Does the Gitzo 1380 head and the Vinten Vision 3 head use the same springs? I'm looking at the Gitzo p/n (G1380SPG) for six springs and wondering if they are the same ones used in the Vinten.

Hi Barron,

This doesn't answer your question, but just so you know, you can order the springs individually from Gitzo USA. I ordered a couple and they ended up about $25 each shipped, I think. Better than buying all six and using only one.

Cheers,
Vito

I'm really intrigued by the question.

Now, I just know there's a good reason for asking it, but for the life of me, I can't work out what it can be.

It's not as if I can even really give you an answer either.

As far as I can tell, the answer is a definite perhaps, but I wouldn't stake too much money on it.

On the "YES" side we have:

Both companies part of Vitec.

Identical weight range offerings: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 & 10 kg

Springs similar in looks (from dodgy photo in Gitzo catalogue) and colours.

On the "NO" side we have:

The 1380 doesn't bear any detailed resemblance to a Vision 3 (this based on similarly dodgy photo in Gitzo cataloge, tho' beauty IS only skin deep).

I'll be interested to see if anyone can actually answer the question definitively.


CS

@Vito: The kit of six works to out $26.50 Canadian each so it's in the same ballpark.

@Chris: Assuming the springs are the same size, there may very well be a quality difference between the Vinten and Gitzo. But at half the price, I'll go with the Gitzo. And besides, they're just springs. :)
It may be why people buy Passats instead of Audis. When you open the hood of the Passat and see parts stamped with the Audi logo...

@Vito: The kit of six works to out $26.50 Canadian each so it's in the same ballpark.

Yeah, but unless you have a huge range of cameras, there's not much chance of you using more than one or two, so you buy six for nothing.

Yeah, but unless you have a huge range of cameras, there's not much chance of you using more than one or two, so you buy six for nothing.
Or four for nothing! :)
I get what you're saying Vito but I have an HV20 and I'll upgrade that within 2 years AND I have a Brevis. So.....my 1 lb. camera has become 8lbs and soon to be 11lbs with a mattebox and filters and a monitor for proper focusing.
And......with a new purchase of a VV3 head and some decent sticks, I'm looking at ~$2000. The cost of a few extra springs is peanuts. But paying DOUBLE for the same god damn thing is just stupid, which is what this thread is really about.

Well, in that case the spring kit is worthwhile for you.

Check out this article:

http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?category=Archive&articleId=193700400

In the Vinten section, they say the springs are identical.

Bravo!
Excellent find Vito. Many thanks.