Recommended Medium Size Tripod

Last updated May 13, 2010 - Send Feedback

Recommending a tripod really depends on usage.

I own five tripods of varying sizes, all Gitzos: the GT0531, G1228, G1325, GT3540XLS, G1548. See The Sharpest Image in DAP for my research on tripods and more.

Update July 2011: I no longer recommend Gitzo tripods for professional use. Besides falling apart with nearly a month to repair, and overpriced non-functional models, the Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripods are much superior in build.

All-around use — GT 1531

Gitzo GT1531

I tested the GT1531 (about $620) and found it quite similar to my older G1228.

The GT 1531 has three (3) leg sections, which is generally preferable to four, for increased rigidity. It is a high quality all-around choice.

In general, I have no hesitation in using the GT1531. But I have several concerns, which are true of most tripods in its range:

The center column is an inherently flawed design idea: raising it is inherently unstable (a monopod), and when not raised it means the tripod is not as rigid as it could be. Avoid such gimmicks whenever possible.
The down tube gets in the way of low shooting, which is why it needs to be replaced with a very short tube— an extra expense. I suppose a hacksaw would solve the problem in short order. The model is supposed to have a “ground level set” feature, but I could not figure out how to remove the center column. Maybe Gitzo has made a change, as the model I reviewed was a used one.
The platform is only 5cm in diameter, too small for a head like the Arca Swiss B1. See below for a ballhead recommendation.
Watch out for vibration from wind.

Height and weight

Weight is 77g heavier than claimed, I weighed it on a scientific scale to 1g accuracy. Dishonest marketing.

Weight:       1177 grams (as weighed)
Max height:   52.8" / 134cm
Folded length: 24.4" / 62cm

At 1177 grams (2.6 lbs), it is surprisingly heavy, and thus not a casual carry. Given the total weight with head, the 2531 might be a better investment for the mid-range, it all depends on your preferences.

With the tripod head, height is just about perfect for me (I stand 5' 11" tall).

Top plate

Top plate is only 5cm in diameter, which restricts the tripod heads that work well with it.

Tripod head

A head that fits nicely on it is the Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro II with BH-40 with B2-Pro II clamp . With that combo, weight is 1679g (3.7 pounds), which most people will feel is fairly heavy, but is actually very reasonable for this range of tripod. The RRS BH -30with the same clamp is also a good choice, and saves 160g.

Stability

Ignore the load capacity, it's a nonsense specification. What matters is resonance, and this tripod, like all models its size, has tons of it. Watch out for wind.

Non-rotating legs

Unlike older Gitzos, the legs do not rotate. This makes it possible to lock or unlock the legs in any order, leading to much faster setup and takedown of the legs. This is a great feature!

Locking/unlocking each section is also easier, since one doesn’t have to over-tighten one section to avoid twisting. Setup/takedown is a time-waster with a tripod, hence it is a high priority for those who shoot-and-go.

In the field

This is a good choice for a compromise between tall and sturdy vs lightweight. It can handle any large DSLR without difficulty, but should not be used for 200mm and longer lenses, it has too much resonance. This is true of all tripods in its range, don’t screw around with a tripod this size for 200mm and longer lenses, though the consumer grade f/3.5 - f/5.6 ones fare better than the higher quality pro lenses.

See The Sharpest Image in DAP.