Portrait photography can happen anywhere — you can take these type of shots outside or inside your home (from a studio). Most portrait photographers are NOT going to hike up a remote mountain, so you don’t need to have an ultra light weight tripod.

So you don’t necessary need a carbon fiber tripod, not unless you are going to be doing a lot of traveling. My experience is that you really won’t be using a tripod for portrait photography anyways, not unless you are shooting for maximum image quality from within your home photography studio. So look at getting a tripod that’s cost efficient and has the features you want. I still recommend getting the best tripod you can afford, since you can use the tripod for a lot of different types of photography, but if you are specifically looking for a good tripod for portraits, then you have a lot of options.

So if you want to be a competent landscape photographer, the first order of things should be to get a high quality tripod that works for you. How do you go about choosing the right tripod for landscapes? Well it comes down to how heavy you want your tripod. If you are a landscape photographer who spends a lot of time in the field, climbing mountains, hiking, traveling to different countries, then you are going to need a lightweight tripod. In terms of lightweight, carbon fiber is the way to go. And the best carbon fiber tripods are made by Gitzo. For the best lightweight travel tripod for landscape photography, I would say the Gitzo 1541T (or 1542T if you are taller) wins in terms of the weight, stability, size, and the load it can carry. My preference when it comes to landscape photography is a tripod that I can carry wherever I go. What’s the point of having a tripod that you never use because it’s too heavy? The only cost here is the actual cost of the tripod — carbon fiber tripods are expensive and the gitzo tripods the most expensive of all.

If you are more budget minded, then you can look at a heavier aluminum tripod. You can get a good Manfrotto Bogen tripod for about 150 bucks that’s stable as a rock and will last a lifetime. Mind you, it’s going to be heavy. If you do your landscape photography in locales where you don’t have to do much hiking (or you are close to your car), then this kind of tripod is a good, cheaper option.

Whatever you do, don’t spend 20-75 bucks for a cheap plastic tripod at your local Wall-Mart. These tripods will frustrate you more than they will help you!

So in summery the 1542T versus 1541T:

• 1542T is rated at 7kg instead of the the 1541T’s 8kg (a loss of 1kg).
• 1542T is .03kg heavier than the 1541T.
• Features redesigned tripod locking rings
• More expensive (612 on amazon…over 75 dollars more expensive than the 1541T)

In all other things, the two tripods are the same.

My Recommendation?

The Gitzo 1541T is still a better tripod than the “upgrade.” The “old” 1541T is about 1/20 of a pound lighter AND it has a load bearing capacity of a 1 lb more, which is a pretty big deal to be honest. If you are taller, than perhaps the Gitzo 1542T is better, as it’s 9 cm taller (basically 3 inches taller). For shorter people, get the 1541T while you still can!

Features

When reading through a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod review the first thing you will learn is that this particular tripod is that it is made from high quality carbon fiber, which is one of the most durable and lightest materials on the market. Some other features of this model include the following:

• Versatile leg settings allow you to choose your angle precisely. Ground angles are possible and the tripod extends up to sixty-three inches.
• The G locking mechanism is the perfect addition to the tripod when you want to be assured that your equipment is being held steady.
• A rapid change column in the center of the tripod allows you to set the height of your tripod quickly and easily, which is a must on shoots where you have little control over the subject.
• The weight of the Mountaineer is a mere three pounds. You can easily toss your tripod into your gear and take it along on outdoor shoots without worrying about excess weight slowing you down.
• The Anti Rotation leg design allows you to adjust and unlock all three legs at the same time, saving you time when working in the field.

This Gitzo Mountaineer tripod review can help you determine whether or not this is the right tripod for you. The light weight and overall flexibility of the tripod makes it one of the more popular designs, while the sturdiness and the high quality ensure you have a tripod that will last over many years.

Your Tripod Use

When checking out a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod review you may be surprised to learn that Gitzo offers a lifetime warranty on their tripods. If you have any kind of issue with the tripod in the future you can easily get your product replaced free of charge. Make sure you keep your receipt in a secure place for the future. The carbon fiber used in the tripod is also appealing to most people working in the field. Carbon fiber is sturdy, warm to the touch and very lightweight and easy to carry along.

The folding height is only fifty-four inches, which allows you to easily carry the Gitzo Mountaineer tripod. Review the camera lenses that you plan on using with your tripod to determine the capabilities of the tripod and whether it meets your needs in the field. You may want to look for reviews of specific lenses when being used with the tripod to ensure the sizing of the tripod is right for you. This tripod is very versatile, however, and may be used with a wide range of lenses.

