2013-11-27T19:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
You will not regret buying this tripod !
I needed a tripod that was light enough to take into the field, small enough to pack in carry-on luggage, dependable, strong, and very stable. The Gitzo GT3541 fulfills these requirements and I use it mainly for time lapse, macro-, night-, and astrophotography where stability is critical for sharp pictures.
This tripod is solid but still light thanks to the carbon fiber construction. With 4 sectioned legs, it will easily fit in a carry-on bag for air travel with a ball head still attached. From compacted to fully extended takes about 20-30 seconds, and there is no slippage or "wobble" once sections are hand tightened with only a 1/4 to 1/2-turn.
The ability to widen the stance of the tripod and invert the center post to mount the camera underneath for low-to-ground macro are both pluses. The center post can also be extended if additional height is needed, though with full extension a small amount of stability is lost, but this wasn't unreasonable.
It cleans up easily and after 1 1/2 years of frequent use it still looks and performs as if it were brand new.
If you're looking at the price and having second thoughts, - let me save you some indecision here. I read the review articles by the pros, looked for sales, read white papers on carbon fiber vs aluminum vs. wood, etc, ad infinitum. I had spent months looking for the unicorn of tripods - the one that's light weight, easily portable, rock solid, reliable, and really inexpensive....but it doesn't exist, because quality costs money and the cheap tripods don't give you the quality. This tripod is a high quality piece of equipment that once you use it and realize it will serve you for years to come, you won't regret it.
Scott H.
2012-12-16T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Worth the premium price, but...
I orginally purchased an Induro and wanted to consider Induro's next heavier model for my heavier load kit. An experienced photographer recommended that I consider the Gitzo over the Induro mainly because it has better weather sealing. Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase and believe it fits the needs very well; however, I would still like to leave some comments on its construction versus Induro.
Non-rotating legs: Both Induro and Gitzo indicate non-rotating legs. Both lived up to this claim; however, I noticed that when the Gitzo leg was fully extended, I was able to rotate it on some occasions.
Setup/Breakdown time: Induro's only requires a quarter twist to lock and unlock; Gitzo required a bit more twisting and didn't feel as 'definite' as Induro's. Setup and breakdown time seemed much faster with Induro.
Overall feel: Induro was smooth in both feel and operation; Gitzo's operation felt a little clunky, but not problematic.
Conclusion: Both are great for their load to weight performance. I give Induro the edge for overall value, but if one needs better weather-sealing, I suppose you should definitely consider the Gitzo...but I haven't personally tested this aspect.
Kenneth F.
2012-07-29T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Solid tripod
Nice solid tripod - my RRS BH-55 ballhead fits perfectly on it. It folds relatively small. The only thing that should have been included was a custom fitted tripod bag.
CHI W.
2009-08-04T21:00:00
If you want 2nd or 3rd best you can pay a couple of hundered less and thats what you get. If you want to play with the big boys get gitzo (you cant get any better!) Just bought a GT3541 Series3 and can't wait to get to shootin. Thanks for the tip Scott Kelby
KEN T.
2009-03-29T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Excellent Product
Does as advertised. Excellent very stable support, that's easy to use, and very well made. Not much else to say.
KP
