SEVEN: The Twelve Links of Christmas 2022*: The Tripod Is a Solved Problem

Gitzo Mountaineer GT 2532 Series 2 carbon fiber tripod (Amazon)

Thom Hogan recently mentioned that "tripods were mostly mastered by Gitzo many years ago with the Mountaineer." I concluded a rather comical series of articles on tripods 11 years ago (comical because I made a lot of errors along the way that readers had to correct), at the end of which I purchased...a Mountaineer.

Carbon fiber was the killer app in 2011. Of all the things that that fashionable high-tech material is used for, tripods make the most sense; CF is rigid, very strong, and very light. Before that, I had a nice schtick I used to trot out about how there was no such thing as a good tripod. It allowed me to flex my satirical (snarky?) chops a bit and lampoon what I thought then was a pretty low category of device. Can't do that any more. My 11-year-old Gitzo Mountaineer still looks and works like new, and it's a pleasure to use every time I unlimber it. I never loved a tripod before this one. I never thought a tripod could be loved before this one.

I'm also glad I invested in it back then. It means I never have to muck around with tripods, buying and trying and doing it over again. I keep my tripods a long time. My first Gitzo, which I got from crusty old Mr. Baker at Baker's Camera Shop in Tenleytown D.C., was only retired after 27 years or so, and it's still out in the garage like an honored racehorse put out to pasture. This Mountaineer is looking very much like it will last 27 years too. Thom is right; the matter of a tripod is a solved problem. Get a Mountaineer with the tripod head of your choice (the Really Right Stuff BH-55 is widely regarded as ne plus ultra) and you'll never worry about tripods again.

Mike

*A list of a dozen beautiful gifty things in the spirit of the season.

Original contents copyright 2022 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below or on the title of this post.)

Featured Comments from:

james wilson: "Check out the deal on the Sirui MT2204 travel tripod that B&H has on sale today."

Niels: "Ouch! $1,700 for a tripod+head. The Gitzo tripod is only 600g lighter than my 40-year-old Slik Master deluxe. The RRS head is heavier than my Slik Master head—the latter being the best head design I have ever encountered (others' mileage may vary). I just checked B&H. Slik is still in business it appears, and still made in Japan—how refreshing. Given the Slik Master series has survived 50 years, I guess I am not the only one who thinks it is a brilliant design. The current Slik Master Classic tripod and head is the same weight as your combo. Excellent quality and cost only $200. Your suggestion is likely more satisfying and more luxurious, but so it the price. Great with alternatives. (I'll let you make these affiliate links)."

Mike replies: Done, but, just a reminder for other readers, I'm not necessarily recommending these alternatives (I don't know them), James and Niels are.

Dennis Mook: "I believe I bought my carbon fiber Gitzo Mountaineer GT2540 around 1995. The price was high, more than I could afford at the time, but I took the advice of the phrase, ‘buy once, cry once,’ and that advice has paid off handsomely. The old Gitzo works as well today as when new. I’ve hauled those sticks around the country by car, train and airplane many, many times. They’ve never let me down and there is no reason to replace them. I agree, for me the tripod problem was solved many years ago."

[Ed. note: Dennis was a career Chief of Police in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and after retiring from the Newport News force worked for NCIS. He's been an avid photography enthusiast for many years.]

Alex Buisse: "While I agree and absolutely love my Mountaineer (I used to hate tripods before it, thinking the limited extra support never worth the hassle of carrying one around), I must say that mine has required repairs twice in the seven years I have used it: once for the ballhead screw that had gotten bent and couldn’t be unscrewed anymore, and once for a leg twist that broke, which meant that I could take the leg segment straight out of the tripod. But then, I have taken it many places and often can’t afford to baby my gear...."

[Ed. note: Alex is a real mountaineer, so when he says he's taken his tripod "many places," it includes some places most people will never be. I highly recommend a visit to his website for some vivid visual examples.]

Photo by Alex Buisse

Comments

[Gibeault Marc]

I think you should write “le nec plus ultra”

[Joe]

I've had my Gitzo 1157 Mountaineer carbon fiber for decades, through snow, salt water, fresh water, sand, dirt. It's fallen over onto rocks and from heights. Zero maintenance, works like it's brand new.

