3-Section or 4-Section Tripod? Which To Get?

I'm about to invest in either the Gitzo Systematic GT5532LS or the GT5542LS and I'm trying to decide which to go for. My GUESS is that the 4 section is great for hiking/traveling because it compacts down more when closed. That's not really an important need for me. The 5532 closes only 3 inches longer if I read right. But why have a 3 section over a 4? Is it physically sturdier due to less sections? At this price range I want sturdy sturdy, closed length is irrelevant, so to me the 3 section is the way to go for my needs. I'd just like to hear some feedback before I pull the trigger, in case I'm missing something.

Quick Update, 15 minutes after posting this, I looked at B&H and they have the 4-section for almost $90 cheaper than the 3-section. For THAT I'd go for the 4 section, only if it's as sturdy as a 3.

Thanks!

Paul

Paul: I went through the same thought process a few years ago buying a Gitzo. I ended up buying the 4 section. All the specs say the 4 section is as strong / sturdy as the 3 section. I don't have any reason to dispute that after a few years use with my 4 section. I was also concerned about time to set up the tripod. With the Gitzo leg locks, I can unlock all of the sections on a leg at once with one twist by just grabbing all of the leg locks at once so I haven't found any downsides to the 4 section so far. I've used 3 section versions and they are great as well. I was concerned about the length for traveling which prompted my decision after studying. Sounds like folded length for you doesn't matter.

Exactly what I needed to hear, thanks! That 5542LS is considerably cheaper right now at B&H so based on that I'll go for the 4 section. I saw those Series 5 tripods at Imaging USA this year (they held it in Phx) and those things are massive, so I fully believe they are sturdy. Thanks again. Looks like I have a Classified ad to write now! (for my 3531).

I have the 4-section tripod. An added benefit to those already mentioned is that with the tripod head detached it will first in a reasonably-sized bag.

One caveat: the lock rings do wear out over time. They are easy to replace, but not cheap. And with the 4-section there are three more of them.

Other than that it is sturdy, light-weight and durable.

Thanks Jim!

I have Gitzo 4-sections as well, older version of series 5 [5540XL i think] and i never have an issue with it, the only cons i found is that it is a little more weight than series 3, but that is good for me to have very sturdy tripod, and i always use series 5 in my country and only i use series 3 which is also 4-sections tripod when i travel due to weight.

Go for 4-section tripod as it is cheaper and don't look back, i am sure you will like it and use it for long long time, i use mine sine 2007 or 2008 and never thinking about another tripod yet.

I just posted on your other post, wanting to sell your GT3531. This post may talk you out of the trade possibility. I use the GT5540LS (4 section leg). Sturdiness is NOT an issue at all. You can mount a house on the darn thing. Convenience is an issue however, at least for me. I've always used 3 section legs, but Gitzo didn't make a 3 section 5540 when it first came out so I went with the 4. It's not a huge hassle, but it gets on my nerves every time I use it because it takes an extra 5 seconds to set up. I know, I'm being overly sensitive about that, but that's the way I am I guess. I definitely would go with a 3 section leg if at all possible.

Thanks Tareq, sounds like there's no real drawback to a 4 section other than 3 extra twists (seems to drive Bill nuts though, lol!). I'm realizing now that 3 section pods are noticeably sturdier when you're talking the under $300 range... I had a Manfrotto CF 190 for a while, worked OK for a 5D2 with a 16-35mm, but once the 70-200mm was mounted, it started to go Jello on me.

Bill, thanks for the offer, but I've already begun the ordering process with Adorama, after hammering them for a price match... B&H and Amazon had the same 5542 for almost $200 less, and I have a credit with Adorama to mix up into the purchase, so I'll need to pass on the trade. But thanks!

OK, now I get it. Now that I held the GT5542LS in my hands and set it up and all that, this thing could hold a tree house steady. 4-section being less sturdy than 3-section is irrelevant when the leg diameter is like a tree trunk! Wow, I finally found my stills tripod for life, lol. The 5 series is a massive tripod but the next time I rent a 400mm/2.8, that Gitzo will laugh at me.