Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

With a RRS BH40, these legs put the eyepiece on a 5DII or similar at 62.75" max, at which height, I can just see the top plate of the camera (I'm 5'11"). Perfect.

This combo is at least as stable as a GT3531 with center column (I tried it) and $240 cheaper. Perhaps a little bit less adjustable, though. I hesitate to claim 'Good value'. If I had, or envisaged ever having anything heavier/longer than a 70-200, I might have gone for a RRS BH55 on the same legs, but whilst that head would sit well on these legs, it would be overkill for me.

For studio work with only three legs extended and a shorter lens, it just doesn't move. At all. For outdoor work that involves hiking, it's probably too heavy unless you're feeling keen, but it is only 24.25" folded including head which certainly works for air travel. The 3530LS with the same head is 29" folded, for a similar max extended height, which is really a bit too awkward/large for flying.

I think the 3541LS is the best all-around compromise for me as I only want to deal with one tripod. Most of my stuff is studio based, with only a little bit of outdoors.

I'm going to have to trawl around for a reasonable bag - the dust bag that this comes with is worthless for anything other than keeping dust off and I'd hate to chuck this combo in the back of the truck with a load of other heavy stuff without some kind of half-way reasonable protection. Why are most tripod bags so long?

Looking back, it took me way too much research to end up with what I wanted. Gitzo really offers too many options. There are 36 different Gitzo tripods at B&H alone and several other good brands worthy of consideration, too. No wonder people get stressed about which stuff to get. Bottom line - this one works really well. Does what it says on the tin...

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

It was with much angst I made this purchase. I was tossing up between the 3541LS and the 25xx models.

This will be my last tripod, it is light, tall, has costomisation ability being an LS, and packs down small relative to its height and strength.

I am 6'1", this combined with an Arca Swiss Z1 ball head has the view finder at exactly my eye height

It is extremely stable, having done 20 minute exposures outdoors, in wind with zero vibration

Finally the screw locks are so much better than the leavers I had on my old tripod. You can open is up in seconds.

It is beautifully made and a pleasure to use.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

An excellent tripod for big gear. My 600mm sits comfortably on the tripod and it's light weight is ideal for photographers that are on the move.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

primary use is wildlife photography-works extremely well and really easily. wish it were a little less bulky. good things do not always come in small packages. i looked at a LOT of tripods and this is where the cost/benefit curve is at it's peak.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Like all things, perhaps not all things, we long for bigger equipment so along with that comes the need for better support, not jockey shorts but Tripods. I started life with small and afordable tripods but must have bought 6 or seven by now, but this is the grand dad of them all.This will support my new long lens without any problem, should have bought it the first time and saved a ton of money.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I was blown away by how light the tripod is; I expected lighter than my aluminum one but this is LIGHT.
The quality of the workmanship and attention to detail is world class. The leg locks are quick and tight; the whole frame is very rigid with my gear mounted, a Nikon D300 with either a 105VR macro for flowers or 70-200VR and TCII for birds.
I am concerned about the top plate coming loose as some have reported in the Nikonians forum; I will watch for that.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

The Gitzo GT3541LS are beautifully manufactured and exceptionally sturdy tripod legs. The twist locks are easy to use and high quality.

I use this tripod with a Nikon D700 and lenses up to 300mm. If I want to add a bit of weight to help stabilize the rig there is a hook under the top disk. I shoot a bit of everything using this tripod, including indoor family portraits, backyard birds, landscapes, macro and long night exposures.

If I was using the tripod in a studio or shot a lot of family portraits I'd consider buying the optional GS3511S optional CF center column. However, it's certainly apparent that the setup is sturdier without it. The center column would also get in the way for shooting macro.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I just bought the tripod before traveling in Pueto Rico for bird photography. I have managed to take great shots not possible with my previous tripod. I have been walking in rain forest terrain with a 7 lbs lens and gotten sharper shots of small birds at a distance that I havd ever done. I used it on a hummingbird and I was extremely pleased with the results.

