The GT3542L Mountaineer Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod from Gitzo features Carbon eXact tubing, which includes High Modulus carbon fiber in the lower leg sections, adding to their diameters and making the tripod more rigid and stronger than its predecessor. The GT3542L has a load capacity of 55 lb, extends to a maximum height of 70", and folds down to 23.2" for transport.

The center column on the tripod can be removed for Ground Level Set, which enables the tripod to reach its lowest height of 6.3". Its four-section legs are secured with twist locks that incorporate G-lock Ultra, which has an internal O-ring to prevent dust and particles from entering the leg system. The top spider has been redesigned to add rigidity, and large leg angle selectors give you more area to grip when readjusting leg angles. A ballast hook on the center column allows you to add weight to increase the tripod's stability.

Load Capacity: 55 lb    Maximum Height: 70"    Minimum Height: 6.3"    Folded Length: 23.2"    Leg Sections: 4    Weight: 4.3 lb    Carbon eXact Tubing    G-Lock Ultra Twist Locks    Redesigned Top Spider

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is this tripod sturdy enough for a Nikon 600/4 with Wimberley WH-200 head?

A: Yes. I have used it without any problem for Canon 5DIII with 70-200 L2.8 at the top of a mountain in a windy time. To enhance its sturdiness you can hang a carring beg or something heavy to the middle rising bar.

Q: 2. Does the RRS ball head BH-40 fit the Gitzo GT3542L tripod leg?

A: Yes RRS ball head BH-40 does fit the Gitzo GT3542L tripod leg.

Q: 3. What is the diameter of the tripod head mounting plate (the whole plate, not the screw)?

A: The disc diameter is 2.36 in / 60mm.

Q: 4. What leveling base is recommended for this tripod? I am interested in shooting panoramas with a RRS gimbal head.

A: I use the Acratech Leveling Base 1117 with 3/8" stud. It's low profile and adequate for my needs as well as relatively affordable.

Q: 5. I plan on getting a nikon 600mm f4 & need a tripod that can handle it. This tripod is rated 46.3 lbs payload, more than three times the lense & 800e. The legs are very stable. Is my thinking correct?? Thank you, David Stanfill

A: The Nikon 600mm f4 is a serious lens and for it you will want a serious tripod. The GT3542L Mountaineer Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod from Gitzo would be a great choice. Of course you would also need an appropriate head for it, but you are thinking correctly.

Q: 6. Is the max height including the center stick? It seems rather short...

A: Yes, that max height would include the center column. I don't use the center column, and with the bottom of the legs 38 apart, using a ball head, the bottom of the camera sits at 53 . I'm 5'9 and this is my 2nd one - it's been a very comfortable tripod.

Q: 7. Trying to compare the Gitzo GT3542L & the GT2543L to some of the CF tripods from Induro. Anybody care to give me your 2 Cents?

A: When you see them side by side you'll but the Gitzo,I was real close to buying the Induro head though but settled on the Kirk BH-1

Q: 8. Why does is this tripod (GT3542L) better priced than other Gitzo's? (At $689 this seems a bargain compared to many similar models that have lower load specs or don't hit the 70 mark. This one seems a fit to me - just want to assure I'm getting Gitzo quality).

A: I recently purchased this tripod and had the same questions. This is a great tripod and I havent had any problems with it, it is a Gitzo through and through. I have used it for studio and location shoots and nothing wrong with it. The regular price is about 1000 but it goes on sale every once in a while.

Q: 9. What is the difference between gt2542 and gt3542 tripods?

A: The series 3 tripods are stronger and support more weight. The gt2542 goes two inches taller when fully opened. Gitzo GT3542 weighs a bit more because the legs are thicker and stronger but it does fold almost an inch smaller than the Gitzo GT2542.

Q: 10. whats the difference between GT3542L and GT3542??

A: The GT3542L is The longer version of this tripod. The folded length is 23.2 with a max height of 70.1 . The GT3542 is 21.3 folded and has a max height of 63.8 . I needed the taller version.