Gitzo GT3541XLS Systematic Series 3 6X 4 Section XL Carbon Fiber Tripod, Maximum Height 78", Supports 39 lbs.

2012-03-04T19:00:00

This tripod is wonderful. Rock solid, and very adjustible for varied terrain. It suits my needs perfectly. A travel tripod it is not. One cannot strap it to a backpack and forget it is there. But for those who are toting the big glass, it is a necessary item. With a large ball head on it, I have no issues with folding the legs in and carrying it over my shoulder with camera and medium sized lens still attached. You must be vigilant when using it in crowded places, as it has a large foot print while extended. I am 6' 4", and can comfortably use it on level terrain with out needing to extend the lowest sections, but it is nice to have the extra height when needed. I have a small folding platform, (about a foot square) that I stand on when the shot requires it.

PETER B.

2011-12-01T19:00:00

I bought both a Gitzso 3541XLS AND A GITZO 3540LS and submitted the rebate paperwork in accordance to all instructions. Gitzo/Manfroto refused both rebates. I would not buy from this company. They are a ripoff. Buy any other carbon fiber tripod for half or less. They are just as good and you won't waste so much money. Never trust this Gitzo. Major rip off.

PATRICK M.

2011-11-06T19:00:00

Good stable platform and really light weight until you start adding stuff. Also, RRS Bells and Whistles drop right in or screw right on.

GLYNN M.

2011-09-08T21:00:00

This tripod is solid as a rock. Period. I am using it for mainly long exposures and it works fine. I am using an Acratech GP ball head on top and the combo is wonderful. The XLS is plenty tall enough for me - at 6'2" most of the more "portable" tripods were just too short. Height was more important than being bent over a shorty tripod for most of a day (also an age related thing). Since I have only started using this product recently, my initial impression is that this Gitzo is a quality product. The cost is painful - but I try to buy the best I can afford and hope I only have to buy it once - and yes I read Thom Hoghan's now famous tripod article and took his recommendations to heart.

KENTON H.

2011-02-05T19:00:00

This seems to be a well-built, sturdy tripod, lightweight for its size. I bought it as a taller and lighter-weight replacement for an old Gitzo aluminum tripod which I had been using for 15+ years (and was very happy with). The extra height of this tripod is great for nature photography, where longer legs are often needed to position a tripod on a steep sloping hill. The absence of a center column further reduces the weight and allows the tripod to be positioned very low to the ground. The only real drawback I can see is the high cost compared to traditional metal tripods. If you're shooting primarily in a studio, or (for nature / outdoor photography, shooting near your car), the cost of carbon-fiber is probably not justified. If you have to carry your equipment along mountain trails like I do, the reduced weight is probably worth the high cost.

Mike

2011-01-12T19:00:00

I replaced my Gitzo 2541 with this outstanding tripod. I do not miss the center column at all. Inasmuch as I am 6'4" I wanted a tripod that I could use from time to time on a hill side where the extra leg length could find purchase on the hill and keep me from squatting. It is easier to also get much lower quickly with this tripod over my last one. I use it with a RRS BH-55 ball head, and they are perfectly matched. Highly recommended.

Rice

2011-01-12T19:00:00

My primary use is landscape and unless you use a tripod a great deal of the time or have a lot of disposable cash, it might not make the most economic sense to you but my, my...it's a very, very nice tripod. The things that are great; we'll start with the height, ease of adjustment, and fantastic build quality. I'm not kidding about the quality feel. Don't try this out unless you have the available $$$'s. The longing will be upsetting. Do you need this tripod? Probably not but would you want it? Oh yeah. Absolutely.

PHIL P.

2011-01-03T19:00:00

If your a tall person like myself this is the Tripod to get. I'm 6'4 and have room to work with. I didn't think this tripod would be this tall. This is a 4 Section Tripod and I only need to use 3 sections for most of my shooting. If your looking for a tripod to use with big lenses like the 500f4 600f4 this is to get.

Waterfowler

2010-12-08T19:00:00

Ok, so why bother to spend $800 on a tripod and $500 on a head, and several hundred more on required brackets? Ya askin' me? Well, this particular tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-50 head is my #1 baby! Use the combo every day. Was a bit worried that the extra leg would take away a little stability, but not a problem. As a pro, there have been more than several times I have used the superextrordinary height to advantage (oh, did I mention another hundred plus for the adjustable center column?). Also have the 3530 with another BH-50 head. It has one less leg and is theoretically more stable (can't see it on my tests though!). Love 'em! And #3 is the 2530 with RRS BH-40 (mostly for travel, though I'm sure I would have been very happy to use the 2500 series for everything if I had never gotten my hands on one of these beautiful Systematic Series babes). Is the 3500 Systematic Series with the larger diameter legs more stable then the smaller 2500 series? Yes, yes, and yes! Most important piece of photo equipment I own, equal in importance to lens (see my review of the 2541). This is no exaggeration. No way would I have over $3K invested in tripods/heads/brackets if this were not true! When you put an RRS BH-50 head on one of these babies, slap on a great prime lens (chuck the zoom!), and look at your photos for the first time, you will run over, kiss it, and buy it an expensive Gitzo bag, just for being your baby! Cameras come and go but great lenses and the Gitzo+RRS is forever. You will buy it once! And if you can, you will get it some friends, like I did.

photoguy