REVIEW: Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Years ago I did my tripod recommendations and I settled on a Gitzo GT1541 with a RRS BH-55 head. I also did a tripod head comparison where I switched from the RSS to the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) head as my primary ball head of choice.

During some end of year business spending a few years back I also picked up a Gitzo GT2531EX to simplify the process of shooting macros, but the reality is that I usually preferred to the GT1541 so it was used more in the studio than in the field.

All told I probably spent over $2000 for the two complete carbon fiber tripods and ball heads that I still own to this day. With as little as 30 minutes with the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod I found myself wanting to sell all four of them (seriously, make me an offer) so can get this awesome tripod and head combo!

Hands On Thoughts

So lightweight and practical I actually found myself overusing it!

Right up front what I loved the most about this tripod was its lightweight but highly usable built-in ball head design. It addresses the bulkiness challenges I deal with for both my existing ball head and tripod combos I own today, without losing any functionality that I enjoy today. I especially enjoyed the speed and ease at which I could attach and detach my camera with complete confidence.

What surprised me even more was just how well this tripod is built – every detail and texture seems to be meticulously thought about so it makes you feel like Apple designed it. Just take a look at how nice the fast to operate (compared to Gitzo) angle adjustments are below:

Outstanding design and build quality

That knob shown on the right is for height adjustment of the center column, and it has a wonderful soft tactile feel that just screams quality. You can also see the cool looking carbon fiber pattern legs in the shot below.

Sexy Carbon Fiber legs with no pinch height adjustment

Of course pretty means nothing if it doesn’t work well, so I put this camera to use right away with a Sony a7R IV with a Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens and it never once had any stability issues. I took shots for as long as 25 seconds in portrait orientation as shown below and never did an ounce of shake get introduced into the shot both indoors and outdoors – even with my kids running around me while I was shooting.

Rock solid stability even in portrait orientation

Here’s the result of the shot taken above:

Sony a7R IV with 24-105mm for f/16 @ 36mm for 6 sec at ISO 100

I also found the useful head almost flawless. My only real gripe was the bubble level was very hard to see as shown below, but if your camera has a level (as the one I was reviewing did) then its not really a big deal. Here’s an overhead view of the head:

My biggest complaint about the head is that the level bubble is hard to see

I also agree with other reviewers that the plate for the camera needs support for screwing on with a coin vs requiring a tool which I lost about three times during my review – the last time for good as shown below in the slot where the $20 USD tool once lived:

My recommendation is to NOT leave this plastic mount with the toolkit attached to the tripod as the odds are high you’ll lose it.

Below is a photo that shows the universal plate installed, although the lack of a metal lip does mean you have to re-tighten it time to time to avoid drift when shooting in portrait orientation:

Arca Compatible Standard Plate fits all cameras and only cost $20

It Does Everything Very Well

This thing can almost get to table top size as well as full size

My most heavily used accessory is my Leica Tabletop Tripod & Large Ball Head combo. I literally don’t go anywhere without it, but while I had this tripod out on loan it never left my bag. I enjoyed that I could use this one as a slightly larger but still super low table top tripod (as I did in this random shot when I first unboxed it) as shown above.

Front heavy lenses like the one shown above were no issue for this very solid tripod and ball head combo. I never had any issues with drifting for long exposures either – something that frustrated me with my Really Right Stuff BH-55.

Even my big Canon 1DX Mark II with the 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens was no problem for this tripod in portrait mode, but L-Brackets are available for those who get stressed seeing this setup.

Hands On Video

I very rarely do hands on videos, but this tripod just begged for it. Sadly when I got out to shoot I had an equipment failure with my mic so my apologies for using the built-in mic of the iPhone XS Pro with rushing water in the background:

Video Review
(sorry for the bad audio, my remote mic broke)

How Low Can It Go?

It really can go lower then your mama's ever seen it in her life time

If Ludacris was a photographer, he’d approve of this tripod for its ability to get the low shots as shown in these two iPhone snaps I took while out shooting with this tripod.

Even portrait orientation I never would've imagined did not even in my right mind

See the photo above to compare to see how low this tripod starts at compared to my Gitzo GT1541 with a Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 head mounted on it. Yet even when you put both at max height, its not much shorter as shown below:

The actual tripod is only 2.5 inches taller but the big Arca head on the Gitzo adds another 4 inches of shooting height.

