This post is my user review on Gitzo Systematic Series tripod, model 3542LS. This review is not influenced by anyone. It is fully based on my thoughts emanating from the usage of the equipment.
Tripods are the Photographer’s best friend as well as a pain to have around. Ask anyone and the emotions are always coupled together. They are needed, and they justify their place when a landscape photographer is out in the field doing what he loves the most but carrying them does take a toll.
Hence many manufacturers have invented lightweight tripods that are designed to circumvent this problem but then this led to various other issues cropping up.
User review on Gitzo Systematic Series tripod
This post is about the user review of Gitzo systematic series tripod,3542 LS from the Gitzo stable. Now, this is my first Gitzo product and prior to this, I was a loyal Manfrotto user. I have used the entry-level tripod and thereafter graduating to the Manfrotto 055 series which I am still in awe of . But then times change and I decided to look into the offerings of Gitzo based on the reviews and also understanding what serious professional photographers generally prefer.
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A bit of research and I homed on to the Systematic Series,3542LS. The Gitzo systematic series I think is one of the best available tripods in the industry as on date. The 3542 LS is super strong, very stable and rigid. It has set up the industry standard in safety, security, stability, strength, ease of set up, use and ergonomics.
Let’s talk about the Gitzo Systematic Series tripod 3542 LS,
- 3: this indicates the numeric series number and also the strength/rigidity of the model. Gitzo also has the 5 series model in this aspect.
- 5: it implies that this model uses Carbon fibre as the material.
- 4: this refers to the number of leg sections that the model has and in this case it is 4 .
- 2: this implies the number of upgrades that has happened on the model series and in this case I have the second upgraded version.
- L: this stands for version Long
- S: this stands for the systematic series
Positive thoughts about Gitzo Systematic Series tripod
Note : The tripod is capable of taking 25 kg worth of weight without sagging from the pre-set position, with its rubber dome-shaped foot end giving a great purchase on most terrain and the legs moving independently to substantially lower the height of the tripod substantially
What bothers me on Gitzo Systematic Series tripod
Not many I can think of other than the necessary ones
My conclusion based on review on Gitzo Systematic Series tripod
Note: In case you wish to invest your hard-earned money. Are into serious photography as either a hobby or a profession, then there is nothing better than the Gitzo systematic series.
Additional Notes
Now I have the option of pairing the tripod with a Gitzo GH3382QD centre ball head. Earlier I used to use the Wimberly WH200 gimbal head ( read here). I still do but then decided to have a sturdy ball head too which is useful on certain occasions.
Few thoughts on GH3382 Centre Ball Head
This ball head is rated to hold till 18 kg of weight which speaks a lot of its durability and constructional features. The ergonomics in design and operation are a pleasure to work with. I am yet to see a ball head that is as stunning to look at as the GH3382 QD.
All the knobs are quite easy to use and the entire feel of the ball head is very solid. Gitzo has embraced the standard Arca -Swiss standard clamp and plate system with these ball heads which I think is a welcome feature indeed.
I did use this ball head during my recent trek in the mountainous regions of Kashmir. They performed flawlessly and am mighty impressed with them. On the downside, the price is again a factor that occupies attention but then for state-of-the-art workmanship, pricing will generally be on the higher side.
So these are my thoughts and user review on Gitzo Systematic Series tripod that I am currently using. As I was saying early in the article, there are lightweight offerings from many manufacturers that are easy on pocket. But then would you be totally at ease dangling your precious camera and lens on something which has been compromised and purchased ?? think about it.
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Would you be interested in reading a few more articles related to travel and exploring India , well scroll down
- This is a first part series on the Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh. Read on
- I have been fascinated by the brilliance of the UNESCO affirmed Great Living Chola Temples. Take a look
- What places would you like to visit in Badami, in case you planning a trip down there? Read on here.
- Would you like to know a bit more on the world of Himalayan flowers? Why don’t you take a read here
I am not much of a photographer but this gave me information about tripods. In case if i decided to go into photography and need some advice on it, I’ll know where to go.
glad u found the post helpful
Such a detail and useful review! I never travel with tripods and sometimes I wish I had one!
if u a landscape photographer i would definitely recommend
I’m not a photographer and have never owned a tripod, but I appreciated and detail and thorough your review is!
glad and thank you 🙂
Oh nice. Always appreciate gear reviews, since I love photography. Most of the time, I shoot with no tripod, But sometimes, at night, you just need. So I need to carry it everywhere when I travel, But most of the time, it stays in hotel
i generally carry it if am doing a evening shot
A very detailed review of the Gitzo 3542 LS systematic series tripod. When it comes to photography, we are still novices and have been researching on what could help us become better. We have never used a tripod, even though we have one for a while. Like the way you have brought our the pros and cons and it definitely helps in making an informed decision.
glad 🙂
I am not a professional photographer but love travel photography! I carry a Cam and a mobile tripod stand , haven’t used a Cam Tripod stand yet.Great post! learnt a lot about it thanks for sharing!
glad 🙂
I’m looking for a new tripod myself, so this is giving me some food for thought. I’ve gone back and forth between Gitzo, Manfrotto and a couple of off-brands, so I don’t have any particular loyalty.
try this series
Once when I was new to photography and I was taking a photograph of a full moon with my new Canon 700d, I have realized the importance of the tripod. After that, I bought the Benro T-800EX Tripod. I agree with you that weight, hight, and capacity are imp factors. 🙂
glad u related
Thanks for the insights on this tripod! Nothing is more frustrating than having a wonky tripod shaking in the wind while trying to get a stable shot!!
well said
I often use tripods, it’s very handy in my line of work. never used this brand before, curious to try
it is defintely an aamzing product
Thank you very much for the review and I think for me, the number one concern now would be having a tripod that’s really light and easy to handle 🙂