Gitzo GT4533LS Systematic Series 4 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Long)
UPC's:
Solid As a Rock
This tripod is as solid as a rock--even fully extended. It arrived in pristine condition. It screams quality, and will last a very very long time (can probably be passed down a generation if you take care of it). I took the plunge and bought the GT5543XLS and the GS5513XLS because I fully appreciate the fact that 90% of tripods are not built to last and require replacement every couple years. Truth is: Sub-quality tripods can be extremely prob... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent and very stable platform.
This tripod was purchased along with its bigger brother the GT5543XLS. Build quality of the Systematic Series is pro level and the GT3543XLS does not disappoint. If you frequently shoot on uneven terrain as I do, you'll want this longer version. Currently, I have a RRS BH-55 ball head mounted on it...a very stable combination at all heights. I would have no problem mounting my Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head II on it with 400mm fast glass...and hav... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Stability King
This is a tall, stable, a little heavy, ultimate tripod. This is about all the tripod you would want to carry out into the field. It extends to 6' 6 and is steady as a rock. Perfect for setting up on a steep slope with a long front leg and two set much shorter in the back and still keep the tripod balanced at eye level. And this is how I use it in the field when calling in the wildlife for photographs. (BTW, I'm 6'2.) I drape turkey camo material... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Stable and Versatile
My experience with photographic tripods is perhaps like most other photography enthusiasts. I got my 1st cheapo tripod for my first digital camera. I got a 190X alum. for my 1st DSLR. When I started telephoto lenses, I upgraded to a 055PRO carbon. Later, for trips abroad and hikes,a GITZO traveler. However, all of these tripods lack the utmost stability for two of my hobbies: macro photography and manual gigapixel panoramas. I have been looking a... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Pro Tripod/ Outstanding Customer Service
I have been wanting this tripod for a least three years now, but it took a while for me to justify the expense. You can imagine my great disappointment when my new tripod arrived and I found one of the leg release tabs broken off during transit. I immediately contacted B&H Customer Service and explained the issue. The CS representative apologized for the experience and quickly confirmed my information for a RMA and credit. I told him I had a plan... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Gitzo Tripod using Arca-Swiss ball heads
Have only had this tripod for 2 weeks, so far so good, one surprise to watch out for. First the quality fit and finish of tripod does not disappoint. Very sturdy, very firm, love ability to go from standing without crouching when taking pictures down to 3 inches off ground (Im 5 10 and with Nikon 810 on ball head I actually need to lower tripod a few inches from full extension). One issue with one Arca-Swiss Ball Head and this tripod: My newer Ar... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Rock Solid
Okay, it cost a lot, so it should be "rock solid". I have learned in life that when you buy cheap, cheap is what you get, in most cases. I have had an aluminum tripod by Manafrotto for years, (which wasn't all that cheap, but in comparison to the Gitzo GT3543LS, it was), and it served it's purpose for landscape and macro. But I have started getting into heavy long lenses shooting birds and other wildlife, and I kept beating myself up for not gett... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Top of the line and very stable
This is a pro level heavy duty tripod. I use it with a gimbal head setup and long lenses. I'm sure there are lots of good tripods out there, but a pro recommended this for my needs. I don't regret my purchase. The build quality is excellent and it offers a very stable platform. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Since I frequently shoot on uneven terrain, I opted for the XLS version. It will squat to under 4 inches in height and is r... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Quality and Stability
My first tripod was a high quality, carbon fiber unit good for all-around use and light enough to backpack with. After purchasing a 600mm supertelephoto lens my tripod couldn't hold my lens steady enough for decent photos so I researched heavier duty tripods. I narrowed my search to the Gitzo GT3543XLS and the RRS TVC 34L, both top-of-the-line, excellent tripods. I settled on the Gitzo because it was a little cheaper. I'm 5'11" and my Gitzo will ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
PERFECT TRIPOD
I recently purchased the Nikon 300mmG f/2.8 ED VRII lens and found that my lighter weight Gitzo tripod with ballhead was insufficient to handle the 8 plus pounds of lens and D850. I ordered the Gitzo Systematic Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod, size Large. Its compact length of 22 with legs retracted is perfect for travel. I use a Wimberley head mounted to the tripod and both function perfectly with the camera/lens. I am 5ft 3in tall. With fully exte... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very nice tripod
It's quite tall - I'm 6' and fully extended, with a camera on top, I'm standing on my tip toes to see through the view finder. Very stable platform, but I did have to buy spikes separately. The regular feet it comes with do not provide 100% stability, and you will get some bounce or movement depending on the surface you're on. The spikes lock it down tight, no movement, no blur. It's relatively light-weight given the size. Cons - legs can some... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid build and versatile
Having owned some lesser priced tripods I was frustrated with the lack of stability. After researching online via tripod reviews I found a couple of good cites there are a few heavyweight contenders to purchase from but the name gitzoseemed to rise as the leading contender. This tripod coupled with a good tripod head will serve me for years to come. If your recovering from a camera and lens purchase and need a tripod buy a cheap one. Then save ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid Support
