GitzoLightweight Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod, Silver & Black (GT1545TUS)

Initially, I was attracted to another Gitzo Traveler tripod, GT1555T, for air travel and long hiking. It's less than 14" when folded and so light yet sturdy enough to handle my gear. But the fact that it's 5-section legs, even when at full height, doesn't come to my eye level (I'm 5' 8") without fully pulling out the center column bothered me. The center column should be used only when certain circumstances call for it, not as a general rule, as you lose rigidity that is needed. So, although one of my top criteria for selecting a tripod for travel is short folded length, I decided to compromise a bit by choosing this GT1545T Traveler, instead. I really like that it's 4-section and I can use the tripod at full height without having to resort to its center column. It's lot more rigid than its cousin, GT1555T, yet only 2.7" longer in folded length. It's certainly short enough to easily fit inside my smaller carry-on bag and my smaller backpack for hiking, and it's as light as the GT1555T. AND it's priced $100 less than the GT1555T!I decided to purchase the tripod separately rather than as a kit because I've read several complaints regarding the Gitzo ballhead that comes in a kit. I also wanted a lever clamp as opposed to a knob clamp, so I paired the tripod with the RRS BH-30. I wasn't sure how it'd work when reverse folded. I just went with a gut feeling. The result was a great combination. I think the Gitzo ballhead is better looking and aesthetically more pleasing and designed for perfect fit when reverse folded, but the BH-30 isn't too shabby, either. It's minimalist yet solid enough to handle my heaviest camera and lens, Canon 5DIII with ProMediaGear L-Bracket and Sigma 150-600C, although the lens I'll be using for this tripod during travel is Canon 16-35 f/4. The photos I''m providing here show how BH-30 works nicely when reverse folded.

I’ve used this for a traveling tripod and also day hiking for over 2 years anlmost everyday. It’s about 2 lbs. and is super sturdy. The ball head adds about another lb. Very well recommended

I purchased this tripod in December 2019. While traveling in Africa in Feb 2020 two of the leg sections were splintered in two after jostling around the trunk of a vehicle. I sent it in for repair under warranty and received the repaired legs a few months later (perhaps delayed by COVID). Less than a month after using it after that repair, some play developed where the carbon fiber center column meets the black collar where the metal screw is located (that is the interface to the head). The play has advanced to the point where the tripod was unusable, so I called customer support. They wanted me to send it back in for repair, but I told them I needed a faster solution than a few months of waiting without a tripod, so they did send me a new center column free of charge. I am going to start using the new column tomorrow - fingers crossed this one holds up. Meanwhile, three of the rubber grips that tighten/loosen the leg sections are coming loose and revealing the metal connectors below. I can still tighten/loosen the legs, but it is much harder without the advantage of the rubber grips. I can't believe how brittle this thing is. I would have returned it, but I am well outside the return window, so I am stuck with it. One more issue and it is going out for repair and resale at a cheap price. Either way, this will be my first and last Gitzo tripod purchase and I will probably shell out the cash for a Really Right Stuff pod.

This is a spectacular travel tripod. It easily fit in my international-sized carryon suitcase. I’ve added a Really Right Stuff BH-30 ball head; total weight of tripod and ball head: 3.4 lbs!! Excellent combination.That’s half the weight of my Gitzo GT2541EX coupled with RRS BH-40.The GT1545TUS was very stable with my Nikon d850 and Nikon 70-200 f/4 lens.Some people complain the feet can fall off. I added rubber hose washers and had no problems. Other people complained about having to buy a center column hook (too hang your bag for stability). I agree it should come with one, but the $30 for more stability is a no-brainer.Lastly, I’m 5’7” and I don’t have to raise the center column to shoot without bending my back.After lenses and camera a tripod is the most important piece of photography equipment; this Gitzo is worth every penny!

This is a fantastic tripod. Light, yet sturdy. Holds up to the rigors of travel. Allowed me to do everything from daytime landscape to night astrophotography while on an epic New Zealand trip. If you buy cheap, you buy twice (or more). Do yourself a favor and buy Gitzo first.