Gitzo Advice

JimR

I'm trying to decide between a GT-2531 and a GT-3531.

I'm looking for some real world advice.

The largest camera/lens combination I have right now is a 1DMkIIN with a 100-400L zoom. Assuming I go with a RRS ballhead, is the GT-2531 enough to handle windy conditions. I live in a windy part of the US.

Are the weight capacities that Gitzo publishes conservative or marginal?

Does anyone know what the real differences are between the GT-2530 and GT-2531 (GT-3530 vs GT-3531) ?

TIA,

Jim

kdog

B&H has full specifications on all of those tripods on their website in excruciating detail, so no sense in repeating it here. It really boils down to what you want from your tripod. Center column tripods have greater flexibility at the expense of less rigidity. And that applies no matter what the weight rating is. So if you're into wildlife and think you might gravitate towards a 500 or 600 some day, then don't get a center column tripod. A much better bet is getting something like the GT3531 LSV (extended length). The extended length tripods go tall enough without a center column (unless you yourself are very tall). On the other hand, if you're more likely to get into macro work, then one of the more flexible center column tripods would be more appropriate. Whether or not to go with a 2xxx or 3xxx depends on whether saving a pound is worth a loss in rigidity. Weight ratings really don't mean squat, other than being a relative indicator of stiffness in the product line.