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Gitzo fiber carbon tripod GT3530 or manfrotto 545B tripod

Humberto Ramos

Humberto Ramos

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Hi to all,

I need some advice about some stable support system to use mainly in wildlife.
I will buy a manfrotto 509HD vídeo head to use with RED ONE and sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 and sometimes with nikon ed 500mmf/4, and I have a GITZO fiber carbon tripod GT3530 that is very light and stable, should I keep it or sell it and buy a aluminium Manfrotto 545B, thats is a lot heavier, but it looks even more stable...

Any sugestions or other options at the same price range?

Gitzo:
http://www.gitzo.us/series-3-systematic-carbon-6x-long-tripod-3-sec-w-g-lock

Manfrotto:

http://www.manfrotto.us/545b-pro-alu-video-tripod-100-75mm-bowl-2-stage-tandem-leg


Thanks and regards...
 
I went with a Really Right Stuff TVC33s tripod for my wildlife work. Rated for 50 lbs, weighs 4.5 lbs with leveling base, super stable and compact. I was going to get a Gitzo Systematic but their split design apex had me worried since I like to carry my rig on my shoulder sometimes. I've go a 545b as well for my jib, but I wouldn't want to carry it very far, seems like it's like 9 lbs right? Hard to say what's best for you without knowing your goal, are you looking for something to hike around or more working from a vehicle and such? Do you like a leveling base? That would narrow down your choices quite a bit.
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
I went with a Really Right Stuff TVC33s tripod for my wildlife work. Rated for 50 lbs, weighs 4.5 lbs with leveling base, super stable and compact. I was going to get a Gitzo Systematic but their split design apex had me worried since I like to carry my rig on my shoulder sometimes. I've go a 545b as well for my jib, but I wouldn't want to carry it very far, seems like it's like 9 lbs right? Hard to say what's best for you without knowing your goal, are you looking for something to hike around or more working from a vehicle and such? Do you like a leveling base? That would narrow down your choices quite a bit.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff, I will use it in a hide and sometimes will need to carry it for long distances. The gitzo3530 will only take a 75mm bowl adapter and the 509HD will only feet in a 100mm adapter...
Maybe Is better to sell it and even if its havie, buy the 445b couse is better for the 509HD...
 
I looked at the 509HD at NAB, but it's just too heavy and bulky for me and the 100mm bowl excludes all the ultra lightweight sticks I liked. After carefully weighing my choices, I settled on the 75mm bowl and I don't feel like it's much of a compromise for my Scarlet, but still searching for the perfect 75mm or 3/8 bolt-on lightweight fluid head to use with my RRS legs. 100mm might be better since you're looking at more weight with your R1 setup, but I've put ~70 lbs worth of jib gear on my TVS33s legs with the 75mm bowl and it didn't budge.
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
I looked at the 509HD at NAB, but it's just too heavy and bulky for me and the 100mm bowl excludes all the ultra lightweight sticks I liked. After carefully weighing my choices, I settled on the 75mm bowl and I don't feel like it's much of a compromise for my Scarlet, but still searching for the perfect 75mm or 3/8 bolt-on lightweight fluid head to use with my RRS legs. 100mm might be better since you're looking at more weight with your R1 setup, but I've put ~70 lbs worth of jib gear on my TVS33s legs with the 75mm bowl and it didn't budge.
Click to expand...

If I had a Scarlet i might think in the 75mm, but with R1 and big tele lens like nikon 500mm ED, I'm afraid the 75mm ball head might not handle all that weight.
 