Click here to see a full view of both side by side iPhone snapshot if you are interested.

Easy To Carry Around All Day Long

Because my old tripod was so big I used to carry it on the outside of my bag, but when I did that with this tripod it seemed so unnecessary as shown above. As a result, I started putting it inside my back when I could which was very convenient – especially when sitting down with my bag on my back.

This is a really big deal when you are travelling or hiking with a bag on your back all day, so to say I was excited about this is an understatement.

But Wait There’s More – Mobile Phone Support!

One of the coolest, yet simplest features of this tripod is the fact that the center stalk hook actually hides a cell phone attachment in it. It’s so small and subtle that I almost missed this wonderful feature.

An excellent cell phone tripod mount included and nicely hidden in the center stalk

This is the best cell phone tripod I've ever used

Conclusion

My New Favorite Tripod In Its Cool Box

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I love this tripod. Yes, its expensive but if you consider the fact that it has a ball head included then its actually about $500 USD cheaper than most recommended carbon fiber tripod and head combos.

If your budget is tight and you don’t mind an extra half pound of weight and 20% less stability then you can save $200 USD (at the time this article was written) and get the aluminum version. At that point its cheaper than the average ball head and you get the head, mounting plate (again which usually costs extra), a great mobile camera mount, and carrying case.

Simply put, this is is the best tripod and head combo I have ever seen so I highly recommend it.

Where to Buy?

CLICK HERE to learn more or buy today at B&H.

You can also see some cool videos and more details about the carbon fiber and aluminum models on the Peak Design website.

Other articles you may enjoy

Enjoy more reviews on the Reviews tab as well as Ron's Recommendations.

Sales Tax Reimbursement with Payboo

Don’t forget, with the B&H Payboo card most buyers can get the sales tax reimbursed. Click here to learn more.

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

Tripod Recommendations–2013 (Updated Aug 13, 2013)

Recommended Tripods From Left to Right:
Gitzo GT3530LS (replaced by Gitzo GT3532LS), Slik 700DX, Gitzo GT2531EX & GT1541
Photo by Ron Martinsen - All Rights Reserved

Thom Hogan back in 2003 wrote the definitive article on tripods where he states that he can save you at least $700 if you by the right stuff the first time, but I didn’t listen. I followed the exact path he says most consumers follow and guess what – he was right. I ended up wasting about $700!

As great as Thom’s article is, it’s woefully out of date which is no surprise giving the dizzying array of tripod choices. In this article I hope to offer some selections based on my conversations with experts at B&H as well as a non-scientific poll of pro photographers and club members.

My objective was to find at least 4 excellent tripods that met the needs of most photographers, and I’ve accomplished that goal. I think all of the tripods I’ll mention are an excellent investment and worth owning, but which one depends on your needs. Like most things in photography, there is no good “one-size fits all” solution. I REALLY wish there was, but there isn’t.

Like you, I face the dilemma of needing to purchase a new tripod myself and as much as I wish to win the lottery, I haven’t. As a result, I must decide where to spend my limited resources for my next tripod so I invite you to join me as I go in-depth on my research on each of these tripods.

My needs may not be the same as yours, so you can purchase any of these with confidence that you aren’t getting a piece of junk that you’ll replace in a few months. However, there are tradeoffs for each one so consider your needs carefully before making the right choice. Going for the cheapest, the most expensive, the lightest, or the most flexible could be a critical mistake if you don’t really give thought to how you’ll actually use your tripod.

My 2013 Tripod Recommendations

Thanks to the great people at B&H,I have had the pleasure of reviewing some of the coolest Gitzo tripods on the market right now as well as a excellent value tripod by Slik & Induro.

The models featured in this multi-part series are:

• Slik 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Titanium Finish) (Review)– For less than $100 (on 5/4/2011), these are excellent tripod legs for the money. I’ve always wanted to have a economy set of legs to recommend, and now I have found one. It’s no wonder these have earned a 5 star rating from over 40 reviewers (as of 5/4/2011) on B&H. Naturally there are major trade-offs at this price point, but these will get the job done without breaking your back or bank account.
  
• Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg) (Review) – I LOVE these legs! The best tripod is the one you have with you, and when your tripod is too big and bulky to carry around it’s easy to leave it at home. These are easy to attach to your backpack and carry all day, so for hikers you’ll love hearing more about this really awesome set of legs. In fact, I loved them so much that I bought these legs in August 2011 at B&H (for the same price you would pay).
  
• Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod Legs – Supports 11 lbs (5kg) (Review) – Lust for the Gitzo GT1541, but just just can’t swing the price? This is a great alternative for $401 less (at the time of this writing), but be sure to read my warning about the stud height.
  
• Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 26.5 lbs (12kg) (Review) – These legs feature the killer cool rapid column and a revolutionary locking design that make this the Spiderman of tripod legs. There’s basically nothing you can’t do with these legs.
  
• Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Review) – With no center column to reduce stability, this is basically your portable wall that can handle up to 39.6 lbs (18kg). If you are using a gimbal head to hold a big lens, then this is the ultimate solution for being able to handle big weight without carrying a tripod that weighs more than your big lens! (replaced by Gitzo GT3532LS)

You will notice that there are no Bogen Manfrotto legs in this list. This is because the legs I replace are Bogen Manfrotto and they have really let me down. I’ve had some serious problems with Manfrotto products over the last year, and my current Bogen Manfrotto legs are falling apart (see my Induro CT014 review for details). As a result, I went to the brand that everyone seems to trust the most – Gitzo for what is arguably the best legs in the business. To learn more about Gitzo, visit http://www.gitzo.com/.

What about Heads & Kits?

In August 2011, I did a tripod head comparison where you can learn more about some of the great products on the market. My recommendations are still the same in 2013.

Here’s what I used before switching to the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan):

Really Right Stuff BH-55 - Photo by Ron Martinsen - All Rights Reserved

When it comes to heads my favorite used to be the BH-55 made by Really Right Stuff (RRS), but after having the knobs come unscrewed on me a couple times while I was teaching workshops, I switched to the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan). I still use and enjoy the BH-55 because it’s a nice head, but I just prefer the Arca Swiss when I can’t afford a failure in the field.

Yes, good heads are insane expensive. I hate the price and I resisted them for years because I thought it was nuts to spend that much money on a stupid head. I still feel that way, but the BH-55 is the head that many people will tell you to get. It’s flexible and works extremely well.

Yes, RRS does nickel and dime you to death. Yes, their web site leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, they shouldn’t cost that much. Yes, there are Acratech, Gitzo, Induro, Kirk, Markins, etc… that people will swear on the Internet that are just as good or better. I encourage you to read my tripod head comparison article to see how they stack up against this head and make an informed decision about which head is right for you.

But what about the BH-40?

Don’t buy a BH-40 new, instead search for one used. You’ll find plenty. It’s a great head, but you’ll find that most end up needing the added support of the BH-55, so this becomes a frequent buyers remorse purchase that ends up on the used market so that the person in question can get the BH-55. You can also get a lighter head that works well for hiking by getting one of the less expensive alternatives in my tripod head comparison.

What about Monopods?

Click here to see my monopod recommendations article.

Will you be doing any other tripod reviews?

Yes. Like many of you out there, I have limited funds and would love a tripod that met more of my needs than any of the offerings in this series. I love them all, but all have trade-offs that cause me to pause when spending this kind of money (excluding the Slik & Induro). If in the future I find a better tripod, I will update this article to include a link to my review.

Aug 2013 Update: Send me your favorites and I’ll consider them for the next update

Links to Tripod Reviews

I am doing in-depth reviews of EACH of the tripods mentioned at the top of this article. Come back to this page and click the links below (when they become live) to see my reviews and photos of my 2011 tripod recommendations:

• Slik 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Titanium Finish) – Review
• Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review (I bought this one in August 2011, and love it!)
• Gitzo GT2531EX 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review (I own these too)
• Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs – Review  (replaced by Gitzo GT3532LS)
• Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod Legs – Review (see the warning in the review)
• Velbon GEO E540 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod – Review (not recommended)

• Gitzo Primer (understanding the Gitzo numbering system)

Disclosure

B&H has provided me with the tripods featured in this series on a loaner basis. I do not get to keep them and will be returning them back to B&H if I choose not to buy them. I will probably purchase one using my own money with no special discount from B&H or the maker. Induro, Gitzo and Slik had nothing to do with this article and as of this point and time I’ve never spoken to anyone from either company.

The selections made from this article were purely based on popularity recommendations from a variety of sources. I make no guarantees of any type, but all products that I am considering to purchase for my own needs. I am simply sharing my shopping experience with you.