The tripod is quality built, but just watch to make sure the legs' end caps are fully tighten as otherwise you risk loosing one.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

This tripod is amazing! It is certainly beefy and can support much more than what I am loading it with. When the legs are splayed out, it is still rock solid.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Great for use with my Canon 600 mm f/4.0 and 400mm f/2.8 to get those wildlife shots

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

My husband surprised me with this tripod recently. I have a smaller one and though, why!!
Now I understand. I was so impressed with how my D90 Nikon held perfectly still while taking photos out of doors in windy conditions. The tripod is larger than my other but I was pleased that it is still easy for me to carry and set up as I'm 5'1" and camera gear can sometimes be quite awkward. Great tripod - great value.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Bought this to handle a DSLR and a 500mm Canon lens. I'm very pleased with its stability.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

This tripod is absolutely awesome! It collapses to a very manageable size, and fully extended, my camera is exactly at eye level (I am 5'11"). It is very light weight yet VERY sturdy. I appreciate that there is a hook beneath the base plate where I can hang my camera bag when i'm out in the field and don't want to set it in the dirt. I use this tripod in conjunction with a RRS BH-55 ballhead with PCL and this setup is absolutely superb. My heaviest load is a 5DII, 70-200 F2.8L IS II, and a 580EXII. The support system handles it beautifully.

Overall, I couldn't be happier. The system looks sharp, performs well, and is very easy/quick to use. Highly recommend it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Short and sweet: If you need a solid tripod, this is THE TRIPOD. Rock solid. Any position. Period.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I bought this tripod as a replacement of the same one that was stolen from a shoot recently. I use this tripod primarily for wildlife and landscape photography but also portrait and some macro work. For wildlife work I use a Canon 7D with battery pack and a 500 f4 with and without extenders. For me this tripod does everything I need. Very stable with the heavier gear and perfect for lighter gear. One of the best things is the light weight and small size when folded. This makes it ideal for carrying over the shoulder and travel. It will fit perfectly into checked baggage or on a backpack. The new leg lock system is great as well and allows quick leg extension and retractions. Highly recommended.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I mainly shoot birds and other wildlife. It is light and very strong. Adjusts easily and telescopes to a nice small package that fits easily into my backpack pocket (LowePro Trekker 400). I use an EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM and an EF600mm f/4L IS USM on it. The 600 might be a little much, so I should probably use a GT5531S for that. But for now it does great

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

lowest price around for a Gitzo tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I spent a lot of time going back and forth on whether to get the GT3541LS or the GT3541XLS. I am tall (6'2"/187cm) and have enough back problems to not want to stoop all the time. On the other hand, I travel a lot by air and wanted a tripod that I could carry-on without hassle.

The GT3541XLS was seriously attractive. I could see that having the extra length at your disposal would be very useful on occasion. However, in the end, I went with the GT3541LS and have no regrets.

Yes, I am sure there will be times where the extra height would be very useful. But, I also did not want a pod that ended up getting left behind because it was too big to be easily transportable.

As for height, I use an Acratech GP Ballhead, which, together with the tripod, brings my camera to eye-level, with still the ability to peer at the top LCD display. This is plenty enough height for me, although I should qualify that by saying that I am not spending hours looking through a long lens waiting for the decisive moment. I use the pod primarily for night shots, landscapes, panaramas and occasional close-up work. This height works fine for this.

I have also had no problem taking the tripod on long-haul flights. Right after purchasing it, I flew back down to Sydney, Australia. The flight was packed and the airline was restricting passengers from bringing too many bags on board. I had no problem carrying this over my shoulder plus my camera bag. Furthermore, it fit into the over-packed overhead compartment without any problem.

The tripod is well made and rock solid. It is also surprisingly light-weight. Having the ability to go down to ground level with no centre column is also very useful.

It is not cheap, but then nor is any of the other good quality camera equipment I've invested in. If you want sharp, good quality photos, then don't waste your money on a "cheap-and-cheerful" tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

After a ton of research, I finally broke down and spent the money on this set of legs. I'm so glad that I did. Very easy to use, and incredibly versatile. I can get my camera over the crowd, or flat on the ground when needed. You can place the legs in whatever position you want, totally independent of each other. It is expensive, but I don't plan on needing to replace this unit. Money well spent and I haven't regretted it for a minute!

Comments about Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Rock solid and light weigh for the rated load. I love the G-lock which is extremely easy to use, I plan to take it along later this month for the fall colors pictures in the Allegheny National Forest. This will be the first field test of this tripod. A better hook (deeper and larger) from the bottom of the mounting plate would handle more camera bags.