Gitzo vs. Manfrotto carbon/mag fiber tripods

cdubcdub Registered Users Posts: 123 Major grins
edited May 14, 2009 in Accessories
Hi everyone,

I'm torn between spending a lot more on a Gitzo, knowing it's quality and perceptible value amongst serious enthusiasts, and saving some coin by buying a Manfrotto.

I'd like to know what some of the differences are, and what features one has or does not have over the other that users might notice or miss.

Cheers in advance for all your help.
CW
(shoot first, then ask questions)

www.cdub.ca | www.cdubphoto.smugmug.com | Twitter | Canon 5DII + Canon 24-105 f/4 L, Canon 580EX II, Gitzo GT1541 + Acratech GV2L

Comments

  • hiroProtagonisthiroProtagonist Registered Users Posts: 83 Big grins
    edited May 12, 2009
    cdub wrote:
    Hi everyone,

    I'm torn between spending a lot more on a Gitzo, knowing it's quality and perceptible value amongst serious enthusiasts, and saving some coin by buying a Manfrotto.

    I'd like to know what some of the differences are, and what features one has or does not have over the other that users might notice or miss.

    Cheers in advance for all your help.

    It's been a while since I asked myself the same question. IIRC Gitzo uses a twist lock to secure the legs while Manf uses a latch. Gitzo are lighter for a given load capacity. Not sure if there is anything else.
    "But you and I, we’ve been through that, and this is not our fate. - Dylan 1968"
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited May 12, 2009
    Or save some coin here!
    http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=129554
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • cdubcdub Registered Users Posts: 123 Major grins
    edited May 12, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    Or save some coin here!
    http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=129554

    hehehe... suuuuper tempting, Andy, but I really want a center column on whatever tripod I choose, and I'm leaning towards 4x instead of 3 for extra portability.

    Great timing, just not the right fit. Thanks though.
    CW
    (shoot first, then ask questions)

    www.cdub.ca | www.cdubphoto.smugmug.com | Twitter | Canon 5DII + Canon 24-105 f/4 L, Canon 580EX II, Gitzo GT1541 + Acratech GV2L
  • Doug SolisDoug Solis Registered Users Posts: 1,190 Major grins
    edited May 14, 2009
    Pay the extra and go Gitzo. I've been using the Gitzo 3541 with a RRS ball head and I have never seconded guessed this decision. The Gitzo is rock solid and mine is 4 segments. The twists locks only take about a 1/4 turn to loosen or tighten. It can also go flat to the ground or in between stops at any angle you want. The legs are tight enough to hold their position anywhere.
  • Fred MaurerFred Maurer Registered Users Posts: 131 Major grins
    edited May 14, 2009
    Gitzo vs Manfrotto
    I use both, The Gitzo is used for the "big guns" and is rock steady! Never have to worry about it.
    The Manfrotto is great too, much lighter when hiking. I use to think the twist lock vs latch made a difference, but it doesn't. You quickly adapt to either one.

    My advice, get the sturdiest one for the "big" glass you will soon be buying!
Sign In or Register to comment.