And I love my Acratech ballhead -- same review as the Gitzo -- but then I bought mine used from a friend, so I didn't have to pay no $500 for it (!)

[Chuck Albertson]

Also take a look at the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 tripods for travel. Even the 4-section model is compact enough to fit in a carry-on bag, which makes it more likely that I'll take it along on a trip, and actually take it out of the bag and use it to take pictures at destination.

[Stan B.]

Sorry, for $1,690 complete- it better last 27 years and then some! Granted, it is a looker and I'm betting one helluva performer for someone who uses it on a (very) regular basis. I still got my $99 Leitz Tiltall from the '70s (what else could you buy with that name for that price)- and it still dutifully serves its purpose every once or twice a decade. Currently clocks in at $200 new.

[David Dyer-Bennet]

I'm still using my Bogen 201 aluminim legs from 1982. I did put a RRS RH-40 head on it some years back; that cost about 3 times what the whole tripod plus Bogen ball head cost originally.

Except, I hardly touch my tripod any more. Between higher color ISOs, noise reduction, and image stabilization (in-body or in-lens), I rarely need them any more. I last used one for macro photography using focus stacking, I think. Before that, I think I last used it for convenience in photographing a series of objects, so I didn't have to put it down and pick it up each time.

[Rand Scott Adams]

Ball head, schmall head. Once you’ve used a geared head you’d never touch a ball head again (no matter how long the stick).

Some are even “sort of” in the affordable range today.

[Greg Heins]

I’m a multiple tripod guy. I have one in the trunk of each car, a travel model that I leave in my suitcase, and a few others. But a few years ago, after seeing the Penn exhibition at the Met, I brought back to life a couple of Tiltalls, after watching the film of Mr. Penn using one under his Rolleis. I can’t quite explain it but there is a special feeling for me to use them, short handles only as he set them up.

[darlene]

My first tripod, a Gitzo Pro Studex, and R No.4 Head were purchased while in school for my 4x5. I am proud of every scratch and bald spot on those heavy legs. It helped me pay the bills and move through my career, never letting me down. Then came carbon fiber, and the heavier Gitzo retired to the back of the studio.

I have three CF tripods and have settled on them for about a decade now. I put the pieces together based on format and shooting technique. Below are links to the heads and bases, but the manufacturers have updated the tripods since then and do not show links. All the tripods work as well today as when I acquired them.

--

If I shoot 4x5 (Linhof MT, Cambo Wide), it is with an RRS TVC-23 with an Acratech Pano Head and Leveling Base.

Acratech Pano Head: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/826076-REG/Acratech_1165_PANORAMIC_HEAD.html
Acratech Leveling Base: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834487-REG/Acratech_1170_LARGE_LEVELING_BASE.html

--

If I am shooting medium format film or digital (ALPA, Hasselblad, Mamiya 6), it is an RRS TQC-14 with Fotopro Gimbal Head E-6H Eagle and RRS TA-2U Leveling Base.

Fotopro Gimbal E6H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1452509-REG/fotopro_e_6h_gimbal_head_black.html
RRS TA-2U Leveling Base: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1525414-REG/really_right_stuff_25364_series_2_leveling_base.html

--

My Fujifilm APS-C, pinhole cameras (including Titan 4x5), and 135 film cameras sit atop a Gitzo GT1541T with an RRS BH-30.

RRS BH-30: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1301031-REG/really_right_stuff_bh_30_lr_bh_30_ballhead_with_compact.html

--

I still have the RRS BH-40 I purchased for the RRS TVC-23 a decade ago, but I do not use it. I sold off two BH-50 heads last year from non-use. I have grown away from ball heads, preferring pano heads with leveling bases.

If anyone cares to read my tripod experiences, here is a link.

[Glenn Allenspach]

Back in my days working the Camera Counter, I used to tell folks the ideal tripod is lightweight, sturdy and inexpensive. And you can choose any two of those three features. BTW, I still have and use my mid ‘80’s Bogen 3021.

[Bob Rosinsky]

I bought a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod around 2008. It's still my go-to tripod. Its legs extend to 72 inches. It has survived the ocean, desert sand, snow, ice, rain, and dust. I've got three heads for it: 1) Acratec ball head; 2) Manfrotto 410; 3) Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech fluid head.

