Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Upgraded from Manfrotto 190XB. Wow,this Gt-2531 is very well bulit & solid tripod. Almost vibration free with my canon 70-200 f2.8IS lens. Not only is it taller & more solid then my XB190 its lighter!

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I bought the Gitzo-2531 after reading hundreds of user reviews, and this tripod clearly deserves it's excellent reputation. The leg locks are quick to operate and hold firmly at any position, and are easy to grip even wearing gloves. The leg sections are extremely rigid even at full extension, with no perceptable flex even when pushing down very hard. The leg joints at the top of the spider have a comfortable amount of resistance - enough to hold the legs at intermediate positions between stops when needed, but not so much that it's hard to spread the legs. My only quibble is that the leg position stops are recessed and hard to grab to pull out (impossible with gloves on), but that seems to be standard across the Gitzo line-up. The spring-loaded leg stop release levers are the one thing I miss about my Manfrotto 055 tripod.

The ground-level set option (ability to remove the center column) and spring-loaded hook are also great features. You can position the tripod nearly flat on the ground when needed for macro. I also bought the retractable spiked feet, which is a great addition for indoor/outdoor use and adds an inch to the height (the original feet screw off, so they're easy to swap). The overall construction and finish are absolutely top notch, and having a lifetime warranty is comforting considering the cost.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Like a lot of folks I have been thru a lot of cheaper tripods that were very heavy and were still not steady enough (i.e. vivitar 1321) for heavier lenses like a 80-200 nikkor f2.8 much less longer teles. This one is very light and very stable with a RRS ballhead. I will be taking this one with me instead of leaving it at home like I have all the rest. This pod is very steady even with a 70-300 tammy hanging off of the camera (no collar). Highly recommended.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Set up is incredibly fast with the twist locks on the legs. Stability is super yet it is light enough for day hikes. The locking mechanism to hold your ball head in place is ingenious and very effective. It is very well built with an outstandingly professional finish.

It is probably a little big to fit in most carry on luggage. I was able to improvise a straping mechanism to make carrying it on day hikes easier.

I use this with a D90 and a 70-300mm lens.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I had a battered Tiltall that needed retirement, so I took advantage of the recent rebate on this Gitzo. It was still a little expensive for me, but wow, is it a great tripod! Combined with a mid-range ball head, this is much, much better. Works perfectly with larger DSLRs, and even my Hasselblad. (Heavy and vibrate-y.)
(A ball-head is much easier to use than tripods with 3 separate "knobs" for pitch, roll, and yaw, but you have to buy the head separately.)
MUCH more rigid than aluminum tripods.
It's not very heavy, but I don't hike with it, so weight isn't much of an issue for me.
Remember this is legs-only, so you have to add a ball head or other camera support.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

This is great tripod from Gitzo. I only use for 70-200.It is reliable.But you need put better tripod head.Gitzo produces good tripod leg,not good head.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Very light and stable,great for mid size cameras and lenses. Pair it with a RRS Bh-40, or Markins Q10 head and you're set.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I purchased this tripod and waited one month to post this review, to make sure it accurately reflects my perceptions.

I use this with a RRS BH-40, 5D2, 24-105/4, 70-200/4, 180/3.5 macro, others. It is rock solid with these lenses. The 180/3.5 macro is the heaviest of my collection to date, and it easily handles this lens. I have no doubt that it could support heavier lenses.

Quality is superb. Exactly what I expect for the price.

I'm a weekend warrior, and this tripod meets or exceeds my expectations. I have no problem recommending this to others with similar setup.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

An extremely well built, vibration free, rock-solid tripod. It is a perfect companion for even long hikes with my Nikon D-300s camera and RRS BH-55 ball head. For macro work, it is perfect using the RRS B150-B focusing rail. Absolutely easy to setup for a shoot. Would certainly recommend to a friend.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

This thing is great. Super solid up to 70-200 f/2.8. I am using it with the RRS BH-40 LR w/ no problems. Light weight enough to hike long miles with, solid at all angles. I removed the center column and my ballhead is solid on the tripod. When the legs are at the regular angle the camera is at eye level with the legs fully extended ( I am 5'11). Carbon is nice as it doesn't freeze my hand when it is cold. Can quickly change the leg heights and angles. No bag comes with, but I really donnt use them anyway. The Kinesis filter bag wraps around the tripod securely.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I love this tripod. Easy to set up and taske down. It is very solid and vibration free and is very good for both landscapes and Macro shooting.

It is extremely well built and is very precise.
This gear greatly exceeded my expectations.
JKA

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Hard to beat. Lightweight, stable. Smooth leg adjusters.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Great stability and light weight. Should be good for a 300 f2.8.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I have had this tripod for several years now and it is indestructible. I do a lot of mountain hiking and have fallen with it, used it to keep my balance, and it has saved me from injury several times. I know that is not what it is designed for but it is very well made. In strong winds it is absolutely solid. It outperforms every other tripod I have owned and is well worth the cost.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Gitzo tripods are the best, period. It's light, solid and incredibly easy to use. Perhaps my favorite thing about Gitzos is the positive action of the leg locks. No worrying about whether you got it tight enough. A quick turn and it's locked. Expensive and worth every penny.

The only thing that's odd about the GT-2531 is its name. "Mountaineer" suggests that it's ultra compact for hikers and climbers. I got mine to shoot portraits and interiors with a digital view camera. It's perfect.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

"Why isn't my picture sharp?"

Good equipment is like a mirror... I look at it and realize the problem is me. Now I can focus, without doubt, on technique.

This tripod is rock solid... combined with my RRS BH-30-LR I have a platform that when aimed, stays on target as I tighten things up.

It's tall enough that I don't need to raise the center post (I'm 5'10"). (To loosely quote Bill Fortney, "A raised post is just a monopod with legs".)

I've learned that photo equipment is like a boat, buy more than you think you need. If you have money, spend it... results are directly proportional.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Strong, sturdy and light. Fast and easy to setup.

This does not take away from the great tripod itself, but I would have preferred a better case. It comes with a drawstring cloth bag case, but I would rather have one with a strap that I could use to carry on my back.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

This is the perfect size for a 6 footer who shoots FF gripped bodies with lenses not much larger than 70-200/2.8IS size lenses. Lightweight yet very sturdy and robust.
I switched from the 055CX3 and actually liked the leg locks, but after using the 2531 for a couple of weeks it is much faster to setup since you can grip and rotate both locks at once and pull to extend.
Will probably be the last tripod I'll ever buy.......

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

I purchased this tripod for my medium format system. So usually my camera gear weights around 2-3 kg mounted on an Arca Swiss Z1 Monoball. And for this amount of weight there is no better tripod out there. It is light, durable, and easy to handle. The 3531 doesn't have any advantages despite it costs more and is heavier. Only if you have very heavy telephoto lenses (like 400mm or longer) it makes sense to buy the 3531.
The only thing I don't like about the 2531 is that you have to buy an extra bag for the tripod. So I ordered a Gitzo bag for another 100 Dollar. Considering the price of the tripod this definitely should be included already.

Comments about Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg):

Got it a few weeks ago. Very light compared to my old aluminum tripod. The legs come out really fast, and are easy to put away, thanks to Gitzo's G-lock system. Even in heavy winds, the tripod did not move.