Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit
The Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit is a major undertaking in the world of tripods and a true watershed achievement for the breed. Starting as a 'normal' Gitzo Traveler, the 1581 Ocean adds a new locking mechanism which is actually designed to be in and around salt water, dust, mud, etc. Completing the special package is a ballhead that's made from stainless steel which is so highly refined that it requires no paint or spray or the like-much like a surgical instrument. It would be fair to say that the Ocean Traveler can endure more of the elements than almost any camera you could mount upon it.
As a Traveler, this tripod's enormous expansion/contraction ratio makes it the ideal choice for times when a tripod's compacted dimensions become of paramount importance. The top of the Traveler is designed to allow the leg segments to fold 180°, towards the direction that's away from the ground when the tripod is in use. This allows the normal crown section of a tripod to be within the collapsed leg segments' space, affording the Ocean Traveler its impressive 17.1" folded length. You could fit in inside of many briefcases.
Beyond the stainless steel ballhead, all of the metal fittings on this tripod are also stainless steel, with the uppermost leg segments designed to allow water to drain out of them when the tripod's collapsed. This is a Gitzo 6x carbon fiber model, made from their own superior and ultra-thin carbon fiber strands. Beyond the weight savings we're all after, carbon fiber has a tendency to 'eat' vibrations rather than transmitting them, much like a wooden tripod would.
- The world's first tripod with stainless steel fittings
- Delivered with a stainless steel ballhead, made to resist any corrosion
- Unique leg design allowing an expansion ratio that's unheard of in a truly rigid tripod
- Legs assembled from Gitzo-specific "6x" ultra-strong and super-thin (0.007mm) carbon fiber strands
- Maximum upper leg segment diameter of 24mm; appropriate for SLR cameras and 135mm telephoto lenses
- Gitzo's "ALR" Anti Leg Rotation design prohibits segments from rotating; they can only move directly up or down
- Gitzo's "Ocean Lock" is an industry first-a lock mechanism that's easily disassembled/cleaned and meant for use in an around salt water, mud, etc.
- Collapses to just 17.1"
- Made in Italy
Go To
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 8.8 lbs (4.0kg) |
| Maximum Height | 58.7" (149.0cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 48.4" (123.0cm) |
| Minimum Height | 9.1" (23.0cm) |
| Folded Length | 17.1" (43.5cm) |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | No |
| Weight | 3.08 lbs (1.400kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Ballhead |
| Quick Release | No |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon fiber with stainless steel fittings |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3/4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (5)
- Folds away (4)
- Stable (4)
- Unfolds quickly (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (5)
- Travel (5)
- Night shots (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
Great to carry around. It support my 70-200mm firmly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Great Design
- Lightweight
- Superb quality
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Head
Best Uses
- Beach
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
This is my second GITZO tripod, I purchased this to replace GT2531+GH2780QR (destroyed by salt water). Dude, this one is really awesome!! The ocean-lock design is perfect for shooting on the beach in salt water, the stability is great even with 5D2 + 70-200mm f/2.8L, the 17" closed length and 3 lbs weight is perfect for travel. Just buy it and you'll love it!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to use
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Highest build quality
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
I use the Gitzo Ocean Traveler to mount my Leica M9 on. For shooting landscapes it is the perfect companion foe a Leica or any other medium weight camera. The tripod folds so it fits into my gadget bag along with the camera, several lenses and a flash to form a kit that's easy to tote and fits under an airplane seat. The weather, dirt, sand and water resistance allows me to position my camera wherever I want it to be. the build quality is extraordinary and makes set up a breeze. Though this is a bit pricy, it's the perfect tool for the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Expensive
- Head
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
This tripod is AMAZING; with your camera mounted and the tripod fully extended you'll just want to stare at it.
Bottom line: The tripod legs are AWESOME, the head is a bit weak.
I purchased this tripod because I needed something that was light weight, strong, and could take a beating for hiking and travel. I'm sure everyone who has even thought about this tripod has dwelled on its +$1000 price tag. Having been on both sides of that coin, without a doubt, I am extremely happy I cowboyed up and made this purchase.
First impression upon receipt: the box is impressive, the packaging is impressive, the tripod is a work of art. You'll be amazed at how light it is and how quick you can get it setup. What will amaze you further is how stable it is fully extended.
I own a 5DII with a 16-35mm F2.8L, 24-70mm F2.8L, and the 70-200mm F2.8L IS MKII. I am a sharpness freak and immediately tested this support system with long exposures. From what I can tell the 16-35 and 24-70 are perfect. With my 70-200 I found things got SLIGHTLY blurry at max leg extension with the center tube raised; by no means would I classify this as a deal breaker. It went away when the center tube was lowered.
I also ordered the Markins Q-Ball Q3 Traveler with Lever Release, the L-Bracket, and Lens plate for my 70-200. With this combination I am able to raise the center tube and get VERY sharp pictures with my 70-200. This head is OUTSTANDING and in terms of quality, these two products are a perfect match.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
Purchase this tripod for a trip to Antarctica and it performed flawlessly. Supported D3x with long lenses in a hostile environment without a glitch. It also came in very handy as a weapon to fend off vicious fur seals who regularly charged us during our beach landings.
The seals and the tripod survived the trip completely unscathed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Gitzo Ocean Traveler 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ballhead Kit:
Live and shoot alot by the beach so the ti pod makes sense for me. The legs come apart very easy for cleaning. The head is disappointing and I will purchase an alternative head and then it will be a very lovely tri pod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
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General Tripod Accessories
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What's in the Box
- GS1320KT Ground Level Kit
- Anti-Dust Bag
- Special Lubricating Grease
- Lifetime Warranty
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