Gitzo vs. Manfrotto carbon/mag fiber tripods

[TANJAJ]

Hi everyone,

I'm torn between spending a lot more on a Gitzo, knowing it's quality and perceptible value amongst serious enthusiasts, and saving some coin by buying a Manfrotto.

I'd like to know what some of the differences are, and what features one has or does not have over the other that users might notice or miss.

Cheers in advance for all your help.

[jnet6]

Drop by a shop like Cathay photo or TK Foto and try out to feel the difference as it can't be describe by words.

[Nik-enduser]

yep, save up a bit more and buy the best Gitzo tripod you can afford. It will serve you well for years to come.

I started with Slik, went through several models, including the carbon fibre version. Ended up selling them and finally getting the Gitzos and never looked back. Build quality and user friendliness counts high. Though the Gitzo heads look and peform better nowadays, there are better buys out there. Legs-wise, not many other brands come close (IMHO).

[AlexK]

Totally agreed with Nik-enduser. I too went from Slik to Gitzo and never looked back.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by Nik-enduser yep, save up a bit more and buy the best Gitzo tripod you can afford. It will serve you well for years to come. I started with Slik, went through several models, including the carbon fibre version. Ended up selling them and finally getting the Gitzos and never looked back. Build quality and user friendliness counts high. Though the Gitzo heads look and peform better nowadays, there are better buys out there. Legs-wise, not many other brands come close (IMHO).

Same here too, slik alu to manfrotto alu to manfrotto magfiber to gitzo carbon...
oh.... how much has lose over the changing cycle.

[kcuf2]

for tripods, gitzo is the only brand worth considering, all the other brands are junk

however, for tripod heads, u shouldnt waste ur time and hand energy to lift up their heads and try, gitzo heads are junk.

but since u are only looking at legs, ur eyes should ONLY be looking at gitzos, NOTHING else.

[tSkye]

+1 to gitzo tripods and arca swiss ballheads

they've worked for a long time without problems and will continue to do so.

[COOLBAT2009]

Pay the extra and go Gitzo. I've been using the Gitzo 3541 with a RRS ball head and I have never seconded guessed this decision. The Gitzo is rock solid and mine is 4 segments. The twists locks only take about a 1/4 turn to loosen or tighten. It can also go flat to the ground or in between stops at any angle you want. The legs are tight enough to hold their position anywhere

[Zeropoint]

Gitzo ... Yes, best tripod or monopod (carbon 6x with G-lock or better type) in term of the build, quality, etc. This will serve you well for years to come. Forget Gitzo heads, is really cannot make it.

[YSLee]

Originally Posted by kcuf2 for tripods, gitzo is the only brand worth considering, all the other brands are junk however, for tripod heads, u shouldnt waste ur time and hand energy to lift up their heads and try, gitzo heads are junk. but since u are only looking at legs, ur eyes should ONLY be looking at gitzos, NOTHING else.

What kind of absolute rubbish is that?

I find too many people here blinded by brand snobbery. The main differences you will encounter are in stability and ergonomics. Gitzo's G-Locks are much better now, and can rival flip-locks in speed. The price premium, however, is debatable. That will be up to you to decide.

Remember, a tripod is only as good as your technique, and if it's loaded it within its limits.

[Lost Dog]

my Benro worked fine with me.
- it's fast for me.
- everything as described by the Gitzo fans... lolz

I wonder why it's not in the choices. Must be only for poor people like me. huhuhu

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by kcuf2 for tripods, gitzo is the only brand worth considering, all the other brands are junk however, for tripod heads, u shouldnt waste ur time and hand energy to lift up their heads and try, gitzo heads are junk. but since u are only looking at legs, ur eyes should ONLY be looking at gitzos, NOTHING else.

This statement is way too over rated.. I can't imagine a lot of people not into Gitzo that are using "JUNKS" and still get better pictures.

[tSkye]

I think the reason for gitzo's popularity is its stability.

Try setting up a tripod, press down on the top with your body weight and try to twist it clockwise or counter clockwise.

A gitzo for that matter will remain rigid. Something that's important when taking long exposures in windy conditions.

[PrimePhotog]

Gitzo's build is top notch.better than manfrottos and rock-stable.however,I'm still very happy with my manfrotto cf tripod with an arca-Swiss z1 head.gitzo is terrible at heads and is similar to manfrotto but has a more convenient QR system

[s7709151c]

I have to give Manfrotto the credit also lah. As initially i got a 190cx and a 488 head, I must say that those manfrotto tripods from italy still are good (High end manfrotto are all italian job). Especially when you losen the joints and extends the legs. the vacuum created also proof that manfrotto is quite precision in their tripod constructions. But the minus point is its without G-lock.
The Gitz that i recently bought are 2531 and 1531. Im addicted and crazy enough to buy these 2. Total a few thousands plus a some investment on Arca B2 and Z1 and a markin M10. My wife is saying that Im crazy. Just bought another mono from Gitz also carbon fibre should be series 2, cant remember the model number, just pay. Im telling you, once the G-locks activates the cam is as firm as a ****. You hit all "G-spot"

[evilorgi]

Originally Posted by s7709151c I have to give Manfrotto the credit also lah. As initially i got a 190cx and a 488 head, I must say that those manfrotto tripods from italy still are good (High end manfrotto are all italian job). Especially when you losen the joints and extends the legs. the vacuum created also proof that manfrotto is quite precision in their tripod constructions. But the minus point is its without G-lock. The Gitz that i recently bought are 2531 and 1531. Im addicted and crazy enough to buy these 2. Total a few thousands plus a some investment on Arca B2 and Z1 and a markin M10. My wife is saying that Im crazy. Just bought another mono from Gitz also carbon fibre should be series 2, cant remember the model number, just pay. Im telling you, once the G-locks activates the cam is as firm as a ****. You hit all "G-spot"

lolx... what a way to describe tri/monopods....

[thenomad]

gitzo tripods are regarded to be the best in build quality and stability
if you can afford it, you cannot go wrong with it

however, not everyone wants to spend more to get it, and in some cases neither do they need it
some other brands also work well, not just gitzo, so it boils down to what you need, and how much you are willing to pay for a tripod

with that said, a lot people bought a cheaper tripod, only to find themselves upgrading several times after that
you can save money by buying a good tripod once, rather than a cheaper one several times

[KY1977]

Originally Posted by thenomad gitzo tripods are regarded to be the best in build quality and stability if you can afford it, you cannot go wrong with it however, not everyone wants to spend more to get it, and in some cases neither do they need it some other brands also work well, not just gitzo, so it boils down to what you need, and how much you are willing to pay for a tripod with that said, a lot people bought a cheaper tripod, only to find themselves upgrading several times after that you can save money by buying a good tripod once, rather than a cheaper one several times

I'm happily using my 190XPRO and have not considered upgrading. The good thing about using cheaper ones is that you just concentrate on taking photos. Isn't what the whole thing is about? I dun need to care if there is mud or rocks around. A good saying. If you can't swim dun say your swimming trunks too big. :P

[benny]

Gitzo and Manfrotto are like Lexus and Toyota or Cole Hann and Nike or Intercontinental Hotels and Holiday Inn hotels or Vertu and Nokia. Different brands own by the same companies/groups.

Different brands and products for different segments of the market. If Gitzo works for you, by all means use it. But your picture will be no less impressive with one taken on Manfrotto tripods if you match the right tripod for your gear.

Cheers,

[PrimePhotog]

Totally agree with what Benny said.The tripod brands are in different leagues.How to compare?