Gitzo - Level or Explorer?

[Glen]

Hi All, after carting my 10kg Manfrotto around Neutral Bay during the B&W challenge (and almost giving myself a hernia!) and looking admiringly at Birddy's and MHD's legs, I am trying to decide between two carbon fibre Gitzo. I would like the smallest lightest tripod which will do the job. Ideally I would like folded size to be like one of those umbrella's to fit in a womans purse and unfolded to be a studio tripod I have narrowed it down to 2 tripods , both 4 section carbon fibre. I know 4 is probably not as stable as 3 section, but my theory is the tripod with you is more stable than one at home. The two models are 1228 LVL or 2228 Explorer. The primary difference being column treatment, the Level model having a conventional column which tilts up to 12 degrees, whilst the Explorer has a column which could only be described as free floating. Does anyone have any thoughts on these two. Better to have the collective wisdom of the group before the purchase

[birddog114]

Glen,
The 1227LVL like MHD got is the one suitable for you, the 1228LVL or 2228 are four sections tripod, am not very happy with 4 sections, too high and not stable same as slow to put them in action in comparison with the three section legs, The Gitzo 2 series are most demanded for, cos they're the light weight and have all the neccessary need in the filed.

[Glen]

Thanks Birddog, that has helped a lot, I was hoping the Gitzo guru would respond or maybe even the Gitzo professor from Canberra. Will change my choices to 1227 LVL or 2227 Explorer and probably go for the 1227 LVL unless some good reasons for the 2227 come up. As this is my fourth tripod I am now going for the buy it once theory (slow learner) so don't want to shortchange myself. Have plenty of time on this as no camera at the moment, it is in at Maxwells

[gstark]

as no camera at the moment, it is in at Maxwells

What happenned ?

[birddog114]

Thanks Birddog, that has helped a lot, I was hoping the Gitzo guru would respond or maybe even the Gitzo professor from Canberra. Will change my choices to 1227 LVL or 2227 Explorer and probably go for the 1227 LVL unless some good reasons for the 2227 come up. As this is my fourth tripod I am now going for the buy it once theory (slow learner) so don't want to shortchange myself. Have plenty of time on this as no camera at the moment, it is in at Maxwells

Glen,
I have ordered coupa of RRS L brackets for D70, keep stocks for some seriously members, who want to lust, do you want one? and ballhead?

[Glen]

Hi Gary,
The AFS section of my camera wont work. Will focus perfectly with AF lenses (mechanical linkage) but not with AFS lenses. Big problem as I am getting 70-200 for Christmas. Checked contacts, seemed ok, so into Maxwells for attention.

Hi Birddog,
the ballhead is undecided yet but I am thinking Acratech or after Onyx's review maybe Markin or who knows what. Really like the look of the Acratech. What are your thoughts? Yes I am in for a L bracket, thanks.

[birddog114]

Acratech is nice same as the Markin 20, I'll settle for the Markin 20 cos I know your lens lust won't stop there

[fozzie]

Glen,

Hi Gary,
The AFS section of my camera wont work. Will focus perfectly with AF lenses (mechanical linkage) but not with AFS lenses. Big problem as I am getting 70-200 for Christmas. Checked contacts, seemed ok, so into Maxwells for attention.

Hi Birddog,
the ballhead is undecided yet but I am thinking Acratech or after Onyx's review maybe Markin or who knows what. Really like the look of the Acratech. What are your thoughts? Yes I am in for a L bracket, thanks.

I can recommend the RRS 'L' bracket. I received mine last week via Birddog and it compliments the camera. Also works well portrait/landscape on a Ballhead.

Cheers,

[gstark]

The AFS section of my camera wont work. Will focus perfectly with AF lenses (mechanical linkage) but not with AFS lenses. Big problem as I am getting 70-200 for Christmas. Checked contacts, seemed ok, so into Maxwells for attention.

Ouch.

Hope she's back for the holidaze.

[birddog114]

Yep, I wish he'll get it back soon otherwise he'll

[MHD]

I can recomend the LVL... I can bring it to the dinner if you want

I have the Acratech head and Kirk L plate... very happy...

[Onyx]

Glen's got the leg lust!!

You should pop by Birddog's to see the markins and RRS BH55 for youself (a new one, I got pics in my pixspot 'product shot' gallery) - but as I understand the arcatech is out on loan.

