Q re: Gitzo CF tripods with rapid column

[Rudi]

Hi everyone,

Recently I acquired the new Gitzo GT2530. This is my first Gitzo tripod, and I am very impressed with the sturdiness of the tripod so far. Compared to my aluminium Manfrotto tripod, it transmits next to no vibration, it is lighter and sturdier, especially when both are fully extended.

There is one thing though, that bugs me a little bit. It is not something that I will lose too much sleep over, but it seems like a little imperfection in the Gitzo design. With the centre column, if you grab it and twist it from side to side, there is always a little play, no matter how much you tighten it! When you look at the centre column, it is round, with a little groove in the side. Into this groove fits a protruding tongue, which effectively locks the column so that it cannot rotate, but because of the tolerances involved, there is always a little play in the system.

My Manfrotto centre column is triangular and so is the opening in the tripod spider, and because of that it cannot rotate at all. In fact, trying the two tripods side-by-side, the Manfrotto is clearly the winner in that department (and only that department). As soon as you extend the legs, the Gitzo pulls ahead and there is no competition. But... it seems like a weakness in the design.

I have seen a similar thing on a friend's Gitzo, but did not think about it at the time, since I wasn't in the market for one at that time. Typical! :)

Is your rapid column Gitzo the same? Is there anything that can be done about it, or is it just art of the design? I can take the centre column out altogether, if I want a sturdier (and lighter) setup, so it won't be a problem in general use, it is just a little surprising, that's all. Please note that this is not Gitzo-bashing or anything like that, I am just sharing an observation.

So, all you Gitzo owners, what's the story???

[chezem]

Well my Gitzo 1257 LVL is the same tripod as yours but the levelling version. There is no play in the centre column at all in fact I'll need to eat more 'Weetbix' in order to be able to do it up and undo it. But that's the part of the tripod where the levelling cushion is so I don't know whether that makes any difference. When my column is extended it is rock solid. Doesn't make sense that it should move. :cheer:

[Rudi]

That's interesting, because Perry's model had this little amount of play in it as well. You are twisting it from side to side as if trying to pan horizontally, right???

[chezem]

Rudi,

No it's rock solid. Once I lock it up it moves no where. :cheer:

[Rudi]

OK, I believe you. It is a very subtle movement, I wonder if I'm too observant, or worse... I have a dud! rolleyes; Although I do remember pointing it out to Perry when I visited last year... surely both of us can't have a dud???

[chezem]

Mine has absolutely no movement. In fact I'd break my hand if I tried to twist it any harder. How far up do you have the column?

[Harv]

Wrap it with gaffer tape, Rudi. :biglaugh:

[Jonathan]

Very interesting observation rudi. i have never been one for center columns and if I were you I would remove it. In my sigh "old" heavy model 1410 there is no center column and no problem. Thanks for the review, I look forward to hearing more about these bad boys:)

[Rudi]

OK, just so there is no misunderstanding - if you loosen the rapid column and twist it, it has a little play in it, side-so-side, right? Now tighten it, then try to twist from side to side again, and you should see the butterfly nut turning that slight amount - it's not actually loose (rattling or anything), but slowly slides from side to side a little (less than when the column is loosened, but still a little).

Harv, I'd appreciate you taking a look at yours when you get it, and getting back to us in this thread. :)

[chezem]

Nope. I can only get mine to move even slightly side to side if I take off the nut on the levelling device. If I don't turn that off I have absolutely no movement side to side even if I break my arm twisting it. Ouch. The levelling handle is stopping the column moving at all.

[Rudi]

OK, so that could be slightly different design. Just to be clear, this tripod is still better than my Manfrotto (much less vibration coming through the carbon fibre legs), with or without the rapid column. I will probably use it without the column when I absolutely have to, although I don't think it will be a problem either way. Like I said, the Manfrotto I had until now was not quite as good as the Gitzo, even with this little nitpick.

Still, I'd be interested in what Harv finds out when he gets his...

[chezem]

Perry musn't have had his levelling lever tightened properly but the column doesn't look like it should move at all. I can't twist it at all. Interesting.

[Rudi]

I forget how the leveling column works, but mine's just a round tube with a groove down the side, into which the tongue goes to stop rotation. Obviously, it cannot be a perfect fit, otherwise there would be no sliding the column smoothly, so there is a little play. Tightening the centre column does almost eliminate it, but not totally (although you do have to use some force and pay attention :) ). Luckily, it's not a free movement, but rather damped, controlled, like a shock absober...

