Mini test: Gitzo Systematic Series 3 tripod kit

Posted on Jan 15, 2026 by Pro Moviemaker

Tested in real-world use, Gitzo’s GK3533LS-83LR tripod kit sets a high benchmark for stability, smooth control and long-term reliability

Words Adam Duckworth

Some things are worth the extra money simply because they perform well and never let you down. This is certainly the case for Gitzo’s tripods.

I’ve been a Gitzo fan since I invested in a set of high-end sticks over two decades ago. The quality was so good, I bought a larger version for a heavier camera, a traveller version for packing light and a mid-size self-levelling one for video when I started shooting movies on DSLR.

Then came the 100th anniversary compact version and two different sized monopods. I have loved them all, although I often did prefer Arca-Swiss heads for stills shooting as they had a slight edge in adjustability over some Gitzo versions.

I thought Gitzo’s tripods couldn’t get any better, but having received the GK3533LS-83LR – which comes with three-section legs and a Series 4 centre ball head – the brand’s raised the bar in every way, including a head that’s leaps ahead of older versions.

The head – officially dubbed the GH4383LR – is heavy-duty and ideal for large telephoto lenses or rigged-up cameras. It’s engineered to ensure ultimate smoothness and precision using a large, super-smooth, coated hollow-sphere ball. Though weighing less than 1kg, it holds an impressive 30kg load even in extreme conditions and temperatures from -30° to 70°C.

It has friction control for precise adjustment and a bubble level to help keep a true horizon. A 360° independent panning lock provides smooth movement in a fluid cartridge and a short-rotation fast lock assists in getting the shot locked off quickly.

It’s not a dedicated fluid video head, but the smooth movement means it can pan with a nice action. If you use your tripod for stills or locked-down video shots with the occasional pan, it’s a great bit of kit.

The top-plate clamps on with a lever lock that’s easy to use and won’t come loose. Every detail is top class.

Its head complements Gitzo’s Systematic Series 3 tripod legs, which are designed to hold longer lenses and heavy cameras. The GT3533LS hits the sweet spot for its minimal weight, top durability and stability.

The head and legs come as a kit, but there are lots of different Gitzo versions available to swap sizes and features. I’ve always been a fan of the Systematic family as they are Gitzo’s most stable tripods, but also modular. If you want a centre column or dedicated video head, you can mix and match. Not using a centre column means the tripod goes very low to the ground – and the leg locks work perfectly, so everything is adjusted quickly and doesn’t slip.

It’s quality Italian engineering that performs well, looks good and gives lasting value.