Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I was dragging around a 5 lb. plus tripod before I got this. I put a strap on it and throw it over my shoulder and I hardly know it's there! Works great!

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Great light weight tripod. The ball head I use is heavier than the tripod. It is amazing what this carbon fiber and Gitzo have done for tripods and Photographers. It holds a Nikon D-90 with a 70-300mm VR Zoom with ease. Best tripod I have ever owned, liked it so much, my wife got one of her own. Expensive but well worth it if you travel or hike a lot and weight matters.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I owned a Bogen Manfrotto aluminum tripod before and this blows it out of the water in so many regards. It was also about $150 so I do not think it is a completely fair comparison.

Pros:
- Very light weight
- Very well built and durable (Manfrotto had plastic latches that broke off). I do not think there is anything on this tripod that by design can be broken off easily like the latches on my Manfrotto.
- Relatively cheap for a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod
- Very stable, no wobblyness at any point of usage
- Adjusting height with center column is a simple twist (faster than Manfrotto which is a knob you have to give a few twists to)

Cons:
- The twist mechanism to loosen the legs can sometimes be stuck. I am not sure if this goes away with use or can be remedied with grease or something.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I like it because of it's light weight so i carry it with me everywhere and I finally can join my family in family protraits. I took a lot of night shoot, it improves my pictures a lot. Overall, I like it very much!

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

The first thing I noticed about the tripod was how lighter it was compared to my aluminum one. It will be a pleasure to carry on hikes. It supports my Sony A850 with any lens. I haven't used it in any significant wind at this time so I can't attest it's stability in that condition. If necessary I will hang my backpack from the hook to stabilize it.

It is fast to set up and take down. This will be the only tripod I carry with me on my trip to Chile this year.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I bought this for hiking on our trip to Hawaii. It was small enough to almost fit in our backpacks, with the top sticking out the top a little. If they had made one extra section in the legs, it may have folded up smaller but also may have made it heavier. It was incredibly light-weight and never put any strain on my shoulders which was why I bought it. My camera was strapped to my waist so I was able to hike comfortably.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

light, sturdy, what else can you expect?

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Sturdy and very reliable. It is perfect used with DSLRs such as the Nikon D200 or D90. I have hiked and photographed with its predecessor for a number of years. Gitzo has upgraded this tripod with several features over the older version: it is taller while maintaining the same light weight, you are able to unlock and extend the legs quickly with a single twist when the tripod is completely folded, and you can take out the center column and reattach the head assembly to provide for very low angle work. Wonderful for photographing cactus flowers and other types of flowers. It is better to practice reattaching the head assembly a few times at home before trying it in the field. The tripod when extended also works well as a walking stick when navigating stream crossings and other areas where you need extra balance. Otherwise it is very lightweight when carrying it on your shoulder. Hopefully [...] will carry replacement leg tips for this model since I had worn out the ones on my older tripod from so much use!Gitzo makes an outstanding product.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

This tripod is great for hiking since it is so light. It can handle a decent load, but not suited for heavier applications, i.e. long telephotos, or large heavy cameras, but within the design context it is a great little tripod, easy to set up and take down. Since it has only three sections, setup time is less, but it doesn't fold as small as a similar 4 setion tripod.
The center column can be removed without buying another short column, and the legs spread to get down very low to the ground, a definite plus for me. I also like the spring loaded retracting hook, it's there when you need it but out of the way when you don't.

All in all a great lightweight tripod that is easy to take along on hikes and when you want to travel light but still want a tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I purchased this tripod right before going on vacation to the islands for a week. I wanted something light and easy to carry, which my old tripod was neither. I also wanted a good tripod for hiking in the mountains. This tripod is fantastic. Very solid, light and easy to setup/breakdown. So far I am very pleased!

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

How product is used : it was not... returned for heavier model within Gitzo GT2531

great about this product ; great for a very light set up point and shoot camera or up to a 200 mm lens of a DSLR.

Not so great : nothing... best tripod MFG to buy from hands down.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I am a climber with a passion for photography. I'm the kind of guy that sleeps in a 3/4 sleeping bag with no zippers to save weight. This tripod is a great lightweight compromise for the heavier, longer carbon-fiber tripods. I say compromise because most will have to lean over slightly to look through their viewfinder (I'm 6'2"). If you plan on going into remote places and insist on bringing a tripod, such a compromise should be a no-brainer.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

i love how light these legs are without sacrificing stability. legs lock in super tight. definitely worth the money

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

My primary use for this pod is back packing--I think probably the ball head might be as heavy as the tripod--What a pleasure not to have to have a burro to carry my equipment--The only down side is its a little short

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I have a tiltall tripod that I am very happy with except that it is too heavy to take into the field for nature photography. So I bought the Gitzo and I am delighted with its light weight, rigidity and ability to tightly close in on subjects on the ground. On the other end when the legs are fully extended the viewfinder is just 8 inches below my eye level, not bad at all.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I was looking for a tripod that is very light (under 2 pounds), strong & sturdy, and can take a weight capcity of 11 lbs. The GT0531 6x Carbon Fiber was exactly what I was looking for.

I like to take pictures of sunset/sunrise and night cityscape. This tripod was easy to carry, pack, and use. Once you go with Gitzo, there is no turning back to others.

Comments about Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

In selecting a tripod, I first look at the leaders in the industry. Gitzo has been mentioned as the top performer. Next, I needed a tripod that will take at least 11 lbs ( to carry my Canon 40D camera, L lens up to 135mm f2.0L prime and importantly the 85mm f1.2 L lens, with flash attached, and center ball head). Also, a tripod that is very light weight (under 2.0 lbs) and compact since I will be taking it on hikes and traveling. Lastly, a tripod that is strong and durable. After weeks for research, the GT0531 Mountaineer 6X carbon fiber is my choice. Upon receiving it, I couldn't believe the weight and quality built. Already, I was in love with the tripod. I will be taking it to many sunset/sun down/night cityscape shots. The height was a bit small. However, after attaching my Gitzo Center ball head G-1117M the height was perfect for me. Overall, this tripod is worth the purchase.