Gitzo (or other) Tripod recommendation for 200-600

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Get the Series 4 it’s only a $100 and noticeable more stiff. However If I where in the market for a systematic, then I would just splash out the additional and get Series 5, it’s just an amazing tripod Series, that way you never need to worry about upgrading it’s usually only $200 more then series 3.

Also look at Feisol tripods. They're in the same league.

Scrollop said:

Also look at Feisol tripods. They're in the same league.

Click to expand...

FLM that is my preferred option of price and quality is just good, but can be difficult to get in certain countries.

While you are looking compare pro media gear tripod and really right stuff

http://thecentercolumn.com

Check the system tripod rankings. You can sift the options down to a few results based on the price, size, and stiffness specifications.

I went with the FLM CP-34 L4. It's under 24" folded, and it stands well above head height extended. That's super useful in situations where you want to get the camera above traffic/crowd level.

I recommend using a good lens foot, an L-bracket, a tilt/pan head, and a leveling base.

Pan/tilt heads have minimal sag and won't shift as much as a ball-head when you tighten them down. However, they aren't self leveling, and aren't designed to be pitched 90º sideways. For best results, they need to be used with a L-bracket (to get portrait shots when you don't have a lens foot) and they need a leveling base (so that you don't have to futz with the tripod legs.

I just picked up the Arca Panoramic head. It's similar to the long-lens head, but has some minor tweeks specific for panoramic photography. The clamp can be rotated for use with a l-bracket or a lens foot without tools. That was a big issue with my previous Sirui pan/tilt head. I highly recommend it.

This setup is rock solid. I use it with the 200-600, a gripped body, and a teleconverter. Also works for astro with a tracker.

Malling said:

Scrollop said:

Also look at Feisol tripods. They're in the same league.

Click to expand...

FLM that is my preferred option of price and quality is just good, but can be difficult to get in certain countries.

Click to expand...

+1 for FLM. I bought the CP-34 and the leveling bowl. Fantastic tripod for the price.

Malling said:

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Get the Series 4 it’s only a $100 and noticeable more stiff. However If I where in the market for a systematic, then I would just splash out the additional and get Series 5, it’s just an amazing tripod Series, that way you never need to worry about upgrading it’s usually only $200 more then series 3.

Click to expand...

Thanks.

That $200 would have been towards a replacement foot and lenscoat wrap. I could do without the lenscoat...

Any particular Series 4? There are a few.

burning1rr said:

Malling said:

Scrollop said:

Also look at Feisol tripods. They're in the same league.

Click to expand...

FLM that is my preferred option of price and quality is just good, but can be difficult to get in certain countries.

Click to expand...

+1 for FLM. I bought the CP-34 and the leveling bowl. Fantastic tripod for the price.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I will take a look!

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

You are looking in the right place. No one has ever made a better tripod than Gitzo. I've got a couple and one that is over 30 years old. Get the Gitzo you can afford and you'll never be sorry. They not only hold your cameras, they hold their value better than any photography equipment.

--
It's just my educated opinion. Don't get bent out of shape.
Steve

DenverSteve said:

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

You are looking in the right place. No one has ever made a better tripod than Gitzo. I've got a couple and one that is over 30 years old. Get the Gitzo you can afford and you'll never be sorry. They not only hold your cameras, they hold their value better than any photography equipment.

Click to expand...

True when it comes to modern systematic tripods no one make some that are more stiff then Gitzo, Gitzo systematic is vastly superior to everyone else in that category., However in the two remaining categories, the All purpose and travel tripods, there you would be better off with RRS or PMG if money is no issue or on a budget FLM, Feisol and alternative Leophoto.

these are roughly speaking also the only brands I would ever recommend in the modern type, Sirui, Benro, Vanguard, Slik, Induro, Oben and Manfrotto aren’t really nearly as good value for money, the latter can be acceptable if you insist on a center post but really is a compromise.

That said Robus, Uniqball and Jobu that seems to get some credit of a late but I know nothing about those brands.

In regards to heads I would get everything else then Girzo overpriced mediocre heads.

Pick the one with the least sections, the working height you need and the folded size you can tolerate. I went with the 4 section (Series 5) as the 3 section was not tall enough.

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

What’s your budget and goal for using this? Also how tall are you? If you’re planning on doing landscapes, then get a 4 series. For fast shutter speed wildlife, then you can get away with a 3 series and it’s lighter to carry.

Based on what's available on B&H's website, the 3533LS is probably the best bang for the buck if you don't care about the length of the tripod. The 3543LS is the option you want with 4 legs if you want it to pack tighter. The 4533LS is if you want the stiffest option but I don't think it's really necessary unless you're going to do long shutter photography with the 200-600mm in crazy windy conditions or in the middle of a river.

aerondight said:

I am looking at the Gitzo Systematics for the 200-600, but confused with one to get. Any recommendations? Looking at the Series 3 or 4 for now. - good or something else? I will most likely be getting their gimbal as well to match it up.

Or is there another recommendation?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Thank you everyone! I picked up a Gitzo GT3543LS, a Jobu Jr.3 Deluxe Gimbal (smaller than expected), and a Kirk replacement foot. Now, waiting for the storms to subside so I can get out there again.