If you purchase using the links in the article from B&H, I may get a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog by using my links when you make your purchase.

REVIEW: Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod

Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod
with Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head

After my Gitzo GT1541 article was released, one of my blog readers (Mark Olwick) suggested that I should take a look at the Induro Carbon 8x CT014 tripod as a cheaper alternative. I was pretty happy with the GT1541 and convinced that I need to buy one, but it cost $700 (at the time this article was written) versus only $299 for the CT014. This got my attention as both art carbon fiber tripods with similar features, so would the Gitzo really be worth an extra $401? Read on to find out!

Comparing the Induro CT014 to the Gitzo GT1541

Induro Carbon 8x CT014 Tripod	Gitzo GT1541

I didn’t have both tripods in my possession at the same time, so I couldn’t do an exact side-by-side comparison, but I had the same amount of time where I used both regularly. I also had a lot of photos to reference (only a portion of which are online) to examine quality differences.

Mouse over to see the Gitzo GT1541 max height
and mouse out to see the Induro CT014

At the highest level, let’s start by looking at the specs on these two tripods:

	Induro CT014	Gitzo GT1541
Load Capacity	11 lbs (5 kg)	17.6 lbs (8kg)
Maximum Height	55.1" (140 cm)	62.6" (159cm)
Folded Length	18.1" (46 cm)	21.3" (54cm)
Weight	2.1 lbs (1 kg)	2.5 lbs (1.1kg)
Spiked Feet	Included	Optional
Short Center Column	Optional	Built-In (2 stage design)
Minimum Height	16.6" (42.2 cm) (est. 5” / 12.5cm with optional center column)	6.7" (17cm) (but I got mine down to 4” / 10cm with no problem)

So on the negative side, there’s a pretty substantial decrease in load capacity, maximum height, and minimum height. However, on the positive side the CT014 is shorter, lighter and includes optional spiked feet (which are a bit lame quality to be honest). Depending on your intended use of a tripod in this class, the differences in folded length and weight could be significant in importance (i.e., mountain climbers where every inch and ounce matters), but for me the load capacity and maximum height are serious negative draw backs as I shoot with heavy gear and I like my tripods to be able to do a minimum of 60 inches.

Out of the Box the Induro CT014 is no match for the GT1541
Hover over to see the Gitzo and mouse out to see the Induro at their minimum height

A Great Value

Lots of extra goodies were included with the CT014 I got from B&H

Overall I was very impressed with the CT014 for including some decent accessories and overall feeling well made for this price point. With the GT1541 you don’t really get any real extras that matter, but you can certain feel the higher build quality of the Gitzo. While the Induro is very nice, it’s no Gitzo in terms of quality. Sure they are both carbon fiber, and from that standpoint they feel the same, but everything else that makes a tripod feels more durable on the Gitzo. There’s definitely a lot more plastic* on the Induro, but about the same amount you’d find on a Bogen Manfrotto these days, so for those doing light duty travel and local usage it’s probably durable enough. It certainly isn’t cheap junk like you see at most of the camera shops or kits that offer a free tripod with purchase. It’s also SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the Gitzo, so for many the cost savings probably warrants the lower build quality.

* = I use the term plastic, but honestly I don’t know what the scientific name of the material is – it’s the same stuff that can break as shown in the photo below.

I Hate Plastic on Tripods

Plastics these days SEEM durable, but they aren’t
My Bogen Manfrotto Tripod Head Mount broken multiple times during travel

Now people familiar with the Induro brand will probably be quick to point out that there’s the same amount and quality of plastic bits on the CT014 as you’d find on a similar Bogen Manfrotto (one of the most trusted tripod brands for many years), and I’d agree. The problem is that while these plastics don’t really look like plastic and seem as durable as metal, the reality is that under heavy use (i.e., the goons who handle your luggage when you check it in on a long flight) these bits can’t withstand the hard drops and falls. They’ll do well once or twice, but drop it enough and it’s gonna break. See the head mount above and the clips below on my current tripod for examples of how plastic can eventually give way, and even at $299 you want your tripod to last at least 10 years (at least I do) as photographers enjoyed during the pre-plastic days:

My Bogen Manfrotto Tripod Leg Locks That Break Easily
Notice how the bottom clip is different from the top?
That’s because these clips keep breaking and have to be replaced

I was happy to see that the CT014 uses a rotating mechanism like the Gitzo’s which should be more durable, and make opening and closing much faster. They are a bit bulky on Induro, so the Gitzo’s can operate faster (including locking and unlocking all three legs and 4 sections at once). However, the leg lock speed different isn’t much of an issue from me as I’m rarely rushing open my tripod that fast (although sometimes closing needs to be done in a hurry). I’d imagine that the leg lock functionality is good enough on the Induro for most and I think it’s well built enough that it should last for many years.

