CAMERA GEAR | GITZO TRIPOD FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | SYSTEMATIC SERIES 3

[@brownie3609]

Having originally bought a highly recommended lighter tripod, this weekend I realised I needed something that would comfortably take my big prime lens and 1DX Mark II and be stable to use and in windy conditions. I had seen the Gitzo offerings which seemed expensive but came to recognise they are expensive in absolute terms but great value in relative terms. This video made me press the button and my new Gitzo tripod and Gimbal Head have arrived today. I look forward to feeling confident with my set up when out in the field. Thank-you for your videos and this one especially.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi there, I'm really glad you found it useful, I really don't think you can go wrong with Gitzo they really are worth the money especially when they are supporting heavy and expensive kit! I only wished I'd saved up long ago and invested in one, I since purchased a lighter series 2 which I will use for a lighter outfit, just love the quality, durability and the fact they are so lightweight. All the best and thanks for watching. R 😀

[@brownie3609]

@@RichardBirchett Thanks for replying Richard. I totally agree. They give you so much confidence when out in the field that your kit is safe from any wind or knocking into it with a clumsy hand or elbow. The quality of finish is first class and like you I would recommend to anyone is holding back due to high initial investment. Keep up the good work and looking forward to more videos when your out in the field. SB

[@joaquintrigueros]

Great review! Thank you. I have a mountaineer and a traveller but am always looking at these heftier ones.

[@RichardBirchett]

Glad it was helpful Joaquin, they are such great tripods and so reliable, I only wished I purchased one years ago. Thanks Rich 👍

[@ianh8396]

My dream was also to one day get a gizo, during lockdown here in germany I was so sick of everything happening I thought to myself, go on get yourself a gizo, so I did and I love it, exactly the same as the one you have here, brilliant piece of kit.

[@RichardBirchett]

Awesome, well done you! and why not, a bit of photographic retail shopping works wonders! So impressed with mine😀👍

[@johngriffin641]

The 5 series is much stiffer despite the weight loading specs but it’s a lot heavier. The 3 series is a nice tripod for general use and if you don’t need the versatility of the flat plate then the mountaineer uses the same 3 series legs and packs down to a smaller diameter for easier carrying. If you want max stability and rigidity for long lenses just buy a good portable stool and setup your existing tripod closer to the ground - any cheap tripod 3 ft off the ground is stiffer that the most expensive tripod at eye height.........

[@RichardBirchett]

Lovely John great advice and nice tips. Thanks Richard 👍

[@Markitosgm]

Richard, this is one of the best tripods on the market. I have the same one and it's a joy using it. People seems to forget how important is to have a good, reliable and solid tripod. They are quite expensive, but if you think about it is a long last investment which will last for years and years if you take good care of it.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi there Marcos, thanks for your comment and so pleased to hear you are very pleased with it🙏👍! It really is that important I think to get a good quality solid support for your gear, just wished I purchased one years ago! Thanks again, R :-) 👍

[@rogermullins7877]

Hi Richaed. I have the 5 series extra long and the Systematic Levelling base, which makes levelling your head a breeze. I got the extra length as before now I have had to have one leg in a ditch and two out of it. Not something you encounter every day but really handy when required. It's a little heavier and collapsed, a little longer than yours but I don't see a need for any other tripod/s, so long term it is cheaper if it fulfils your needs.

[@RichardBirchett]

Great feedback Roger, they really are the best Tripods, just wish I'd invested in one years ago. Cheers R 👍

[@stevemurnan1702]

I've the series 4 which is an upgrade of the legs and uses the series 3 top casting so not much difference. I also use the Gitzo fluid damped gimbal head with a leveling base that fits into the top casting. That save ages messing around trying to level the legs individually. I've had 2 problems. 1st the rubber on one of the locking rings split. Wex sent me a complete new tripod. 2nd if you accidentally tread on the feet sometimes you can lose the black spring clip and the rubber foot falls off as it's then quite loose. My fault so it cost me £30 for a new set of feet which just screw in. Considering the hammering my kit gets I'm very impressed with build quality and it works like a dream with the head and self levelling base. I'd buy one again in a shot.