Humberto Ramos said:
If I had a Scarlet i might think in the 75mm, but with R1 and big tele lens like nikon 500mm ED, I'm afraid the 75mm ball head might not handle all that weight.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking as well, your setup is going to be pretty heavy, in which case a heavier tripod and larger diameter base might be a nice benefit. Hiking and staying mobile for wildlife shooting factor in significantly, so do your homework and if you live in an area where you can rent or demo some options, by all means do try before you buy. I had my mind set on a few options along the way in my research process, but after trying some out I knew pretty quick what would work or not. I try to keep my pack ~25-35% of my body weight, which isn't hard to exceed, especially I'm you're working alone and hiking long distances.
What about the Cartoni A303? I remember looking at that one along the way before I decided on a 75mm bowl. I think it's rated for like 125 lbs and weighs about 5lbs. A lot of good reviews on the Manfrotto 536 as well. Both are about your price range.
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
That's what I was thinking as well, your setup is going to be pretty heavy, in which case a heavier tripod and larger diameter base might be a nice benefit. Hiking and staying mobile for wildlife shooting factor in significantly, so do your homework and if you live in an area where you can rent or demo some options, by all means do try before you buy. I had my mind set on a few options along the way in my research process, but after trying some out I knew pretty quick what would work or not. I try to keep my pack ~25-35% of my body weight, which isn't hard to exceed, especially I'm you're working alone and hiking long distances.
What about the Cartoni A303? I remember looking at that one along the way before I decided on a 75mm bowl. I think it's rated for like 125 lbs and weighs about 5lbs. A lot of good reviews on the Manfrotto 536 as well. Both are about your price range.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff, will look those two option...
 
Manfrotto nice tripods, but I have been using Gitzo as far back as I can remember in Photography even for the heaviest of camera set ups, and now use them for the Epic and a 100mm Bawl adapter with a Miller Compass 25 Fluid head, could not be happier, Carbon X 6 Mountaineer is what I use, the new one I believe is the 8x.


407725_2561408955105_70240124_n.jpg



294854_1940715078146_6319629_n.jpg



194834_3438510082085_1364456847_o.jpg
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
That's what I was thinking as well, your setup is going to be pretty heavy, in which case a heavier tripod and larger diameter base might be a nice benefit. Hiking and staying mobile for wildlife shooting factor in significantly, so do your homework and if you live in an area where you can rent or demo some options, by all means do try before you buy. I had my mind set on a few options along the way in my research process, but after trying some out I knew pretty quick what would work or not. I try to keep my pack ~25-35% of my body weight, which isn't hard to exceed, especially I'm you're working alone and hiking long distances.
What about the Cartoni A303? I remember looking at that one along the way before I decided on a 75mm bowl. I think it's rated for like 125 lbs and weighs about 5lbs. A lot of good reviews on the Manfrotto 536 as well. Both are about your price range.
Click to expand...

Jeff,

What about the the Libec T98C or Cartoni T622 the T622 is aluminum, but rated 132lbs and weighs 5,7lbs?http://Cartoni T 622 Tripod
 
KETCH ROSSi said:
Manfrotto nice tripods, but I have been using Gitzo as far back as I can remember in Photography even for the heaviest of camera set ups, and now use them for the Epic and a 100mm Bawl adapter with a Miller Compass 25 Fluid head, could not be happier, Carbon X 6 Mountaineer is what I use, the new one I believe is the 8x.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ketch,

Your Gitzo is a 3 or 5 series? can you please tell me what 100mm Bawl adapter you use? For GitzoGT3530 (mine) I can only find the 75mm adapter?
 
Humberto Ramos said:
Jeff,

What about the the Libec T98C or Cartoni T622 the T622 is aluminum, but rated 132lbs and weighs 5,7lbs?
Click to expand...

I don't know anything specific about those particular models, but a couple of points to consider. Carbon fiber is a great material for tripods for not only for the strength to weight ratio, but also the vibration dampening characteristics of the material. With the lenses you're using, a major factor, because you don't want wind and camera movements to resonate through the legs. Also nice that carbon fiber doesn't transmit freezing cold temperatures through to your hands if you're operating in winter conditions. Also, the idea of a spreader is not something I'm fond of in the field, especially a ground level spreader, so I looked for a spreader less design. In addition, the minimum height is something I would think about and look at while you're deciding. I like to get all the way down as close to ground level as possible. Most legs with a spreader don't hold their position without the spreader, so I go for a ratcheting design where the legs lock in different positions. Finally, if you're packing the sticks around in the woods or up a mountain, the collapsed length is pretty important. I chose a tripod that collapsed to about the length of my pack including the head, but be aware that the more leg sections and joints in your sticks, the greater opportunity for instability. I guess I'd consider 2 sections too long when collapsed, 3 leg sections the minimum number for portability, and 4 sections nice for ultimate compactness.
Hope it helps, Jeff
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
I don't know anything specific about those particular models, but a couple of points to consider. Carbon fiber is a great material for tripods for not only for the strength to weight ratio, but also the vibration dampening characteristics of the material. With the lenses you're using, a major factor, because you don't want wind and camera movements to resonate through the legs. Also nice that carbon fiber doesn't transmit freezing cold temperatures through to your hands if you're operating in winter conditions. Also, the idea of a spreader is not something I'm fond of in the field, especially a ground level spreader, so I looked for a spreader less design. In addition, the minimum height is something I would think about and look at while you're deciding. I like to get all the way down as close to ground level as possible. Most legs with a spreader don't hold their position without the spreader, so I go for a ratcheting design where the legs lock in different positions. Finally, if you're packing the sticks around in the woods or up a mountain, the collapsed length is pretty important. I chose a tripod that collapsed to about the length of my pack including the head, but be aware that the more leg sections and joints in your sticks, the greater opportunity for instability. I guess I'd consider 2 sections too long when collapsed, 3 leg sections the minimum number for portability, and 4 sections nice for ultimate compactness.
Hope it helps, Jeff
Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff,

