Telescope Reviews: Re: Mounting Fuji 16x70 on Gitzo G1548

I'm really impressed with the capacity to weight ratio of the Gitzo CF tripods; too bad they are so pricey! A geared column assy. costs more than a whole Manfrotto tripod!

I noticed that the original optional columns for your tripod are hard to find now. I found the original model G1518 CF rapid column still avialable new for $150. Gitzo G1518
Otherwise, it's the new GS5511S at $210! Gitzo GS5511S

The geared column available now runs $350-400!! They're a bit heavy, too. GS5310GS

It's not too easy to navigate their website for accessories either!

Your 1548 tripod with the very light G1518 CF rapid column looks like it would be a winner with the Fujis. A geared column is nice but for just a 5# load the Gitzo option might be overkill.

I have several Manfrotto tripods/ heads, not Gitzo because I'm hung up on "value", FWIW. My 501 HDV isn't the smoothest head in my collection but the counterbalance spring is very useful for binocular use. For the price it's a good value and can hold substantially heavier binoculars than the Fujis easily.

One of these days maybe I'll splurge and get a Gitzo CF tripod for lightweight travel use. They really are appealing.

Enjoy,

Rich V

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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S

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