Gitzo is a beast. The kind of beast you need to have a secure photography platform. Highly Recommended
On my StarCircleAcademy website I have some really detailed examples of what can go wrong if you choose the wrong tripod, head, or quick release plates. Gitzo Series 2 and better tripods are NOT a bad choice. Indeed, I think they are a GREAT choice. I had a Series 2 and broke the head (also called the casting or spider) where one of the legs attaches... but that took 8 years and a lot of mistreatment. By contrast I've snapped several inferior tripods and given up in disgust on several others. Do yourself a favor and get the Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 or 3. Avoid the Series 0 or 1 or the Gitzo traveler versions... they are just too flimsy for any "real" DSLR. At one of our Night Photography workshops it was very windy and 4 of 16 people had their tripod/camera blow over. Not mine. I hung my camera bag from the center column and took advantage of the sturdiness of the legs. (It also helps to set up the tripod correctly, the center column should be vertical regardless of the slope of the ground). The series 2 and 3, tripods are beasts. The newer design even has a quick way to detach the center column so you can put the tripod nearly flat on the ground. That scenario doesn't happen very often, though, and it remains to be seen if that extra mechanism to lock on the top plate on the tripod will prove to be a weakness in stability rather than a strength. Gitzo also offers a Systematic series with no center column. While that may sound superior - and lighter, I find that it's much easier to fine tune the height with the center column present, than without one. Besides, if you like that arrangement, you can remove and not carry the center column - you'll only save a few ounces though. Because my night photography often has me point my camera straight up, the extra few inches I can raise the head above the legs makes it possible to tilt my camera straight up, even if I'm using a telephoto lens with a ring collar on my ball head. You can't do that if you don't have the extra room afforded by the center column. The only real choice, in my opinion is between the 3-segment Series 2 and Series 3. Little is gained by choosing the 4 segment models... they are heavier and I have found that I have no difficulty packing my 3-segment series 2 or 3 INSIDE of most luggage by removing the center column. The Series 2 will also save you about 8 carry ounces over the Series 3, and gain you about an extra inch of maximum height. If there is a design flaw with the Gitzo, it's the following 2 things: 1. The hook on the center column has a rubber O-ring that won't last (or stay put) long. 2. If you don't put some super glue (or locktite) on the feet, you'll lose those pretty quickly. My Series 2 lost two feet in mud the first weekend I used it. Fortunately Gitzo sent me replacement feet at no charge. If you're looking for the perfect ball-head to put on top of your Gitzo, I recommend the Acratech GP-SS Ballhead . It's very light and versatile, yet secure and well made. In the comments I'll add a link to yet more details. Read more