The Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit is a lightweight – yet extremely sturdy and rigid – support for a DSLR or other camera, for a total maximum load of 12.1 lb. With the center column and the five leg sections fully extended, the tripod and head reach a maximum height of 58.7".
Thanks to the legs' 6x carbon fiber construction, the GK1580TQR5 weighs only 2.56 lb, which makes this Traveler kit ideal for use while hiking or otherwise "traveling." The kit folds up to only 13.8" long for supremely easy transport.
In congress with the advanced carbon fiber material of the legs, the redesigned G-Lock twist-lock mechanism for the legs also contributes to the tripod's rigidity, achieving a 20% increase over previous-generation technology. Moreover, as the kit's load approaches its 12.1 lb maximum, the locking mechanism actually increases in strength. With G-Lock, leg locking is stronger, safer, and faster.
The ball head, a GH1781TQR head with a dual-locking quick-release plate, features a patent-pending "bubble ball" that's treated with PTFE and mounted on PTFE bushings for the ultimate in smooth operation. The aluminum head pans a full 360° and allows for lateral tilt from +100 to -30°.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 12.13 lb (5.5 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 58.66" (149.0 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 51.2" (130.0 cm) |
| Minimum Height | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Folded Length | 13.78" (35.0 cm) |
| Weight | 2.56 lb (1.16 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Center ball head with pan & tilt |
| Quick Release | Yes, double quick-release safety system with 1/4"-20 screw |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | 6x carbon fiber |
| Head Attachment Fitting | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 4/5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No/no |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Bubble Level | No |
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Reviewed by 7 customers
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
It is great for travel.
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
I like the Tripod very much, but I took it on my first outdoor shooting and the shoe (leg end) was lost during the shot and not found again. The shoes of the tripod are not really good attached and it seems now a big hassle to retreive that item.
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
My first Carbon Fiber Tripod , it's light and strong
Well made.
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
Very light weight and compact. I brought it for a trip to Sedona and Grand Canyon, it fits in my regular backpack and it still has room for my camera and other gears. I carry them all the time and never feel the urge to put it down. It is also very sturdy especially when I hang my backpack at the hook in the center column. It is well built but I cannot commend about it's reliability since I had it for only a few weeks. It is expensive but it will save your back and the fee you need to pay for your luggage if you need to travel to take picture. The only thing I missed is it does not work with Arca-Swiss plate, so I cannot switch back and forth with my other tripods when I shoot in studio or local.
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
This is a very sturdy, rigid, reliable tripod. In the few months that I've owned it, I have carried it through very hostile environments without any hiccups. By hostile environment, I am talking about the Iraqi desert. I clean it off when I get back to my room, and make sure no sand intrusion has occurred in my equipment. I have yet to find any evidence of sand intrusion or corrosion.
There is a slight "settling" when using a heavy camera/lens combination. When setting the tripod head at a low angle, it tends to settle down a few millimeters before becoming steady. The trick is to aim slightly above where you think you want to be, and allow it to settle in place. It is minimal, but to say it is 100% rock-solid would be false. And it is with a heavy Nikon 105mm Micro lens and extended battery pack, so there is quite a bit of weight.
The build quality is excellent. For the price, I would expect nothing less. If you are looking for the smallest, sturdiest tripod available, this is it. Shorter than most, it can be carried in almost any backpack.
It is easy to use and set up. I cannot imagine it being any simpler. Once set up, it also breaks back down just as quick for stowage. This is the tripod to carry when you don't want to carry a tripod.
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
It could be your final target of tripod if your camera with lens is less than 6 lbs. Light weight, pretty sturdy and easy to pack and fit in my backpack, since the folded length is only 35cm
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Comments about Gitzo GK1580TQR5 Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
I bought this tripod for two reasons. It is incredibly compact and it light weight. I can use my D3 with a 80-400 and it supports it easily. Obviously not as sturdy as my Manfrotto 190XBD but in the field, size and weight are important issues. The swivel head works quite well, a bit more fiddly than a three way though. It is superbly finished, an art work really.
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