Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg)

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

What a great tripod, perfect for my 500mm lens and yet light enough for me to carry around when taking pics of birds. You will need pads for the 3 upper parts of the legs due to how heavy the equipment is on the tripod. I ordered Gitzo pads, they are wonderful and perfect for my shoulders comfort. Gitzo TRIPOD LEG WARMER f/3/4/5 (BLACK) - GIGC5560

I was surprised how cheap a bag they sent with the tripod. Looks like it is made of tissue paper, not sure what you do with it. The tripod is well made and cant see myself needing another one in my life time.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

this tripod is very solid and does not move at all when using the nikon D3S with 300mm 2.8 with 17TC

Is a little short at 50in high but over all it great

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Great mid-size tripod. Perfect match for Really Right Stuff BH-55 head. Operates flawlessly in every detail. I use a GT5531S for tele stuff (this ones big brother-rated 55lbs) I own 3 pods all Gitzo, all B&H. I do everything from close-up macro to elk @ 25m. If you want a tripod don't get a center column if you can avoid it. Those with a center column are really monopods with three legs! Consider the physics for a moment! Get a Gitzo....if you're serious you'll get one sooner or later. Anybody want to buy a few used Giottos?

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I used this tripod mostly for landscape and wildlife...and also a little bit on portrait. All i can say is its the last tripod you"ll ever want. I used to have a manfrotto carbon fiber tripod before and though that tripod served me well, it doesn't beat this tripod. I was kinda hesitant at first to splurge a large amount of money for this one but no regrets at all. I'm glad i did because as soon as i got this I never look for another tripod again.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Used the new tripod with a RRS BH55 head the other night for the solar eclipse. It held my Canon 70-200 with a 2X extender rock solid. I really like the fact that you can use this tripod with and without a center column. Great for ground level shots. The leg locks work great requiring just a quarter turn to extend them and the three leg sections can be opended with a single grip and turn of the lock on each leg. The g-lock keeps the legs from collapsing if they are not torked down tight. I bought the optional 12 inch center column and the bag which fit nice with the center column and ballhed attached. If you are on the fence due to cost just consider what you have invested in cameras and lenses and you will buy it to insure good shots with your long and macro lenses.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Photo Enthusiast

I love this tripod...it's everything I would expect for it's name and price. I'm only 5'6" and for me, this provides the perfect height alignment when shooting portraits or landscapes. If you can afford it don't go the inexpensive route and settle for something less like I initially did, it will only cost you more in the long run...pay the price and do it right. It's a great investment that will provide dividends for years to come. You wou't regret it!

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

This product is as good as it's hyped to be! I use it for wildlife photography with a Nikon D300s and AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 lens and a Wimberley 200 gimbal head. I changed the feet to steel spikes, available as an accessory item. The spikes add a little weight, but provide a more secure base in slippery settings. The adjustability of the tripod is outstanding, allowing me to use it in many modes: fully extended legs (normal leg angle) for most distance wildlife shots through fully retracted legs and full angle extension for prone shooting positions.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

it goes flat to the ground for macro. is tall enough to not make me stoop and is way more stable than my bogen aluminum tripod it replaces.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I own the preceding 3530S version. I believe this one slightly (immeasurably in daily use) lighter. Otherwise, they specify about identically. Used the 1325 before this. The current incarnation supports more, but weighs no more. I've owned Gitzo series 1/2/3/5 tripods: This is the ONLY one you REALLY need, though a 400 2.8/600 4 probably fare better on a series 5. For rigorous hiking, you may want to consider a series 0/1, or a comparable Manfrotto, which will cost you a lot less. Still, I can recommend this unit as my #1 for people under 6' tall; I'm about 5-11. Try the 8"-taller LS if you're taller. I use the RRS 55 ball head & Gitzo leveling base. This makes for perfect eye-level height when fully extending the legs, which is always handy; no fussing with leg extensions when you're in a hurry. This is not the best choice for hiking, as it doesn't "shrink" enough, and the girth not compact. It IS hike-able, though, with a little extra endurance, or an assistant. It's very stable in winds, and awesome at lower levels, like for macro. Great studio workhorse. Good with the Wimberly Sidekick. Much to love with this unit. Also recommend the 2541 w/RRS 40 head as a VERY portable sibling. Perfect match for lenses up to 500mm.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I needed a sturdy tripod for landscape and bird photography and this product is perfect. It's very stable and not too heavy for the amount of weight it supports. I'm 5'3" and the height is just right.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I've been down the same road as many others with tripods which didn't perform well. This Gitzo is a dream . I use it with the RRS BH-55 and it makes every photo shoot a joy. It's rock solid and yet relatively light.So far I have only used it for long exposures but no centre column means it will be great for macro as well. Wish I had made the investment long ago.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I found this tripod to be a significant step up in sturdiness from my Manfrotto 3221 tripod. It is lighter and still more solid. My only reason for not giving 5 stars was the price. I wish it were a bit lower and am not quite convinced that CF requires such a large price jump.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I intend this for general use photography. It is very lightweight and opens smoothly & quickly. I chose not to get the center column after reading about the added vibration. However, be careful about which ball heads will work with your camera in the vertical position on this 3+ inch base.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I like to travel and take photos. GT3531S is chosen because of it stablity and weight. I have a bad experience with another brand of tripod toppled when a sudden big gust of wind blow pass. Only cons i can think of is the price is slighty on the high side.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

The Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs will be used with a Wimberley Head for wildlife photography. Much faster set up over older versions w/o G-lock. My fifth Gitzo tripod but the first new one for me.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I use this with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head & quick release. Rock solid for my Nikon D700 with any of my lenses up to 300mm f-/2.8. Gitzo twist locks are a bit slow to deploy but carbon legs are light and solid. Comes with a nice dust cover with a drawstring closure. Only 22 inches without the head.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I originally had a 3541LS because of the shorter folded length. However, it was too tall for my height so I decided to change it to 3531S, which turns out the exact height I need. The only drawback I foresee is under some uneven grounds where extra length is preferred but I am happy to live with it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

if it were a little longer it would be perfect!

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

Use it my 70-200 and 200-400 Nikon lenses on a Nikon D3. Ubelievable change in sharpness. Highly recommend getting the right stuff to get great pictures. jim

Comments about Gitzo GT3531S Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 39.6 lbs (18kg):

I've used many brands over the years but Gitzo is the best, and this latest version is simply fantastic. Although some prefer the Moutaineer version with the center column, I decided to opt with the Systematic as I believe it's a more rigid solution. Can't go wrong with Gitzo; a great investment.