I’ve officially added the Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lock to my Wish List. This tripod will easily hold my Camera and big lens(es)…once I get the big lens

In addition, I’ve been looking at the Gitzo GT3530 6X Carbon Fiber 3 Series 3 Section G-Lock Mountaineer Tripod but some folks have said the GT5541 is more resistant to vibration than the GT3530.

The GT5541 is heavier than the GT3530…but I don’t plan to do a lot of long-distance hiking with a big lens and big tripod….so for now, I’m leaning toward the GT5541 as the tripod of choice.

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I recently purchased the Really Right Stuff High Capacity Monopod Head for use on my Gitzo GM5561T 6X Carbon Fiber 6 Section Series 5 Traveler Monopod

Want to know something?  I’m absolutely amazed at the workmanship of this product. There’s something beautiful about a well machined product and this monopod head is as beautiful as they come.

Some Specs of this monopod head:

• Weight = 8.8oz/250g
• Capacity = 75lbs/34kg
• Height (without clamp) = 2.75-inches/70mm
• Base Width = 1.5-inches x 2-inches/38mm x 50mm
• Knob Extension Beyond Base = 1.4-inches/35mm
• Features an RRS-compatible dovetail on foot to add versatility.
• Our B2-Pro II and B2 AS II clamps are easily mounted and oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the tilt. The “+” groove on the bottom of these two clamps nests securely with the bosses on the MH-01.
• The following clamps can also be mounted on MH-01, but can be oriented in only one direction, parallel to the tilt: B2-Pro, B2-Pro/L, B2 LR II, and B2 LLR II.
• Large tilt-lock knob is easy to grip and locks solidly, even when wearing gloves.

The monopod head can be purchased as the head alone (buy here),  with the Really Right Stuff Quick Release Clamp or with the Really Right Stuff Pro Clamp.

This high capacity head is an amazing piece of machinery/art.  If you are looking for a head for your monopod, I’d highly recommend this one.

Next up on my wish list?  A Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod and a Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead with Quick Release Clamp.

Related posts:

1. Gitzo GM5561T 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod Product Review
2. Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod – Product Review
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Gitzo GM5561T

I recently ordered a Gitzo GM5561T 6X Carbon Fiber 6 Section Series 5 Traveler Monopod from Amazon and I’m loving it. Previously, I had a Manfrotto 679B Monopod 3-Section, which wasn’t bad but something never felt ‘right’ about the 679B.

My main purpose for buying this particular monopod was to make it easy to travel with.   The Manfrotto is twice as long as the Gitzo and is hard to pack and transport…the Gitzo seems like it will be much easier.

Compared to the Manfrotto, the Gitzo is much shorter when collapsed and feels better in my hands.  The Gitzo also hold much more capacity (55 pounds vs the Manfrotto’s 22 pounds).

Of course, the higher capacity Gitzo comes at a higher price: the Manfrotto 679B is ~$50 and the Gitzo GM5561T is $350, but to me its worth it…why you ask?

Mainly because my camera and lens combo feels more stable on the Gitzo. Even though I’m shooting a releatively small setup of a Canon EOS 5D and a Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM, handholding just hasn’t been working that well for me.  The monopod has been helping me quite a bit but the Gitzo seems to be supporting my shooting style much better than the Manfrotto did.

I’m pairing this Gitzo GM5561T with a Really Right Stuff High Capacity Monopod Head (which I’ve just ordered – along with RRS plates for camera and lens).

This setup (with the RRS monopod head) is overkill for my current lens but I’m currently planning on upgrading to a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM or Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM once I save up enough money…which may be a while..photography is expensive!!

When I get up to the bigger lenses, I may need to move up to a tripod, but I’ve heard good things about photographers using monopods with these big lenses…so I’m going to try it.

I love this monopod…if you need a new monopod and can spare $350, I’d say jump at the opportunity to buy this Gitzo.

Hat tip to Paul Burwell for the pointer to the RRS Monopod head.

Related posts:

1. Really Right Stuff Monopod Head Product Review
2. Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod – Product Review
3. Wish List additions – Tripods: Gitzo GT5541LS and Gitzo GT3530LSV