Gitzo 1325 Legs & Vinten Vision 3 Head

[Jan Boersma]

I want to buy a good tripod set for my VX1000 and was considering getting a Vinten Vision 3 head and Gitzo 1325 legset.
I prefer the Gitzo legs because they can go a lot lower then the legs that come with vinten. They don't come with a spreader though, will this rig be stable enough? Or should I just take the Vinten Legs? Or has anybody got some other ideas regarding some light but sturdy legs that will suit the Vision 3?

Greetings Jan

[Ken Tanaka]

I use the Vinten 1-stage carbon fiber legs with my Vision 3 head. It has a ground spreader and optional mid-level spreader. I prefer 1-stage legs because they are quicker to set up. Vinten also makes 2-stage carbon fiber legs.

It's an outstanding, light-weight combination that I've been delighted to use.

[Robert J. Wolff]

Jan,

I would not even consider a TP that does not have mid level or ground support for the legs.

It is much too easy to accidentally collapse a TP without spreaders. Especially, if there is a crowd to "aid" the demise of your setup. As in OOPS!!

Just think of your 1K plus cam resting its nose on the ground.

Most of the TP's without mid or ground level support are meant for still photography.

If you must go with the Gitzo, buy some small sand bags, or, plastic water bottles, to use as secure weights on the base of the legs.

[Jeff Donald]

Robert has pointed out some very valid concerns. However, the size and weight of the VX1000 make most of his concerns a non-issue with this tripod. The carbon fiber (CF) 1325 is extremely stable with varying loads. It could become unbalanced with a much heavier or much taller camera. The low center of gravity and compact size and weight of the VX1000 make tip over concerns less of a worry (at least for me). I would see if Gitzo makes a ground level spreader so if you upgrade your camera at some point, you won't have to upgrade your sticks as well. This combination should make an extremely light, but very stable camera platform.