Gitzo 2540 and MP?

[jack palmer]

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]

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]

Similar but slightly different to Peter ....

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/117104964-O.jpg

You'll never regret it.

[jack palmer]

Thanks, I'm going to take a look at this tripod. There is only one camera store in Baltimore that might carry it.

[spysmart]

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.

[peter_n]

Similar but slightly different to Peter ....Yes that's an Acratech ballhead and I use a Linhof. (I also use a cable shutter release.) ;) 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...