Manfrotto 190CXPro and the Gitzo Safari series

[Amp34]

I'm still looking at lightweight travel tripods and went down to my local shop to test a couple of tripods with both the lenses I will usually use (D7000 with a 17-55) and also a heavier lens for very occasional use (Sigma 120-300 at 3kg). The 190CXPro 4 was definitely the best with very little movement and great torsional rigidity with the big lens on. While looking around after though I noticed a review of the Gitzo Safari 2540F. It got some nice reviews and used is about £150 more... They also do a 1540F which is a little lighter and very tempting. Anyone used one of them? What would they be like compared to the 190CXPro?

I realise the general consensus is Gitzo>all but I'd like some real world comparison, unfortunately I don't really know anywhere in London that actually has a decent selection of Gitzo Tripods!

To note as wel, I already have a 055Pro for home use, which takes the 120-300 easily, it's too big to travel with. The travel tripod needs to be no more than about 50ish cm long and 1.3kg max.

 

[D.P.]

Not used the Gitzo model you mention, I do own the 3531S with RRS BH-55 head and use that combo for traveling.

Top end Gitzo models are great but they make plenty of unsuitable tripod at the lower end and in the midrange you have to be careful. I would say a 4 section Gitzo in the 2 series would not be sufficient for your 120-300mm f2.8.

Have a look at really right stuff tripods, they are even better than Gitzo. Tere websit and especially their brochure have detailed explanations for tripod + head combo for different camera lens classes.