GITZO Mountaineer Series 3: The Most Rigid 4-Section Carbon Tripod
Updated: Oct 22
Investing in a GITZO tripod is not a decision to make lightly. Few people would impulsively buy such a high-end piece of equipment. The steep cost usually requires careful consideration, especially if you're planning to add a Ball, 2D, or 3D head simultaneously.
Just like with all products from the brand, purchasing a GITZO tripod means stepping into a world of comfort, craftsmanship, and reliability that you may not have experienced before. When you decide to invest in a GITZO tripod and head, you're often acquiring a lifetime companion. That's certainly the bet I've made, and I have absolutely no regrets!
Does such an investment truly offer advantages that make a difference in the field?
Having used this tripod for many years, my answer is clear: it's a no-brainer. With a GITZO tripod, your photography will never be the same again.
Ease of use, smooth operation, lightness, and unparalleled durability are major assets for travel. This indestructible gear will stand by you during your most adventurous journeys and under the most extreme conditions, never letting you down.
Why the GITZO Mountaineer Series 3 Tripod is Remarkable
1. Carbon Fiber Finish
GITZO tripods are made from eXact® Carbon Fiber, making them extremely rigid and lightweight. The leg sections glide smoothly even after years of use and without any special maintenance. Due to its lightness, the GITZO Mountaineer will easily fit into your luggage. When folded, the tripod takes up very little space (54 cm) and can be carried in a standard suitcase.
2. Leg Locking System
The tripod's G-Lock Ultra® leg locking system is easy to operate. A quarter-turn and the leg is locked in place. The locking rings are thick and come with a non-slip rubber grip, making it easy to lock the tripod securely under any conditions and in all types of weather, even while wearing gloves. The integrated locking rings also protect the tripod from dust and dirt. The entire system can also be folded up in just a few seconds.
3. Unique Rigidity and Outdoor Stability
Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the GITZO Mountaineer offers unparalleled rigidity. The diameter of the upper leg sections is 32.9mm, making the Mountaineer Series 3 the most robust tripod in the GITZO range. The thickness of the tripod legs, coupled with the G-Lock Ultra® locking system, ensures perfect stability for your fieldwork even in windy conditions. You can also place your GITZO Mountaineer in water (rivers, lakes, seas) for long exposures without worrying about motion blur due to wave movement.
4. The Quick Central Column
The easy-to-unlock central column for adjusting the working height comes with a hook that allows you to hang additional weight (such as your camera bag), further enhancing stability. The column can also be easily removed to allow for ground-level photography (at 15 cm) by fully extending the tripod legs. Additionally, the column can be inverted to mount the camera between the tripod's legs.
5. The Angle Selector
The tripod's chassis has been designed to provide additional rigidity, and the wider angle selectors make it even simpler to adjust the angle of each leg. Each selector has three settings to perfectly adjust your tripod to the terrain conditions. They are easy to operate even when wearing gloves in cold weather.
6. A Tripod That Never Gets Cold
Being made of carbon fiber, the tripod is comfortable to carry with bare hands on cold days, avoiding the frozen hands issue that you might experience with aluminum tripods. This is a detail that becomes important when you're out for several hours of winter shooting.
7. Complete Disassembly for Maintenance
After multiple shooting sessions in tough conditions, it's possible that dust, sand, or even water (if you submerge your tripod) can get inside the legs. To clean this, disassembly is straightforward. In just a few seconds you can take apart the legs, locking rings, spring blades, and end caps and clean them easily. Allow them to dry overnight and you'll be ready to reassemble everything in a matter of minutes.
8. Always Available Replacement Parts
If you've accidentally lost a part of your tripod, a tip or a spring blade, there's no need to worry. Contact customer service and you can buy original GITZO replacement parts, regardless of your tripod or head model (see below).
Technical Specifications of GITZO Mountaineer Series 3 Tripods
The GITZO Mountaineer Series 3 comes in two sizes: Standard size and size L.
I. Standard Size Series 3 GT3542:
- Working height with central column: Max 162 cm
- Maximum working height with central column lowered: 134 cm
- Folded length without head: 54 cm
- Weight without head: 1.86 kg
- Minimum ground-level working height: 15 cm
- Number of sections: 4
- Head attachment: 1/4" and 3/8" screw threads
- Load capacity: 21 kg
Check the prices of the GITZO Mountaineer Serie 3 GT3542
GITZO Mountaineer Serie 3 Standard Size
II. Size L Series 3 GT3542L:
- Working height with central column: Max 178 cm
- Maximum working height with central column lowered: 150 cm
- Folded length without head: 59 cm
- Weight without head: 1.95 kg
- Minimum ground-level working height: 16 cm
- Number of sections: 4 (long)
- Head attachment: 1/4" and 3/8" screw threads
- Load capacity: 21 kg
Check the prices of the GITZO Mountaineer Serie 3 GT3542L
GITZO Mountaineer Serie 3 Size L
Which Head to Choose for Your GITZO Mountaineer Tripod
GITZO tripods can be equipped with any head that has a standard 1/4" and 3/8" screw thread. However, you will get the best performance from your tripod when paired with a GITZO head. All GITZO heads are made of high-quality steel and aluminum alloy. All GITZO heads come with an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate system.
The brand offers 4 types of heads:
- Ball Heads
- 2D Heads
- 3D Heads
- Fluid Pendulum Heads
Each type of head is naturally suited for specific needs. The GITZO Mountaineer Series 3 (GT3542) can be equipped with any system. However, based on my experience, it performs optimally when paired with original Ball Heads. These are sturdy and compact, allowing you to carry the entire setup in your luggage or suitcase without having to disassemble it.
I have tested the GITZO Series 3 and Series 1 Ball Heads, both with quick-release plates. The choice will largely depend on the weight of your camera and lens. The precision of the adjustments and the Ball Locking® system of these two heads are exceptional. They come with a friction adjustment feature that helps prevent accidental tilting of the camera forward, thereby protecting your lens from hitting the tripod leg.
Check the prices of the GITZO Rotule Ball Serie 3
GITZO Rotule Ball Serie 3
Check the prices of the GITZO Rotule Ball Serie 1
GITZO Rotule Ball Serie 1
Did you find this post interesting? Did you get useful information? Please, feel free to leave a comment below and share it on social media. This helps me continue my work. Thank you in advance for your support.