Gitzo GC1201T Series 1 Traveler Tripod Carry Case

There are a lot of confusing reviews for this, so I hope I can clear some things up with my recent purchase.I have the Gitzo 1581OT Ocean Traveler tripod and a Really Right Stuff BH-30 ballhead with lever release.First I will state that WITHOUT the RRS BH-30 ballhead the Gitzo Ocean Traveler with it's stock stainless steel ballhead will fit snuggly/easily/perfectly in this GC1201T bag.With the RRS BH-30 ballhead w/ lever release it's a little tricky to fit and zip up. After playing around for about 5 minutes in different ballhead positions, I found one where the bag can fully close without forcing it too much (just a little tug on the zipper). Hopefully I will get around to uploading a picture of it to this gallery.Would I recommend this bag? Sure, on my other Gitzo 3 series mountaineer, I have the padded Gitzo shoulder strap on it which is more convenient for hiking on trails with (but it's so much more heavier!). Also in how the traveler folds up, I do not think the Gitzo shoulder strap will work well as the legs have to flip/fold out (unless you plan to reattach the shoulder strap each time!), not to mention with it I do not think it will fit in this bag...so it was a trade off with one or the other. I could keep the tripod in it's not folding up position, and instead in the standard closed position and get a bigger bag (like the new Kata adjustable one) with the shoulder strap, but then it just defeats the whole purpose of a compact tripod design IMO.Yes the shoulder strap on this bag is not padded, but you can always improvise that and make your own out of fabrics, etc. I am about 5'10, and pretty much overweight at 230 pounds and detaching the velcro on the strap end you can extend the strap length like another poster mentioned. The strap does fit around me comfortably (with the exception of no pads on the strap).The extra pocket on the bag is a welcome to store a bubble level for the hotshoe, snacks, cellphone, and keys or just your standard Gitzo cleaning/repair kit. Most other tripod bags don't even have this outside pocket, so this is a +1 in my book.

After coming to terms with the fact that a $600 Gitzo tripod doesn't come with a case (not counting the included dust bag), this case was one of only a few very small tripod cases that mostly meets my needs. Except for the very short strap, even at its maximum length, the case is great. It has has a small side pocket that will hold a quick release plate and small tools. The case also has thin padding.Now about the strap... It can retract to become a great handle, but unlike the image on the tag it is far too short to wear across your back unless you are very thin. Most people will be stuck wearing it on their shoulder only. This defeats the purpose of buying this tripod and case for hiking. There is a clip attached to the bag. I used that clip and another clip that I purchased to clip the case to my lowepro slingpack using the slingpack's handle and another strap.If the strap were 10 inches longer, I would give it 5 stars.

Just got a gitzo tripod case with a gitzo traveler tripod. I installed my really stuff BH-40 on the tripod and imagine my surprise that the case is too short (it was recommended for this tripod) Why would I possibly want a tripod case with a shoulder strap where I have to remove the ballhead and carry it separately? The tripod comes with a bag to store it in. Back this thing goes!

I cannot imagine why this bag is made to not even accommodate the Gitzo tripod ballhead. Seriously? Do I get an extra carrying case just for the ballhead? Nope. I just leave the case half unzipped when ever I do try to use it. It's a huge disappointment and I do not recommend this purchase... unless, for whatever reason, you really don't need to carry anything but the tripod itself in this bag. Then it's nice enough...

Overview:This bag is built very well and probably works well for most people. I got it to go with my 1550t. While my tripod does fit with the legs in the closed position (and with the standard gitzo head installed), it doesn't fit well when I have my Sunwayfoto DB-36TRDL installed on the tripod legs and I feel like the bag is really expensive for what it is.Pros:- Good quality as expected from GitzoCons:- Expensive for what it is...- Not many loops on the bag for attaching to camera bags/etcConclusion:This is really expensive for what it is... for the price you pay for a Gitzo, this should come included with the tripod (reason for only 3 stars). I ended up sending it back because it didn't fit well with my head installed/etc plus I could not justify spending this much on a tripod bag that should come included with the tripod itself. That being said, if you really want a bag that matches with your Gitzo traveler then this is the one for you... otherwise look elsewhere for cheaper options.

Fits my 1540 traveler with an Acratech GP-S ballhead (which isn't tiny) just fine. In fact, the Acratech ballhead won't allow the 1540's legs to completely fold upon themselves (like the cheap little ballhead that came with the 1540) and still the 1540 fits just fine.Now I did buy, then return, the RRS ballhead for the Traveler series and that was a bit larger and may be a tight fit.Regarding the shoulder strap length, the previous reviewer didn't notice the clever way that the strap length is made adjustable without having an unused length of strap flapping around. The end of the strap, beyond the buckle, is folded upon itself and held in place by an integrated Velcro strip/strap that wraps around it to keep it neatly in place.If you want a longer shoulder strap, undo the Velcro strip, unroll the unused shoulder strap beyond the buckle and adjust to your desired length. When done, roll up the unused end of the shoulder strap and wrap the Velcro strip around it again to keep it folded in place. Very clever.Pricey but it's worth it for the exact fit.