Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

very nice, no that heavy for 3-series.
good height.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

It was hard to fork over the money for this item at first, but now that I own it and used it, I don't know how I lived without it. I owned a tripod, but not of this quality. When my other failed on me, I was upset, since I do long exposure photography a lot, you need a tripod. My cousin Tony told me, that how could you support thousands of dollars of equipment on a $80.00 tripod? Well he was right, thank God it failed as I was removing my Canon 5D Markii with my 70-200 f/2.8 ii on it. That had disaster written all over it. As soon as I received the tripod, I had to test it out. I also Bought a RRS BH-55 ball head and the two seemed to belong together. This tripod will last you a very very long time. Thank you B&H for the fast shipping. Ill attach some images captured using this tripod.

The Legs are easily open and lock tight, the tripod is deceivingly light and strong.

Marc Leonard

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

This is an impressive tripod.

The tripod comes well packaged with a nic dust cover. I was able to use right out of the box. Fully extended this tripod is VERY tall. I am 5'11' and when fully extended I can stand underneath it! If you collapse the bottom section, the tripod is at eye level for me.

I put a Gitzo leveling base and a RRS BH-55. This setup is nothing short of awesome. I put my 5DII, 70-200 F2.8L, and a 580EX II on it and it was solid as a rock. Long exposures were sharp, sharp, sharp.

Carrying this setup over my shoulder when fully extended got a bit tricky. If you collapse a section it is much more manageable. The leg sections are thick enough by themselves to not be to hard on your shoulder when walking around.

It is very easy to lock/unlock the g-lock mechanism and taking this thing from collapsed to extended is VERY quick.

Over all this set of legs leaves very little more to be desired and I am very happy with this purchase.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

While only having this tripod for a week, I have used it a number of times and feel that I've made the right purchase. It has a very solid feel for such a light tripod that looks big. It gives me the confidence that the tripod is no longer going to be the weak link in my photo workflow. The RRS BH-55 is a perfect fit and creates a great combination. Now, if I could only focus better...

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

professional portrait and still life photographer, its light, and goes and does everything I want it to.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I use the tripod for nature and landscape photography where getting very low and very high, with stability throughout the range, is important to getting great shots. It's a wonderfully flexible piece of equipment, sets up quickly and and is light to carry.

I upgraded from a Slik 700 Pro DX, which is also a very nice tripod and an excellent value. But it can't get as low as the Gitzo, can can it go as high. In cold weather, the twist mechanism of the Gitzo leg locks will be easier on cold hands.

The Gitzo isn't cheap, but it appears that you get what you pay for. I've only had it a week and can't imagine photographing without it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I use the tripod for nature and landscape photography. Frequently on the side of a hill, one leg has to extend significantly more than the others. With it's tremendous reach you can do that and keep the head level

It is MUCH lighter than the Gitzo G320 it replaced. The leg locks are excellent, positive, easy to undo, and fast. Taking out the centerpiece allows you to add the GS5121 leveling base for panoramas which is what I did. Works very well.

Only negative noticed is when you treat it harshly in the woods, it tends to scratch the legs easier than the aluminum tripod. Definitely a buy

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I shoot some long exposures and find this tripod solid as a rock - Love it

