Gitzo or Really Right Stuff tripod for Leica M

[Mpmckenzie]

What options have worked for you all , I am not much of a pod user , when you don't have it you will need it thanks to all in advance. Going on cross country car trip

 

[Roger Hicks]

Gitzo.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Monz]

Gitzo, then Monfrotto.

 

[Franz Elmar]

I have the RRS 24L and had the larger 34L prior, also a long history of Gitzos and still have a few old Aluminum ones around.

The RRS is simply the best photo tripod ever made but they are also the most expensive. I have never had problems with the Gitzos. The Chinese copies of the Gitzos are mostly pretty good too. But at each price point you get what you pay for... a $200 Chinese CF tripod will easily get the job done but the RRS tripod is something you'll want to mention in your last will and testament!

Match the head to the size of the tripod. It sounds like the tiny RRS Number One sized tripod with the BH30 would be nice (it is small!) but the Number Two size with the BH40 is really a more versatile and professional option that would handle up to 4x5 and long DSLR lenses. But with the center column and case and tool driver it's $1500.

If you like nice things and can afford a luxury... But a vintage Leitz Tiltall for $90 will do 99% of what the $1500 tripod will and you might not worry about it so much either.

 

[Shac]

Look at the Markins Ballheads as well - I have 2 and find them excellent
http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/feature_01.html
You can't go wrong with either Gitzo or RRS TRIPODS, especially when using for a Leica

 

[swoop]

The only time I use a tripod is for real estate photos. For which I use a Manfrotto 190XPROB with the 222 Joystick Ballhead. It's very tall when set up and there's still a bit of vibration when handled but for the most part it's a solid setup and the tripod and grip head allow for a variety of positions. I've even used the setup as a mic stand.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...to_190XPROB_190XPROB_Pro_Aluminum_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554077-REG/Manfrotto_222_222_Joystick_Head.html

 

[aizan]

^^^ that. get a 2-series gitzo or rrs versa with the bh-40.

 

[Roger Hicks]

The only time I use a tripod is for real estate photos. For which I use a Manfrotto 190XPROB with the 222 Joystick Ballhead. It's very tall when set up and there's still a bit of vibration when handled but for the most part it's a solid setup and the tripod and grip head allow for a variety of positions. I've even used the setup as a mic stand.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...to_190XPROB_190XPROB_Pro_Aluminum_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554077-REG/Manfrotto_222_222_Joystick_Head.html

Lovely tripod, big and heavy. Yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice.

Cheers,

R.

 

[FA Limited]

i use a gitzo 1542T and markins Q3T, the combo together weighs 1.5 kg.
this in combination with a light camera weighs as much as a D800 + 24-70 lens which is pretty crazy.

 

[dpt2014]

RRS > Gitzo > Manfrotto.

Manfrotto is mediocre at best, IMO. And even Gitzo's QC is declining.

I use a Markins Q3T with a RRS lever release - great combo.

 

[candidcameraman]

Easy...

Easy...

Gitzo tripod, RRS ball head - base plate and clamp

 

[1joel1]

I have always used Gitzo, so that's my recommendation. Also, I just love the Novoflex Mini Magicball. So easy to use and perfectly matched with the Leica.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/153280-REG/Novoflex_MB_MINI_Mini_MagicBall.html

Joel

 

[peter_n]

What options have worked for you all , I am not much of a pod user , when you don't have it you will need it thanks to all in advance. Going on cross country car trip

You mention RRS and Gitzo so I assume that budget isn't an issue for you. It's worth reading Thom Hogan's well-known essay on buying a support system. Out of date with the models but still relevant. Also think about what your heaviest/longest piece of equipment is likely to be, not just now but in the foreseeable future. The idea is to spend your money once and spend it wisely.

Really Right Stuff (RRS) and Gitzo in that order are at the top of the heap when it comes to tripods. The RRS models feature metal components that are milled from solid pieces of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum, an expensive process but the parts are bulletproof. Their carbon fiber is of a composition that provides a strength to weight ratio they claim to be superior to the competition, and the finish on their products is very good. They are a small boutique company that makes outstanding products with no expense spared, but you do pay for that quality. Their after-sales service has a stellar reputation.

Gitzo used to be the leading quality brand but they have been overtaken by RRS. In January of last year they released a new series of systematics that had specifications that in many cases were poorer (folded-length longer, heavier) than the previous versions and the prices went up into the RRS range. They really shot themselves in the foot last year. They have a bewildering array of products and components and don't do a good job of explaining the differentiation. They use cast magnesium alloy for their metal components, lighter than aluminum but not as strong. There have been reports of Gitzo tripod bases fracturing in extreme cold; because of the manufacturing process cast parts are susceptible to this and Gitzo cautions users with a temperature range for reliable operation. They are good tripods, very good, but they are no longer the best. And if you live in the United States their service is appalling.

For Leica M only a travel tripod or at the most a 2-series is all you need from either RRS or Gitzo. You should check out their respective catalogs/online offerings to find something that's suitable for your height. Don't forget to add on inches for ballhead and camera height.

WRT ballheads Acratech, Arca-Swiss, Markins and RRS all make excellent products and it's really down to personal preference. If you shoot in extreme environments such as severe cold/sand & sea or dust get an Acratech. Their open designs mean very low maintenance and simple cleaning, for example you can sluice sand and dust out of their heads by washing them under a running faucet.

Arca-Swiss, Markins and RRS offer sophisticated friction control and very smooth operation. Markins heads are copies of the Arca-Swiss B1/Z1. RRS heads offer unique designs with a low center of gravity. You would not go wrong with any of these heads but whichever you get make sure to get one with an Arca-Swiss type of quick release system which is now almost universally used.

If you end up buying a travel tripod with fold-back legs know that you must buy a ballhead with an outside diameter (includes ball housing and panning base) <=50mm for the legs to fold back parallel to the center column. The Markins Q3T meets this requirement and is the best travel ballhead you can get. Its only drawback is that the panning "lock" knob doesn't actually lock the panning action; it's actually designed as a brake. If this is a problem for you (and it is for some people) don't buy a Markins.