Stuff R-40 ballhead and a Wimberley sidekick, to support a Nikon D3 with a Nikkor 200-400mm VR lens. It handles that weight easily and has no visible vibration despite having four leg sections. The four sections are needed to provide a compact package that travels easily. The tripod is very solid and appears to be extremely well made. Sets up and breaks down easily. I tested my setup with a Gitzo basalt tripod which had only three sections and I could see vibration with the basalt while there does not appear to be any with this carbon fiber tripod. In all fairness there was a very slight wind blowing when the basalt was tested and that might possibly explain my observation. I am 74 inches tall and my eye is at the same level as the optical viewfinder on the D3 mounted on the sidekick with all legs extended so there was no need to extend the center column which is easy to remove and/or reverse. Remove the center column and the legs open enough to get you just inches above the ground when needed for low level photography. A great product. An expensive tripod but I feel I got my monies worth! It probably will be the last tripod I will ever need to purchase.
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Comments about Gitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):
I bought this model specifically because it was a little taller than the standard models. I had found that with standard models I had to hunch over at times and I am only of average height. The slightly higher price and longer folded length is well worth not having to hunch over.
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