Use instead of the long column that ships with most Induro series 3 tripods. FITS Gitzo Series 3 as well!
931157
Solid well made 8X Carbon fiber. An excellent alternative to the extra long center column that came equipped on my CT 313 tripod. That tripod has tall legs so the long center column will most often not be in use at all.

I can also use this and the long Induro 3 series center column interchangeably with my Gitzo series 3!!! At considerable saving vs. the pricey Gitzo parts!
3902541
I needed a compact and light Tripod for travel. I had previously bought the Manfrotto 190cxpro4 which is quite handsome, light and sturdy but still large with the ballhead. The Gitzo 1550T was out of production and the GK1580TQR5 remained the smallest that I could then find for Gitzo carbon fiber. There were some other choices like the Sirui T1205x sold without a ballhead and even others  that had good specs but I would not be able to get my hands on (Mookira Q). I . . .passed. . . on. . . those.

The GK1580TQR5 is, as Gitzos go, quite dear. It is a notch above the Manfrotto in the rigidity of the carbon fiber(both are handsome - the Manfrotto's is shinier). The Gitzo GK1580TQR5 however has the extra leg section which is thinner. In general, there is some flex in that bottom section of the Gitzo GK1580TQR5 which is almost imaginary with my camera lens combinations.

As I was used to the Manfrotto's lever locks, I had some doubts at first concerning the Gitzo twist section locks but with practice I now can open and set up quickly with the Gitzo, and close up and get ready to move with it just as fast. I am still faster with the lever section locks of the Manfrotto, but this may be also be partly due to the need to fold the legs up and around the Gitzo head which I do not do with my Manfrotto. Hence, I can move slightly faster with the Manfrotto - but the Manfrotto remains a larger/longer package which often becomes a factor, not just for air travel but also for around town - spontaneous carry.

Both the Gitzo and Manfrotto come with hooks for stabilization.

I had wisely chosen to equip my Manfrotto with an Arca-Swiss plate receiver equipped Sirui ballhead. Later, all of my cameras and long lenses were thus equipped with Arca-Swiss plates. The Gitzo GK1580TQR5, however, comes attached to a proprietary receiver and one proprietary plate. Extra Gitzo plates are also available on Amazon for $25 each. Even as I appreciated that the Gitzo head allowed a smaller profile for the tripod when folded, Arca-Swiss plates have remained such an industrial standard that I needed to retain and not go back on. Ideally one would change the Gitzo ballhead out and I may still eventually do this. At this point, my current solution is adopt the Desmond DGZA-1 Gitzo to Arca-Swiss QR plate adapter purchased on Amazon for $25. It can be set up in advance, lets me use my Arca-Swiss plates and works quite well even though an extra step is introduced. So far I have only needed to purchase 1 Desmond DGZA-1 which stays with the Gitzo Tripod.

I remain miffed that an expensive Tripod like the Gitzo does not come supplied with its own carry-case(only a paper-fabric dust cover), even if it fits comfortably in many a knapsack. I did look for many alternatives to the Gitzo branded case (Gitzo 1202t) but that is what I still ended purchasing on Amazon.

The Gitzo  GK1580TQR5 Series 1 6 x Carbon Fiber is a sturdy, beautiful, light, and well-constructed luxury item.

I remain satisfied with my decision to purchase it.

I also certainly intend to update this review as I obtain more experience with it.

Cheers To All.
1454852
I have the Neewer Gimbal and this won't work, it fits but now my locking mode rolls and meh its just a paperweight
4335491
Fitted perfect on my tripod. I forget which Vanguard tripod I have but they stopped making the plate. This was the perfect alternative.
1071798
This is my second Gitzo Tripod (the first one was and my favorite one for  wildlife photography Gitzo Systematic  GT3542XLS) Few days a go i purchased this tripod with the Gitzo GH1382QD Ball Head. and i tell, it is tough built and last for ever and in my humble opinion this tripod  really worth every penny that I paid for so  it One of the best Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod.
i have tested it with Canon 5DsR+ Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and this tripod handled them like nothing. also used it with the New Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and felt confident about this tripod will handle those big monster Body + L Lenses.
112763
Fit my Orion Sirius EQ-G Equatorial Mount #9995 perfectly. I then added a round rubber ball #5 pound weight to my system, and extended it's capabilities. WOW, awesome!
2266677
Fits the tripod perfectly and works as described
3230885
Put these stairs on to my RPod 180. Fit is quite tight between the RPod's brackets but they did make it. Had to elongate a mounting hole on either side to mount them. Otherwise well made and the right step height.
2669639
They don't fit. The metal fastener will not fit over the lighting stand. I use Bescor, Matthews, and Lowel lighting tripods, and the mount on the tripod is too big for the metal insert. I was able to remove the metal clip and place the plastic piece on the tripod, but I have no way to tighten it. If the metal opening was 1/8 inch bigger, they would be great.
2570075
I have a Proline Carbon Fiber ZX600B300. This quick release absolutely does not fit. Don't buy if you have my same tripod.
836519
First thing to do is read the questions and answers.  I have the Polaroid XS camera with a standard tripod mount.  I thought that this head band kit came with a different size mounting screw 1/4" versus 3/8".  After a few hours of messing around and fidgeting with it with a micrometer and such, it was not the diameter but the length of screw.  I had to take apart the screw mounting assembly and sand down the screw knob in order to have enough thread length to attach to the camera.  I am not sure if this was a quality control issue or something else.  It works for me, and I was able to solve the problem to make it work.
1228888
Love it, I ordered thej wrong one at first, but now we have this model.  It folds down very small.  I didn't like the head (we use this with an SLR with 180 degree lens and a Nodal Ninja) because our equipment is heavy, so I bought a "Slik SH-704E Compact All-Metal 3-Way Pan Head with Quick Release" and this has worked great.

The tripod + replacement head was still cheaper than the competing product.  The built in monopod is a nice touch.
4827388
Superior to the shoe that came on the Velbon tripod: The 1/4"-20 screw has a little tab for turning it by finger instead of with a screwdriver.  Perfect fit.
590757
These D-ring screws are nicely made and are a good upgrade for MeFOTO tripods. However, the shaft may be too long to fit the tripod socket on some camera models, but the threads can be ground down.
1815140
Sturdy. Works well. But the quick release piece that attaches to the camera is not the standard rectanglular one. It is square so I couldn't quickly switch my camera from this Tripod to my larger one. I wish I had realized that before I purchased it but otherwise I do like it!
1584235
My work around has been supplemental lighting. Fortunately the newer cams have better back lighting. I still have not been able to figure out how to separate the fourth lens. I'd appreciate a better user guide. This is going to be a lot of trial and error. The tripod is pretty small (legs are about 6.5" long fully extended) and needs to be carefully stabilized on a flat surface.

is the case compatible with lenses from other manufacturers?
595467
I just bought a Ball Head for my tripod and it didn't fit my camera.  So, I bought this.  Now, everything fits perfectly.  Would recommend this one if you need an adapter.