jack palmer
Well-known
I'm looking for a light weight but strong tripod for hiking and travel. The Gitzo 2540 is a four section carbon fibre tripod and weighs about 3lbs and can support 26 lbs. .Is this tripod overkill with a Leica kit? Anyone use this tripod with their Leica?
peter_n
Veteran
Jack I have a Gitzo G-1228 which I believe is the forerunner of this tripod, it supports up 17.6 lbs and weighs 3.4 lbs. I've read that Gitzo have come out with lighter and stronger versions of a lot of their models and have also heard good reports. Mine is overkill but that's what I want. So many people spend a fortune on camera/glass then skimp on the support system - it's ridiculous. I love my Gitzo and if you buy that tripod you will never need another. I have removed the column from mine and replaced it with a Markins base and I have an excellent ballhead & Arca Swiss type QR system for my Leica M7s. Happy to discuss if you are interested. 
ferider
Veteran
Similar but slightly different to Peter ....
You'll never regret it.
You'll never regret it.
jack palmer
Well-known
Thanks, I'm going to take a look at this tripod. There is only one camera store in Baltimore that might carry it.
spysmart
Established
I've been using the tiny Gitzo Traveller G1550T for about a month.
It's superb, more than sturdy enough for my M6 and heaviest lenses, and the new new anti-rotation legs make it a snap to put up. Best tripod I've ever had.
It's only 1kg and as it fits into by camera bag, a small Timbuk2, I take it every where ( a tripod in the bag is worth two in the house
I also have a G1228 which I would use with the Hasselblad, but is overkill with the M6.
It's superb, more than sturdy enough for my M6 and heaviest lenses, and the new new anti-rotation legs make it a snap to put up. Best tripod I've ever had.
It's only 1kg and as it fits into by camera bag, a small Timbuk2, I take it every where ( a tripod in the bag is worth two in the house
I also have a G1228 which I would use with the Hasselblad, but is overkill with the M6.
peter_n
Veteran
Yes that's an Acratech ballhead and I use a Linhof. (I also use a cable shutter release.)ferider said:
IMHO overkill is what you need with a tripod, not the minimal rig that will just hold your gear. Plus you have the support system if you are ever tempted by MF...