Velbon El Carmagne 530 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pan Head and Case Review

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(More customer reviews)Being new to photography,I purchased the Velbon Carmagne 530 carbon fiber tripod with PH-250B magnesium head for my Canon A95 camera, based upon several other favorable reviews. I wanted a lightweight but durable tripod that was easy to use. This tripod has fulfilled all expectations with its superb quality and close tolerances--there isn't a sloppy component anywhere and it looks as if it were made for the space program. The matt-black finish is beautiful. The carbon fiber legs (the main sections have a black foam covering) extend smoothly and are secured easily with snap-locks. The locking mechanism that controls the splay of the legs works beautifully, allowing the tripod to be positioned for macro shots of ground-level subjects. The 3-way panhead is adjusted with a locking knob and two removable handles (one of which must be removed to store the tripod in the included carrying case--no big deal). The tripod should be able to support even SLRs with telephoto lenses. Fully collapsed, the tripod is roughly 26" long and is easily transported with the case's carrying strap. Although I may never use the "stone" bag (for weighting the tripod down) including it was a thoughtful touch. More expensive models extend to greater heights, but I preferred the fewer leg sections (three) of the model 530. If you think you'll be doing a lot of indoors and outdoor photography and value superb engineering and quality, consider this tripod. It is worth the price, but be prepared to spend over $200. Now having tried a carbon fiber-magnesium tripod, I would never go back to a run-of-the-mill metal one.

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U)VELBON ELCARMAGNE 530 CARBON TPOD

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

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(More customer reviews)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.

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Carbon Fiber is the ultimate material for extremely light and rigid tripod construction.The longer design of this tripod assures you the perfect height in every set up with a load capacitiy of 39 pounds.Featuring ALR (Anti-Rotation-Leg) and G-Lock on the legs set ups are easier than ever. Load Capacity 39lbs.; Maximum Height 58 inches; Minimum Height 4.3 inches Folded Length 26.4 inches; Weight 4 lbs.; Material 6x Carbon fiber;

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Gitzo GT2541 Series 2 Carbon 6X4 Section Tripod with G-Lock Replaces GT2540 Review

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(More customer reviews)This tripod is the best in terms of the right weight and stability. My gig is kind of heavy, Canon 1DS MK3 with the 70-200mm F2.8L the heaviest lens that I currently have and it supports it without any issue. I also have the Arca-Swiss Z1, which is also considered to be the best and the combination is so good to use. It is not light nor heavy but if this is the one tripod that you must have for all purposes, then I can't think of any other tripod to buy. It is pricey, but if you want the best and keep with you for a long time, then just buy it and forget it.


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When Gitzo launched the Mountaineer tripods in 1994, they were the World\'s first carbon fiber tripods. Ever since then they have set the standard for performance and quality. The main feature of the range is the new 6X carbon fiber tube, made of a unique structure of 6 crossed layers that maximizes rigidity, vibration absorption and lightweight performance. 6X tube has a high density structure made of top quality ultra-thin carbon fibers (7?m or 0.007 mm). Built-in Anti Leg Rotation is now a feature of the whole carbon fiber range. Mountaineer tripods have been further improved with features and details that increase performance, versatility and quality. The ground level set feature allows you to remove the center column to save weight and get the camera closer to the ground. Uses existing components: the upper disc with reversible 1/4 - 3/8 bolt and the column hook assembly: Remove column and fix the disk directly to the upper casting using the column hook. The column hook allows you to hang a stabilizing weight (e.g. a full camera bag or a sand/water bag) from the bottom of the tripod center column. Useful with long heavy lenses, on uneven ground or in windy conditions. minimum height: 6.69 in; series: 2; weight: 3.00 lbs. This replaces the Gitzo GT2540.

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Gitzo GT2531 Series 2 6X Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT2530 Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been looking for a light, strong tripod to take out on hikes for nature photography. I had an older Gitzo that was the next level up (3-series?), but at nearly 5 pounds it was just too heavy. The 2531 is a light but feels very solid. I think the 3 leg section tripod is definitely the way to go for the 25XX series, as 4 sections I'm sure would not feel as stable. I used it with a 5DII and 300 2.8 lens this morning, and while stretching the specified limit on this model, it performed fine. The leg locks are much easier to use than my older model. Be careful with the tripod feet, as I lost a couple on my first outing as they are known to get loose easily. I think a accidentally loosened them while thinking I was working a leg lock, but Gitzo customer service sent replacment feet no questions asked.
Yes, its expensive, but I was happy to pay it for just the right tripod.

