Gitzo Explorer tripod (now with added Q's!)

[MHD]

Has anyone used or seen the G2227 or 2228 legs>
http://www.gitzo.com/products/imperial/ ... creen.php3

I've seen a couple on ebay I am most interested in... mainly because, according to the site, they can fold down damn small...

[Glen]

MHD, might be worth a pm to Birddy, he is the resident Gitzo Guru

[birddog114]

MHD,
They're quite good tripods from Gitzo, sturdy with sexy legs

[birddog114]

The 2227 is 3 legs and CF the 2228 is 4 legs and also CF
You have a good taste there Scott!

[Flyer]

MHD, I have been looking at G2227 and G2228 as well.

Birddog, Would G2227 be sturdier then 2228 having less leg sections?
How do they compare to G1325?
What would be the best head to use on one of them (other then Markins)?

[MHD]

looking for something to take hiking so cf really is the only way... and just over 550 delivered its just comming into my price range...

[birddog114]

Flyer,
The G2227 be more sturdy than 2228 and is not compact like the 1325
When closed the G2227 is longer than the 2228 is 4" and same lenght with 1325.
The maximum load of 1324 is 26lbs and the 2227 and 2228 is 13.2lbs
the two series are the same weight 4.4lbs and the 1325 is 4.5lbs
the height of 2227 is 53.7/ 2228 is 56.5 and 1325 is 58.3 inches
the minimum height is almost the same 4.4" - 4.3"

The ballhead, I recommend the RRS BH 55 or Kirk B1 series

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html
other than 3 brands Markin, RRS or Kirk, I don't know what other quality heads is. Remember the Markin and RRS have the ability of pano with the head when required so you don't need any paning clamp or head.

For hiking the carbon CF tripod is the best with its sturdy and ability to have the good load on it, lighter
.

I have the 1325 and that's the one suitable my styles and lenses same as the Markin 20 Ballhead and the BH55 PRO (new acquisition)

[glc]

I've been looking at the G2227 as well, in comparison to a design like the Manfrotto 190Pro (I know, different materials, different price brackets). The Gitzo is obviously more flexible, but are there any tradeoffs that the offset center column brings?

[MHD]

oooh.. confused though...
I can get the 2227 for about 560 and the 2228 for about 620...

I can not see a huge difference between them though... is the only difference that the 2228 folds smaller?

[birddog114]

oooh.. confused though...
I can get the 2227 for about 560 and the 2228 for about 620...

I can not see a huge difference between them though... is the only difference that the 2228 folds smaller?

MHD,
It's depend on, the 2228 has the 4 legs section







EXPLORER / Cat. No: G2228
The G2228 is a four-section Carbon Fiber version of the Explorer Series. Versatility is the key to this tripod. Quick to set up, rugged in construction, innovative in design, and loaded with features that offer shooting positions that would be virtually impossible with standard tripods.

Features such as ergonomically designed leg-angle-locking that allows the legs to be individually locked at any angle from 0° to 90°. The Explorer also makes ground level shooting a snap with a unique shoulder-knuckle design that allows the column to be tilted 100°, rotated freely through 360°, and locked into any position.

The center column is fitted with an aluminum head plate with reversible 1/4-20" and 3/8" screw, plus a weight hook at the base

[birddog114]

or the following links:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/temp ... temid=1062

http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/temp ... temid=1061

[MHD]

yes but besides having a slightly smaller size when folded down I can not see any advantage in having 4 sections...

they have almost identical stats

[birddog114]

yes but besides having a slightly smaller size when folded down I can not see any advantage in having 4 sections...

they have almost identical stats

That's the design and how it's cost, I don't have them so I can't tell you more about it.
I made a decision on the 1325 with a long research and study + my learned experiences with other cheapie tripods, can't handle the 70-200VR or 80-400VR sturdy.

[MHD]

the weight of the 200-400VR (which I have no hope of owning but gives a good limit) is 7.2lb and the d70 body is just over a pound... putting load at 10pounds which gives me 3.2 pounds for a head... (13.2lb total allowed)

So even with a monster lens like that, (which is 10K) I should be ok...

yes it will not take a 600 f/4 but thats just silly

[MHD]

Has anyone used the
Manfrotto 488 Rc2 ball head?
http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/inde ... HEADS-BALL
??

I'm looking at heads to go with (eventually) the Gitzo G2227

And the price is right at ~150

[glc]

My understanding is that the 4 leg design is only to get a smaller folded size. The downside is more things to fiddle with to get it setup.