[Rudi]

How much freeplay (twisting the column around its long axis) do you guys have when loosened? How about when tightened??? That's what happens - even when I tighten it, the freeplay is still there - damped out a little, but I can still twist it!

I need to find out soon, in case I have to send it back to B&H for a replacement.

[chezem]

Rudi,

I have no rotation. The pole only goes up and down both when the lock is on and off. :cheer:

[Rudi]

Well, that could be my problem. It seems I have a little play when the column is loosened (about 1mm or so around the outside of the disk base), and this is still there, although obviously somewhat tamed, when I tighten the column down. I'm a bit torn, since I planned to use the tripod without the column anyway, but think that I should send it back to get a good one, then take the column out (in case I ever want to sell it). It is ROCK SOLID without the column in place!

Will have to await Harv's report! rolleyes;

[Desert Rat]

I personally don't worry about it since i removed the center colum and replaced it with the Kirk Tripod base.. This effectively removed any movement from the center colum installed on the tripod since there no longer is a center column... :wacko::wacko::wacko:

Since I got the 1348 I have not been a big fan of center columns... So I effectively removed any issues with it and to boot the base comes with a bubble level...

http://www.kirkphoto.com/tripodaccess.html#FP100200

[Rudi]

Eric, the Kirk Tripod base has been recommended to me elsewhere - is it much better than just using the tripod without the column, as Gitzo lets you do??? Then again... if I think about it, the spirit level is almost worth it just by itself! :)

[Desert Rat]

Eric, the Kirk Tripod base has been recommended to me elsewhere - is it much better than just using the tripod without the column, as Gitzo lets you do??? Then again... if I think about it, the spirit level is almost worth it just by itself! :) Well, it eliminates any play or movement with the center column. I find it a more stable platform and it also cuts a bit of weight from the tripod itself. The base also retains the hook on the underside to hang your bag for extra stability...
I went with it for the bubble level and reduction in tripod overall weight..

[Rudi]

Yes, but you know that you can use the tripod without the centre column, without having to buy one of these, right? I cannot see how you would save weight over THAT setup, unless I'm missing something (which I probably am :)). The spirit level is a definite advantage...

[Desert Rat]

Yes, but you know that you can use the tripod without the centre column, without having to buy one of these, right? I cannot see how you would save weight over THAT setup, unless I'm missing something (which I probably am :)). Yep I know about using the tripod without the column, it eliminates the possibility of the column being a bit loose in the sleeve...

I got it mostly for the bubble level and it had the added benefit of removing the column. I have never used the coulmn on any tripod.. i.e. raised it up out of its lowered position.. Reduces stability...

[Rudi]

OK, thanks for that. I might consider it just for the spirit level, too (although I'm sure it does more than that, since it sits nicely, flat on top of the tripod spider).

[Harv]

I received my tripod today and found there is no play in the center column. When I mount my full Wimberley II and extend the column (which I rarely do), I can torque it just a minute amount. I'm happy with the fit of mine. I have not yet used the tripod but will probably set it up with a large lens later today some time.

[Rudi]

Hmmm... seems I got a lemon... :(

[Jonathan]

Hmmm... seems I got a lemon... :(

I would say so rudi.. Sorry to hear

[pcho]

Rudi I don't know where you got the idea that mine is wobbly. I tried it again, the centre column rock solid. I too think it is a lemon.

Perry

[Harv]

Okie Dokie... I used mine briefly today out on the deck. I fitted my Wimberley II, my 1D MkIIn and my 500 f/4L IS to the GT2530. The legs were not fully extended, nor was the centre column, but I had a pretty good idea how well it worked. Rock solid. This tripod is more rigid than my Manfrotto 055 Aluminum. I even swung the legs out to position two which looks like someone doing the splits. Still rock solid with no give. This is a pretty impressive tripod for it's size and weight.

[pcho]

Okie Dokie... I used mine briefly today out on the deck. I fitted my Wimberley II, my 1D MkIIn and my 500 f/4L IS to the GT2530. The legs were not fully extended, nor was the centre column, but I had a pretty good idea how well it worked. Rock solid. This tripod is more rigid than my Manfrotto 055 Aluminum. I even swung the legs out to position two which looks like someone doing the splits. Still rock solid with no give. This is a pretty impressive tripod for it's size and weight.


