Gitzo GT2541EX Series 2 Carbon 6x 4 Section G-Lock Explorer Tripod - Replaces GT2540EX (Black)

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by: E. Lacey (Shrewsbury, MA United States)
on: Saturday, 19-December-2009

I purchased this tripod after reading the other two reviews here and seeing this tripod at a local camera shop. I did lots of research before choosing the 2541EX, but ultimately decided to purchase this tripod for the following reasons:

1. The build quality of the tripod is fantastic (which you would expect for a Gitzo)
2. The flexibility that the center column provides
3. It is quite light, but very sturdy (love that carbon fiber!)
4. It compacts down to just over 20 inches-- it will fit inside my carry-on.

I have a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head paired with this tripod, and I doubt that there is ANY shooting situation that this tripod combined with that head cannot handle. My research told me that there might be a better match for my RRS head (one that can support more weight), but this tripod was listed as suitable, and I have found it to be rock solid with all my lenses (I have used it with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS and the Canon 100-400mm and had no issues with stability or performance).

Operating this tripod quickly becomes second-nature. The knobs are well designed and big enough for virtually any size hand. The center column rotation uses a gear-like mechanism, so it locks in place very securely. That said, the teeth of the gear do slightly limit the number of positions in which the center column can be set (although this can be easily compensated for by changing the position of the legs).

Speaking of the legs, I love the manner in which the legs spread out, although those who are used to having predefined stops might find the 2541EX takes a bit to get used to. That is, you are not likely to open each leg the same degree, so getting the tripod level is a bit more challenging. However, when combined with a ball head, this really is a non-issue. The flexibility that is provided by the ability to open each leg to any degree far outweighs the challenge to get it level by using predefined stops. After all, unless you are shooting on completely level ground, those predefined stops become very inflexible.

Initially I was worried a bit about the G-Lock feature of this tripod, as I have another tripod that uses a similar approach to leg extension which sometimes gets tightened to the point that I need a wrench to loosen it again. However, after using this tripod, I no longer have those worries. The G-Lock system works extremely well.

Another feature that I appreciate is the replaceable rubber feet of the tripod. While I havent had to do that yet, it is comforting to know that if one gets damaged or I need to use spikes instead, the 2541EX can accommodate replacement with ease.

All of this quality, flexibility, and performance definitely come at a cost, however. The current going rate for the 2541EX seems to be $675, which is daunting to say the least. However, a solid tripod is invaluable for achieving tack sharp photos. After working with this tripod, I believe that it will satisfy me for the rest of my life, so given that, the high cost isnt so bad. That said, I did only give 4 stars for price vs. quality because of the hefty price tag. Still, I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing this tripod.

by: Vivek Gupta (United States)
on: Friday, 4-December-2009

I recently purchased this tripod to replace my Bogen 3021 tripod I have been using for the past 13 years. The Bogen served me well, however was starting to feel heavy and wasnt quite as flexible as I wanted. While searching for a new tripod I found a Bogen tripod similar in flexibility to the Gitzo, however it didnt have the same flexibility as the Gitzo (the legs had stop points when being spread rather than being continuously variable and the same was true of the center column which only had two positions).

My first impressions of this tripod:

1) Lightness - this was a bit of a concern initially, but I found that the carbon fiber does seem to dampen quite quickly and was able to support my camera and lenses in a variety of positions (some quite awkward to test out the flexibility).

2) Flexibility - between the variability of the legs (height and angle) and the rotation of the center column I was able to put this tripod in a variety of positions, which still felt very stable with my equipment.

3) Construction - the tripod feels very solid. I like the rubber grips on the legs for loosening the segments and the big levers for changing the leg angle will be great for when working with gloves.

I was uncertain about spending this amount on a tripod, however I am very satisfied with my purchase. I am currently using the tripod with an Arca Swiss Z1 Dual Pan head, Canon 20D and a variety of lenses from 10-22mm up to the 100-400 and find in all cases that the tripod handles smoothly.

by: Robert Schussel (vallejo, ca United States)
on: Sunday, 12-April-2009

I got the 2541EX at a good price ($575) from Norman Camera using your site.

Both the price and the articulated head were significant factors in my purchase.It is rated at a load factor of 26 lbs. Total weight is about 4 lbs.

Gitzo is at least the Mercedes if not Rolls Royce of Tripods for most photographers wanting a portable tripod.

The 2541EX is a 4 section tripod that incorporates Gitzos latest technology such as 6X CF (Carbon fiber),snap locks and improved twist locks that are claimed to strengten the rigidity of the tripod.

Advantages of CF include low weight high strength.Compared to Aluminum a CF tripod is less prone to vibration and if you bump into something it will not dent or cause signifcant damage to furniture.I might add it is a great looking Tripod with the Grey CF legs.

The 2451EX allows for difficult shots.The legs can be spread out almost horizontal to the ground and the articulated arm is great for Macro.Like any other tripod if you extend the Center Post significantly more vibration will occur especially with long focal lengthlens (200mm or more).

If you are a purist or extremely picky you might want to consider the Series 3 (rated 39lbs) or Series 5 CF Gitzos.These more robust tripods may(and I say may) be less prone to vibration with longer lens 300mm or more.

For me the jury is still out whether in most situations you will be able to see the difference.Vibration using test charts increases as you shoot slower.At 1/0 of second vibration from mirror bounce is easily seen on test charts for many tripods.I am less sure how that translates to the real world.

The other knock from critics is that when the Articulated Arm is extended vibration increases--but this problem exists with any Center Post Tripod. The articulated arm makes Macro photography a pleasure and allows for precise positioning of your shots.


SUMMARY: Carbon fiber Tripods are very expensive.You need to decide if it is worth the additional cost for getting a Gitzo which many consider to be the best.

The 2541EX is a great general purpose tripod if you want to shot both regular shots and Macro. If you never plan to do any Macro a regular Tripod MAY be a better choice if you are using very long lens--for me the jury is still out if a Gitzo series 3 is a significant improvement over a series 2 Gitzo like the 2541EX.

I enjoy the versatility of the 2541EX and am not sorry that I purchased it.With a little care it should provides years of good service.