Gitzo G1228LVL Tripod Bargain?

[IDB]

Anybody know if this is a good buy at £225?

It's a carbon tripod "without head" at half price in Jessops.

Would it be ok for Canon 5D

Looks well made but very "thin" legs?

Thanks

Ian

 

[Charles Baldeck]

I believe that the Gitzo G1228LVL has been replaced in 2007 by another model number, but with very similar specifications, and a higher price.

I recently bought a new G1228LVL for US$450, and have been very satisfied with it. The LVL means that it comes with a built in "leveling head" instead of a conventional ball head or no head at all, as you seem to suggest. It is a lot like a ball head, but with more limited movement (I think it is about 15 degrees) and more compact than a ball head. I put a "Really Right Stuff" Arca-type clamping adapter on it and use the clamp to attach either a panoramic head or a ball head mounted on a dovetail, as needed.

Tripods with built-in leveling heads are not common, but I do a lot of stitched pans, so I'm a real fan of leveling heads. They make it very quick and solid to get the plane of rotation level for the pans. The legs may look thin, but they are very rigid and the whole tripod is so light, it's a real pleasure to carry. I own about a dozen tripods, and it's my favorite one for hiking.

Charles Baldeck

 

[Zane Paxton]

Anybody know if this is a good buy at £225?

It's a carbon tripod "without head" at half price in Jessops.

Would it be ok for Canon 5D

Looks well made but very "thin" legs?

Thanks

Ian

You might be interested in this thread that attempts some actual tests for a more objective point of view. I have a G1228 that I included and Neil has some sprising results of his own regarding the G1228. Good technique goes a long ways with such a light tripod. Most of the issues I'm had with it are in a breeze. Under controlled conditions, it can be OK (look at the tests). The G1325 is a far better set of legs.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=24172180

Cheers,

--
Zane
http://www.pbase.com/devonshire
Nikon D2x
NAPP Member

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