I haven't used the 488 rc2 head, but I've played with one in a shop. Its the head I'm considering at the moment (fits my price bracket) and seems like a good head for the price.

I still can't decide whether to get something like a Manfrotto 190Pro with a 488 rc2 head now, stretch it now and buy something like the G2227 and 488rc2, or put it all off until I can afford to buy something like a gitzo/markins later (possibly much later )

[birddog114]

or put it all off until I can afford to buy something like a gitzo/markins later (possibly much later )

That is a good move! the 488rc2 is look very funny with the G2227.
If you don't think that you'll have a lust lens gene then Man 190 and 488RC2 will be perfect with the kits or small lens. Otherwise you will have to eBay them later once you have the 70-200VR or 80-400 or bigger lens.
Look, I've been down that road for 4 years now, got 6 tripods in total, sold them later, pass to friends, the G1325 and Markin BH20 brought me more happiness and satisfaction, but I'm not stop there yet. Another RRS BH55Pro is still in back-ordered and the G1227LVL is on my list as well.

The Markin 10/20, RRS BH55 series all have the ability of panorama if you require it in the near future, instead of buying another panning head.[/quote]

[MHD]

Which was the one at the meet? was it the BH-55 LR???

Very pricy at 455 but heading that was it seems....

What do you think?

[MHD]

what are delivery times like from RRS?

[MHD]

or will the BB25 do me? (oh so many descisions!)

[Onyx]

The one at the meet was a Markins M20 head. Hugely expensive and only available from Nikonians pro photoshop (and see related thread regarding their rip off shipping fees).

Birddog has the BH-55 on order, backordered waiting for the past 6 weeks or so. The babby bro BH-25 looks to be a great lightweight alternative if you have no heavy lenses, and good intro to the dovetail quick release system compatible with Markins, RRS, Arc Swiss, et al. (aka all the top brand tripod heads - when we're talking about this catergory, Manfrotto is no longer top of the range but "mainstream").

Edit: Markins M20, not M10.

[MHD]

Arg.. well being back ordered is a good endorsement!

[birddog114]

Arg.. well being back ordered is a good endorsement!

MHD,
RRS BH55 Pro that's the one I have in back ordered with them, hopefully will get it by the end of this month.
I knew fozzie in contact with Nikonian.org to order his Markin 20 with condition of shipping by DHL or FedEx, not by German Post as Kris and my case.
If fozzie can get shipment by DHL or FedEx than I think you'll be safe with it, PM fozzie to see how he goes with it?
Good ballhead and very precise Markin 20 ballhead.
What tripod are you going to get? Once again fozzie ordered a Gitzo 1327 from Mr Poon via me, US$600.00 including shiping by FedEx to Adelaide, tracking number indicated that he'll get by Tuesday next week.

[MHD]

Still researching....

The Gitzo G2227 is an option (very light!)

What is the price of the Markins head?

[MHD]

600USD might be a bit beyond my budget...

What is the advamtage of the 1327?

Are Mr Poon's Tripods on his Website?
(I better go check)

[birddog114]

600USD might be a bit beyond my budget...

What is the advamtage of the 1327?

Are Mr Poon's Tripods on his Website?
(I better go check)

Get the G1227LVL or G1325, I can ask him for you.

[MHD]

Thanks!

I like the look of the Leving one... But wonder how much more expensive it is than his non leveling one at 440US

My budget is around 600 for the legs max...

still deciding how much I want to spend on the head!

[birddog114]

MHD,
The G1227LVL is on his very special US$510.00 including shipping

RRS and B&H are selling for over US$600.00

From his email yesterday, and fozzie got the G1327
Nikon lens 50/ 1.4 US$275
Nikon Flash SB-800 US$340
Gitzo 1327 tripod US$600
Gitzo 1227LVL US$510

[MHD]

ooooooh! Thats close... The delivery included might be the clincher though!

(assuming 0.75 exchange rate thats 680) and reading the stats that is a very impressive tripod!!!


hmmm... will think about this...

[birddog114]

You've got PM

[birddog114]

MHD,
New PM there for U.

[MHD]

Ok I'm sold... and after much pleading and begging so is Louise....

http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric/tr ... creen.php3
nice bit of gear that!

[birddog114]

I thanks Louise for you, tell her next time you'll bring her to the Sydney's meet.
Check your PM please.

[Onyx]

Lovely set of carbon legs you're getting there Scott. BTW, your challenge #1 winning image printed out great at A3.

[MHD]

Great! now just to chase up the head!