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.

For Sale: Markins Q3 Traveler Ball Head

The Markins Q3 Traveler ($289) is is the current tripod ball head I have on my Gitzo GT1541T Tripod ($575). I have posted it up on fredmiranda.com in the Buy & Sell forums for $220 with all original accessories.

If you are looking for a great tripod head, give me a call. Keep in mind you will need to buy camera/lens specific plates to mate your camera to the clamp. I highly recommend Really Right Stuff as the place to go get your goodies. They sell for $55 per plate, and are camera body specific.
So if I love this head so much, why sell it? The reason for the sale is to buy a new one that does not have the clamp installed. When they are ordered new, they have loctite on the threads to keep them from getting loose and reduce vibrations, but if you use the red loctite, it becomes nearly impossible to remove. You need to apply heat (maybe a blowtorch) or hit it with a hammer. Since this is a precision ball head, I decided rather than ruin the head, I would order a new one and use the blue loctite that can be removed. When the new one arrives, I will be putting on a Really Right Stuff B2 LLR II Quick Release Clamp ($120). Say that three times fast!

Buy my Markins Q3 Traveler