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):

I love this tripod, it is very stable and easy to use.

What I don't love is, the first time I took it into the field, I lost one of the rubber feet. This thing was expensive. I'd expect more out of Gitzo, things shouldn't be falling off right out of the box.

Yes, this is a small thing. But the tripod is new, not even broken in yet, and I already have to spend MORE money, just to have a complete unit again.

Make sure the rubber feet are screwed in tightly, every time you take it out.

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

Its pricey, but you really get what you pay for. So light and easy to use. Super sturdy. I don't like center posts, which is why I chose this model. However, I love the fact that I can add one later if I decide.

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

Serious photographer. Love everything about it especially the lack of a center post, ability to get down to ground level for belly shooting, stability and weight. Because it is so tall I can shoot at eye level without bending over. I bought two, one for myself and another for a friend.

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

Amazingly light for the amount of weight it can hold. I'm 5'9" and if the tripod is extended all the way, it's a little too tall (including ball head and camera). It's great that it folds down so small and makes it easy to carry if you are traveling. Absolutely recommend it.

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

I don't know how much I can add to the volumes already written about this and similar Gitzo tripods. It's is light weight, strong and perfectly stable. The only question you need to answer in buying a tripos is: which gitzo is the right one?

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

Having used only a handful of tripods, it isn't quite fair to say this is the best tripod ever made. What I can say is that it meets and exceeds my needs as an amateur wildlife photographer. Whether photographing birds in the backyard, or out in the subzero cold in Yellowstone the Gitzo GT3541 series has proven resilience, stability, and ease of use across the board. I highly recommend this tripod, and consider it a welcome premium item in my kit bag as it is one of the biggest contributors to great images. The LS model is great for me at 6' 1" when combined with a gimbal head like the Jobu Junior or Wimberly, and is an easy fit into a standard suitcase. A bit difficult to fit on a carry-on, although it does fit in mine on a diagonal with no head on.

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

I spent 2 months studying forums, reviews and specs for different tripods and this one is the winner for Canon 5D Mark II. and also Hasselblad 503CW it is perfect match and combine portability and also great steadiness. I bought it just few days before it got discontinued and I think new version 3542LS is coming and possibly fix problem with possible loose screw and risk of gear falling down. I purchased Naturescapes security plate 35 to fix this issue right here at B&H. The slight disadvantage is very wide mounting platform in case you would want to travel with small luggage or backpack for this purpose I keep my older Gitzo 1228 Mark II. but thinking to upgrade it with 2541 which is its Gitzo replacement with lighter weight and better leg locking mechanism.

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.