Thanks for the write-up on Gitzo's numbering system. Now I know what my Gitzo 1532 means. It has been a very good tripod even in windy conditions. Lightweight and easy to backpack. I recently had very sharp results in gusty wind with a Tamron 100-400 mounted on a 5D3 at 400mm. I did turn on the image stabilization. I think it helped in this case.
eardoc wrote:
The Gitzo 3531S is a three leg segment, stable, systematic tripod. You may want to consider the Gitzo 3542LS. It is a four leg segment, stable, systematic tripod. (Neither the 3531S or 3542LS have center columns that decrease stability. A center column can be added.) The 3542LS with a tripod head and camera mounted is tall enough for your comfort. You do not have to bend over. The 3542LS has a removable flat top plate that is secured with an incorporated tightening screw and security release button to prevent inadvertent release of the flat plate. You can purchase an extra flat plate if you rapidly want to switch from one tripod head to another (eg. ballhead to gimble). Gitzo has updated the 3542LS to the 3543LS. They made minimal changes in the new model (added a side screw bushing to the head assembly and changed the leg releases at the head). Rubber feet can be pulled off revealing hidden spikes to adapt to different terrain. However, during testing, the 3542LS dampened vibrations better than the newer 3543LS. If you look around, you can still find the 3542LS. For most, it combines light weight, portability, convenience, stability, adaptability, proper height, and no need to purchase another tripod. As a disclaimer, I have no relationship with Gitzo or any photo manufacturer. After a recent tripod search, I just like the tripod.
Gitzo's numbering system is as follows: 3542LS
1. "3" = series 3 tripod
2. "5" = carbon fiber
3. "4" = number of leg segments
4. "2" = model of the tripod (in this case the "2" replaced the original "1" version)
5. "L" = long model
6. "S" = systematic model (vs. for instance the Mountaineer model with a center column)
The Gitzo 3531S is a three leg segment, stable, sy... (
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