GitzoGT3543LSUS Lightweight Systematic Tripod SER.5 3S L, Black

the actual product matches the model number: GT3543LSUS. broken down, it stands for: Gitzo, Type: Tripod, Series: 3, Material: 5 (Carbon), Leg Sections: 4, Revision: 3, L=Long Leg, S=Systematic, US=Regional Versionthat's exactly what you get. everything after the model number in the listing is WRONG. it is NOT a Series 5. it is NOT 3 sections. it is NOT black. fun fact: the name of the traditional, hammered gray finish is called "Noir Decor."so, i'm reviewing the GT3543LSUS, because that's what I got and that's what is photographed and described in the description. the short answer is that it's excellent, with only a few niggles. the good parts: it's solid. even with a Fujifilm X-T3 and 200mm ƒ/2 lens, this tripod is steady with no wobble, sway or vibration. most fences are less steady than this. the legs extend easily with a quarter turn or less of the locks and have no flex when extended. you also get 2 sets of feet in the box: standard rubber tips and 50mm articulating domes. moving back up to the spider, you get the traditional, 3-angle clevis joints with spring loaded, one-handed locking mechanism that's simply elegant. the base has a 75mm flat plate with ballast hook underneath, held in place by both a sprung tensioner and safety catch. you also get a spirit level and a 3/8" accessory port.the "system" in systematic refers to the interchangeable base plate. i've gone with a hemispherical leveling base. it comes with the aforementioned 75mm flat base with 3/8" stud for a head. optionally you can buy an extendable center column if you need more height. this allows you to build the tripod to suit your needs or to suit the needs for the job. need to travel light? just use the flat base and a head. need extra height? swap in the center column. want to shoot panos? throw in the leveling base.Series 3 is the lightest duty systematic tripod they make, with a 33mm top leg diameter. even with the GH3382QD series 3 center ball head and leveling base, the tripod collapses down to under 30 inches. more importantly, this configuration is under 6.5 lbs. very light for a tripod of this size and strength, although not exactly designed for travel.now for the not so great stuff, of which i have only 2 issues. first, the ballast hook attaches with a 3/8"-16 thread. at least it's standard but all of Gitzo's current ballast hooks and center column plugs use M12 thread. because of this, the hook may as well be brazed into place. second is the use of shims to keep the legs from rotating. gitzo calls them "hose clamps," but they're the thin pieces of plastic, hidden in the leg tubes at the opposite end of the leg section that key the legs. they're fragile, easily lost, broken or damaged during cleanings and other brands have managed to move on to a superior design. i highly recommend keeping spares on hand if you're the type to do all of your own maintenance.however, even with that, this is a superior tripod and surprisingly good value, especially in the context of other brands with a "systematic" style design. sure, there are "white label" ones that start around $400 and despite including a lifetime warranty, you have to wonder if they'll be around in 10 years. from more established brands like Feisol, Induro and RRS, the current price on the Gitzo is very competitive. you'll know if you need a tripod this size and if you do, be sure to include Gitzo on your list.