Gitzo GT0531 Series 0 6X Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT0530 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's a bit pricey but hard to beat it in stability to weight ratio.I think it's overkill if you have a camera that's less than 2 pounds, but if you need an ultralight, stable tripod and have a camera/lens combo more than 2 pounds this tripod is fantastic!

I had a Velbon Maxi 343E tripod before that's about the same weight, is taller (4 sections vs the 3 on the Gitzo), but also more wobbly.That tripod worked fine when I had a lighter camera/lens combo (Canon Rebel XT & 17-55mm - 2.5 lb) but with heavier camera (Canon 5D MkII & 24-70mm - 4 lb), I needed something more stable.The Gitzo is quite solid in comparison and the construction feels great in your hands.I also have aGitzo GT2542L Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber, which is made of the same material, but larger and weighs more than twice as much.It works great at home or a studio, but I made the mistake of lugging that tripod on an overnight backpacking trip.I won't be making that mistake again, now that I have this tripod!

Opening it is a snap.First pull the legs apart.Then for each leg, put your hand over the two twisting mechanisms and give it a slight turn to loosen both at the same time (the rubber grips on them help).Then extend the legs all the way, and tighten each section individually.Repeat the process for the other 2 legs.It only takes about a quarter turn to loosen or tighten the sections so the entire process is fairly fast.It's a bit difficult to describe the procedure in words but rest assured it's quite simple.I timed myself how long it took me to set it up (WITHOUT rushing) and it came out to 17 seconds.The legs telescope in and out smoothly; I've never felt any snagging that you get on cheap plastic tripods when trying to extend/contract them.But there is enough natural resistance that when you loosen the sections, the legs won't telescope down due to gravity alone.

The only fault I can find is that the camera doesn't come to eye level when the legs are fully extended.My height is 5'8" and the camera only comes up to around chest level.Extending the center column brings it to nose level, but is inherently more unstable so I refrain from doing that.If your camera has some kind of LCD live view then it's not such a big deal.Just about every digital camera has one, unless you have an SLR.In the latter case, there's only a handful that have this feature at the time of this review.I happen to have live view on my SLR, which i PREFER to use on a tripod even if the tripod DID come to eye level since I can manually focus and achieve critical focus on it, so the low height isn't a deal breaker for me.Gitzo makes a 4 section leg version (GT0541) that is slightly taller, slighter heavier, but also slightly more compact when closed, and is also more expensive.The ~$100 increase in price wasn't worth the extra 4 or 5 inches for me.

Make sure to get a good ballhead to go with it.If you want one that works with Arca-Swiss style quick release plates (professional standard for tripod plates - $$$$), then I recommend the Markins Q3 or the lighter but minimalistic Really Right Stuff BH-25 LR.It doesn't make sense to get an ultralight tripod and then make it top heavy with a bulky ballhead.Make sure to get a camera plate as well (sold separately) if you go down this route.I use the RRS BH-25 and together with this tripod, it comes out to 2lb 1.1oz!And it's sturdy enough for my heaviest camera/lens combo for out in the field (Canon 5DMkII + 70-200 f/4L or 85 f/1.2L, both of which are around 5 pounds)

If you want a cheaper ballhead & quick release plate solution, the Bogen/Manfrotto 484RC2 w/ Rapid Connect might work nicely.

The pouch that the tripod comes in is minimalistic.It offers little to no protection from bumps or the elements and doesn't have a shoulder strap.

All in all, I love the weight, the size, and the stability!Now there's very little excuse to leave the tripod at home and it's a pleasure to use it in the field.

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Product Description:
When Gitzo launched the Mountaineer tripods in 1994, they were the World first carbon fiber tripods. Ever since then they've set the standard for performance and quality. The main feature of the range is the new 6X carbon fiber tube, made of a unique structure of 6 crossed layers that maximizes rigidity, vibration absorption and lightweight performance. 6X tube has a high density structure made of top quality ultra-thin carbon fibers (7?m or 0.007 mm). Built-in Anti Leg Rotation is now a feature of the whole carbon fiber range. Mountaineer tripods have been further improved with features and details that increase performance, versatility and quality. Attachment: 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch screws; rapid center column; closed length: 20.87 in.; leg angles: 24°. 60°; 3 leg sections; load capacity: 11.02 lbs.; material: carbon fiber 6X; maximum height: 51.57 in.; maximum height (with center column down): 42.13 in.; minimum height: 10.63 in.; series: 0; weight: 1.59 lbs.

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