I have avoided Gitzo because of the price but this is the most stable tripod I have ever owned. Great feet get a solid grip on the surface and the tripod is stable at all heights from close to the ground to its full height. A hook under the centre plate allows weights to be hung on the tripod to significantly increase its weight (another reason I have avoided carbon fibre tripods). The twist locks are not an issue in terms of speed and the diamet... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Game changer
This tripod is a beast! I've never used a tripod that requires a ladder, and I was concerned about stability. The ladder still has me worried, but there are no issues with the tripod. It's very well built and rock steady, even when I increase its ridiculous height with the optional center column (note: I have not yet used this in windy conditions, where it will probably be a challenge to stretch it to full height without introducing some motion).... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid Platform
I use this tripod as a support for Canon 200mm F2 and 400mm F2.8 lenses and it is solid as a rock at all heights - and it does extend very high. Of course, you might feel that for the price you should also be able to drive it to the supermarket but if you restrict its use to what was intended, it will not let you down. The big feet are great in the studio but are replaceable for field work if you prefer. It can support 40kg, which explains why i... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Try the Robus RC-5570 as an alternative
I ordered the Gitzo GT3543XLS and was disappointed with the quality control. It had some white (greasy) material on the leg locks you twist with your hands, the box itself was covered in thick dust. Not a great start... Yes, its an amazing tripod. Super tall, very solid and stable. BUT, I decided to explore alternatives, and glad I did. I came upon the Robus RC-5570, so ordered to compare. The Robus is nearly as tall, nearly as stable, built ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Should have upgraded to Series 3 years ago
I've been using a Gitzo Series 2 Mountaineer with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head. With the Nikon 80-400 mounted on a D-7200 the head would occasionally slip. This became a real problem recently while using an RRS gimbal with the above combination. The head slipped in such a way that I couldn't loosen the clamp for the ball and so the whole contraption was stuck. Time for a beefier system all around. The difference with the Series 3 Gitzo and the... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Expensive, but worth it
I own lots of tripods (it's an obsession). Some are for travel, some are for heavier uses. This is so stable -- even when fully extended to 7' with about 10-pounds of camera/lens attached. Considering the stability and heavy-duty construction, it's not very heavy to carry around. I use it with the Gitzo 3QD ballhead and think it's ideal when you want stability. If you're hiking uphill or long distances or traveling by air, you may want to us... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The best tripod out there for me.
I have just about worn out this tripod's predecessor. It's the equivalent model from about 14 years ago and I've carried it from Patagonia to the Arctic and the top of Denali to the top of Kilimanjaro. It's strong, light and tall. For some reason no one else makes series 3 size legs this long and light. 79" and 5 pounds. Boom. Can you say versatile? That's what this is. Steep hillside? Throw a leg long. Need to see over something? Grab a stepladd... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very expensive but worth it
I have wanted one of these tripods for many years but only recently pulled the trigger. For the longest time I was using a heavy aluminum Bogen but with increasingly strict luggage restrictions, I needed something that folded shorter and weighed a bit less. The Gitzo series 5 XL is very sturdy for its weight ( 7lb) and folds down to a reasonable length. Initially I was going to choose the long model but Im glad I went with the XL two of three sec... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent Sturdy Tripod
I needed a very stable and sturdy tripod to support long lens wildlife and astrophotography gear. I initially considered the GT3543LS and GT3543XLS but found the former to be a little too low as I am 6'3" tall. The GT3543XLS extends to a very high 88.5" but folds up just a little too long for me to travel with. I stepped up to this model, the GT4543LS, which, when fully extended, is a perfect height for me. It also adds even more stability without a whole lot of additional weight over the 3 Series. Highly recommended for those seeking the highest quality, stability, and vibration resistance.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Why did I wait so long?
As an amateur who loves wildlife and birds, I have spent hundreds of dollars on five tripods over the past 20 years. I finally decided to kick in the big bucks and get the Wimberley and Gitzo tripod. On the first time out with a 300mm f/2.8 lens and Nikon 850 body, I was able to easily balance the combo and quickly and comfortably track hummingbirds! For me, this was far easier to use than any of the previously tried tripods with conventional or ball heads, and I was able to get a far larger percentage of frames with focused birds. Sorry I didn't get the combo years ago!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Poorly Designed Tripod
This tripod is lightweight has alot of great features that unfortunately get overlooked simply because the internal parts are cheap and poorly designed. The leg joints utilize a very thin plastic spacers that are easy to dislodge and/or break. Good luck getting their customer service to fix anything as that process has been time consuming and frustrating. Look over forums and a variety of review sites before doing business with Gitzo. It is a company that has had great reputation but has been on a decline in recent years.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A beautiful creation!
The GT4543LS is sturdy and matches my Sigma 150-600mm Sports/Nikon D750 perfectly. A beautiful and practical tripod. In bird photography, shooting with big/heavy lenses at 600mm (900mm with crop body), any vibration will kill the shot. Though a series 3 tripod may sufficed for my current set up, decided to go for a series 4. The solid construction is likely to last for years and a series 4 will be able to accommodate a 600mm prime and pro body, if I were to upgrade in the near future. Two thumbs up for the GT4543LS!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