[birddog114]

I can recomend the LVL... I can bring it to the dinner if you want

MHD,
We have enough foods and legs for the night

[Glen]

Thanks all for the help. isn't it great to get the collective wisdom of 200+ people

Thanks for the offer MHD, Birddy has one and Friday is for kicking back, not worrying if the patrons at the next table have stolen your $1k setup for their p&s. Onyx you are right and I may wait for the next meet to check them out maybe when the acratech is back.

Back to the 3 or 4 section question. I noticed Thom Hogan and Ron Resnick both used the 1228 (4 sections). I have read this post http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... ge=9876304 Does anyone have any thoughts or would like to invalidate his process? Thanks

[birddog114]

Glen,

Here's another one:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=11245666

and this beauti RRS BH55

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=11134980

Ron Reznick mainly uses the G1325

[Glen]

Thanks Birddog, great links, can tell this subject will need some research. I noticed that Ron Resnick had moved from a 1228 to a 1325 but also noticed he has a 500 F4 to stick on it. I have a feeling I may end up with one tripod now and if I get the big guns one day get a big tripod.

[birddog114]

Yes you're right, the 1227LVL for now and 1325 later with big glass on it

[Flyer]

I'm in exactly the same situation as you Glen.
After 15 or so years of service it is time to retire my Manfrotto & move to something better ( it is your fault Birddog )
I have pretty much decided to get Gitzo 2227.
Not sure which ball head though - Acratech or Markins.
Acratech seems to have better range of movements then Markins, but Markins "appears" more solid.
Wonder what are the practical differences between these two? I am not planning to get any longer lenses then, say 400mm, anytime soon.
What is the practical difference between M10 & M20?
How much are those RRS L brackets Birddog?

Cheers

[birddog114]

I have pretty much decided to get Gitzo 2227.
Not sure which ball head though - Acratech or Markins.
Acratech seems to have better range of movements then Markins, but Markins "appears" more solid.
Wonder what are the practical differences between these two? I am not planning to get any longer lenses then, say 400mm, anytime soon.
What is the practical difference between M10 & M20?
How much are those RRS L brackets Birddog?
Cheers

Markin or RRS Ballhead have better movements then Acratech and they're solid like a tank

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=11128469
visit the following link to see the difference in betwwen two of them:
http://www.markin.com

RRS D70 L bracket AU$200.00 (I have couple of them, just keep stock for seriously members)

Without the seeing the heads by your eyes and touch by your hand, you won't have your own decision and feeling.

[Glen]

It's hell isn't it Flyer. I like the 2227 also which would be excellent for the macro you do. There are a couple of reviews which say it is harder to set up due to no fixed leg positions. Might be a point worth considering.
Here is a review on the 2227 http://www.luminous-landscape.com/revie ... 2227.shtml

[Flyer]

It's hell isn't it Flyer

Sure is!
Legs were easy to decide on - only other legs offering similar fexibility are made by Uni-Loc or Benbo. Gitzo is by far superior IMHO.
Different story with ballhead. Especialy if you can't try it out.
At this stage I think I'll go with Markins M10.
Would love to get B2 LR II lever clamp from RRS, but don't think my budget will alow it...

Birddog - How much is Mr.Poon selling Gitzo G2227 for?
What's the best way to get it? I want to use my Mastercard or Paypal.

[birddog114]

It's hell isn't it Flyer

Sure is!
Legs were easy to decide on - only other legs offering similar fexibility are made by Uni-Loc or Benbo. Gitzo is by far superior IMHO.
Different story with ballhead. Especialy if you can't try it out.
At this stage I think I'll go with Markins M10.
Would love to get B2 LR II lever clamp from RRS, but don't think my budget will alow it...

Birddog - How much is Mr.Poon selling Gitzo G2227 for?
What's the best way to get it? I want to use my Mastercard or Paypal.

Poon now is on his way to Australia, I can't get the price from him until he land here tomorrow, but I remember it' around AU$600.00 shipped.
I knew he won't take MC, Paypal perhaps but you can EFT in his bank account this week, I think.

[birddog114]

Different story with ballhead. Especialy if you can't try it out.