Types of Tripods from Gitzo

When you need a Gitzo tripod, the best 3 recommendations include both basalt and carbon fiber tripods. These two types of tripods are made with weight being one of the main features of the tripod. Most carbon fiber tripods weigh less than five pounds so you can easily take the tripod along with you. There are also the following types of tripods available from Gitzo:

• Basalt tripods are also lightweight and durable. Basalt is one of the top selling materials for tripods today.
• Carbon fiber is quickly replacing heaver aluminum tripods for several reasons. Carbon fiber is light, durable, and doesn’t feel cold to the touch when shooting outside in the winter.
• Aluminium tripods are an excellent option when you are working indoors.

Gitzo has a wide range of tripods available to choose from, including bird watching, photography and video Gitzo tripods. The best 3 recommendations are those that are versatile and easy to carry. You can find that one Gitzo tripod will meet your personal needs for several different types of camera and equipment, especially if you opt for accessories to make the tripod more versatile.

What to Consider when Buying a Gitzo Tripod

If you are looking for a Gitzo tripod, the best 3 recommendations can allow you to find one that can be used in many different situations. You should consider how you plan on using the tripod before making your purchase. For example, if you are using the tripod in the outdoors and need to carry it a lot then a light weight tripod is the best option. If you are going to be indoors then you may want to opt for a traditional aluminum tripod instead. You can also consider your equipment when choosing the right tripod. For example if you are using a heavy lens then you need to be sure the tripod will hold the weight.

Some models will hold more than forty pounds and also become sturdier when weighted down with equipment thanks to the special features of the Gitzo tripod. The best 3 recommendations can allow you to add an additional camera when using an extension arm with a clamp, as well. The shape and design of the leg locks ensure the tripod is sturdy even when quite a bit of weight on it.  If you aren’t sure which type of tripod you need then beginning with a standard carbon fiber or basalt tripod will ensure you have a versatile tripod that can be used in many different situations for shooting many different kinds of subjects.

Top 3 Recommendations from Gitzo

If you are trying to find the perfect Gitzo tripod the best 3 recommendations is a great place to begin. Gitzo offers a wide selection of tripods with many different features available. The three options are among the most popular from the company, and are also among the most versatile and simple to use choices.

Manfrotto Pro Tripod — the best stability to price tripod ratio

The Manfrotto Pro tripod from Gitzo is among the bestselling offered by the company. This tripod features built in leg warmers and is made from aluminum. This classic tripod weights about five pounds and offers easy to use flip locks on each leg. One feature that makes this tripod a great choice is the ability to move the camera around easily by extending the neck of the tripod to the highest position. In this position you can swing the camera around without removing the camera or loosening the screws or plates holding it in.

Dolica 62 Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head

The Dolica sixty-two inch Proline tripod with a ball head is one of the top sellers from Gitzo tripod. The best 3 recommendations include this tripod because of the pan feature offered by the ball head as well as the versatility of the tripod. The Dolica tripod weighs about four pounds and is made from aluminum. You will love the quick release legs and the simple to use ball head that allows you to capture movement easily. This tripod can be used both indoors and outdoors for sporting events and capturing wildlife easily.

Gitzo GT1541T Series 1 6X 4S G-Lock Traveler – the “best” lightweight to stability ratio  for hiking/traveling tripod on the market now

The Gitzo GT1541T Series 1 6X 4S G-Lock Traveler is one of the tripods offered by Gitzo made from carbon fiber. You can read our Gitzo GT1541T review here.  This tripod is a little less than three pounds and offers you the famous Gitzo anti-rotation leg system that allows you to release all three legs simultaneously. The anti-rotation system is a great time saving feature is one of the best offered by Gitzo but the G-lock system is also a great feature to have on your tripod. This lock becomes more secure with additional weight so you never have to worry about the camera being too wobbly on the tripod. With a rapid center column and easy to set up and take down features, this tripod is among the best available from Gitzo. Note, this is primary a hiking/travel tripod and it’s good for camera setups under 7lbs. If you have a bigger camera setup, you might want to look at some of gitzo’s bigger tripods (such as series 2). Read a more  comprehensive Gitzo 1541T review here.

The Bottom Line

When choosing a Gitzo tripod the best 3 recommendations are a guideline for the best selling options but any of the tripods from this company can be counted on for their durability. Gitzo tripods are among the top selling because they provide superior service for an extended period of time. Gitzo offers a warranty on their products and a wide range of accessories and tripods to choose from. You can spend some time researching your options to find the tripods that fit your personal needs best concerning weight and features. These three tripods are a great place to begin.

Features Available

The features of the Traveler are covered in this Gitzo Traveler tripods review. You will want to look at the materials used in making the tripod first. Carbon fiber has become one of the most used materials in top of the line tripods because it is so lightweight and durable. You can find tripods, such as the Traveler, that are made from carbon fiber that weight in at a mere four pounds. Tossing this tripod into your travel equipment won’t cause you to become weighted down when working in the outdoors.

