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Gitzo GK2542-80QD Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod — main product image
Gitzo

Gitzo GK2542-80QD Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

★★★★★4.5 (2 reviews)

Achieve Stability and Precision with the Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod Kit The Gitzo GK2542-80QD Series 2 Mountaineer Kit combines a robust carbon fiber tripod with a high-performance ball head. This kit is designed for photographers who demand exceptional stability and precise control, especially whe...

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Overview

Achieve Stability and Precision with the Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod Kit

The Gitzo GK2542-80QD Series 2 Mountaineer Kit combines a robust carbon fiber tripod with a high-performance ball head. This kit is designed for photographers who demand exceptional stability and precise control, especially when using DSLRs with lenses up to 300mm.

Specifications:

  • Brand: Gitzo
  • Model: GK2542-80QD
  • Tripod: GT2542 Mountaineer Tripod
  • Head: GH2780QD Centre Ball Head
  • Material: Carbon eXact Tubes
  • Maximum Height: 179 cm
  • Maximum Height (with center column down): 151 cm
  • Closed Length: 69 cm
  • Weight: 2.35 kg
  • Safety Payload: 14 kg

Key Features

Reversible column: The rapid column can easily be inverted for an alternative shooting angle or low level macro work.

Revolutionary Carbon eXact tubes are even stiffer to maximize rigidity and image stability. Carbon eXact optimizes the fibre composition for each tube size, using HM (High Modulus) carbon fibre in the narrower tubes to make them stiffer. The tube diameters are also optimized: the final leg section of a 4 section Series 1 tripod is now 22.5% thicker than its predecessor.

G-lock system has been redesigned from the inside out; G-lock Ultra is smoother and softer to use, and is designed to reduce dust and grit from getting in.

Offers large grip space and features a built-in spring to help speed up switches between the 3 leg angles.

Completely redesigned for faster operation, this Ground Level Set mechanism permits to remove the centre column to get the camera closer to the ground. A single simple unlocking ring under the column's upper disc frees the column while keeping the upper disc solidly in place on the tripod (Patent Pending).top leg section diameter is 29.0mm

Specifications

Series
Mountaineer Series 2
Material
Carbon Fiber (Carbon eXact tubes)
Leg Sections
4 section (based on example of Series 1, implied for Series 2)
Top Leg Section Diameter
29.0mm
Locking Mechanism
G-lock Ultra
Center Column Type
Rapid, Reversible, Removable (Ground Level Set)
Special Features
HM (High Modulus) carbon fibre in narrower tubes, Built-in spring for leg angles

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Features Carbon eXact tubes that are even stiffer, maximizing rigidity and image stability, with optimized fiber composition for each tube size.
  • Equipped with a redesigned G-lock Ultra system, offering smoother operation and reduced ingress of dust and grit, enhancing longevity.
  • The ground-level set mechanism allows for easy removal of the center column, enabling the camera to get closer to the ground for unique perspectives.
  • The reversible column offers versatility for alternative shooting angles or low-level macro work, expanding creative options.
  • The leg angle selectors are designed for faster operation and offer a large grip space, improving usability and speed when adjusting angles.
  • The use of HM (High Modulus) carbon fiber in narrower tubes contributes to increased stiffness without excessive weight.

👎 Cons

  • As a Series 2 tripod, it may not offer the absolute highest weight capacity or extension height compared to larger Gitzo series.
  • The ground-level set mechanism requires removing the center column, which can be less convenient than systems that telescope without removal.
  • The specified top leg section diameter of 29.0mm might be smaller than some users prefer for maximum stability with very heavy gear.
  • The description mentions a "rapid column," which might not be as stable as a geared column for precise height adjustments under heavy load.
  • No explicit mention of the included head type or quick-release system, implying it's a tripod-only purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon eXact tubes are designed to be stiffer by optimizing fiber composition and using HM carbon fiber in narrower tubes, leading to maximized rigidity and enhanced image stability for clearer shots.
The G-lock Ultra system has been redesigned for smoother and softer operation and is engineered to reduce the ingress of dust and grit, contributing to the tripod's longevity and ease of use.
Yes, this tripod features a ground-level set mechanism that allows for the removal of the center column, bringing the camera closer to the ground for low-level shots.
The reversible column provides flexibility for alternative shooting angles and is particularly useful for low-level macro work, allowing the camera to be positioned inverted.
The product description focuses solely on the tripod legs and their features, with no mention of an included head, suggesting it is a tripod-only offering.
The leg angle selectors are completely redesigned for faster operation and feature a built-in spring, which helps to speed up switches between the three available leg angles.

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