Deciphering the Gitzo model code

[benny]

Hi guys,

Until recently, I was confused by the new line up of Gitzo tripod models and trying to remember what I was interested in was more hassle than buying Toto. Obviously their confusing website does not help either. Thom Hogan has a write up in his column "Serious Support", but I've added to it to make it more comprehensive.

As opposed to the old numbers (eg. G1228 MK2, G1548), the current Gitzo has model numbers that look something like this:

GT%@&}XX (e.g. GT3540LS)

Here's what the coding means:

GT = G stand for Gitzo and T stands for Tripod (as opposed to M which is monopod)

% refers to the size of legs, with 00 being the smallest diameter (16mm), followed by 0 (20mm), 1 (24mm), 2 (28mm), 3 (32mm) and 5 (41mm) being the largest. 00 is denoted by the symbol "-" instead of double 0. Following that, there is 0 and 1 series tripods, which work only for very light cameras. 2 and 3 series tripods amongst the most popular sizes. 5 is best for studio or long telephoto lenses. There is no series 4 (37mm) in the current line up.

@ refers to the type of material used. 3 is for aluminium, 5 is for Carbon Fibre and 9 is for Basalt.

& refers to the number of leg sections. ie. 3 is three section, and 6 is six (only seen on the GT5560SGT and monopods).

} is the number of revision the tripod has gone through. For example, If you see GT2931 and GT2930, you will know they are both the same tripod, but GT2931 is the newer revision of the two.

XX is a designation of type and/or option:
T = Traveler
EX = EXplorer
G = Geared center
LVL = LeVeLing
L = Long
XL = eXtra Long
S = Systematic (Take note that only Systematic tripods do not have centre column)
V = Video bowl

Hope this is useful for those interested.

Cheers,

[jediforce4ever]

Thanks for the info!

[Michael]

tsk tsk. if only they came in names not numbers...

like vios, axio, prius, camry, altis, crown, picnic, yaris...

[squarepumpkin]

Quite frankly, I never bothered with the model nos. I just walk in the shop and get the one that suits my purpose. In fact, I have problem remembering my tripod model no....... 3+++LS I think.

[benny]

Quite frankly, I never bothered with the model nos. I just walk in the shop and get the one that suits my purpose. In fact, I have problem remembering my tripod model no....... 3+++LS I think.

I know what you mean.. I didn't borther previously too. Then one of my friend, John, wanted to buy a G lock tripod and I took the opportunity to change a set. I could not tell the shop what I needed as the numbers changed and the shop could not tell me what's the difference between what they have and what I thought I wanted. Gave up. Did my own research instead. The delay resulted in very substential savings. Thank goodness.

Cheers,

[swishbrade]

I know what you mean.. I didn't borther previously too. Then one of my friend, John, wanted to buy a G lock tripod and I took the opportunity to change a set............The delay resulted in very substential savings. Thank goodness.

Cheers,

John bought 1 tripod you took the opportunity to buy 5. But thanks for that, John ended up with great savings too