Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I had been saving and looking forward to getting this tripod for a long time. I've owned the Gitzo G1227 Mountaineer Mk II Tripod for about 8 years. I've used this in all conditions, from the hot desert to the freezing high altitude mountains, and it's never let me down. I wanted to upgrade to something with the same weight rating and height, but that would weigh almost 1 pound less.

The tripod main plate is well made and typical Gitzo quality. The leg tubes and center column also appear finely crafted. This is where the typical Gitzo quality ends. I'll start with my rants at the top and work my way down. In pictures, the top plate appears to have a rubberized surface embedded in the aluminum disc. However, it's just hard plastic, which doesn't make for a particularly good non-slip surface when mounting the ballhead. The fact that there are no locking screws compounds the matter. The leg angle locks are a little small and hard to grasp when pulling out. Also, 2 of the locks on my tripod were very tight and one was loose, with no included tool to adjust the tension of these bolts. My next gripe has to do with the leg locks. I was not a big fan of them. The leg locks on my G1227 almost feel damped when adjusting them (as if adjusting the focus ring on a nice manual lens). The leg locks on the GT1531 felt like metal rubbing on metal, and kind of gritty. I checked to make sure that there was grease on the threads, and there was. In fact, there was so much grease that it even spread to some of the leg tubes. The leg-lock threads are much coarser on this tripod when compared to the G1227 (obviously to make locking the leg faster), however, it just doesn't feel as high-quality. Another gripe has to do with the way the legs slide in and out of each other. It is not a smooth operation. On the G1227, the legs slide out smoothly and you can hear a whoosh of air moving as you retract the legs. On the GT1541, the legs feel slightly grabby and do not move smoothly into and out of each other… no whoosh of air either. Lastly, the rubber-covered metal rings that you tighten to lock the legs did not feel as well made as those on the G1227. However, I'm sure this was to reduce the weight, so I can't gripe too much about this.

If this tripod was $200 less, I might have kept it. It is very stable and the size is perfect for me. However, the quality of some of the components, and the lack of attention to detail when assembling this tripod (especially for a tripod in this price class) ultimately led me to return it. I felt this unit was not up to the typical Gitzo quality, and that it is grossly overpriced. I plan to stick with my G1227 a little while longer.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I have had the earlier version of this tripod for about 6 years. I also have a 2-series Mountaineer, but it seemed a little heavy at times. This thing feels like it weighs almost nothing - it is GREAT for hiking. It will easily hold a standard sized SLR and a medium to long telephoto without any strain. The legs are quick to extend and lock.

I use it with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 ultra light ball head, which is also very light and locks down tight, with NO movement. All in all, a great lightweight combo. I am seriously considering buying yet another Gitzo, this time a 0-series for backpacking with my new mirrorless system camera.

When you first buy a Mountaineer, you think "Ouch!" this is a lot of money! But once you get out into the field with one of these marvels, you forget about the price and just revel in the joy of carrying and using such a light and effective piece of equipment. Then as the years pass, you go through a few more cameras and you still have your trusty Gitzo. Don't waste your money on a cheap tripod. This is a lifetime investment.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

fantastic light little jem

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

This tripod is a joy to carry - Featherlight compared to my old Gitzo Studex Performance. It opens and closes very easily and smoothly. The only fly in the ointment is the quick release - The little lever that locks the camera plate in will not rotate completely when a 35mm-style camera (with tripod screwhole in line with lens) is mounted. The camera body blocks complete rotation of the lever. The lever is spring loaded so you can tighten it but it's a clumsy, time-consuming pain. Once you fiddle with it and get it set just right it's ok - Just seems like it could have been designed better. I'd suggest getting the tripod w/o the QR and add on a RRS or Arca later. Stability - I can use this even with my Pentax 67 and shorter lenses!

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I'm very satisfied with the tripod: very light, superb construction. I use it with my Canon 40d for Landscape Photos/Panoramas (Lens 70-200 mm) and also for Macro: Ground level Set is very useful in this case.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

[...]. It was so light and I wasn't sure it would even hold up my camera. All my wishes have come true. The Gitzo tripod is the deal! I just finished shooting with a Nikon D700 with a 400mm lens and there was no shake, rattle or roll. It is solid--even with a long lens. The legs hold tight and firm. I would recommend this tripod and have a couple of times already since I have had it. You won't be sorry.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I hike occasionally and need something lightweight. This tripod is versatile, lightweight, and easy to setup. Suit my current needs for hiking and group shots, portrait, and long exposure.

This tripod is expensive though

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

Even after extensive research into every minute detail of this tripod it still blew past all my expectations. It is incredibly solid, lightweight, and easy to use. I could cary this thing all day without the slightest bit of exertion. The hinges open and close smoothly, and the locking mechanisms on the legs work flawlessly. One detail about carbon fiber: it doesn't get cold like a metal tripod, so no more frozen fingers. After the sharp metal knurling on my old tripod this is a welcome relief. This tripod lets me get shots that just would not have been possible on my old tripod. 6 stars.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I use it for landscape and architectural photography. I also take it when I hike, much lighter than my old aluminum tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

This tripod is extremely light and very satble. Easy and quick to set up and break down

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

the height is good, the weight is fantastic, and set up is a breeze.

more than enough to support my D300 and 70-200+1.7x TC, using a Markins Emille Q3 ball head.

Comments about Gitzo GT1531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):

I hike a lot and find myself on the move when taking pictures. With this tripod it allows me to easily get around without having to worry about added weight. For a sturdy, rugged tripod i can rely on, this model suits my needs very well.The twist lock legs make setup very fast to ensure you get the shot you're going for. (which can be very helpful when shooting during golden hour) The only thing that bothers me about this is that it's folded length is a little long, at around 20". However for the height it can reach when unfolded, it would be hard to find another without shelling out more money; as this one cost around [$] by the time it gets to your door. Overall I am very pleased and would recommend this to anyone on the move a lot or the avid hiker/backpacker that needs a reliable tripod.