The Gitzo GT2331 Series 2 sits at the high end of the price range, at a rather steep £246. Straight out of the box, it’s tucked neatly into a lightweight drawstring sack to guard it from scuffs, but this isn’t padded so wouldn’t offer much protection from forceful knocks.
The lightweight but sturdy legs feature slick, self-locking leg-spread locks that snap into place as you close them, preventing them from slipping outwards. The three adjustable leg sections are secured in place using the twist-locks, which do a great job and prevent slipping under pressure. The centre column is quickly and easily adjusted via a single twist-lock, and is capable of holding up to 9kg of weight with ease – plenty strong enough to support the weight of a professional D-SLR and hefty lens. I t’s a short tripod, though, measuring in at 131cm when fully extended – but that’s nothing to be scoffed at, and it will provide you with enough height for most shooting situations. Folded up to its smallest size, the Gitzo measures a reasonable 63cm, and weighs a modest 1.8kg (without a head), making it a manageable package to transport.
The GT2331 Series 2 is a beautifully designed set of sticks, with its silky matte black finish, stocky legs and chunky rubberised leg grips, however, there’s an undeniable lack of features for the cost. Lacking extras such as a spirit level and horizontal centre column, it does make it hard to justify the steep price tag.
Weight 1.8kg
Max height: 131cm
Max load: 9kg
www.gitzo.co.uk