Product Description

When Gitzo launched the Mountaineer tripods in 1994, they were the Worlds first carbon fiber tripods. Ever since then theyve set the standard for performance and quality. The main feature of the range is the new 6X carbon fiber tube, made of a unique structure of 6 crossed layers that maximizes rigidity, vibration absorption and lightweight performance. 6X tube has a high density structure made of top quality ultra-thin carbon fibers (7µm or 0.007 mm). Built-in Anti Leg Rotation is now a feature of the whole carbon fiber range. Mountaineer tripods have been further improved with features and details that increase performance, versatility and quality. Recommended for lightweight camcorders, spotting scopes and DSLRs with 200mm lenses, up to a 300mm maximum. Excellent maximum load capacity and good torsional rigidity, available in 3- and 4-section models at standard and eye level heights. Series 2 is the ideal solution for photographers that are looking for a solid tripod without sacrificing weight. G-Lock is our leg locking system that increases system rigidity by 20% and allows quicker and stronger leg locking. Weve added a solid machined aluminum upper disc with a new Safe Lock material that cuts vibration and improves grip between tripod and head. The upper disc can also be fitted directly to the upper casting, removing the center column for ground level photography or to save weight. All new Mountaineer tripods come with a convenient anti-dust bag for storage and packing.

Product Details

• Brand: Gitzo
• Model: GT2530
• Dimensions: 4.25 pounds

Features

• closed length: 25.6 in minimum height: 13.0 in maximum height: 63.4 in maximum height (with center c

Customer Reviews

Buy the best, and you only have to buy it once.
Like most serious photographers, I've owned several tripods. I started with the cheap junk with the crank column that broke in a week. Then an aluminum thing that wobbled. My last one, still working, is a bogen 3001. It is mediocre at best, and the head stinks. Most of my work is studio type work, so the first thing I drag out is the tripod. The head slips, the legs sometimes don't lock, and it weighs a ton. I recently read a tripod review and it discussed exactly what I (and many of you reading this) did: buy better and better tripod/heads until you paid twice what you should have from the beginning. Stop experimenting, and buy the right one first.
Now to the Gitzo. I resisted spending (Yikes!) over $1,000 for a tripod and a "Really Right Stuff" ball head for years and years. Now that I have both - WOW. I wish I would have spent the money a long time ago. This tripod is a crafted machine, a thing of mechanical beauty. The old Gitzos used to have the annoying rotating legs. This one is channeled so you can tighten/loosen with one hand - 1/4 turn - smooth. It is nice and tall so I don't need to use the column too much. My previous tripod has knobs, I didn't think I would like the rotating collars, but they are much better. Unless you are traveling a lot with your tripod, get 3 leg sections, more stable than 4.
If you do any amount of work on a tripod (studio, macro, landscape), do not buy anything but the best. As the previous reviewer stated, save your money and buy one tripod - this one (or similar model). FANTASTIC!

Ps. the ball head I got is the BH40 lr by really right stuff. This little machine is amazing. Make sure you buy the plate specific to your camera, and you will have no slop between your camera and tripod. Rock solid, and smooth. It isn't cheap, but it is worth it. I weighed the whole thing on my mailing scale and it came in at just over 5 lbs, not too bad.

Excellent quality
I sturdy and well built tripod. A perfect weight to carry with you on any outdoor photo expedition.

Lightest in it's class
Simply the best you can find. Light weight and durable, great vibration absorption. If you can't afford it, save your money, then come back and buy it, you wont regret.

Working speed wise, it's not as quick as tripods such as Manfrotto which use knobs to lock the leg. It also lack a horizontal column. But these could be easily compensated by it's build quality and ultra light weight. Anti-twist leg does help speed things up a little when setting up the tripod.

Add $150 you can get the leveling version of this tripod which makes landscape/architecture panorama shots a breeze.