Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101 tripod bags reviewed
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 at two bags made for Gitzo tripods.
What does it fit?
I own both the Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101, which are designed for Gitzo’s Systematic range of tripods. While there’s only around 8cm (3.1 in) or so in length between them internally, the GC5101 is much larger in terms of internal volume and was designed presumably for the Geant (Giant) model 5-series Systematic that still measures some 73cm (35 in) even when collapsed and some 3-section 3/4 and 5-series extra-long XLS models.
Sadly, I don’t have the Geant (it’s on my wish list). However, I have a 5-series GT5542LS, 4-section L (Long) version, which is pretty compact at 61cm (24-in) when fully collapsed. 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 and a full-sized gimbal attached.
My most-used tripod is a compact 2-Series Systematic with a levelling base and Arca-Swiss Monorail P0 head that fits the GC4101 comfortably, again with room to spare.
So, I would say a Systematic tripod complete with a head up to 80cm (31 in) in length, go for the GC4101; anything larger up to 90cm (35.4 in) go with the GC5101.
What is it like, design-wise?
The two bags share the same design and features. Both are incredibly well-made with a soft and luxurious rip-stop-like fabric that holds up well with careful use. For bags of this price (£/$250-300), the padding is quite thin, but it is dense enough to prevent damage from rolling around in the back of the car, as well as the odd knock here and there. Still, it’s unlikely to prevent damage to a delicate head, say from a fall, if propped up on end.
There are further strange design choices as well. None are particularly serious, but they detract from the overall potential.
Inside, there’s a decent-sized zipped pocket, which is a bit longer in the GC 5101, but it’s not padded. I use it to store various Arca-Swiss-style plates and L-plates, but wrap them in padded material (bubble wrap is good) to prevent damage to the legs and each other.
The inside lining is made from the deepest black taffeta nylon, which, when light levels are low, makes it near-impossible to see or find anything except by touch. I’ve mashed tripods together, thinking it was empty. A light grey colour would be my first choice. A light green, second.
Hand straps are placed too far forward, making the whole thing rear-heavy, and there’s a further hand strap at the narrow end. Holding it upright here means the tripod is upside down with the weight on the head, so presumably it’s a grab handle for retrieving it from the car or hold or something. But it seems unnecessary.
Finally, although the adjustable strap has rubber braiding, making it non-slip and comfortable in use, it’s on the underside, so any dirt is transferred to your clothing. It was probably designed like this so as not to get in the way of the zip, especially at the head end, where, it must be said, the opening provides excellent access.
Summing up
As I mentioned previously, none of the points are deal breakers. For moving tripods to and from the car for location work, I’ve yet to come across a better solution for the Systematics. However, adding some removable padded dividers would greatly improve the versatility. With the GC5101 especially, there’s still plenty of internal volume allowing for a second head and a few accessories, such as a centre column and levelling base to be stored separately if need be. A few tweaks would go a long way, but as they stand, the Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101 are solid choices and can still be easily recommended.
Alternatives
Somewhat bizarrely, for padded tripod bags, there isn’t much competition. The only real choice is the Manfrotto MBAGxxPN (padded) range; note that the MBAGxxN are all unpadded.
The latest versions all feature a pre-formed semi-rigid cap to prevent damage to the head from front-on knocks, a full-length zip and an internal pocket. They also adopt a heavy-duty nylon outer fabric, which is likely more hard-wearing and easier to clean than the material used for Gitzo bags.
However, while these do look good on paper, I’ve not tried one.
The 80cm (79cm internal) MBAG80PN is the equivalent of the GC4101 in length, but it lacks grip handles, which is a major shortcoming in my opinion. At just £89 inc VAT, it is, however, a bargain price-wise. The MBAG-75PN is just 5cm shorter and, if you search, is often available for quite a bit less than the 80PN.
At 90cm (89cm internal) lengthwise, the MBAG-90PN is equivalent to the GC5101. Thankfully, it includes grip handles and is often listed at the same price as MBAG80PN, which makes it more or less a third of the price of the GC5101.
What’s hot
Good access
Incredibly well made
Comfortable, non-slip shoulder strap
Useful zipped internal pocket
What’s not
Padding on the thin side
Grab handles a bit too far forward (even with a heavy head)
Dark interior reduces visibility
Shoulder strap position prone to picking up dirt
No velcro-padded dividers (would greatly increase versatility)
On the pricey side
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