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Gitzo 3530s vs feisol 3342

Bryan W M

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Oct 31, 2011
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As the title says I'm looking at a Gitzo 3530s with a G0105350 head thinking about getting a RRS TA-3 head to replace it if I get it.

Or would a Feisol 3342 with a RRS universal leveling plate be a better set up.
 
I've got the 3530LS and RRS TA-3. I've handled both the Feisol 3342 and 3372 with universal leveling bases.

If possible you would want to look at the Gitzo 3530LS rather than the 3530S, I think the 3530S is a bit short, an 8" difference. Shooting full height standing, using the tripod as rear support, shooting with the tripod on an incline are all situations where you'll need extra height. I know it's hard to find a used Gitzo though, and I wouldn't spend the money on a new one - just get a RRS tripod instead.

As far as comparing Gitzo vs Feisol models, I think it's more fair to compare the Feisol 3372 vs the Gitzo 3530LS. The smaller Feisol 3342 is a lot lighter (2.4lb vs 4lb) and while a good tripod it's just not as substantial as the 3 series Gitzo. It's more comparable to a 2 series tripod from Gitzo or RRS.

The bigger 3372 Feisol is very nice, super sturdy and light weight, about 1/3lb lighter than the Gitzo. I think the tripod legs may be a bit more rigid too. Both the Feisol and Gitzo are really good tripods.

Biggest difference IMO is whether you want to use the RRS TA-U Universal leveling base or the RRS TA-3 Leveling base since the Feisol can't use the TA-3 leveling base, only the TA-U. Both are very solid and lock down tight. There's maybe a small advantage to the TA-3 since the center of gravity of the rifle and rotation axis sits lower into the tripod, helping keep everything a little more stable. The taller you go from the tripod center crown (mounts, center columns, ballheads, whatever) the less stable it will be as a rule of thumb.

The other big difference between the RRS Universal leveling base and the TA-3 is the user interface. The universal leveling base has two paddles that stick out at 90 degrees from the head and are somewhat inset into the side profile of the base. When you are on the rifle and you reach up to grab the leveling base, your hand has to locate the orientation of the paddles and then make adjustments to tension. The paddles might be turned sideways or straight in line with you, all depending on how you put the tripod on the ground. It's just a bit less user friendly than the TA-3 where you can reach under the tripod and grab the handle, turn to tighten or loosen, as well as use the handle as an aid in orienting the rifle (almost like a vertical grip on an AR when aiming). The couple friends that I've seen trying out the TA-3 and Universal side by side preferred the TA-3 interface.

All this is really splitting hairs though, and as soon as you owned one or the other you'd quickly be used to it and it wouldn't be any sort of issue. The Gitzo TA-3 combo is my preference (RRS tripod + TA-3 if you have the $$), but the Feisol 3372 TA-U combo is badass and the Feisol 3342 TA-U is a killer lightweight setup. Not a bad choice in the group.
 
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I'm 5'10" I was thinking with the Ta-3 and a pig saddle it should be perfect.

It's listed at 60" high
I've never used a tripod so please correct me if my thinking is wrong.

Thank you very much that is a lot of useful information!!
 
I believe Gitzo 3530S is 50" tall extended and the 3530LS is 58" tall extended. I'm 6" tall and the 3530LS is right at shoulder height with a rifle mounted.

If you do PRS style competition at all, using the tripod leg as a rear support for the buttstock of the rifle with your off hand is a very effective technique that you see guys using when shooting off a barricade. The 3530S would be too short for some of the barricades from the standing position. Not enough leg height to grab onto. If you don't compete this isn't really a problem but if you do it's a big deal.

Also, if you can find a way at all I would run a hard plate mount on your rifle rather than trying to use the pig saddle. RRS Lever clamp on the plus a arca swiss style plate on the rifle is where it's at. Way more stable than the pig saddle and faster to get in/out of as well.


 
I have the feisol 3342 and RRS leveling head with the RRS arca Swiss plates on my rifles for quick attach and detach ability. Very awesome setup. Never used the other tripod so I have no opinion on it.
 
Also, if you can find a way at all I would run a hard plate mount on your rifle rather than trying to use the pig saddle. RRS Lever clamp on the plus a arca swiss style plate on the rifle is where it's at. Way more stable than the pig saddle and faster to get in/out of as well.

I'm in a similar situation, looking for a better tripod. Seriously considering the 3372. Also, these guys are right about the leveling base with direct attachment. I recently switched from the pig saddle to the RRS rail on my DT and just using the an old crappy photography tripod and the difference in stability is amazing.


crappy cell phone pic..
 

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