Gitzo G1026 Weekend Compact Performance

I returned it. Gonna go with Manfrotto's 440 instead to ameliorate leg-flex/vibration and twist-lock gripes.

Lightweight and compact...although it seemed heavier 'in hand' than it did in Gitzo's literature....

Aluminum legs flexed alot and were not stable...that fourth section is basically a thin, spindly twig...fully extended I wondered if I'd be better hand-holding the darn camera. Better if only three sections extended but still lots of vibration. Last tripod was a cheap model with lever-locks on the legs. I didn't anticipate Gitzo's twist-locks would be a problem but for me they were slow and sticky to unlock...I felt this would hamper my ability to set up quickly, especially on steep mountainsides.

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Far too light for a main tripod, but just right for a travel 'pod. Mine is matched to a Gitzo 175 ballhead, which gives me a lightweight, robust rig that can hold my F3/T + 50-135/3.5 or Mamiya C3 + 65/105 with adequate stability. I also use it as a lightstand, or to hold a reflector. You can get more-stout carbon-fiber 'pods for the same weight. But they may not get as compact. I'm glad I have this tripod.

Small, extremely packable, size. This is my backpacking/travel tripod.

Surpisingly stable. For maximum stability, don't extend the bottom leg sections or the center column -- this makes it about waist-height. Any higher, and it's best to hang weight (a camera bag works OK) from the center to add some mass.

Comes up to my eye-level (I'm 5' 6") if it absolutely must (but not especially stable at this height).

The twist leg locks are a plus for travel: when strapped to the outside of a pack, they don't snag on underbrush, when packed inside, you can pull it out without snagging and pulling out your old laundry, tomorrow's food, etc.

Adjustable leg angles let you set up on creek banks, stairwells, fences, whatever.

The double telescoping center column is most-notable to me, not for its height fully extended, but for its shortness when fully compacted. This lets me drop low to the ground.

Rugged. This tripod has stood up to some fairly heavy use without hitch.

Spindly at full extension - consider this a waist-level tripod that can extend to eye level in an emergency.

Gitzo twist locks enforce their own, rigid, rules on tripod set-up. Thou Shalt Unlock, Extend, And Lock Each Leg Section In An Orderly Fashion. Try to do things the "wrong" way, and you will be punished with a tangle of thin legs akimbo like a struggling whippet. If you prefer quick, haphazard tripod set-up, the Bogen lever locks may suit you better. I have both, and use both with no problems.

Nothing this size, but my "standard" tripod is a Bogen 3221.

Not needed.

The June 2000 issue of Backpacker magazine rated this Gitzo as an ideal tripod for backpacking, giving it a final score of 4.0 out of 4. This is not a tripod for heavy equipment, so keep that it mind. I find this works well for my needs (I use a Nikon F100 and a couple of prime lenses) and I'm very happy with it. Put a Gitzo 075 ballhead on top and you're set to go!

*Well-made, sturdy, durable
*Versatile, lightweight
*Legs adjusts easily
*An ideal travel companion

I've read reviews that state that the twist-locks can be slow to set up, but this has not been a problem for me.

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If you want a compact, relatively solid tripod for travel photography, this isn't it. I use it for supporting off-camera flashes, but unless you use it at only half it's extension, this tripod isn't much help for stabilizing a shot. I've tried several (much) cheaper, lighter tripods that do a better job of dampening vibration. Gitzo's tubular legs just don't work well at this scale. The tripod is very well built, but you can do better for much less money.

Well made in the Gitzo tradition. With dual extension center column, tripod reaches eye level.

Very spindly when extended. Tripod vibrates at the lightest touch unless used at a lower position. Small leg locks can be tough to twist in the cold.

Slik

Replaced rubber twist grips and tips. Replacement parts are available, but are spendy... what would you expect.