When reading a Gitzo Traveler tripods review you will also learn that this tripod has four section legs that are equipped with specially designed locks that become more secure when weighted down. When you put your camera on the tripod, the weight will push down on the locking mechanisms to keep it secure. The Traveler also has anti rotation locks that release all three legs at the same time, which cuts take down time to just seconds.

Using Your Tripod

When reading through Gitzo Traveler tripods review information you will also learn more about using your tripod. One of the advantages of the Traveler is that the neck is removable, which provides you with more flexibility when shooting. Some other ways that the tripod can be used include the following:

• The Traveler tripods can be used along with a ball head as needed. This feature is optional but is nice when working in the outdoors. You can easily pan the camera using the pivoting ball head to capture the perfect shot.
• Gitzo tripods aren’t just durable; they are among the most durable on the market today. Gitzo tripods come with a five year guarantee so you can feel good about your investment in the Traveler tripods.
• The head of the Gitzo traveler is made with four springs, which can be cleaned and maintained using the kit that comes with the tripod. If you aren’t sure how to clean and care for your Traveler tripods you can check your owner’s manual for more information.

When using the Traveler line of tripods you have more options and versatility for capturing your subject. The Gitzo Traveler tripods review can help you determine more specific features based on the model of your tripod. For example, the weight that Traveler tripods can hold is about 7 kg, which is ample support for even larger cameras and lenses. With Gitzo Traveler tripods you really have everything you need with you for capturing a great shot, and the light weight allows you to take this tripod along anywhere.

Note, we recommend you read our Gitzo GT1541T tripod review for our best recommended traveling tripod.

Tripod Clamps

A tripod clamp is one of the must have tripod accessories to use when you want more versatility with the camera that you are using. You can simply attach a clamp on the tripod and use an attachable arm to hold a second lens. This is a nice feature when you want to use different lenses or capture the subject in different ways. You may want to use an extra sturdy tripod when using a second camera on the tripod. Most carbon fiber tripods are sturdy enough to hold up to forty pounds or more.

Ball Head

A ball head attachment is one of the must have tripod accessories when you work in the outdoors. The tripod ball head attaches to the tripod, allowing you to pan the camera quickly and easily. This feature is perfect for working with children and wildlife. You can usually attach a ball head directly to the neck of your tripod and leave it in place if you use the feature often. You may want to choose a high quality ball head to ensure the accessory works when you need it.

Spikes or Snowshoes and Rubber Leg Replacements

When you have a high quality tripod that you use on a regular basis you will also need to have some accessories and replacements for the tips of the legs, where the tripod touches the ground. Among the must have tripod accessories that you can buy include these simple, yet necessary, items. Tripod spike feet or snowshoes can be used when working in slippery or icy conditions to keep the tripod securely in place. Rubber tripod replacement tips are used anytime you notice wear and tear on the rubber tips to protect the legs of the tripod.

Removable Plates

When using a tripod one of the must have accessories include quick release plates that you can leave on the bottom of your camera. Most tripods have a slide-on attachment that allows you to simply click or slide the camera into place on the tripod. Since the plate is already on the camera you don’t have to worry about taking time to remove the plate from the camera to move onto the next piece of equipment that you want to use. This piece of equipment truly makes your tripod easy to use.

Carrying Case

A carrying case is definitely one of the must have tripod accessories that can make taking your tripod along in the field much simpler. A tripod carrying case protects the tripod while also making it a little easier to carry along with you. There are a wide range of carrying cases available to choose from.

Keep in mind that if you want to get the most bang for your buck out of your tripod, you should have the best digital camera you can afford too. There is no point in having a sick tripod setup will tons of accessories if you are sporting a crappy camera or you don’t even have a DSLR camera!

Features and Benefits

There are several advantages of choosing Gitzo carbon fiber tripods. An overview of carbon fiber shows that this material is durable enough for everyday use while still being one of the lightest materials available. You can bring this tripod along easily, even when hiking, without worrying about the additional weight slowing you down. Most Gitzo tripods also become quite small when folded down. Some features to look for on Gitzo tripods include:

• Gitzo tripods feature legs that can be posed in many different angles for more versatility when working on getting the perfect shot. With a central locking mechanism you can feel comfortable working with the Gitzo tripod even when using sensitive equipment.
• Locking mechanisms on each leg of the tripod ensure your equipment is secure. The legs can also be unlocked simultaneously using new technology from Gitzo to allow you to pack up your equipment quickly and easily.
• Gitzo tripods come in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to choose a tripod that fits your equipment perfectly. Gitzo tripods also feature interchangeable center rods that instantly change the capability of the tripods, making the more flexible and versatile than other options.

