Customer Reviews

Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lcok - Replaces GT5540LS

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

 

 

This is one of the biggest photo tripods that Gitzo makes. Its extremely stable, well built and feels like it will last a life time. As a result it is rather heavy. I'd say that unless you are shooting with either a 600mm f/4 or 800 f/5.6 lens, you probably don't need this tripod and the Gitzo "3-series" will probably suffice. However for ultimate stability this is the one to get. I've photographed birds with a 600 f/4 lens in moderate to heavy winds with this tripod and had rock solid stability and very sharp images.

This tripod is very solid! At first I had the little brother Gitzo GT5531S. That is another fine tripod. However, at 6' it was just too short for me. The GT5541LS is almost too tall, but I had to compromise. I can always make it shorter. I wasn't too keen on adding a center column to the GT5531S so I sent it back and got the GT5541LS. Now I am all set. To me it was worth the hassel to try then both out. When you drop this kind of cash on a tripod it's nice to be sure and not look back and second guess yourself. Now I'm ssyre between the 2 that the GT5541LS was the right choice.

These are big sticks for big glass only ... 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, 600mm f/4, 800mm f5.6. I'd move down to the Gitzo 3 series for anything smaller.

It's large ... but it's lighter than I thought it would be considering the size. I can set this up in less than a minute ... I love the leg locking mechanism. It's rock solid even in moderate to heavy wind. The carbon fiber legs dampen a lot of the vibration that you find in aluminum tripod legs. Add a full Wimberley and you're all set for bird-in-flight shots (just practice your long lens technique - that's the only remaining variable).

Once you get over the sticker shock, you'll likely agree. This is a tripod that will likely last me for 20+ years.

I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

The GT5541LS is an excellent choice for the photographer with heavier lenses. I purchased these legs to support my Nikon 500mm lens and Wimberley gimbal head. The legs do a superb job. They are rock solid with all of that weight. Tripod is easy to extend and lock the legs. This is a purchase I would recommend for anyone using a super telephoto lens.