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Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods

BH #GIGS5513S • MFR #GS5513S
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Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods
Key Features
  • Height: 19.3"
  • Travel: 13.8"
  • Weight: 1.4 lb
  • Carbon Fiber Construction
The GS5513S Rapid Center Column from Gitzo is a carbon fiber center column designed for use with series 5 Systematic tripods. The column may be installed by removing the tripod's base plate, inserting the center column, and locking the column in place.
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Gitzo GS5513S Overview

The GS5513S Rapid Center Column from Gitzo is a carbon fiber center column designed for use with series 5 Systematic tripods. The column may be installed by removing the tripod's base plate, inserting the center column, and locking the column in place.

The primary feature of the GS5513S is its rapid functionality, which allows the user to make quick vertical adjustments by simply twisting the collar and pushing up or down on the column. When the desired height is reached the user may then use the disc-lock equipped collar to securely lock the column in place.

The column features a native height of 19.3" which includes 13.8" of travel distance from maximum height to minimum height. It weighs 1.4 lb, a manageable weight which compliments its professional quality and durability, and also includes a bottom mounted ballast hook for adding additional stabilizing weight if needed.

UPC: 719821407324

Gitzo GS5513S Specs

Material
Carbon Fiber
Ballast Hook
Yes
Travel Distance
13.8" (35 cm)
Height
19.3" (49 cm)
Weight
1.4 lb (0.6 kg)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.25 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
20.9 x 4.6 x 4.5"

Gitzo GS5513S Reviews

1 star — Do not trust the "premium" price or "lifetime warranty" marketing

By Mike
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2026-08-13

I spent over $1,000 on the Gitzo GT5543LS Systematic Series 5 Carbon Fiber Tripod, then another $350+ inon the GS5513S Rapid Center Column to complete the system. That's $1,400+ for what Gitzo sells as top-tier, professional, built-to-last equipment backed by a "lifetime" warranty. It didn't last. Within a few years of normal, careful professional use — I shoot sports and portraits for a living, this gear is handled properly and stored correctly — the top mount of the center column loosened to the point where the camera visibly shifts and moves on the mount. That's not a minor cosmetic flaw. That's the core function of a tripod failing. A support system that can't hold a camera steady is not a tripod, it's an expensive paperweight with play in the joints. At this price point, mechanical failure like this after a few years should be unacceptable, full stop. This isn't a $50 consumer tripod from a big-box store — it's marketed as pro-grade equipment for people who depend on it for paid work. If Gitzo's quality control can't deliver a mount that stays tight under normal use, the price tag and the branding are doing more work than the engineering. I'm going through the warranty process now to see whether Gitzo will actually stand behind what they sold me. Based on my experience so far, I'd tell anyone considering the Systematic Series 5 system to think twice — the reputation this brand trades on does not match what I received. photos attached to show trip-pod is in like new condition.

Excellent quality!

By Kent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-09

Excellent quality! Easy to assemble and does exactly what it should.

See any errors on this page?

Could this Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column be ...

Could this Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column be used with RRS versa 43 tripod? Thanks.
Asked by: Fred
No, the Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods is only compatible with Gitzo Series 5 Systematic Tripods. For a Really Right Stuff Versa 3 series tripod, you could use the Really Right Stuff TA-3-QC Quick Column for Versa Series 3 Tripods, B&H # RETA3QKCOLMN.
Answered by: Kenneth C
Date published: 2025-06-16

2 Questions: 1. what is the diameter of the pole ...

2 Questions: 1. what is the diameter of the pole portion of this column? 2. Is the hook at the bottom threaded on with a 3/8 thread screw?
Asked by: PanaScope
Would this fit a G410 tripod? The base plate of the tripod measures about 8.5cm. What's the max. weight it can take. Going to be using this with Mamiya RZ64 pro and long lenses. Thank you
Answered by: Vahab
Date published: 2020-09-08

Is the column reversible?

Is the column reversible?
Asked by: Morgane
Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods is not reversible.
Answered by: Dusshyant B
Date published: 2026-05-24

Does the top disk have a set screw to secure a ...

Does the top disk have a set screw to secure a ball head from spinning?
Asked by: Eric W.
Yes the Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods has set screws to secure a tripod head.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-11-10

will this fit series 1?

will this fit series 1?
Asked by: ERic
The Gitzo GS5513S Rapid Center Column for Series 5 Systematic Tripods does not fit a Gitzo Series 1 tripod.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-12-16

What is the diameter of the top disk where the ...

What is the diameter of the top disk where the camera or ball head attaches?
Asked by: Eric W.
With our calipers, we measured 60.36mm / 2.37 inches.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-11-09

question

My gitzo is from about 2008, and beleived to be systematic style as Gitzo did not mark the model number. I am wanting a center column for it and the drop in opening for the base plate is 69.8-70mm or about 2.75. Seems Gitzo also doesnt not list these opening sizes or part numbers. My tripod is Cardon fiber. ThanksIf you have that, please send part number.
Asked by: Randy S.
This is made for the Series 5 so will be way too big. What you need is item # GS3513S which is made for the Series 3 & 4.
Answered by: Dideo M. Manfrotto Expert
Date published: 2021-04-10

question

With this column fully down, how tall is the portion that protrudes above the spider? (lock-collar and the top-pad of the column?)
Asked by: Robert
Hi Robert, with the column fully retracted, it is 2 inches from the legs to the mounting plate. I use it on the Series 5 tripod.
Answered by: Gene D.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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