I was somewhat reluctant to invest in a high-end tripod. I'm scratching my head trying to think of photo equipment that has lasted so long without a single hassle.

[Moose]

Twist leg locks are just - too - damn - slow. IMO \;~)>
In the time it takes to loosen, then re-tighten those twist locks, I've set up my Velbon El Carmagne 630, taken the shot, taken it down and moved on.

The Velbon somehow managed to make flip locks with light, smooth action, yet reliably solid. Also, length numbers on the legs, so all three can be made the same length without physical matching. Genius!

Manfrotto also makes some nice CF tripods with flip locks, but they are quite stiff. Their 190CXPRO3, whatever it or its replacement is by now, has a nice design of center column that can go horizontal.

For ultimate ability to get camera angles others can't touch — and challenge one's sense of how the universe works, the Benbo, or its better offspring, the Uni-Loc, is unmatched.

BUT, what if the best tripod is no tripod? After hauling tripods along on every trip, (TSA always thinks it's come kind of nefarious device, and opens my luggage.) I spend six weeks this fall in Brooklyn, NE Mass and all over Maine, without a tripod. Never missed it.

The IBIS on my recent Oly bodies is pretty spectacular; more trouble with subject movement than camera.

No more tripod hanging off my belt (Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 here).

Moose at Hetch Hetchy, 2011.

[Jayanand Govindaraj]

I have both a Gitzo 3 series with a RRS BH55 head, and a Sirui 2205X with a Arcatech SS head. Guess which one gets used more often, especially as the Nikon Z telephoto lenses get lighter and lighter? I would not buy a Gitzo again if I were buying a tripod today, there are many which are excellent at half the price.

[Neil Swanson]

I still have and use the Leitz Tiltall I bought in ‘78. As good as the day I bought it.

[Earl Dunbar]

When I sold my Zone VI tripod, due to weight (which you wrote about in August of 2015,) I bought a Velbon carbon fibre tripod (I don’t know the model) along with an Acratech head. Naturally I did the my “research” and concluded that while there may be “better” tripods, the Velbon seemed to hit my price point while being very capable for my needs. It turns out I was “right” - at least in my experience so far. And ditto for the Acratech head.

I think both these brands fly under the radar a bit. The Acratech heads are not exactly cheap, but they are very well made and there a variety of models to suit one’s requirements.

[Eric Brody]

I agree with Rand Scott Adams. I've had numerous ball heads including the iconic ARCA SWISS B-1, and still use an Acratech on my small Gitzo, but for sheer rigidity, ease of adjustment and "when you put it there, it stays there," nothing can beat a geared head. After listening to Charlie Cramer sing its praises, I got an ARCA SWISS D4 geared head, one of the best pieces of gear I've EVER owned. It lives on my new FLM tripod (seems to be as good as RRS but without the price and politics). The FLM replaced a 3 series CF Gitzo that had gotten wobbly. Everyone is different but I love using a tripod in nature. It slows me down and makes my images more contemplative, just like in the good old days with the 4x5.

[Jeff]

I own the RRS BH-55 head, which is high quality in many respects, albeit big and heavy. But it now sits on a shelf and has been replaced by the less expensive, lighter, more compact, but superb Arca Swiss P0 (as in P-zero) head. The BH-55 sometimes slightly drifts under higher loads, while the uniquely and more simply designed P0 remains rock solid. I added an RRS lever-clamp to it..

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/658802-REG/Arca_Swiss_801211_Monoball_P0_with_Panning.html

Truth be told, however, my tripods rarely get used these days with my digital cameras, which typically have high ISO capability (Leica M10-Monochrom or M10-R) and/or IBIS (Leica SL2, sometimes combined with lens OIS).

[Zack S]

IF you want to make you tripod even better get a hammock that attaches to the legs. I have one of these and it can make a huge difference. We were in Cape Cod in September and I was shooting on a windy bluff doing long exposures. The wind was really strong so I filled the hammock with a lot of sand and it made the tripod a lot more stable. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1038289-REG/oben_stb_10_stone_bag_for_tripods.html

Another nice accessory are the Manfrotto tripod shoes. These will stop a tripod from sinking into sand, soft soil and snow. I use these a lot and they attach to my Manfrotto and Slik tripods. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5548-REG/Manfrotto_230_230_3255_All_Weather.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A6879&gclid=CjwKCAiAv9ucBhBXEiwA6N8nYArISbOWSIZ8EIGDka-4PRyBy08IbrYGyfKo02cYBUwG_6tvIGnAwBoCC44QAvD_BwE

[Bill S.]

