Review: Gitzo GC1201T Series 1 Travel Tripod Carry Case

Without a doubt, Gitzo makes the most lightweight tripod in the business. When I bought my Gitzo GT1541T Tripod ($575) it came with a soft slip case. That has worked perfectly for me for a while, but I find I keep my tripod in the trunk so I can always have it with me and I always worried about damaging the carbon fiber legs by some box or junk in my trunk.

I decided to get a protective case for the tripod and I turned to the Gitzo GC1201T ($69) Series 1 Travel Tripod Carry Case. I ordered mine from Amazon when they had 1 left in stock (now a 1 - 2 month wait). Since I was unable to find any pictures of how this fit with my tripod, I ordered it blind. I hope my inclusion of the pictures will help others decide if this is right for them.

The case is as small as it can be to fit the tripod and a head. I use a Markins Q3 T ball head, so I can confirm that it fits perfect, but it is a snug fit.

Take a look at the slideshow below to see all the pictures.

Tripod Tuesday

Well today was all about the tripod. I currently have a Gitzo GT-1541T (Traveler Series) Carbon Fiber tripod paired with a Markins Q3 Traveler. The problem is that I have started using the tripod more and more, and the screw on the clamp is somewhat annoying. While I don't miss the weight of my old Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head, I did miss the quick release. So I decided it was time to replace the clamp, but unfortunately I can't remove the one on my ball head because they put some red loctite on the head. So a trip to markinsamerica.com and $300 later got me a new Q3 Traveler with special instructions to "not use loctite". I can probably pawn off my old head with the stuck clamp for $225 ish, so let's just say I am out $75 right now on this. This is how I justify it I guess.

Now time to get a Quick Release clamp. A trip online to Really Right Stuff, and I was grabbing a B2 LR II Quick Release Clamp. Since I got a new camera for my birthday, it is time to get a new plate. I have been using the plate for my D90, but I wanted a fitted plate for my MB-D10 grip on my D700. So I ordered a BMBD10 plate for the grip. I decided to add a FA-CS3 coldshoe plate for my SB-900 flash as well while I was at it. So add another $200 to my total today for Tripod Tuesday.

Finally a nice case for my tripod to complete my Tripod upgrades today. I settled on the GC-1201T case from Amazon as I have some gift certificates from my birthday. I got to use up a Gift Cert from Aaron, Kim, Zach, and part of one from Courtney. Thanks! That saved me $68 bucks!

Hopefully everything will get in by the weekend for some fun shots.