Gitzo Systematic Series 3 kit review

What is the Gitzo Systematic Series 3 kit and who is it for?

There are some things that are worth spending extra money for, not because they come from a well-known brand but because they simply perform incredibly and never let you down. Gitzo tripods are one such case.

I’ve been a Gitzo fan since I invested in my first ever set of high-end sticks over two decades ago. The quality was so good that I invested in a larger version for a heavier camera, then a traveller model for packing light followed by a mid-size, self-levelling one to use for video when I started shooting movies on DSLR. I still use that one a lot. 

Next came the 100th anniversary compact version and two different sized monopods. I have loved them all, although I have often preferred the Arca-Swiss heads for stills shooting because of a slight edge in adjustability over the Gitzo versions.

I thought the Gitzo tripods could not be improved but having used the Systematic Series 3 tripod kit, which has three-section legs and comes with a Series 4 centre ball head, I know I was wrong. The brand has raised the bar in every way, and the head is leaps ahead of the older versions.

What are the key features of the Gitzo Systematic Series 3 kit?

The head – officially dubbed the GH4383LR – is heavy-duty and ideal for large telephoto lenses or cameras with lots of accessories. It is engineered to facilitate ultimate smoothness and precision, using a large, super-smooth, coated, hollow-sphere ball. Though less than 1kg, the head holds a 30kg load, even in extreme conditions and temperatures ranging from -30 to 70°C.

There is a friction control to enable precise adjustment and a bubble level to help maintain a true horizon. A 360° independent panning lock provides smooth movement in a fluid cartridge and a short-rotation fast lock assists in getting the shot locked off quickly.

It’s not a dedicated fluid video head but rather the smooth movement that means it can pan with a nice action. If you mainly use your tripod for stills or locked-down video shots with the occasional pan, it’s a fantastic bit of kit.

The top-plate clamps on with a lever lock that is easy to use and won’t come loose. Every detail is top class.

The head complements Gitzo’s Series 3 Systematic tripod legs, which are designed to hold long lenses and heavy cameras. The GT3533LS hits the sweet spot between minimal weight and maximum durability and stability.

The head and legs come together as a kit, but there are lots of available Gitzo versions so you can mix and match in terms of size and features. I’ve always been a fan of the Systematic family as they are Gitzo’s most stable tripods while still being modular – so you can mix and match if you want a centre column or certain video head.

Not using a centre column means the tripod is able to go very low to the ground, too. And the leg locks work perfectly so that everything can be adjusted quickly and still doesn’t slip.

Conclusion

It’s quality Italian engineering that looks good, performs well and gives lasting value.

Gitzo Systematic Series 3 kit price and availability

The Gitzo Systematic Series 3 kit is available to buy, with a starting price of £1443.

For more information, visit the Gitzo website.