Hey Flyer!
The real things are: you have to try the ballheads by yourself, then you'll know what you like or don't. Review on the web never give you the true feeling of what you need. everything are look nice and beauti.

where can you try the most famous and popular heads in Australia, none of the pro-shop is selling them, talking to HN or Ted or Vanbar then they will ask you: what language are you speaking? or they never heard of that brand or name, silly isn't it?.

If you can make yourself a trip to Sydney on one Saturday, I have Markin 20, RRS BH55Pro, Acratech AUB (On loan), BH25, and soon Markin 10 with difference set up for you to try as much as you can, then easier for you to make up your own mind

[Onyx]

Birddog, you're missing from your collection ballheads from Kirk and Arca-Swiss.
Then that would be a complete answer to "what are the best pano-ballheads available on the market?"

[MHD]

Different story with ballhead. Especialy if you can't try it out.

where can you try the most famous and popular heads in Australia, none of the pro-shop is selling them, talking to HN or Ted or Vanbar then they will ask you: what language are you speaking? or they never heard of that brand or name, silly isn't it?.

Crazy indeed... I see a business opurtunity here

[Glen]

Flyer, the Alladins Cave is Birddogs, really is too good an opportunity to pass up, my decision will be made there after a lot of research to narrow things down and benefitting from the collective wisdom and experiences of the group.

[birddog114]

Birddog, you're missing from your collection ballheads from Kirk and Arca-Swiss.
Then that would be a complete answer to "what are the best pano-ballheads available on the market?"

Onyx,
They're coming next year, slowly they will, I'm working on it with them now, we will have a range of ballheads on show in Feb or March.
No Manfrotto or Gitzo ballhead, thought we don't need and they're not in my style/ range of shooting and collecting.

[Raydar]

For the ebayer’s out there.

There’s a few pro tripods up for sale ATM.
One is an Explorer at what seems a good price with not long to go.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 10867&rd=1

Cheers
Ray

[Glen]

Thanks Ray, well picked, up to $583 now which is similar to Mr Poon's price, he is in aus now, would prefer to give the money to a guy who has stared into my beady eyes and shook my hand and supports our forum. Mr Poon has already been very good to me with my 70-200 & 45 2.8.

[Raydar]

Thanks Ray, well picked, up to $583 now which is similar to Mr Poon's price, he is in aus now, would prefer to give the money to a guy who has stared into my beady eyes and shook my hand and supports our forum. Mr Poon has already been very good to me with my 70-200 & 45 2.8.

Great stuff mate

I'll be doing the same come time for a new pod, or anything ells for that mater!!!

Cheers
Ray

[Flyer]

Thanks a lot for the offer Birddog. I would love to come up to Sydney & meet you in person & try the gear, but there's no way I can make it before the end of January at the earliest due to business commitments.
And with Christmas approaching I am busy writing letter to Santa... (hope you get it soon Mr.Poon )
I will probably get G2227 in the next few weeks & probably Markins M10 early next year.
I'll have to pass on RRS D70 L bracket for now. Way over my budget.
Thanks for all your help. Much appreciated.

Cheers PS. I checked Mr.Poon's Ebay auctions & he does accept Paypal.

[MHD]

Hi Arek...
I have had a look at the geared colum g1227... if I were you I would go for the rapid colum (my G1227LVL has the rapic colum and I love it!)

[birddog114]

Thanks a lot for the offer Birddog. I would love to come up to Sydney & meet you in person & try the gear, but there's no way I can make it before the end of January at the earliest due to business commitments.
And with Christmas approaching I am busy writing letter to Santa... (hope you get it soon Mr.Poon )
I will probably get G2227 in the next few weeks & probably Markins M10 early next year.
I'll have to pass on RRS D70 L bracket for now. Way over my budget.
Thanks for all your help. Much appreciated.

Cheers PS. I checked Mr.Poon's Ebay auctions & he does accept Paypal.

Flyer,
You're right, he accept Paypal but his prices on eBay or his site does not including shipping, cos Paypal cost him money 3-4%.
If you cash or EFT like others, you may save.

[Flyer]

Thanks Birddog & MHD
Couldn't wait any longer so I bought Gitzo MK2 G2227 couple of days ago from Mr.Poon
Early Christmas present from myself.
Ballhead is next on the list. Markins M10 looks like a winner to me.
Now back to the letter:
Dear Santa......

[birddog114]

Congrat Flyer!, another Gitzo fan in our forum!