Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (5)

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What tripod GITZO TRIPODS

by J. Ramón Palacios
Ah! The French Gitzo, the ultimate tripod, first choice of most leading Nikonian
tell a friend about this professional photographers and advanced amateurs.
article

Do I really need one?

What not to buy

What to look for

Nikonians brand
choices

Manfrotto

» Gitzo
Accessories

Tripod technique

G1227 tripod, the most popular within the Gitzo carbon fiber line
.
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In the table below, the most popular Gitzo tripods amongst Nikonians:
Min Load to
World Load Weight Closed size Max height Current
height weight
Code Kg/lbs Kg/lbs cm/inches cm/inches price*
cm/inches Ratio

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Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (5)

Gitzo L/W USD

G1220 6/13.2 2.2/4.8 59/23.2 120/47.25 44/17.3 2.7 $265

G2220 6/13.2 2.3/4.9 64/25.2 126/49.6 11.5/4.5 2.7 $250
G1227 8/17.6 1.6/3.4 65/25.6 139/54.7 34/13.4 5.1 $415
G1325 12/26.4 2.0/4.5 67/26.4 148/58.3 11/4.3 6 $530
G1327 12/26.4 2.3/5.1 71/28 152/59.8 44/17.3 5.2 $575
G1548 15/33.0 3.0/6.7 59/23.2 150/59.1 15/5.9 4.9 $755
* As of Dec. 24, 2005, at B&H in the USA

A GOOD COMPROMISE in aluminum, for general use, is the G1220; very sturdy for its
weight and carrying a relatively low price tag, it will handle almost any camera body and
even long lenses when coupled with a quality head. It could be said to be the equivalent
in performance to the Manfrotto 055CLB (3021BN), without a center column. Another
aluminum tripod with similar characteristics -and also liked by Nikonians enthusiasts- is
the G2220, for its off-center column with a unique "shoulder-knuckle" design that allows
for the column to be tilted 100°; good for into-the-ground shots.

FOR BACKPACKING AND TREKKING, LIGHT TO MEDIUM

LOADS (Up to a pro body + 300mm f/2.8, 5.7 lbs / 2.6
kg)

The G1127 carbon fiber tripod, although found among a few

enthusiasts, it is not recommended but for very light loads.
And so, the G1227 is usually its most popular replacement at a
very similar weight, making it ideal for hiking. The Manfrotto
443 fits exactly in between these two Gitzo tripods.

The G1228 is also found among Nikonians who want a more

compact tripod for backpacking, like Photo_Phil at right who
had one for a while (as shown at right), but has now traded it
for a G1227.

-
FOR BIG GUNS - HEAVY LOADS - A PRO BODY AND
200-400mm VR or 500mm f/4 (7 - 8 lbs / 3.6 Kg)
400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 (9.7 - 10.7 lbs / 4.9 Kg)

The carbon fiber G1325 is a true workhorse, chosen by

seasoned photographers. Virtually unmovable, rock solid
steady with the heaviest loads, commonly sold with a flat plate
at the top and no center column. With the highest load to
weight ratio.

The G1327 -detail at right- is suitable for taller photographers,

and has been tested as having even better anti-vibration
design, although slightly heavier. Very likely it should be
preferred over the G1325 for professional work in exteriors.
With the center column removed and a Markins TB-30 anti
vibration plate it becomes a Super Gitzo.

Both the G1325 and G1327 are most suitable for those big lenses even when needing to
pan for fast running animals or flying birds. The most often found set up combines such
tripods with a pro ball head and the Wimberley Sidekick.

The G1548 is a heavier but even sturdier tripod, the lighter one in the Gitzo series 5

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Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (5)

Studex family, mostly seen in the field in conjunction with a full Wimberley head, when
birding with a 400mm f/2.8 and teleconverter or the 600mm f/4 AF-S.

With the only exception of the G1548, all of the tripods on the table above have three
section legs. The four section legged Gitzos are, like the Manfrottos, shorter when folded
and more convenient for backpacking, but they give a feeling of instability -with the last
thin section extended- which you really don't want to have at all, especially after paying
such price tags. If you nevertheless don't mind, hanging the camera bag from either
adds to their stability. You could also consider never extending the 4th section of the
legs.

All Gitzo tripod legs have the twist lock system and the universal
..
foot system, featuring rubber feet.

Video Gitzo tripods can have stainless steel spikes, i.e. not any of
the carbon fiber ones we like; that's why there is a Markins
solution made of Titanium, for added strength and long life.

By the way, don't even think about taking a spiked tripod on

board an airplane as carry on. Place it inside the luggage,
preferably inside a hard case suitcase. I've seen tripods curved
like English long bows after airplane traveling inside a padded
tripod bag.

More...»

see also

Tripods, Heads & Camera Support forum

Markins products page
Terms of use

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