Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101 tripod bags reviewed

When a tripod is needed, a decent one is essential and most high-end models don’t come with a bag. A good tripod is a long-term investment so a decent bag is another essential, especially if you use it on location. Kevin Carter takes a closer look. I own both the Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101, which are designed for Gitzo’s Systematic range of tripods. While there’s only around 8cm or so in length between them the GC5101 is much larger in terms of internal volume and was designed presumably for the Geant (Giant) model, a 5-series Systematic that still measures some 73cm (35-in) even when collapsed. I don’t have that tripod, instead, I have a no longer-made GT5542LS a 5-series 4-section L (Long) version, which is pretty compact at 61cm (24-in). It fits easily into the smaller GC4101 with room to spare, let alone the GC5101, and there’s more than enough room for a large ball head attached, such as the RRS BH-55. With the GC5101 there's just about enough room for the GT5542LS an