[@RichardBirchett]

Totally agree with you there, one of the best things I've ever purchased! I would never go back to anything else, cost a lot but you get what you pay for! They don't half take the weather and heavy use, although I try to look after it the best I can, Cheers R 👍

[@bardot777]

I have to agree with you on the quality of Gitzo Kit. I have just purchased a GM4552L Monopod. Which at just under £300 for what is effectively one leg of you tripod is arguable even pricier. I'm planning on using it with a Wimberley MonoGimbal MH-100. (awaiting delivery as I watch your video) That's another £199 I won't see again. And to get the best connection to the lens (Nikon 600mm F4.0) I have purchased a Wimberley AP-555 replacement lens foot which at £143 has to be the most outrageously priced piece of kit. Whilst this setup won't give the stability of our tripods it does give a considerable weight reduction and ease of transportation which as you say is a big factor when lugging such heavy camera gear around. I hope you get as much joy from your new setup as I plan to with mine.

[@RichardBirchett]

Wow, thats quite the outlay Tony! But totally worth it I reckon, quite a big setup you've go there also, but with expensive kit I think matching it if you can with a good quality sturdy tripod, head etc is a must! Hope you get along with it, the weights a joy! Cheers for commenting, all the best R :-)

[@GeoffCooper]

Great stuff - I got myself exactly that model just over a year ago and have been very pleased with it! I really like that the top plate is so easy to exchange - I keep my gimbal on a levelling half bowl and my ball head on the flat plate, swapping them quickly and easily before trips depending on what I need :) I also love the way you can pop the leg adjusters from the outside, which I find easier to do when adjusting one handed..

[@RichardBirchett]

Geoff Cooper Cheers Geoff, nice to hear off somebody who has tried and tested it and is happy. So intuitive in all its functions, and the weight is a dream, did I say about the weight, lol. Really happy with it and can’t see any faults thus far! The leg adjusters are awesome and does save much needed time and one handed helps loads. Thanks again, hope you and the good lady and doing well 👍🙏🤞🏻

[@nickbirchett3508]

Brilliant enjoyed part 2 very much cracking second location and some great shots of Stadium and Hind and you were so lucky with the weather👍👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks for watching Dad, and yes the weather was awesome. cheers 😀

[@peterhaken7152]

Great video mate. Just selling my Gitzo tripod series 3 tripod with the same fluid pro head if anyone looking for one. I bought a big video one instead.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Pete, love the Series 3 and so light! Best of luck selling yours. Hope you are keeping well:-) R

[@andywilson3381]

Lovely review Richard, i have just got the Gitzo gimbal fluid head to go with mine and can say im blown away with the quality and ease of use!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Andy, I must admit I wish I'd gone for one earlier! Seriously impressed with them. Looks like its going to be a nice partnership to support my equipment! And save my back, lol.. All the best R:-)

[@matthewlynn7967]

Great review Richard looks like a really nice bit of kit, quiet the price but like you say it’s an investment in your images so well worth it! Might hold out for that offer again, just checked it’s no longer on😥! Thanks Matt 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Matt, they do the offers randomly but I'll keep an eye out and let you know:-) Thanks very much for commenting, all the very best, R 👍

[@marydoo7311]

Your explanations are helpful. Got the GT3533S. Thanks!

[@RichardBirchett]

My pleasure Mary, great Tripods aren't they. All the best R

[@CamillaI]

I have just the ideal head to place on those beautiful legs coming at 5pm on my channel the Sirui PH30 Gimbal head! A poor time of year for birds but a great time to acquire some new gear!👍Great legs probably the best😍

[@RichardBirchett]

Lol, great timing then:-) Not heard of that one, I'll check it out, and will look forward to your review. And the Legs, she's got such a fine set plus one. 😉👍

[@KGsPhotography]

Thanks for a great review Richard as I am going through the tripod dilemma at the moment. Looks like a great bit of kit and up for consideration. Cheers Keith

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Keith, thanks mate I really would go as far as saying this is the best Tripod I have ever used, and I've had a few. Lots of dosh like all camera equipment but this thing is built to do the job and lasts! You would be really pleased if you did. All the best R

[@JohnFormstone]

Nice review Richard. I got myself one of these a few months ago and can't praise it highly enough. Fantastic tripod, as you say its very expensive, but i'm sure it will outlast me. 😁👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much John, I can't remember ever buying an accessory that I was literally so pleased about! It really is a thing of beauty, and the weight with the 502AH, although heavy is still so much better. All the best R :-)

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Brilliant. I thought that was a bargain mate.. I have the induro for my heavy gear.. Benro for my travel n landscape..