Induro uses a leg angle lock mechanism very similar to Gitzo

The leg angle lock mechanism on the Induro CT014 is functionally identical to most Gitzos. Hover over the image above and then mouse out to see how it locks and unlocks. It’s a three stage system found on most Gitzos.

Practical Usage Observations

Induro CT014, Bogen / Manfrotto  3021BPRO Tripod Legs
and the Induro case with the CT014

In actual field use, I found the Induro to work very well. The legs locked and unlocked very well and were sturdy (never had a slip). The counterweight hook on the bottom of the center column worked well and the size and weight were a pleasure to use in real-world travel (both local and extended).

As mentioned earlier I thought the accessory pack spikes were crap and the whole kit is a bit of a joke, but it’s free so you can’t complain. The case is nice, but it’s a bit on the huge side so that was a bit disappointing. The reality is that I just stick my tripods on the outside of my Think Tank Photo bags, so the case is really only for home storage in my case. It’s a good looking case, so I’d definitely use it and am glad it was included.

The minimum height problem was an issue, but can be easily resolved for $41 (at the time of this article was written0 so the real price differential between the products is $360 – which is still substantial.

Here’s a video I did for a good friend using a Canon 1D Mark IV and 70-200mm lens at 200mm:

Play in HD

As you can see that even with this heavy equipment, and a heavy Really Right Stuff BH-55 head (the only head to buy in my opinion) the video was solid and vibration free. This was on a second floor balcony with people walking around, so even the slightest vibration through the legs would have showed up as significant shake in this video. There wasn’t any, so the CT014 did its job very well.

Conclusion

I’m very impressed with this tripod. It’s very light, compact and works very well. It’s an excellent value for those who may lust for a Gitzo, but who simply can’t justify the expense. For those who fall into this category, I highly recommend this tripod. For those who have the extra funds available (i.e., pros who earn a living with their gear), I’d say the improved build quality, height, and load capacity (important with pro cameras) justifies the higher price.

Now, one could easily argue you could buy two of these Induro tripods for less than the price of one, so just use one until it falls to bits and then buy another Induro at that point. Using this strategy you might be able to match the lifespan of the Gitzo GT1541, so this is a decision you will need to make when deciding if the quality differences don’t justify the higher Gitzo price.

Click here to read my review of the Gitzo GT1541, or click here to learn more or purchase an Induro CT014 from B&H. To learn more about other tripods, I encourage you to check out my tripod recommendations article, and to learn more about Gitzo’s I encourage you to check out my Gitzo Primer.

UPDATE – 6/14/2011

I had some heavy use of this tripod over the last week and noticed a couple new issues that I didn’t discover during my normal usage during the review. The first was that the legs were a little harder to lock securely than the Gitzo. They’d feel locked (i.e., pressure resistance), but under weight they’d drop. This happened about 5 times, so I felt it warranted a mention as I had this happen zero times with all the Gitzo tripods I reviewed.

I also ended up with an issue where the Really Right Stuff BH-55 head seized up and wouldn’t move. It turns out that the mounting screw on this tripod was too high and was hitting the ball on the inside. I ended up damaging my ball head due to this issue, but using the tools included I was able to lower the head enough to avoid this problem moving forward. Again, the default height of all of my Gitzo heads was sufficient to avoid avoid this problem.

Due to the value and the fact that these both can be considered operator errors, I still recommend these tripod legs. However, these were enough to convince me that I definitely would prefer the Gitzo over this one.

Disclosure

B&H has provided me with the tripods featured in this series on a loaner basis. I do not get to keep them and will be returning them back to B&H if I choose not to buy them. I will probably purchase one using my own money with no special discount from B&H or the maker. Gitzo and Induro had nothing to do with this article and as of this point and time I’ve never spoken to anyone from either company.

The selections made from this article were purely based on popularity recommendations from a variety of sources. I make no guarantees of any type, but all products that I am considering to purchase for my own needs. I am simply sharing my shopping experience with you.

