Gitzo GT1544T Series 1 Traveler Tripod, Carbon Fiber, 4 Sections, No Head, Max Height 55", Supports 17 lbs.

2014-06-26T21:00:00

Extremely light weight, very stable, easy to deploy, and great to pack.

STANLEY G.

2013-05-06T21:00:00

I deliberated for a long time over what tripod to get that would be compact enough for travel and hiking but still hold the weight of a 5D mk3 and various lenses. I only use tripods for a few kinds of tasks, but when they're needed they're needed, and its important to have one that won't be a bother lugging around given how little I do use it. I knew I wanted the twist lock legs from experience, so I eventually settled between a few different Gitzo models and a Benro Travel Angel as my budget choice. I think the Benro would be perfect for most people, but the decreased overall circumference of the Gitzo and the minor weight differences really make me glad I went with it. I think if it were any bigger or heavier I wouldn't be inclined to carry it with me, which would defeat the purpose of having it. I bought a Markins Q3t head for mine, which is designed for Gitzo travelers. The head is great and the tripod still folds up nice and compact. I like the 1544T over the 1542T due to the fact that the tripod ends up having a shorter overall length when closed. If you want a larger, more substantial head (which may be overkill on a travel tripod anyways) go for the 1542T as a larger head won't prevent the tripod from compacting nicely.

DANIEL M.