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When Gitzo launched the Mountaineer tripods in 1994, they were the World first carbon fiber tripods. Ever since then they\'ve set the standard for performance and quality. The main feature of the range is the new 6X carbon fiber tube, made of a unique structure of 6 crossed layers that maximizes rigidity, vibration absorption and lightweight performance. 6X tube has a high density structure made of top quality ultra-thin carbon fibers (7?m or 0.007 mm). Built-in Anti Leg Rotation is now a feature of the whole carbon fiber range. Mountaineer tripods have been further improved with features and details that increase performance, versatility and quality. Attachment: 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch screws; rapid center column; closed length: 25.59 in.; leg angles: 24°. 60°; 3 leg sections; load capacity: 26.46 lbs.; material: carbon fiber 6X; maximum height: 63.39 in.; maximum height (with center column down): 54.33 in.; minimum height: 12.99 in.; series: 2; weight: 3.15 lbs.

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Gitzo GT1541T Series 1 6X 4S G-Lock Traveler - Replaces GT1540T (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Lightweight carbon fiber tripod, folds extremely small. I normally use a bigger stronger carbon fiber Gitzo tripod with an Acratech head for my Nikon D2X. I got the 1541T (with a lightweight Really Right Stuff head) for travelling light with hand luggage only. Certainly, my normal tripod better suits the weight of the Nikon with a decent lens, and the 1541 cannot match its strength and stability. However, the 1541 scores so highly on portability that it is well worth considering for situations where saving weight and space is paramount. And for a lighter camera such as the D700 it could be a first choice, as it has all the usual Gitzo virtues of versatility, speed of adjustment, high rigidity-to-weight ratio and high build quality.

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With such a good ratio of compact folded length to extended open height, the Traveler is the ideal tripod to carry with you around the world. Gitzos unique patented 180 folding mechanism accommodates the head inside the folded tripod legs and makes this the smallest folded tripod for its open size and number of sections. Matching this compactness with the sturdiness of lightweight carbon fiber and good speed in setup makes the Travelers the ultimate tripods. FEATURES: GROUND LEVEL SET - This feature allows you to remove the center column to save weight and get the camera closer to the ground. Uses existing components: the upper disc with reversible 1/4 - 3/8 bolt and the column hook assembly: Remove column and fix the disk directly to the upper casting using the column hook. No tools needed. RAPID COLUMN - The center column locking collar above the tripod shoulder makes it easier to adjust the column quickly. Series 1 and above are built with an anti-rotation grooved center column for improved stability. REVERSIBLE COLUMN - The rapid column can easily be inverted for an alternative shooting angle or low level macro work.

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Gitzo GT3541LS Series 3 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT3540LS Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATED and corrected 27 Jan 2011: I needed a tripod that would give steady support for my pro body + 500mm + Wimberley head -- and still be lightweight and compact enough to fit in a 25" suitcase. The Gitzo 3541LS fit the bill (Closed length = 21.7", weight 3.7 lb). The max extended height is 57.5". If you are over 6 ft tall* it may give you a backache, especially if you're doing a lot of bird flight photography. The 3541XLS extends to 78" max, but only collapses to 27.6" and weighs 4.0 lb and won't fit into a 25" suitcase. If you're over 6 ft, you may want to consider the XLS. These are very expensive tripods, but for the serious photographer, they're worth every penny.
[*I mistakenly wrote 'If you're over 58"' in my original version of this post, and have now corrected it to "If you're over 6 ft".... I apologize for the goof.]
I do like my G3541LS, and prefer it to the XLS because its smaller collapsed length/weight is better for air travel and the torsional flex in shorter tripod legs is somewhat less. Even at my shortish 68" height, the occasional long, intensive high-angle shoot with a 500mm on the LS can be tough on the back and neck, but I'm willing to live with it -- and so is my chiropractor :)). High-angle is not the best steadiness practice anyway.
By the way, a year or two ago, it was reported that the Gitzo Systematic Series tripod platform can pull out of its mounting ring if the tightening bolt loosens. This could cause a bad crash while you're shouldering your rig. Aftermarket safety retainer plates are now available for about $65. I made one from 3/16" marine ply and a stainless bolt, and it works fine.

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Systematic tripods are the strongest and most stable available, and they also offer unsurpassed flexibility. This modular system can be quickly transformed between different configurations depending on the specific needs of a shoot. Choosing the carbon fiber version means you always have the ideal base model for both indoor and outdoor shooting, to which you can add a range of interchangeable center columns for normal use, heavy cameras or video work. Attachment: 3/8'' screw; bubble spirit level; closed length: 21.65 in.; leg angles: 24°. 55°; 4 leg sections; load capacity: 39.68 lbs.; material: carbon fiber 6X; maximum height: 57.48 in.; minimum height: 3.94 in.; series: 3; weight: 3.79 lbs.

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