I have gotten my new Gitzo G1340 tripod (28th September 2001)! This is my 2nd professional series tripod. I used to own a Manfrotto 190B, but have sold it due to the height and locking system. 

 

Gitzo G1340 tripod is the model without the centre column. I was actually considering either G1224, G1320 or G1340 model, but have decided on the G1340 because of the "without centre column" type. I want to go to ground level, and the centre column of the G1224 and G1320 model is a bit too long to prevent it from going really low. Extra short centre column is expensive, and I don't want to spend more money for it. G1320 is even more expensive than the G1340, so does the G1224 + centre column. The "without centre column" type can actually increase the stability as the head is directly mounted onto the plate on the tripod, and not on a "monopod" on tripod. In the newer Gitzo Mk2 series, the centre column lock is now placed on top of the plate, which means the centre column is no longer rest directly onto the tripod plate, but on the lock. I am not sure how significance the differences are, but since I can only afford one tripod (Gitzo), thus I choose to buy the most stable one with my limited budget. I can always upgrade to centre column type by buying the extra centre column later.

    

This G1340 tripod is very very nice and solidly built. However, it is heavy. Very heavy for me. 2.9kg for the tripod alone. When stored, the tripod is lengthy (71cm). I mounted a Manfrotto 141RC head onto it, when fully extend, it is very high. Higher than my eye level (I am 182cm tall). I am sure a 190cm guy will still find it high enough. The tripod alone is 154cm when fully extend, but when you couple a head onto it, then it is high enough for most people. If you are 180cm tall, you don't need a tripod + head to be 180cm tall as well, as your eyes are about 10cm below your height. My rule of thumb is that a 150cm or tall tripod is sufficient for most, at least for me.

 

 

Below are the specifications of some of the Gitzo tripods in my consideration before I got my G1340:

Model
G1340 Mk2 Performance	O	3	---	154	11	71	2.9	10
G1320 Mk2 Performance	R	3	193	159	49.5	74	3.29	10
G1224 Mk2 Industrial Performance	R	3	182	147	45	67	2.4	6

    The tripod originally set to have very tighten screws on the legs. I have to apply very much energy/strength to lift or press the leg (to adjust angles of the legs). Not so practical in field. My G1340 doesn't come with the tool to open or tighten the screws, but when I check the G1224 model in Singapore, it does has the "spanner" for the tripod. I wonder if the dealer forgot to include it? Can anyone who has bought this tripod confirm this with me? I have managed to borrow two "spanners" (yes you need two) to loosen up the screws, and now the legs are easier to lift/press.
 

There is a bubble level on the tripod. I notice that not all 3 series tripods has this bubble level. G1320 doesn't has the bubble level, G1224 doesn't has it too.

 

The wing lock of the G1340 is nice. It is faster to lock/unlock, and not as painful to use as the screw lock. However, if you want to go ground level (80 degree angle), you might need to turn the wing locks so that the wings are not facing the ground. This is to prevent the tripod from resting on the wings instead of the legs. The wing locks might not be as easy to store as those with only screw locks too.

 

    Haven got the chance to try the tripod in field. I will try to shoot as soon as possible...to test the tripod together with my newly bought Nikkor AFD 105mm f/2.8 micro lens.

 

Again...heavy...heavy...it is definitely not a tripod to go travel. Definitely not a hand carry luggage, and one must check the tripod it. I use to carry my Manfrotto 190 tripod on my backpack, but I don't think the Gitzo G1340 is possible to put on my Lowepro S&F Rover backpack again. Think carefully before you buy, as it is really heavy. Am I regretting? Ha...no...not now until I test it in the field. I am very satisfied with what I got. I will try get a Manfrotto or smaller/cheaper tripod in future
to go for travel.