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Wow, this is a great tripod, handles the Wimberley and and 400mm lens with ease. The flexibility in height is great for low to ground to overhead shots.
Expensive but worth it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I started with the 3021BN Manfrotto aluminum, a fine tripod. I now use it solely in my studio, for macro work. Then I bought the Gitzo G2258, probably the best travel tripod there is, but a bit short and a bit light, nevertheless, versatile, yet shaky in a stiff wind. After 10 years of saying to myself "I need a really sturdy, lightweight, versatile tripod that gives new meaning to the words, immovable, perfect, "the one", (thank you, Neo) I bought the GT3541 XLS. It cost a small fortune, especially with the addition of the (other retailer warning here!!) ball head from those really right folks in California. I will not look back and will willingly pay the Amex bill when it comes in, with a smile on my face. This is the best tripod there is. Rock solid, lightweight, and well-engineered. The extra height will be seldom needed, but, that one time you are standing on the side of a cliff in Utah, Colorado, or Arizona and the light is perfect for that shot that will only last another couple of minutes, you will pull out that extra section of leg and give thanks to the photography gods for telling you to buy it when you crank in f8.0 and the 1 second exposure, in a stiff wind. Read all the other reviews. If you still can't decide, you need to get a different hobby/profession/job/calling, money manager, whatever.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I have only had this tripod for a couple of weeks, but, it has already paid for itself. The weight difference between this carbon fiber tripod to my aluminum tripod is about a pound and one half less. I am able to hike longer distances for landscape shooting. The ease of operation is incredible. I can use this tripod for macro shots and within seconds have it up at six feet for other shots (I am 6' 5"). Since I use a tripod for 95% of my shooting, it has become my best friend. It is expensive but worth every penny.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Love the way this tripod works, but only had it a week and already lost a foot on one leg. I guess it wasn't in tight. Bummed, make sure to check when you unpack it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Replacing a Manfrotto that is just getting old and pretty frustrating (things loosening that shouldn't). I like to do things right the first time and the only thing I might have done differently would be buying the LS instead of the XLS. That said, though, I'm off to a shoot this weekend where the extra length will certainly come in handy. The dust cover is that and only that... I'll use the old Manfrotto bag I have for transport if/when it comes to that. One con - you can purchase a plate to keep the head receiver from inadvertantly coming off... what? Most reviews indicate this doesn't happen often, but at this price it should *never* happen.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Tall, with the last leg segments fully retracted it is comfortable on flat ground with a wimberly head, (I'm 6'3) On any sort of slope the extra height is a blessing, no more aching neck.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I use this for landscape and architectural photography. Also have used it for the occasional portrait. I love how stable the tripod is and the fact, that at my normal height, I don't have to extend the lowest section of the legs. However, when I do need extra height the length of these legs never fails me. If I could only own one tripod, this would be it.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

I am upgrading from a less expensive carbon fiber tripod in the same weight class, which served its purpose for several years. Sure, I saved money but the quality just wasn't there. Parts started failing, and the fittings got sloppy. Although costly, I made the plunge and invested in what I feel is probably the best system. Really Right Stuff BH55 was added to the GT3541XLS to complete a super sturdy support system. Wow, just can't believe how much better this setup is! This is a large investment for anyone. Pro or otherwise but I have no regrets and would do it again, only sooner. It provides all the height a person will ever need for uneven terrain photography or special events requiring "over the head" shots. It will also go to ground level for those intricate Spring wildflowers situations. The attention to detail and the quality of materials and workmanship should provide a lifetime of service. I am excited about this purchase.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

used for birding and 300mm lense

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

This Gitzo is the perfect blend of height and weight. I especially like the ability to extend one leg down a hill for landscape work & still have the tripod at eye level (or) get the camera overhead if need-be. Three legs makes for quick adjustments when I am on the move. Definitely a solid platform for my Nikon D3x with 200-400mm lens and shorter + my Leica S2. Using "best practices" you can definitely achieve tack-sharp images even when doing long exposures. I use it in combination with a Really Right Stuff ball head and love it. Best of luck & happy shooting ...

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Nice tripod, you only need to unlock two secions to reach normal height (I'm 6'3") by the time you add a video head and rails.

This model doesn't resist twisting when you turn up the friction during pans (AKA windup), as much as I was expecting, but it doesn't look like this will noticeable with the 200-260mm focal lengths I'll mainly be using it for in real world usage.

I've tried to induce real world end of pan bounce-back (with Sachtler FSB-8 head), but so far so good @ 200mm.

If I didn't need the height, I'd buy the series 5 version instead.

Comments about Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:

Photographer who uses this product with a Wimberly head and haever long lens