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Craig, thanks very much indeed, not sure my wife would agree but I thought it was an opportunity not to be missed!! Nice gear mate, I have an old Benro for travel, reallly nice to be able to hear about what other photographers are using. Thanks mate :-) R

[@craigmaisfield3247]

@@RichardBirchett I Have the induro stealth CLT404L. I almost went for a Gitzo but I liked the idea of the centre column as you can determine quicker hight when needed without messing with the legs..

[@RichardBirchett]

Nice, makes a lot of sense mate:-) great to hear about your experiences and preferences, all much of a muchness I guess but it’s all down to personal preference, so far I’m well chuffed with it:-) all the best R:-) 👍

[@MusikPiratCH]

I'm not sure what to prefer: either a Gitzo Systematic Series 3 or a Novoflex TrioPod Pro 75 (with all its flexibility)? Both expensive but worth every cent spent.

[@RichardBirchett]

Both really expensive but worth every penny in my book! Wish I'd spent more on a tripod years ago! Now I've done it I'll never buy a cheaper one again! Thanks for watching. Richard 👍

[@NikCan66]

Brilliant as always

[@RichardBirchett]

Appreciate that, all the best R👍

[@energeticzebra5601]

Fantastic to see that tripod, lovely review! Just went to check your website but the link is broken - it seems the end has been chopped off somehow, the same with the FB link - just thought I'd let you know! Cheers again.

[@RichardBirchett]

Energetic Zebra thanks very much indeed for commenting, really appreciate it! Not everyone’s thing but worth going through it, I absolutely love it, best thing I’ve purchased in ages 🙏👍. Thanks for letting me know, I’ve checked it and they are working, lol... computers, lol... all the best R :-) 👍

[@wdavidson729]

Great review. Thank you.

[@RichardBirchett]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 👍

[@GautamSingh-yn9cb]

If possible pls show how you are packing them for air travel as well as for nearby location shoots

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Gautam, of course I'll get back to you soon. Cheers R 👍

[@robertbuck6651]

What I don't understand, what are the springs for?

[@RichardBirchett]

Hey Robert, I've just been looking after you posed your question and I can't for the life of me find what they are used for! Leave it with me and I will find out. Thanks for watching. Rich 👍

[@ethancane]

Excellent review.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Ethan, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Regards Richard 👍

[@edhannam1127]

Any idea what the spare springs are for, Richard?

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Ed, I think they are just spares for the Tripod, I'll double check and get back to you. Thanks for watching R 👍

[@michael-4k4000]

Is this a compact Gizto?

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Michael, I wouldn’t class it as compact as it supports quite heavy loads, try a series 1 or 2 which are much lighter and more compact. Thanks for watching. Regards Richard

[@michael-4k4000]

Which head are u using?

[@RichardBirchett]

I’ve got the Pro Video Head Manfrotto 502AH and the whimberly Gimble head Mk 2 for the majority of my work👍

[@mirro_hero]

Will this tripod hold any 600mm lens?

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi there Mirro, the maximum payload this tripod can take is 25kgs, so as long as the total weight of your outfit doesn’t exceed that it’s fine. Regards Richard 👍

[@richardpill8322]

Nice review Richard, I have had a series 5 for a few years and they seem bullet proof! Do you know if there’s a quick method of changing mounting plates as I use both Wimberley and Manfrotto heads and would like to swap over quickly? Cheers.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Richard, thanks very much for watching, I will look into it as I have both of those, and it would seem sensible and very helpful to have an easy system in place. The quality is so impressive and yes the build quality looks pretty solid! Best purchase I've made in ages:-) Regards R😉👍

[@smiffy5467]

How does this feel with the 600mm lens and dx1 on? There website states suitable for lenses up to 400mm for this model.. Thanks

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi there Andy, the weight of the 1DX mk 1 is 1,340 Kgs, the 600mm F4 Mk 1 5,360 kgs, combined weight is 6.7 kgs. The GT3543LS weighs 2.03 Kg and secures an impressive payload of 25 Kg. Hope that helps. Regards Richard

[@smiffy5467]

Thanks Richard, that helps as there are so many contenders on the market now.

[@RichardBirchett]

No worries Andy 👍

[@nickbirchett3508]

Stags I meant not stadium predicted text again heh ho 🤣🤣

[@RichardBirchett]

lol, no worries:-)