If you purchase using the links in the article from B&H, I may get a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog by using my links when you make your purchase.

REVIEW: Gitzo GT3530LS-Maximum Stability for Long Exposure, Landscape and Studio Photography

 

*** PLEASE NOTE that the tripod featured in this article
has been replaced by the Gitzo GT3532LS ***

Gitzo GT3530LS with Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head
Maximum Stability

We buy tripods because we need a way to have the stability of putting our camera on solid level surface in places where no such surface exists. As a results early tripods were no more than a solid surface with legs. However, as time has evolved tripod makers have discovered that people want something that allows them to position their gear into odd configurations for things like macro photography, so octopus-like tripods like the Gitzo GT2531EX are their solution.

This huge flat surface for mounting your head is as solid as it gets

For those doing landscape photography or even portrait photography in the studio, all of that flexibly offered by flexible tripods or hiking tripods like the Gitzo GT1541 come at the expense of stability. Some argue that the flexible center column has a tremendous impact on stability as do the tiny surfaces for which many other tripods give you to mount your head. To satisfy the needs of this crowd, Gitzo offers the GT3501LS which is about as solid as a wall which is especially critical for those doing extremely long exposures. Under very long exposure conditions even the slightest movement can ruin the sharpness of the image, so the GT3530LS is the ultimate solution in maximum stability for up to 39.6lbs (18kg) of gear. However, thanks to the carbon fiber design, yet it only weighs 4 lbs (1.840kg)!

The leg angle locks were both fast to operate and rock solid under pressure
In fact Gitzo claims the get even more solid the the more you put weight on them

This tripod features three position angle locks for the legs that actually become more stable under load. Mouse in and out the image above to see how to lock and unlock the legs.

Thanks to the lack of a center column, you can get this tripod down to a minimum height of 4.3” (11cm) and quickly raise it back up to its maximum height of 58.3”(148cm). As you can see below, I’m 6’1” and this height is a usable operating height for me, but for those who want a higher operating height and don’t mind an extra leg segment then Gitzo offers the GT3541XLS which goes up to 6’6” (198cm).

I’m 6’1” and the L version offers a comfortable height
but the GT3541XLS will go all the way up to 6’6”

But I WANT A Center Column

GS3511S Compact Rapid 6x Carbon Fiber Center Column

I know some people can’t deal without the center column, so Gitzo has a solution – the Gitzo GS3511S Compact Rapid 6x Carbon Fiber Center Column as a way to have your cake and eat it too. There’s even a Gitzo GS3511KB Carbon 6X Low Level Column Kit if for some reason you want a center column when down low with this tripod.

Conclusion

This is a rock solid tripod that is a must for gimbal head users that are carrying big 400mm lenses and up. It’s also the perfect solution for studio photographers and those doing long exposures like landscape photographers. While the GT3541XLS will offer some additional height, the stability of the three section design is my preference for this class of tripod.

This will be the tripod I get for my studio use, when I can managed to afford it! I therefore highly recommend this tripod for the uses described above, and I have no negative comments about this product beyond its price. For those looking for more flexibility or much lighter weight then I’d suggest you check out my tripod recommendations.

If you found this article helpful, please support this blog by purchasing your GT3530LS at B&H.

*** PLEASE NOTE that the tripod featured in this article
has been replaced by the Gitzo GT3532LS ***

To learn more about the Gitzo system, check out my Gitzo Primer.

Disclaimer

B&H has provided me with the tripods featured in this series on a loaner basis. I do not get to keep them and will be returning them back to B&H if I choose not to buy them.

Gitzo had nothing to do with this article and as of the time of this writing, time I’ve never spoken to anyone from Gitzo. I do not have a relationship with Really Right Stuff (RRS) and I DO NOT make a commission if you purchase any RRS products.

If you purchase using the links in the article from B&H, I may get a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog by using my links when you make your purchase.

REVIEW: Gitzo GT2531EX–A Macro Photographers Dream–Stability In Any Position You Desire (UPDATED: 5-13-11)

Gitzo GT2531EX offers a multi-angle Rapid Column
that allows you to position your camera any way you want in a 360 radius

If you have ever tried doing macro photography with a tripod you know that the position you NEED your tripod to be in, is not one that it can support so you have to make compromises. Some of those compromises end up showing in your shots because your lens isn’t on the same plane as the subject so DOF suffers. Many photographers frustrated by this situation will just go to shooting freehand, but that can result in camera shake which is amplified when doing macro photography so the net result is a missed shot.

