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I have been using a very basic Manfrotto 190/141RC since day one. I now want to upgrade to one that is suitable for macro works. I have ordered a Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head but still deciding what to get for the tripod. After considering Benbo Trekker, Benro, Manfrotto etc, I think I'll just take the plunge and get a Gitzo Explorer. It's more than what I want to pay but I do not want to regret and do another upgrade in the near future.

Before I part with my money, I would like to know if there are other models that I am not aware of that I should investigate. Would anyone talk me out of this expensive Gitzo explorer?

What sort of macros are you planning?
Many people use a monopod for macro work. It adds enough steadiness, but still allows tracking of moving objects like bees and ants.

If you are doing static work, be aware that you can reverse the column on most tripods to get really close, and there are several that allow you to position the column sideways. Not quite as versatile as the EX, but getting there.

I have the explorer (2541EX) & it is extremely versatile, and I wouldn't be without it, but I have also bought a 3541LS (Gitzo Systematic) as I find the Explorer lacks a little more than I would desire in the stability stakes. Mostly for long (>200mm) lenses, but I tend to use the Systematic for nearly everything these days. I just dust off Explorer when I need an odd angle.

I have gone for RRS heads. THe BH40 on the EX and the BH55 on the LS. I use the panorama kit as a defacto focussing rail when doing macros. I don't do enough static macros to justify their screw adjust macro rail.

fenger wrote:Would anyone talk me out of this expensive Gitzo explorer?

There might be a better and more expensive one from RRS.

Twenty five years ago, the macro tripod of choice was Benbo, not Benro (though they probably stole most of the name). They seem to have faded out of contentiuon these days.

Mr Darcy wrote:What sort of macros are you planning?

I will be doing a fair bit of static >1x macro. Just reversing the center column will not do. I have looked at Benro and Manfrotto with sideways column but considering the design and price which is about half of the Gitzo I would rather go for the Gitzo. I like the Benbo trekker and that is my alternative but I read that it can be frustrating to set up.

Why is the 3541LS more stable than the 2541EX? Is it the material, construction or the inherent nature of the non-horizontal column? Also, would the 2531EX three sections legs more stable than the 2541EX?

As for the head, I have already bought the geared Manfrotto 410 Junior for macro. I will look at the RRS heads for normal photography later when I have the money.

Murray Foote wrote:There might be a better and more expensive one from RRS.

Definitely out of my range!

fenger wrote:would the 2531EX three sections legs more stable than the 2541EX?

Yes, but it won't fold up as small

fenger wrote:Why is the 3541LS more stable than the 2541EX? Is it the material, construction or the inherent nature of the non-horizontal column?

A bit of both. THe EX series loses stability because the column is offset from the head. THere is a certain amount of slop in the connection. Certainly much better than my old Velbon, but not a patch on the 3541LS

Also the 3541 is one series up and has larger diameter legs. It all adds up to a much more stable platform. Especially if I don't use the column at all.

fenger wrote: I would rather go for the Gitzo

Another reason is that if you don't like it, it's easy to re-sell as it won't drop in price too much.