WTB Gitzo GT5543XLS

[dj may]

The Giant is too big and GT5543LS is too small. I am looking for my Goldilocks GT5543XLS.

 

[akaru]

Having owned both, it was a tough call but I kept the Giant. Same size, more flexibility. A little heavier, but the weight is low and likely helps with stability more than anything. Good luck, though. Sometimes they pop up used on B&H etc.

 

[JeffK]

I've got the GT5543LS and it's actually worked out well for me. I'm 5'9". I only extend to full height if I've got something to stand on.

 

[dj may]

Hi buddy i have one for sale in good shape if you still looking to buy
Send me a mail
[email protected]
Best regards,
Tom.

Only one? I need more than one. Too bad.

 

[dj may]

Having owned both, it was a tough call but I kept the Giant. Same size, more flexibility. A little heavier, but the weight is low and likely helps with stability more than anything. Good luck, though. Sometimes they pop up used on B&H etc.

The Giant is available here in Switzerland, but not the XLS. I may have to go with the Giant if I cannot find the XLS.

 

[MGrayson]

Jesse,

One consideration. When the giant is extended above your head, you need something to stand on to manipulate the camera. My solution - not ideal for many situations, was to go for a shorter (but still tall) tripod and a center column. The 3543XLS with center column can get to 8 feet (a foot shorter than the giant), but I can lower the rig to where I can change settings and then hoist it back up while standing on the ground. This is much easier than shortening all three tripod legs. I know center columns are considered a "bad thing", but it has worked well in "normal" conditions. It's true that extra long tripod legs are useful in other situations - steep slopes, for instance - but the 3543xls has pretty long legs as it is. For sheer stability (telephoto or long exposure) I went with the shorter 3-section 5533L. And actually, if I want height without ultimate stability, I use an 8 foot monopod - MUCH easier to carry.

So my vote (not that THAT matters) is to continue the search for a 5543XLS. Don't get me wrong - the Giant is a magnificent piece of kit. But when I set it up I think "how am I getting up THERE?" (Over the years, I bought it twice and returned it twice.)

Best,

Matt

 

[dj may]

Jesse,

One consideration. When the giant is extended above your head, you need something to stand on to manipulate the camera. My solution - not ideal for many situations, was to go for a shorter (but still tall) tripod and a center column. The 3543XLS with center column can get to 8 feet (a foot shorter than the giant), but I can lower the rig to where I can change settings and then hoist it back up while standing on the ground. This is much easier than shortening all three tripod legs. I know center columns are considered a "bad thing", but it has worked well in "normal" conditions. It's true that extra long tripod legs are useful in other situations - steep slopes, for instance - but the 3543xls has pretty long legs as it is. For sheer stability (telephoto or long exposure) I went with the shorter 3-section 5533L. And actually, if I want height without ultimate stability, I use an 8 foot monopod - MUCH easier to carry.

So my vote (not that THAT matters) is to continue the search for a 5543XLS. Don't get me wrong - the Giant is a magnificent piece of kit. But when I set it up I think "how am I getting up THERE?" (Over the years, I bought it twice and returned it twice.)

Best,

Matt

Thank you for the input, Matt.

I do not want to depend on a center column for height. I also do not expect to use the tripod frequently at full height, but maybe one leg at full extension in the rugged terrain that I frequently visit.

So many choices I welcome the input.

 

[MGrayson]

Thank you for the input, Matt.

I do not want to depend on a center column for height. I also do not expect to use the tripod frequently at full height, but maybe one leg at full extension in the rugged terrain that I frequently visit.

So many choices I welcome the input.

Yes, our use cases are very different, and I didn't think that we'd want the same solutions. I just wanted to offer my perspective. I have NEVER heard a bad word about the Giant from photographers who have used it in the field.

 

[GrahamWelland]

The use case for the giant is typically a single leg needs extension such as on a slope - not that many cases where you would use all three legs at 7ft.

 

[MGrayson]

Adorama claims to be shipping new GT5543xls from their eBay site. I bought my 5533ls that way with no problems.

 

[Mexecutioner]

I have a Giant, and while certainly not an every day tripod, it is nice to know that if I am potentially going to need that height I can reach for it. I use other smaller ones most of the time though.

GT5543XLS seem like a great size in between the giant and other series 3 systematic ones.

 

[Mexecutioner]

Adorama claims to be shipping new GT5543xls from their eBay site. I bought my 5533ls that way with no problems.

This is true, however I would call them and ask before pulling the trigger online. There's been a couple of times I bought from Adorama and the items were not in stock even though the website showed them as available.

 

[MGrayson]

This is true, however I would call them and ask before pulling the trigger online. There's been a couple of times I bought from Adorama and the items were not in stock even though the website showed them as available.

Indeed. This is exactly why I used the word "claims".

BTW, having no wind in my living room, I just did the extremely scientific "tap the lens while taking an iPhone video of the magnified LCD" test. To no one's surprise, the 5 series with three leg sections was better than the 3-series with 3 sections extended, but not by much. I think the head had more flex than the tripods. Extending the fourth leg section on the 3, though, made it much floppier. And I had to stand on a chair! We're talking magnified view with a 300mm lens, mind you. That the motion was so small is a testament to the solidity of these beasts. I'm curious about the 4-section 5 series, but not curious enough to add yet another tripod to the "museum". (OTOH, if anyone wants to trade one for a Pentax 67 400/4 ED-IF with case (the good one, not the 400/4 Takumar).... after @dj may gets sorted out, of course.)

For my usual wide angle stuff, I think any of them down to the RRS 1-series would do.

 

[dj may]

Indeed. This is exactly why I used the word "claims".

BTW, having no wind in my living room, I just did the extremely scientific "tap the lens while taking an iPhone video of the magnified LCD" test. To no one's surprise, the 5 series with three leg sections was better than the 3-series with 3 sections extended, but not by much. I think the head had more flex than the tripods. Extending the fourth leg section on the 3, though, made it much floppier. And I had to stand on a chair! We're talking magnified view with a 300mm lens, mind you. That the motion was so small is a testament to the solidity of these beasts. I'm curious about the 4-section 5 series, but not curious enough to add yet another tripod to the "museum". (OTOH, if anyone wants to trade one for a Pentax 67 400/4 ED-IF with case (the good one, not the 400/4 Takumar).... after @dj may gets sorted out, of course.)

For my usual wide angle stuff, I think any of them down to the RRS 1-series would do.

If I can get my hands on one, I will let you know. Buying from U.S. supplier is not a good option because of VAT.

 

[dj may]

Hello

i have this items for sales and still in great condition,and extremely in great condition

As soon as i hear from you,i will email you some photos

contact me via [email protected] or send me your email for photos and details

best regard
Elo

How old is it?

 

[anyone]

The scammers are nowadays not very creative… just binge posting on every WTB ad with the same message.

 

[JeffK]

I’ve actually just listed mine on Craigslist here in Vancouver. Useless to you since it’s so far away.