I have struggle with the idea that some carbon fiber and aluminum costs $1690 while a complex OM-5 digital camera with the 12-45mm f/4 lens providing 6.5 stops of image stabilization is available for $1600. Not to suggest that the tripod & head over priced, just the contrast in technology price.

[Anton Wilhelm Stolzing]

The ideal tripod weighs nothing, needs no space at all, reaches to 1,70 meters but also to 10 centimeters should it be necessary, and this without hassle, and is sturdier than a Soviet tank.
In order to get something remotely close to these spces, I spent a little fortune over the decades, and I also have a Gitzo Carbon, which is indeed among the better ones.

[Bruce Hedge]

Darn you, Michael, I have just spent two hours navigating Darlene and Alex's websites and being absolutely gobsmacked. You have some very interesting reader/contributors!!

[Dave]

Bill S.

Thank you!

I don't get the "fashion appeal" of carbon fiber. Some think it looks as good as a smooth paint job on a car. Function, yes. Looks, no.

You don't have a tripod if it's not carbon fiber, apparently.

Carbon fiber parts can't be stamped out like aluminum. It's a much more expensive and slower process, thus the high price.

I've got a lightweight tripod that works fine for my uses. Not generally used outdoors. I bought it in the '80s and it has all the movements possible with the included "head". No need to buy a separate one, just to use the thing. Around 50 bucks back then and I paid more than I had to, but I was in the store, so I just got it. I probably could have found it for $35-40 somewhere else.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike, but it's not for me.

[James Hildreth]

I'm sure the Gitzo is the "best" tripod if you and Thom Hogan are both recommending it. For me, light weight and portability are particularly important. I've replaced my old Bogen aluminum tripod (with Manfrotto ball head) with a Sunpak carbon fiber one. It's only 14" when compacted and 2.4 lbs with included ball head and cost less than $100 3 years ago. It uses arca swiss plates so I got a Manfrotto quick-release adapter and screwed an arca swiss plate to the bottom of it and that's permanently attached to the Sunpak. I can easily switch between tripods this way - except that I never do. I use the Sunpak almost exclusively. Its probably not rugged enough for professional use, though. But, it can expand to the same height as the Bogen; it looks spindly but works fine for me, survived 10 days hiking in Utah without issue and is airplane carry-on friendly. Pity they don't sell it anymore.

Note: I find arca swiss plates are not thick enough to accommodate the attachment screw-eye for my sling strap. RC2 plates work best for that.

[Mike Plews]

Back in the 90's the TV station I worked at went with Sachtler HotPods with Sachtler Panorama 7+7 heads and I was in hog heaven.
HotPods were designed specifically for news shooters. One control to drop, level and lock the legs, another to free up the ball leveling system and it had a pneumatic lift that took it up to about six feet. Wonderful as long as you were spending someone else's money.
HotPods are still around and a complete rig is around seven grand so $1700 starts to look like a steal.

[Bryan Hansel]

Most of the time, I use a RRS Versa with a BH-55, but I needed a lighter tripod for a long human-powered trip I was doing. I didn't want it to weigh more than three pounds.

I found the SIRUI AM-254. If you buy it with the SIRUI ball head, it weighs less than three pounds. Any tripod under three pounds is a compromise, and the SIRUI makes the right compromises. It's surprisingly solid, stable and is four feet tall.

At Amazon, it runs $225 with the ball head.

[Chip McDaniel]

My Ries wooden tripod and Arca Swiss ball head have held up everything from Leica Ms, Nikon D4, Hassie and Mamiya RZ, and 4x5 view cameras, all rock solid, and it is fairly easy to carry, if bulky. I have a very lightweight and expensive Gitzo carbon fibre that really is built for the D4, max, and which I had to weight down in every breath of air to keep stable. Unless I am packing for a long flight, that one stays home.