Gitzo 1541 vs. 2541

cdub

Hi all,

I'm indecisive in whether to go with the Gitzo 1541 or 2541. I have a Canon 5D mark II and don't expect to ever exceed a 200mm lens. Although, never say never, right?

I like how compact the 1541 gets, especially for travel - it's the perfect size (I don't want the 1541T). The extra hundred grams is also a plus... But I'm wondering if those legs are too small for my set up.

Anyone think the 1541 borderline too small for a proposed 5D mark II + 70-200 2.8 set up? Anyone have either of these legs and that camera? Thoughts?

Manfr3d

I think the G1541 fits your uses quite nicely. I use a similar legset (Velbon
Sherpa 640 Carbon ) for lenses up to 400mm/5.6. I previously owned a
Gitzo G134x Aluminium which was a bit sturdier but much move heavy.
You can't beat a low weight tripod for travel and hiking. Make sure to get
a good tripod head too. Oh and I recommend to use a tripod ring for heavy
lenses. This increases stability even further.

Adam Schallau

How often do you need to shoot in windy conditions? I have a similar setup and I was aksked the same question by David Fisher, he is the product manager for Gitzo/Bogen Imaging here in the USA. At the time I was heading out to the Grand Canyon to be the Artist-in-Residence and Gitzo was sponsoring me. We talked it over and came to the conclusion that the 2541 was a better fit for me because I was going to be shooting in windy conditions.

Manfr3d

The problem with wind is the vibration it excerts on your lens (long hood?)
and tripod legs. This is easily counterd by lowering the tripod and positioning
yourself betweenwind and camera. But for me it is only a theoretical problem because
things I shoot (animals, landscape) either don't show up when its too windy
or don't stand still .

Andy

Of these two, the 2541 is going to be far more sturdy.

Adam Schallau

Manfr3d wrote:

The problem with wind is the vibration it excerts on your lens (long hood?)
and tripod legs. This is easily counterd by lowering the tripod and positioning
yourself betweenwind and camera. But for me it is only a theoretical problem because
things I shoot (animals, landscape) either don't show up when its too windy
or don't stand still .

I almost always try to position myself between the wind and the camera, but that's not always possible, like when the camera is facing into the wind or it means stepping off a cliff.:D

When the wind gusts to 50+mph, I want a stable platform.

Photo Pilgrim

I sold my 1541 before buying the 2541 last month, so I have some experience of both. The 1541 is lighter in weight but is taller than the 2541 at full height, so if you are tall you might prefer the 1541. But with your camera attached you can easily have the view-finder at eye-level with the 2541 anyway.

Wind could be a problem indeed. There was a time when I was at the waterfront with the 1541 and my D300 + 16-85VR. The 1541 did waver a bit when there was strong wind. The 2541 is indeed a lot sturdier and can withstand strong wind better. But anyway even with the 1541, the problem can be solved by hanging your camera bag under the tripod.

But personally, I find the weight and size of the 1541 a bit embarrassing. It is neither compact enough for travel nor sturdy enough for heavier equipment. So I sold it and bought the 2541 as my main tripod, and I am going to buy the 1541T + G1178M as my traveling kit.