Introduction
| Name | Gitzo GT3533LS Systematic |
| Class | Systematic |
| Yaw Stiffness | 1399 +/- 4 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.406 +/- 0.04 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 4612 +/- 28 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.821 +/- 0.082 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $860 |
| Weight | 4.59 lbs (2.08 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 55 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 59.7 in (151.6 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 3.9 in (9.9 cm) |
| Center Column | No |
| Base Diameter | 2.8 in (7.1 cm) |
| Folded Length | 26.5 in (67.3 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 15.3 in (38.9 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 494.0 cu. in. (8.1 liters) |
| Leg Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 23 deg |
| Leg Locks | Twist |
| Top Tube Diameter | 32.9 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 29.0 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 25.4 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | Yes |
| Foot Type | Rubber Platform |
| Bottom Hook | Yes |
The test results are included here as I consider them to be part of the tripod’s specification. For full discussion of the stiffness and damping, see the test results page of the review.
For the most part, the specifications speak for themselves. The GT3533LS is large and heavy tripod, just as we expect for a tripod in this class. Don’t even think about getting this tripod into a carry on bag. Its at home when used in the studio or not too far from a car. The weight isn’t so much an issue here as the bulk. The Gitzo is a cumbersome companion even when strapped to the outside of a pack. The relatively low weight though makes it a pleasure to walk around and shoot with.
The leg angle of 23 degrees is perfectly within the acceptable range. While I prefer a degree or two more, I’m not going to put up a fuss about this one.
As usual, the manufacturer weight rating is a meaningless specification. Yes, you can easily put 55 lbs onto the GT3533LS and it won’t collapse. You could put much more than that. If you ever were to consider 55 lbs of equipment, you need a telescope tripod, not a camera one.
What’s in the Box?
The GT3533LS comes with two sets of feet, some hex wrenches, and a Gitzo branded dust bag. The dust bag is just that, something to store the tripod in and keep the dust off. It is not a carrying case and would not hold up to any sort of abuse. The two sets of feet are a nice touch. The first are just rubber studs that perform well in a variety of conditions. The second are what I call ‘platform feet’ that perform well on flat surfaces, and when you don’t need to move the tripod around much.