I do agree with you about portability and that carbon tripods are best for vibrations, I used a lot in wildlife photography my Gitzo and a 600mm f/4...

Doesn't the Cartoni A303 have 2 sections? like you said maybe its best with 3...I'm having some difficulty to find it in Europe...
 
Humberto Ramos said:
Thanks Jeff,

I do agree with you about portability and that carbon tripods are best for vibrations, I used a lot in wildlife photography my Gitzo and a 600mm f/4...

Doesn't the Cartoni A303 have 2 sections? like you said maybe its best with 3...I'm having some difficulty to find it in Europe...
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry about that, I was going from memory, but it's all coming back to me now. I decided against the A303 because it doesn't collapse short enough or go to ground level.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/433304-REG/Cartoni_A303_A303_1_Stage_Carbon_Fiber.html

I think this is the 100mm bowl adaptor Ketch is using, unfortunately it looks to be discontinued...
http://www.gitzo.us/100mm-video-bowl-adapter-for-series-3-5-systematic-tripods
 
Jeff Whitehurst said:
Yeah, sorry about that, I was going from memory, but it's all coming back to me now. I decided against the A303 because it doesn't collapse short enough or go to ground level.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/433304-REG/Cartoni_A303_A303_1_Stage_Carbon_Fiber.html

I think this is the 100mm bowl adaptor Ketch is using, unfortunately it looks to be discontinued...
http://www.gitzo.us/100mm-video-bowl-adapter-for-series-3-5-systematic-tripods
Click to expand...

Thanks Jeff,

I think I will buy the 100mm ball adapter and keep my gitzo, not as sturdy as RRT TVC-33s, but will try it, if I notice that is not stable as I wish, will sell it and try to buy a RRS like yours, Your RRS is similar to mine, but yours is a better choose, gitzoGT3530 40lb load capacity and RRSTVC-33s 50lb, the RRS have also shorter legs, 23 inches against 26 inches...
 
Humberto Ramos said:
Thanks Jeff,

I think I will buy the 100mm ball adapter and keep my gitzo, not as sturdy as RRT TVC-33s, but will try it, if I notice that is not stable as I wish, will sell it and try to buy a RRS like yours, Your RRS is similar to mine, but yours is a better choose, gitzoGT3530 40lb load capacity and RRSTVC-33s 50lb, the RRS have also shorter legs, 23 inches against 26 inches...
Click to expand...

No problem, glad it worked out for you to use what you have and try it out. Gitzo creates a fine set of sticks, hope it works out for you :-)
Jeff
 
Humberto Ramos said:
Thanks Ketch,

Your Gitzo is a 3 or 5 series? can you please tell me what 100mm Bawl adapter you use? For GitzoGT3530 (mine) I can only find the 75mm adapter?
Click to expand...


This are series 5, and the Gitzo 100mm Bawl head adapter is good for series 3-4-5.

I had purchased at B&H, but it seems they have discontinued carrying: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...5320V100_GS5320V100_Bowl_Interface_100mm.html

Need to look else were, I am sure you can still find one.


But this is what I use:

569204.jpg
 
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