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Gitzo G1297 Basalt Reporter Tripod
Reviews Views Date of last review
1 1593 Sat September 23, 2006
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Recommended By Average Price Average Rating
100% of reviewers £250.00 9.0
GI1297_Gitzo1297.jpg
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Description: Gitzo G1297 Basalt Reporter 3 Sec. Tripod

Ideal tripod range for 35mm SLR and medium format cameras from 6x4.5 to lightweight 6x6 plus videocamcorders.

Created by nature from volcanic rock for Gitzo, the G1297 is part of a new Basalt Fiber range designed for demanding professionals who need a lightweight rock solid tripod.

Suited for cameras ranging from compact digital to medium format film, this new tripod range is more durable and better at absorbing vibrations than aluminum models with similar dimensions. The legs are tougher than aluminum, yet 20% lighter.

Basalt fiber tube fabrication capabilities were developed for the space program due to the material’s lightweight strength and heat/humidity resistant properties. Gitzo utilized these while creating a new way of producing tripods. Basalt, a black lightweight rock, is pulverized, then melted at extreme temperatures (2732oF) and drawn into long thin fibers. The fiber is then combined with other natural materials and drawn through a shaping die to create multi-layer tubes of exceptional performance. The result is a non-rotating tube that meets the demands of today’s professional photographers.

The legs are assembled using Gitzo’s "H.I.S.," a dual "screw thread and glue" jointing technology that provides greater durability and reliability than alternative methods.

It takes only seconds to open and secure the tripod with the new Anti-Leg-Rotation (ALR) system. Just loosen all twist locks at the same time and pull down the leg before tightening the twist locks.

Employing waterproof bushings with humidity resistant basalt makes it safer to use the tripod near and in water. A fitting touch, since Basalt makes up most of the world’s ocean floor. As an added plus, basalt tubes won’t get hot and cold to the touch like aluminum does.

As usual, Gitzo left no detail overlooked. A redesigned built-in, spring-loaded, retractable accessory hook saves space and eliminates snags while providing a place to hang equipment, such as a camera bag, sand/water bag, on the bottom of the center column.

Specification

Material
Basalt

Series
2

Still Photography
Yes

Video
Yes

Maximum Height with extended center column
61.8 in

Maximum Height
49 in

Minimum Height
17.3 in

Closed Length
23.2 in

Leg Sections
3

Foot Type
Removable Rubber Leg Tip

Maximum Load Capacity
12.1 lbs

Weight
3.4 lbs
Keywords: G1297 Basalt Reporter 3 Sec. Tripod


Author
Post A Reply 
P-E
Growing roots

Registered: August 2005
Location: Sheffield, S.Yorkshire UK
Posts: 8429
Review Date: Sat September 23, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: £250.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Quality build. Light & Stable.
Cons: Non so far

Well I have to admit I have wasted for too much money on cheap tripods over the years ignoring everyone's advice about how important a good tripod is.

For me weight/stability is very important as I hike around for long periods of time and the last tripod I had was the Manfrotto 055 PRO........this was stable but just to heavy to carry after several hours.

So I decided to sell it and buy the Gitzo............and I couldn't be happier.

The weight is perfect.........No problems so far holding a 1D MKII and lens, although not yet been in any severe winds.

I quickly got used to the twist lock legs which I now prefer over the clip lock type.

Each leg folds out to three seperate positions.........I have often had two legs in a stream with the third one horizontal into a bank.

One addition I did make was to add some screw in spikes to the legs to add stability in soft ground.

I have no hesitation recommending this tripod.
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