Review on Gitzo GT1545TUS Lightweight Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod - Silver & Black: A Versatile Travel Companion by Jeremy Lane

I was originally attracted to another Gitzo Traveler tripod, the GT1555T, for plane travel and long hikes. It's less than 14 inches when folded and so light but strong enough to carry my gear. But the fact that its 5-piece legs, even at full height, doesn't reach my eye level (I'm 5'8". ) without fully extending the center column bothered me. The center column should only be used when certain circumstances warrant it, and not in general as you lose the necessary rigidity Although one of my main criteria for choosing a travel tripod is the short length when folded, I decided to make a small compromise by choosing the GT1545T Traveler instead really like that it has 4 sections and I can use the tripod at its full height without having to resort to its center column. It's much stiffer than its GT1555T cousin, but only 2.7" longer when folded. It's short enough to easily fit in my smaller carry-on and smaller hiking backpack, and it's as light as the GT1555T.Price is $100 less r than the GT1555T! I decided to purchase the tripod separately rather than as a set as I had read several complaints about the Gitzo ball head that comes with the kit. I also wanted a lever clamp, not a clamp with a handle, so I connected the tripod to the RRS BH-30. I wasn't sure how it would work when folded backwards. I just made an intuitive decision. The result is a great combination. I find the Gitzo ball head better looking and more aesthetically pleasing and engineered to fit perfectly when folded, but the BH-30 isn't too shabby either. It's minimalist yet strong enough to carry my heaviest camera and lens, the Canon 5DIII, a ProMediaGear L-Bracket and a Sigma 150-600C, although the lens I'll be using with this tripod when traveling is a Canon 16-35 f/4 is. The photos I've included here show how great the BH-30 works when folded.