André Fisahn , Mar 28, 2003; 11:42 a.m.
Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a lightweight tripod for serious hiking/climbing. Headwise I think I will get the Arcatech Ultimate. Legwise I'm torn between the 1127 and 1227 (for stability reasons I would like to avoid the 4-section models). Will the 1127 be too light with the Arcatech head? I have an Canon EOS Elan II (EOS 50) body and the heaviest lense will be a Canon 100mm macro.
Thanks for your input.
André
Alex Lofquist , Mar 28, 2003; 12:12 p.m.
I don't know about the 1127, but the 1227/1228 will carry a 500 f/4 and Kirk ball head. I would think that the Elan and 100 macro, while requiring more stability than general photography, ought to work well with thw lighter 1127.
Quang-Tuan Luong 
, Mar 28, 2003; 03:33 p.m.
The 1127 will be fine. I have used it with a 5x7 camera in the
past, and the main problem was small footprint.
Shun Cheung 
, Mar 28, 2003; 05:39 p.m.
We have the G1227/1228, and the heaviest lens I would put on those would be a 300mm/f4 or 80-200mm/f2.8 type. A 500mm/f4 would not be very stable on them. At a pinch it is ok, but I wouldn't use those combos on any regular basis.
The G1127 is a pretty small tripod and the bottom legs on the G1128 are literally pencil thin. If you are sure that you won't put anything larger and heavier than a 100mm macro, the G1127 should be ok. If you want to be on the safe side, I would get the G1227. I don't know about climbing, but at least in my case hiking with the G1227/1228 is not a problem.
Warren Huang , Mar 28, 2003; 11:09 p.m.
Andre,
Assuming the 100mm macro's your biggest and heaviest lens, the 1127 will be more than adequate. I've done some serious hiking (but no climbing) with my 1127 and every pound helps.
That being said, if you're tall and don't mind carrying the extra pound (if that much), the 1227 is taller and may be more comfortable to use.
Brian Walsh , Apr 01, 2003; 12:57 a.m.
1. I use a Gitzo 1127 for hiking, now that I've sold my 1228. In side-by-side tests, I thought that the smaller tripod was as vibration-free and just as strong as the fully-extended 1228, although a bit shorter.
2. The Acratech head is apparently excellent, but you might consider if you're carrying more weight than necessaryDo you you need such a strong ballhead for your small kit? The Leica large ball and socket head lauded here by Ellis Vener would easily hold your camera with its heaviest lens. If you cut the bottom off the tripod center column (saves a few an ouncese that aren't needed, anyway, if you don't extend the column...), the column can easily reverse, and the Leica head can nest between the tripod legs to make a small, compact package. Personally, I'd rather carry extra food than the weight of needlessly heavy gear.
3. Regarding the "small footprint" mentioned above: The 1127/8 tripods have a smaller leg angle (ca. 21 degrees) than do the rest of the Gitzo performance tripods, including the 1227, and are thus less stable. (Note the lower recommended maximum load.) If you spend a few minutes to file the metal leg stops to increase the angle to the standard 24 degrees, the small tripod will be at least as stable as the 1228, and still strong enough to hold _you_.
pierre bize , Apr 02, 2003; 06:54 p.m.
definitely go for the 1127. I hike and climb a lot in the alps with it and I think it is already quite heavy. It will handle well the lenses you have: never use it with the center column extended though and when extra stability is needed you can always use it with the legs not fully extended.
Have fun and take care!
