[Pavel]

As I wondered aimlesly through Merkles photo store in Toronto I picked up a nice compact and incredibly light "basalt" tripod from Gitzo. The twist controls worked nice, but I am not used to them, so it took me longer than with my tripod to set up. It looked very sturdy, when I applied pressure from top and tried to woble. If you are looking for a light and sturdy tripod at around $300+ street, check them out. Pavel

[enviroguy]

Hi, Pavel! What did you mean"picked up"? Did you put it down again and leave it there, or did it become your latest toy? I remember that you were lusting for something like that earlier. Your list of gagets is becoming bigger than the size of your posts. (just kidding!!) .....Dennis

[Pavel]

don't worry, with a bleeding hart I put it down and walked away.P

[matthew]

I also picked up a basalt tripod, and typically for me, I didn't put it down. (Camera gear and puppies are both best avoided unless I can commit to their care and feeding.) I love the light weight and the twist-lock legs, which I find much faster than the Manfrotto flip-lock system. The model I use is a GT1930, which is sometimes a little soft for the gear that I'll put on top of it, but since I bought it as a light travel tripod it suits me just fine. I have a much heavier one for use at home.

[Pavel]

Mathew, I spent some time on Gitzo site & downloaded catalogue, which is actually quite informative. For 300 mm (effective), they recommend minimum of series 2 tripods. It is true that I rarely shoot more than effective 150 mm to 200 mm (it is the angle, not the weight that matters), but with one, you are clearly over. I am less concerned about weight that about folded size. My current manfrotto is rated as 55 cm and so I would consider buying only something that is at least 10 cm shorter. the tripods with that folded length are either not recommended for my camera/lens combination, or they are chest height with the central column extended. This is the same conclusion I reached about 6 months ago. So until I can get a series 2 tripod which is recommended for at least 200 mm effective and is roughle 45 cm long, I will keep the money in my pocket and lug my heavy (although carbon fiber) but solid tripod.

What about the anouncement re Toronto get together? Pavel

[matthew]

Oh, it's definitely my fault that I'm pushing the tripod beyond what it's rated for. My gear can easily outweigh the 1930, and I'll go as long as 566mm-e with it. But I don't generally use it that way for long exposures or anything else that requires absolute stillness, it's more of a composition aid and for quick work around the house. For more substantial work I have a Gitzo 2220 (aluminum) that's very solid and use a geared head for precise control. So I'm happy to split my needs into two separate tools instead of trying to have one that does everything.

Did you get my PM...?