Gitzo GT 505 tripod for film? Any opinions?

[M.R.]

Hi,


I didn't know Gitzo made 100mm half bowl tripods.
Browsing the net I came across the Gitzo GT 505.
Any opinions how good or bad it is? Vibrations?

My current setup is quite heavy duty (and heavy as well) but it has a floor spreader which can sometimes be unhandy.
Camera weighs around 10Kg.

Will probably add a lighter camera in the future. Would probably weigh max 2Kg.
So I thought it might come in handy for both?

 

[Run&Gun]

I know guys that have used Gitzo's(100mm) for decades. Generally very versatile with a wide height range. They'll get down to basically hi-hat level and go over most people's heads. BUT I despise working with them, because they are a PITA to raise and lower(I do have a set of Gitzo's for my still camera, though). I have a client and all of their sticks are Gitzo's with Sachtler heads. If you have plenty of time to make adjustments, they're good tripods, but if you need to be quick and nimble, go with something like Flowtechs or Speedlocks.

 

[puredrifting]

As the owner of a set of Gitzo CF legs (not the specific ones you asked about) and two sets of Miller Solo DVs, one Aluminum and one in CF, I concur with Run&Gun. Once you use the Flowtechs, for me (I'm not a Speedlock fan, have tried them over the years, ok for news guys, I guess?)
you are spoiled and realize how slow and clunky your traditional legs are to deploy, adjust and put away.

Flowtech is the best set of legs on the market IMHO. Vitec hit a home run with them.

 

[Run&Gun]

And I agree with Dan, Flowtech's are probably the best overall legs on the market in their class. They go high, they go (almost hi-hat) low, they're reasonably light-weight, easy to carry(either by their handle or on the shoulder), are very rigid with no (or almost no/no detectable) backlash or twisting on heavy pan loads* and of course you can adjust the height very, very quickly.


*A few weeks ago I was shooting some semi-long lens stuff and having to quickly pan back & forth(a lot of hard "transitions" from left to right and vise-versa), so I mounted my Vinten Vision 250(large head, dual 100/150 bowl) on my Flowtechs and that package performed admirably. I wouldn't want to run around and carry that set-up, that's what my go-to Vision 100/Flowtech package is for, but it is a VERY sturdy, rigid platform, that is punching above its weight.

The head looks a little silly on them, because of the size, but the legs are rock solid and you'd think they were a much larger and heavier set.

 

[M.R.]

Thanks for chiming in!
The flowtech seems nice but budget wise the gitzo seem a better fit at the moment.

As the owner of a set of Gitzo CF legs (not the specific ones you asked about) and two sets of Miller Solo DVs, one Aluminum and one in CF, I concur with Run&Gun. Once you use the Flowtechs, for me (I'm not a Speedlock fan, have tried them over the years, ok for news guys, I guess?)
you are spoiled and realize how slow and clunky your traditional legs are to deploy, adjust and put away.

Flowtech is the best set of legs on the market IMHO. Vitec hit a home run with them.

Out of curiosity do you prefer the Miller legs or the Gitzo legs?

 

[puredrifting]

Thanks for chiming in!
The flowtech seems nice but budget wise the gitzo seem a better fit at the moment.



Out of curiosity do you prefer the Miller legs or the Gitzo legs?

Your choice, they are both good and in actual use, not that different. I think someone on DVX either was or still is selling a 100mm Miller Solo set for a decent price? Missing a bit of paint but who cares?
I have an aluminum set of the Millers and a CF set. I like the CFs better, not even just for the few ounces difference, I find the CF legs are just better in shooting in cold weather, etc.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?364387-Miller-100mm-Solo-Legs-Sticks