Gitzo GT2545T Traveller Tripod: Long Term Review - Worth it?

In this week's video, I discuss my thoughts on spending the money on a Gitzo GT2545 Traveller Tripod.
Gear from this Video:
Gitzo GT2545T - amzn.to/2XIncLg
Gitzo GH1382QD - amzn.to/2XNVwV9
Manfrotto BeFree GT XPro Traveller Tripod - amzn.to/3hVGIdM
Manfrotto Quick Release Plate - amzn.to/3tYU0eo
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Fujifilm X-T4 - amzn.to/33b2iEp
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XF 56mm f/1.2 - amzn.to/3jiwEKU
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XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 - amzn.to/3rGSQmq
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 - amzn.to/2S782Zt
GFX 100S - amzn.to/31bzGsW
GF 45-100mm f/4 - amzn.to/3jdAKUi
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
3:34 - The Tripod
7:13 - The Head
12:18 - Was it worth it and the Manfrotto Option
Links here are affiliate links. I'll get a small kickback (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase.

[@bobdodge1996]

I have this 2-series Gitzo GT-2545T-82QD Traveller, as well as a Gitzo Mountaineer, as well as series 3, 4, and 5 Gitzo Systematic tripods. The leg-angle adjustment levers on the Traveller are "not" plastic, they're aluminun. I also own three of the Gitzo ballheads, including a pair of these GH-1382QD heads, and the larger sibling GH-3382QD head. I can not possibly agree that rotating the lock knobs can loosen the friction-control dial. It's physically impossible; they simply do not contact one-another. I just tried it on my GT-2545T-82QD, and even when I completely over-loosen the friction-control dial, it simply doesn't budge as I rotate the lock-knob in either direction. Regarding "accidental loosening when unlocking the lock-knob",,,Once the friction-control is properly set, and a lens mounted and locked,,, it is impossible to accidentally reduce the amount of tension on the friction-control, simply by unlocking the lock-knob. It's a separate 2-step process. Unlocking the lock-knob does not affect the friction-control tension. Unlocking the lock-knob alone, does not suddenly release the amount of friction-control tension to "zero". The friction-control tension remains at the same point at which it was set, prior to "locking" Regarding a horizontal column, it's available as an accessory, and regardless of which brand you buy..it's important to get one with a counter-balance capability.(hook/weight)

[@PhotoTrekr]

My main tripod for the past 20 years has been a Gitzo. Never a minutes worry. But, for some reason, I've never spent the money for a Gitzo travel tripod. I've used Benro and Leofoto for travel tripods and they've all worked well enough. But, I wish that I had gone ahead and bought a Gitzo and been done with it.

[@ChannelAA]

Great review :)

[@sergioguerrero7750]

Great review.

[@borromine]

I have this tripod and really like it! I used a Markins Q ball head but switched to Arca Swiss Monoball P0 head. I carry the head and tripod in a yoga mat cloth carrying case that has a strap. (Head needs to flipped to side to fit a standard yoga mat case.) The Monoball P0 takes getting used to because it’s sort of upside down arrangement but it’s very easy to use and very sturdy. Fun to see this review. I find the Gitzo tripods subtly better. Hard to say why. It’s sort of like medium format. It’s only marginally better then full frame and yet, some how, it just feels right…

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Interesting choice of head! I'll definitely keep that in mind when I look at replacing the Gitzo one. "Subtly better" would be a good tagline for Gitzo's marketing team. Ha!

[@pamv.stafford3240]

Thanks for the in depth review of the ball head. That part of the tripod really had me wondering if this was a good buy or not.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Thanks for watching! It's still a great tripod, but I'll be replacing the head down the road, for sure.

[@SamiPaju]

🤘cheers for Swallow the Sun! 😁 I had them playing on repeat for weeks on end a couple years ago, when I was doing many long nights working on my second published book. And I still listen to them quite often. Really looking forward to their next album in November! This year has been amazing when it comes to new music. So many bands have spent the last year writing songs since all the tours got canceled. Silver linings.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Were you at the concert they recorded for the DVD? Would LOVE to have been there!

