Customer Reviews

Gitzo GT3530LS Carbon Fiber Series 3 Long Systematic Tripod (Black)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a professional nature photographer; what can I say. Gitzo tripods are simply the best! I had used an aluminum Gitzo 1340 for about 30 years and thought it was the perfect fit for me. Then I broke down and purchased the new Gitzo GT3530LS Carbon Fiber. Used with a Nikon D3 with a 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x converter; it is all the tripod I need. They are truly more rigid than aluminum. The new anti-twist legs are time saving and far less aggravating. Although expensive, I would and will highly recommend this item to those who ask.

I am shooting with a Nikon D3 and some large glass.
This combined with a Markins M-20 and some Markins plates, and your set for anything, anywhere, anytime.

No center column, totally rigid design.

Light as a feather, don't forget to get some lenscover coverings for your legs to keep the carbon fiber from getting fingerprints and/or scratched.

I am 6 foot, with my ball head and the D3, and the 3530LS fully extended, it is WELL over my eye level.

The GT3530LS is everything I had hoped it would be and more.
I had read some critical reviews regarding the possibility that the top plate could fall off the tripod. While I am sure this is a possibility, I don't believe the risk is creditable given that I exercise very reasonable care.

This is an excellent tripod for the taller photographer who knows NOT to extend the center column on a tripod because it causes instability. The instability is well documented by pro photographers such as "By Thom".

The simple solution is to buy a taller tripod like this one for the taller shooter! At 6ft 2in, I no longer have to bend over to look through the lens! This was an excellent investment that continues to provide stability, now and in the future, for my heavy lens and FX Bodies.

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This is a great tripod but if you are considering this mode, you should look at the GT3541XLS model instead because it is about the same folded length and weight, but gives you the option of extending a 4th leg section for a higher height! You can use it as a 3 section tripod and it goes to 59" and then when you extend the 4th section, it goes all the way up to 78"! This is why I prefer the 3541xls over the 3530LS; same form factor, better functionality.