Heavy-Duty Overhead. With its rated support of up to 55 lbs. (we wouldn’t push it past 40 to 45 lbs.) and 78.9-inch height fully extended, the GT3542XLS overhead tripod can get you a higher point-of-view than your common tripod. It’ll support just about any lens you put on it, as long as the tripod head you choose can handle it.

Four-Section Carbon-Fiber Legs. This Series 3 tripod uses twist-locks to extend each section. Gitzo’s “Gravity-Lock” design means the more downward weight applied, the stronger the hold. This is a flat-stage tripod, so there’s no center column to extend. The tripod itself weighs about 6.85 lbs. and can be folded down to a minimum height of 28.4 inches.

Replaced by newer model. The newer-gen Gitzo GT3543XLS offers slightly higher maximum height and articulating fee.