Rapid Column features a Level
and Endless Configurations

While using a tripod is tough for moving subjects like bugs or butterflies, for those cases when you are shooting flowers or dead bugs (you do know that many macro shots are of dearly departed bugs right?), then the Gitzo GT2531EX is just the ticket to allow you to place your tripod EXACTLY where you need it!

Now the Rapid Column is certainly important for getting the position you need, but what if the ground itself isn’t level and the traditional 3 position leg angle lock won’t work? This is where this tripod is revolutionary. Thanks to the cool locks shown below, this tripod will allow for a stable lock at ANY angle:

Lock the legs at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees
independent of the other legs with these clever leg angle locks

This important design along with the clever design of the Anti Leg Rotation (ALR) system allows you to quickly adjust the legs at any individual height or angle you desire to get stability where you need it on all terrains.

All that is well and good, but honestly when I first saw this tripod my bigger was concern was getting it to stay straight! By using the built-in level and ideally having a hot shoe bubble level to make sure the camera is properly level, I could get a perfect level configuration anywhere I set up my camera.

I will also point out that the design of the leg angle locks on this tripod means that you have a chance to pinch your hand. I found getting these opened and closed harder than I would have liked and not nearly as quick and easy to operate as the standard design shown below:

Normal Gitzo Leg Lock found on the Gitzo GT1541 and  GT3530LS

With that gripe aside, I the flexibility that this design offers make it worth the risk of the occasional pinch!

I enjoyed pairing up the Gitzo GT2531EX with Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head as shown below:

Gitzo GT2531EX with Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head

This tripod supports up to 26.5 lbs (12kg) when configured as shown above, but if you rotate the rapid column to be horizontal to the ground (as shown a the top of the article) then you’ll end up only being able to support half that weight as you’ll need to counterbalance the other side of the arm with roughly the same weight for maximum stability (and the safety of your camera).

At 4.1 lbs (1.85kg) this tripod is twice as heavy as the wonderfully light Gitzo GT1541, but the addition of this marvelous rapid column and leg lock design means you’ll have more options to position this tripod exactly the way you need it – for all occasions.  However, this weight is still very light for a full size tripod.

GT2531EX extended to to 66.9” (170cm)

As you can see above, even though I’m 6’1” I can get this tripod up to 66.9” (170cm) with the column extended with three solid leg sections keeping it steady. I can also get it down to 1.2” but the center column rains on the parade as it doesn’t appear to have brilliant ground level set design of the Gitzo GT1541 that allows you to completely eliminate the center column. The net result of this problem is that you can get low, but the column is high:

 
Feedback from readers pointed out that the only workaround is to do like I did below to get you lower, but it still kind of high when you consider the size of the head. It works, but I wish that it would just work like the 1541.

Getting low requires the right ball head and some acrobatic efforts

Conclusion

The center column issue and the price are the only two things keeping me from ordering one of these tripods for my personal use today. This tripod supports a wide range of accessories found on the Gitzo website, and this thing is so flexible that I can’t imagine a realistic scenario where I couldn’t get it in to the exact position I needed for a stable shot. As a result I’m struggling to decide if this or the Gitzo GT1541 will be my next tripod purchase. I want both, but can only afford one for now.

I highly recommend this tripod for those who need the flexibility it offers – especially macro photographers. Hikers might prefer the lighter weight of the Gitzo GT1541 and studio or landscape photographers will benefit from the lack of a center column in the wall-like stability of the GT3530LS.

Click here to buy or learn more about this tripod on B&H. You can also check out my tripod recommendations for other tripods that might suite your needs.

To learn more about Gitzo tripods, check out my Gitzo Primer.

Disclaimer

B&H has provided me with the tripods featured in this series on a loaner basis. I do not get to keep them and will be returning them back to B&H if I choose not to buy them.

Gitzo had nothing to do with this article and as of the time of this writing, time I’ve never spoken to anyone from Gitzo. I do not have a relationship with Really Right Stuff (RRS) and I DO NOT make a commission if you purchase any RRS products.

If you purchase using the links in the article from B&H, I may get a commission. Thank you for supporting this blog by using my links when you make your purchase.