[@SamiPaju]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer I've only seen them live once in Finland's biggest annual metal festival. Was my favorite of the lineup, but obviously not as big of a show as a dedicated concert.

[@zedacruja681]

IF YOU LOOK its a hook to hang something in the middle I have that gitzo gt2545t

[@Tap-a-roo]

I just picked up this setup with the Gitzo head for $300 new. Seemed like a great deal.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Woah! I think if I'd paid that little for it, I'd be gushing praise! Hope it suits your photography well.

[@pauldaniel1852]

Toyota, line one. LOL. Great review--and analogy!

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alien6551]

Hi I have a gitzo tripod Systematic what are the 3 springs for yiu get with the extra feet ?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

No idea. You might want to contact Gitzo.

[@totoroutes5389]

Gitzo for portable tripods is the equivalent to Leica for compact we cameras.

[@shinichihayakawa7619]

Isn't there any chance that the leg-angle adjustment switch is actually made of metal? I don't have this tripod myself but have seen it and tried it in a camera store, and it felt like an anodized piece of machined aluminum to me.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Perhaps it varies from region to region. Here, it's extremely cheap. You can even see the seam in the plastic.

[@shinichihayakawa7619]

@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer Thanks for clarifying. That's very unfortunate. I hope Gitzo will update the design globally.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I might be wrong as I haven't seen this anywhere else. Here, it just feels like an extremely cheap part of an otherwise great set of tripod legs. We'll see eventually when the paint wears off if it's actually plastic or some sort of alloy. Time will tell, but for now, it clicks like plastic and has seams like moulded plastic. Let's hope I'm wrong!

[@transikk]

Latch is not made from plastic!

[@magicwatchsg9135]

Were you able to use this on dslr bodies with telefoto lens like 100-400 mm?

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

I don't use either of those things, so I can't really comment. Fine with my GFX and 45-100, but that's not quite the same amount of weight or distribution.

[@dosstramp]

I'm using mine with my Nikon 100-400mm with no problems though may change to a geared head at some time just for architectural shots.@@DylanGoldbyPhotographer

[@sphaera3809]

Not sure if the extra refinement is worth the money… There are great tripods very affordable now a days… Gitzo is a bit like Leica, a luxury brand… I have a heavy Manfroto (Bogen) I bought in the 90’s that’s still functioning perfectly, a heavy beast, but will firmly support my GFX and a heavy 500mm Mamiya lens plus teleconverter and adapter. Not the ideal travel companion, but still kicking….

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Right. Horses for courses. This tripod ticks every box for me except shooting top down. It's light, portable, durable, effortless. Not for everyone, but certainly the right tool for my use case. I'm not sure I'd associate it with Leica, though... that's a bit harsh. ;)

[@landonboomsma2594]

I agree except for the mountaineer series. I am a hunter and need a tripod with a center column for glassing but is removable for shooting prone. There are only 2 models that I have found that do that: this one and the rrs ascend. Do you know of any other tripod models that are cheaper with removable center columns and have twist locks

[@zedacruja681]

I say you have a good taste lol wy,because I got the same head too...do not tell me you have the GITZO monopod number GM3551...LOL

[@TomatenDK]

So fully extended its just around 155 cm ? Who uses one that short other than midgets ? :O

[@LangDu21]

That just the tripod. If you add smallest ball head it’ll become 165 at least then your camera is another few centimeters. If you need anything more than 1m70cm, there are plenty others out there

[@michelefisher5171]

Talking too much.

[@adalsteinn69]

Just when I thought I was ready to order the Gitzo Series 2 instead of Series 1 you post this, lol. I'm also looking at the RRS tripods and RRS BH-40 or 55 head. They are more expensive than the Gitzo GT2545T but maybe worth it. How long have you had this Gitzo? Thanks for your honest reviews.

[@DylanGoldbyPhotographer]

Got this guy back in January. It's served me well, but as I mentioned, not happy with the head.

[@Terry4413]

I've seen reports this pairs well with RRS BH-40. I'm still considering this tripod! I have the BH-55 and it's a great head however it's is big and heavy. Not sure it's the best choice for a travel tripod.