When looking for the perfect tripod for carrying along with you there is nothing that can beat the lightweight durability of Gitzo carbon fiber tripods. An overview of the material used in the tripod shows that carbon fiber is perfect when you are out in the field. Some models are as little as four pounds and can hold nearly forty pounds.

Which to Choose

When choosing Gitzo carbon fiber tripods, an overview of each model may be needed to find the one that fits your personal needs best. For example, the G1548 Gitzo model is a tripod that doesn’t have a center column and extends to over three feet in height, but when folded down is only about one and a half feet. Your use of the Gitzo tripod can have an impact on which model is right for you. For example, if you are working in the field you may want to have an ultra light model to carry along while a heavier model is used at home and in the office.

There are several things to consider when buying Gitzo carbon fiber tripods. An overview of the types of tripods and their features is a great place to begin learning about which models are right for you. With the right Gitzo tripod you have the convenience of a lightweight tripod that can easily be taken along in the field combined with the durability of carbon fibers. The Gitzo name is also one of the best in the tripod industry so you can be sure you are getting a quality tripod, as well.

Types of Tripods

When you are learning more about Gitzo tripod lines, an overview of the products offered by the company shows that there are bird watching, photography and video equipment available. There are five lines available from the company, including the following:

• Basalt tripods are very lightweight. Each model that is in the Basalt line from Gitzo weights seven to eight pounds on average. These tripods also come in both three and four section leg options and range in height from forty to sixty inches when fully expanded.
• The Ocean tripod is one single tripod made from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is among the top choices for photographers for its durability and light weight. This tripod weighs eight pounds and expands to sixty inches.
• Safari tripods include 4 section tripods in varying lengths. These tripods weigh over twenty five pounds, so they are among the heaviest tripods offered by Gitzo.
• Vintage tripods are two section tripods made from aluminum. These tripods weight about eight to thirteen pounds and expand up to sixty inches in height.
• Traveler tripods are also made from carbon fiber, and are lightweight and versatile. Options in this line include tripods that range in weight from four to twenty six pounds and that expand up to sixty inches in height depending on the style you choose.

In each of the Gitzo tripod lines an overview can assist you in learning more about specific models within the line. Each line from Gitzo also includes kits that offer you kits with the same styles of tripods. The features found in each line allow you to choose the features and options that fit your personal needs best.

Choosing Your Line

When choosing Gitzo tripod lines an overview of the benefits and features of each type of tripod can assist you in choosing which one is right for your personal needs. For example, when working in the field you may find the light weight portability of the Basalt or Traveler lines fit your needs best, while working in one location may allow you to choose from one of the heavier lines. One benefit of choosing Gitzo tripods is that even the lightest models are secure enough to hold up to forty pounds, allowing you to feel comfortable with your model.

With each of the Gitzo tripod lines an overview is helpful in choosing the model you prefer. For instance, some models come with a center while others don’t have this feature. There are lots of options and lines to choose from in the Gitzo line.

The Basics

When choosing you side in the tripod battle, carbon fiber versus basalt versus aluminum is an important question. You may want to take note of the following characteristics of each of these options before deciding which type will be used as your main tripod in the field:

• Carbon fiber tripods are extremely lightweight but are also very durable. Carbon fibers are also warm to the touch even in very cold weather, unlike traditional aluminium tripods.
• Stability is usually an important feature of your tripod. All three materials, when equipped with locking mechanisms, can be stable options for indoor and outdoor shooting. A tripod with more flexibility is just as important as a stable tripod.
• Aluminum tripods can be heavy but have a place in indoor photography and when being used in areas that don’t require a lot of walking. For example, stationary bird watching with an aluminum tripod isn’t difficult even though the tripod weighs more.
• Basalt is one of the top options for a tripod in the field. These tripods are highly durable but also lightweight enough to be used anywhere you may want to travel.

When choosing a tripod it is often best to look at the activity and then decide which type of choose. Many professionals in the industry have all three kinds of tripods for different activities. When researching the tripod battle, carbon fiber versus basalt versus aluminum is one of the topics that you will want to pay attention to when planning outings.

Cost and Function

When examining the tripod battle, carbon fiber versus basalt versus aluminum often leads to price comparisons. Basalt and carbon fiber are generally a little pricier than aluminum tripods, but can weight more and hold less. For instance, if you have a ten pound camera you may end up with a five pound aluminum tripod to ensure it will hold the weight of the equipment. When compared to aluminum, carbon fiber can hold up to forty pounds but weighs about three to five pounds.

You will want to determine the amount of weight that you need the tripod to support when choosing your option. The weight difference can be significant when you spend a lot of time in the outdoors and use a wide selection of equipment. When considering the tripod battle, carbon fiber versus basalt versus aluminum usually ends in which functional aspects of the tripod are more important to you. If you need a light weight option then both carbon and basalt can be excellent options to choose.