Digital SLR Photography

SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSVERDICTVERDICTOften copied, but never bettered.From the GitzoSystematicrange, this GT3452LS strikesagood balance between size,weight, versatility and cost.``````Once in position, it's fabulous–solid, precise, easy. Butat3.75kg,getting it there can be a challenge.Massive height, quality build anddecent valueat£490.G### ITZO SYSTEMATICS AREwidelyregarded as thebest. Designedwithout compromiseformaximum stability, they'rethe choicefor pr ofessionalsand enthusiasts with heavycameras and big telephotos.Systematicscomewithoutacentre-columnasstandardandtheheadismountedonthewide-diametertopplate,sittinglowtothepivotjointssotheapexof thelegs–thepointof leastlateralmovement–fallsasclosetotheopticalaxisaspossible.Thetopplateisquick-detachable,andcanbereplacedwithaslidingcentre-column(atrelativelymodestcost)oragearedversion(lessmodest),makingSystematicsexcellentall-roundersandequallyat homeinthestudiooroutdoors.Therubberfeetpulloff torevealspikes,andasetof minisnow-shoesisprovided.Even withtheir rigid androbust construction,Systematics arereasonably light,with this GT3452LS coming inatunder 2kg, so they're easy to carry.Systematics are devoidoffancyfeat ures. There's nomonopod option or colourfulanodisedfi ttings, just greatdesign and top-quality build.M### ANFROTTO'S 057-SERIESis topof the range. Theseare beefy tripods, andnot for the faint-hearted, butvery well engineered with greatstrength and height and theoptionofagearedcentre-columnfor accurate positioning. The057C4-G numbers are big. It standsat 182cm,extending to an incredible 206cm. The legs aremassive – 39mm diameterat the top.But on the other hand, this is the largest versionweighing3.75kg, and with a closed lengthof67cm it's quite a handful. It's happiest in thestudio, or unless you're unusually determined,with subjects not too far from the car. Once setup though, it hasfew rivalsfor super-solidsupport, precise positioning, and easeof use.With lever leg-locks (rare in tripodsof thissize) levelling changes are quick, and gearingof the centre-column is smooth and light,for fi ne adjustment that holds positionwithout locking. The centre-column, withbubble-level clearly visibleat the bottom,can be easilyremoved and with the legsspread to the widestof three anglesettings, the minimum height drops to23cm. The chunky rubberfeet screwback toreveal integral spikes.Considering what you get, £490represents excellent value.GitzoSystematicGT3452LSManfrottoMT057C4-GBuild qualityFeaturesStabilityValueOverall``````Build qualityFeaturesStabilityValueOverall``````BESTFEATUREGearedcentre-columnissmooth,light,andprecise114 Digital SLR PhotographyNove mber2016Gear/Premiu mtripodsStreetprice:£490Normalheight:182cmExtendedheight:206cmMinimumheight:23cmLengthclosed:67cmLegsections/angles:4/3Standardlegangle:22°Legdiameters:39,34,29,25mmLeglocks:Levers(adjustable)Centre column:Geared,adds24cmheightMonopodoption:NoAccessories:NoWeight:3.75kgLoadrating:12kg (claimed)Warranty:TenyearsWebsite:www.manfrotto.co.uk``````Streetprice:£550Normalheight:147cmExtendedheight:n/aMinimumheight:9cmLengthclosed:57cmLegsections/angles:4/3Standardlegangle:23°Legdiameters:32,28,24,20mmLeglocks:CollarsCentre column:OptionalextraMonopodoption:NoAccessories:Bag,sparefeet,snow-shoesWeight:1.99kgLoadrating:25kg (claimed)Warranty:SevenyearsWebsite:www.gitzo.co.uk``````BESTFEATUREOptimiseddesign,withdrop-incentre-columnoptions