DavePDX wrote:
My experience with Gitzo has been very disappointing. Based on many favorable reviews, I purchased a GT1545TUS about 7 months ago. Very lightly used. A couple of weeks ago, I started to set it up and as I unfolded the legs, one of them broke off in my hand (at the hinge/base). It was traumatic imagining the consequence had my D850 and 500pF had been mounted to it at the time! I have written and called Gitzo and their repair facility, and have yet to receive ANY response. In addition, I discovered that their "lifetime warranty" is only a 6 month warranty if you fail to register with them within 90 days of purchase! In searching the internet, I've discovered this is not an isolated experience. Even if I eventually manage to get them to repair or replace it, I will never be able to trust it.
My experience with Gitzo has been very disappointi... (
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Sorry for your bad experience.... But you partially have yourself to blame because you've have done the exact opposite of the original poster. He (or she?) is looking at a Series 4 Systematic.... next to the heaviest duty tripod that Gitzo makes.... and probably a little more than is needed for a 2 lb. full frame DLSR and 4.5 lb. 150-600mm zoom.
The GT1545TUS you bought is a Series 1 Traveler model, meaning it's one of the lightest duty. Where the original poster is probably looking at more tripod than they need, what you purchased is way too light weight design for any full frame DSLR and 500mm lens! (Even the compact PF lens.) I wouldn't put that gear on top of that tripod, either! It's designed for much smaller, lighter gear. I would recommend Series 3 for a camera and lens like yours.
The Gitzo Traveler, Studex and Mountaineer all also rely upon their permanently installed center columns, to reach their specified working height. The Systematic Gitzo models are modular and do not come with a center column. The heights of those leg sets are stated without one (but a center column is available separately, if wanted.... although I recommend using minimally when working with long telephoto focal lengths). There are also other things that can be fitted... such as video bowls, leveling platforms, a geared center column.
Again, sorry to hear of the problem. A tripod leg shouldn't easily break like that. I hope you can get it replaced or repaired at no cost. But, after you do I still wouldn't recommend a Series 1 Traveler model for use with a full frame DSLR and 500mm lens. You need a heavier duty model, regardless of brand. I've been using a Gitzo Series 3 Systematic for close to twenty years... with up to 800mm lenses.... and it's been utterly faultless. Some people prefer the Series 4 or Series 5 for use with big telephotos, though I think that can be a little bit of overkill.
BTW, I also think it's fairly typical that a warranty isn't in effect and might expire early unless an item is registered with the manufacturer. Today using the Internet it only takes a few minutes to register and doesn't cost anything. (A wee bit easier and better than "back in the day", when we had to mail in a registration card and possibly buy a stamp for it.)
Bob Werre wrote:
I also have had issues with Gitzo... But with Gitzo not able to make repairs, sort of leaves me with a useless tripod--don't think I'd buy again.
How old were those tripods?
Hey, I have a little trouble finding parts for my 23 year old Land Rover and my 58 year old Triumph... but it is typically sooooo much easier today, thanks to the Internet!
I have two different Gitzo models that date from around 20 years ago and can buy replacement parts for them (though I've never needed to do so).
www.gitzospares.com (for all vintages)
www.gitzo.com (current and recent models)
Heck, I've got a Bogen that I bought new nearly 40 years ago and replacement parts are still available for those (though the name is now Manfrotto).
I recently picked up a similarly ancient Bogen #144 with a #3025 pan/tilt head for $10 at a local secondhand store.... The only "problem" with it seemed to be looseness in the head, which turned out all that was needed was the set screws under the head weren't fully tightened. Snugged those up, cleaned off many years of dust, lubed the head lightly, fitted it with a $16 Chinese-made Arca-compatible quick release platform and it works perfectly. Didn't need to make any repairs, but I noticed that spare parts are available for it online.
www.bogentripodparts.comwww.manfrottospares.com www.manfrotto.com (current and recent models)
Good old eBay also has a lot of Gitzo and Manfrotto spare parts. I recall someone here on UHH needing a part for one or the other recently, which someone else quickly found for them via everyone's favorite auction site.
If nothing else, some of the spare parts sites might give you some $ for a broken tripod, if you decide it's not worth repairing.
By the way, Gitzo, Manfrotto, Sachtler, Joby, O'Connor and Vinten tripods are all under the umbrella of the same company... The Vitec Group, headquartered in the UK. They also are the parent company of LowePro, select Nat Geo photo gear, Avenger, Lastolite, Litepanels, Wooden Camera, Small Camera, and more photo/video related products.