Great to hear that the 2530 is suitable for your 500. Now you can walk further with this lighter tripod. Congrats and you must show us some new pics taken with this tripod

Perry

[Kevin]

Hmmm... seems I got a lemon... :(

Maybe you've got a screw or two loose. 067;





sorry...couldn't resist ;)

[pcho]

Maybe you've got a screw or two loose. 067;


sorry...couldn't resist ;)

A screw or two loose!!! You mean 3 or 4 lmao;


sorry...I couldn't resist either :biglaugh:

Perry

[Rudi]

Okie Dokie... I used mine briefly today out on the deck. I fitted my Wimberley II, my 1D MkIIn and my 500 f/4L IS to the GT2530. The legs were not fully extended, nor was the centre column, but I had a pretty good idea how well it worked. Rock solid. This tripod is more rigid than my Manfrotto 055 Aluminum. I even swung the legs out to position two which looks like someone doing the splits. Still rock solid with no give. This is a pretty impressive tripod for it's size and weight.

Yep. I'm very impressed with the legs on this, they seem to make vibration disappear, whereas the aluminum tripods seem to pass it on. rolleyes; I have yet to decide what to do about the center column. I wasn't going to be using it, but I wonder if I should return the tripod anyway (only to find out you lot are blind and all of them have the same design flaw :D). I didn't have much sleep last night, so I'll sleep on it and decide tomorrow... :)

[Rudi]

It's going back! See how much play there was:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl4aZIKNqUk

[chezem]

No. No. Mines nothing like that. :cheer:

[pcho]

Neither is mine. Mine does not move a t all

Perry

[Rudi]

I think mine actually got worse, too, so something wasn't right from the start. I will be ringing B&H in a couple of hours for an RMA, and hopefully they can turn it around quickly! Thank you, everyone, for your help! (...at this difficult time... ;) :D)

[Harv]

I think he just wore it out from playing with it when he first got it. :biglaugh:

[Rudi]

I think he just wore it out from playing with it when he first got it. :biglaugh:

roflmao; Nice try, Harv! :) Fortunately I noticed this thing pretty much straight away! I'd hate to realize it in 6 months' time,and trying to get a replacement. I guess Gitzo would fix it under warranty, but still...

[pcho]

I think he just wore it out from playing with it when he first got it. :biglaugh:

Harv, remember I told him in the other post that this tripod is wobberly and he did not believe me :biglaugh:

Well Rudi I hpoe all ends well for you.

Perry

[Rudi]

Well, I just got the RMA from B&H, and she's going back tomorrow. Wish me luck!

[Harv]

Okay... good luck. :biglaugh:

[Rudi]

You laugh now, Harv... just because you have a good tripod... tapfoot; ... but just wait till I turn up at your doorstep with a toothbrush, camera gear and no return ticket, ready to shoot from your deck! :D

[Harv]

You laugh now, Harv... just because you have a good tripod... tapfoot; ... but just wait till I turn up at your doorstep with a toothbrush, camera gear and no return ticket, ready to shoot from your deck! :D

I suggest you also bring a change of underwear. :wacko:

[Rudi]

I'm gonna have to buy some more thermal underwear then! :biglaugh:

[Rudi]

Woo-hoo! She's back! Well... a new one arrived at the Post Office last Friday, but I haven't had the chance to pick it up until today (long, sad story, I'll summarize it in two words, no... maybe three: "kidney stone, hospital").

Anyway, very happy to have the new one, even though the box this time looked like it's been through a nuclear war (even the Gitzo box inside was crumpled and marked), but the tripod appears to have escaped unharmed. And yes, I did have a lemon the first time around. This time, there is NO movement in the centre column... :)

[Harv]

Congrats. Glad it all worked out and you now have a good unit. I would have gladly sent you mine had you just asked. :biggrin: Not.

Now get out there and use it.

[Rudi]

I plan to, Harv! This tripod is almost good enough to make me use it more often than I normally would... :D

[Rudi]

Just a follow-up:

I have since received a replacement from B&H, and it is rock solid. Customer service from both B&H and Gitzo has been exemplary, they both went out of their way to help. Gitzo even emailed me after seeing the video on YouTube, to double-check that my concerns have been addressed and that I am happy with the product. Top-notch!