Gitzo GT3543LS, GH4383LR & GH4383QD Review: Built for Stability, Not for Surprises

Original post: 24 May 2025

Update: 26 July 2025

Why This Update?

When I first reviewed the Gitzo GT3543LS and GH4383LR, everything looked flawless. Then the LR head failed, and the service chain dragged on. This addendum covers what broke, how the retailer handled (or didn’t handle) it, and how Gitzo themselves eventually stepped up.

The tripod

Choosing a tripod is a bit like choosing a travel companion—you want something reliable, adaptable, and that won’t let you down when conditions turn rough. About eight months ago, we picked up the Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Series 3 tripod along with the GH4383LR Series 4 Center Ball Head from Foto.no in Oslo / Norway. At first glance—and first use—this combo looked like a dream team. But after less than half a year of real-world use in places like Lofoten and Dovrefjell, things got a bit more complicated.

First Impressions: A Different League

As soon as we unboxed the Gitzo GT3543LS, we knew it wasn’t playing in the same league as our old Benro. Not small, not light—but seriously solid. To illustrate the difference, the first thing we did was set them side by side.

The Gitzo felt like a precision instrument—every joint, clamp, and carbon weave gave off an aura of craftsmanship. The Benro, which has served us well for years, suddenly felt dated: thinner legs, looser tolerances, and noticeably more flex when fully extended. You can physically see the difference in materials, finish, and overall footprint in the comparison shots.

The Gitzo’s top plate is another standout feature. With its flat modular design, it gives us the flexibility to mount various heads and accessories, and locks in securely without a millimeter of play. Whether we’re attaching a heavy gimbal or switching to a leveling base, it’s designed to handle the load with unwavering stability.

Then there’s Gitzo’s G-lock Ultra system. This is where we noticed a huge jump in quality. The twist locks on our Benro always worked "well enough"—until we tried Gitzo. The G-locks are smooth, secure, and give a clear tactile response when locked. Even with gloves on during our Lofoten workshop, adjustments were quick and precise. And when fully extended, the legs stay locked like steel beams—not a hint of sag or slip.

When we say solid, we mean hurricane-proof solid. In Lofoten, we were out shooting in full arctic chaos: gale-force winds, sleet, and sideways rain. The Benro needed constant babysitting to avoid tipping. The Gitzo? It stood like a statue, unmoved, like a carbon-fiber Norse god.

Tripod Feet: The Secret Weapon

A huge part of that stability comes from the feet. Gitzo uses what can best be described as suction cup-style rubber feet, and they’re game-changing. Whether we’re setting up on slick rock at Uttakleiv, wet moss on Dovrefjell, or frozen tundra in Varanger, the tripod just grips. There’s a kind of peace of mind knowing your camera isn’t going anywhere—even when you step a few meters away.

GH4383LR Ball Head: Smooth, Capable... and Eventually, Broken

At first, the GH4383LR seemed like the perfect match. It’s a big head—visually, it dominates the top of the tripod—but it doesn’t feel as heavy as it looks (just under 1 kg). And more importantly, it can handle a massive load—up to 30 kg. That’s more than enough for our Sony A1 with a 400mm f/2.8 GM attached, plus accessories.

The panning and tension control are buttery smooth, and the Arca-Swiss lever clamp is fast and secure—especially useful when you’re wearing gloves or working fast. At first, we thought this might become our go-to setup for every shoot.

But then... five and a half months in, the unthinkable happened. A metal component inside the locking mechanism snapped. No drop. No accident. Just routine use. The head became completely unusable.

Let’s be honest: when you spend nearly 6,000 NOK on a ball head, this should not happen. We own tripod heads that cost a third of the price and are still going strong after 10+ years. This failure was disappointing—not just for what broke, but for what it represented in terms of trust.

Service Should Match the Product – But with foto.no it didn’t

We brought the broken head back to Foto.no expecting premium support, especially considering the product’s warranty and price point. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming.

It felt like we had to push for even basic follow-up. There was no urgency, no sense of accountability, and definitely no clear resolution. Weeks passed with little communication—meanwhile, we were running workshops and assignments without our main ball head - Actually after 5 weeks, Foto.no declared the case closed, without delivering any fix. It left a bitter taste. When you invest in professional gear, you expect professional support. This was not something Foto.no delivered.

Gitzo Steps In – And Redeems the Brand

After we posted an honest Trustpilot review, Gitzo reached out. They apologised, investigated why the case had stalled, and offered a goodwill solution.

They weren’t legally obliged—under Norwegian law, the retailer carries the duty. They did it to stand behind the brand. That matters, and that rebuild trust!

Gitzo GH4383QD - why we bought it – and why we pick it again

We ended up buying the GH4383QD with our own money from Stjørdal Foto—we no longer trusted Foto.no on aftersales support—and I still hadn’t completely lost faith in Gitzo as a brand (this was before Gitzo reached out to us). The QD version ticked three boxes:

• Clamp & build: The screw clamp replaces the LR lever. Thicker metal, fewer moving parts, and an even, predictable squeeze on the plate. Much less to fail.

• Size & capacity: It’s a big, Series 4 head—exactly what we needed for long glass and heavy setups. Stability first.

• Field feel: Slower than a flip lever, sure, but zero “is it tight enough?” anxiety. The knob gives clear feedback, even with gloves.

Bottom line: I chose the QD because I wanted robustness over speed, and because I still believed Gitzo could deliver when the product is right. So far, it’s the head I thought I was buying the first time.

Specs & Prices (as of 2025)

• Gitzo GT3543LS tripod – ~12,000 NOK / $1,100 • 2.03 kg • 146 cm max height • rated 28 kg load.

• Gitzo GH4383LR ball head – ~6,000 NOK / $550 • 0.85 kg • rated 30 kg (lever clamp – mine failed).

• Gitzo GH4383QD ball head – similar weight/capacity as the GH4383LR model, but with screw clamp. Currently cheaper than LR at several Nordic retailers. (screw clamp - our recommendation)
  

Final Thoughts (Updated)

The GT3543LS remains our go‑to when the weather turns savage. The GH4383LR was lovely—until it wasn’t. The GH4383QD is the head we expected from day one: simpler, stronger, confidence‑inspiring.

Gitzo the brand? Back in the green. They listened and acted.
Foto.no? Disappointing: slow, and opaque. Next time we use a dealer with a proven track record.

Dovrefjell – In the Land of Giants

Let’s talk about one of our favorite escapes: Dovrefjell. Rugged, raw, wildly beautiful—and home to one of the most photogenic, prehistoric-looking animals still roaming the north: the musk ox.

We travel to Dovrefjell several times a year, and every time it feels like the first. The terrain shifts. The light transforms. But the feeling of being somewhere truly ancient—that never changes.

The Hunt for the Woolly Tank

Our trips almost always start the same way: parked near Hjerkinn, hot coffee in hand, binoculars out, scanning the wide, open land. Or we’re driving slowly along the road toward Kongsvoll, eyes peeled, hoping that just over the next rise we’ll spot one of those shaggy silhouettes moving across the tundra.

It’s a ritual now. That first hour is always quiet—no music, no chatting. Just scanning, searching, hoping. And when we finally spot one? The car stops, the breath catches, and everything slows down.

The first musk ox sighting of any trip is a bit like spotting a celebrity in the wild—except they weigh 400 kilos, could knock over a car, and look like they’ve walked straight out of the Ice Age.

When we do find them, it’s with awe. And respect. And a really long lens.

Yes, they smell like an old wool sweater. But they wear it well.

Sometimes we’re lucky. We see them from a distance, moving through the mist. Other times, we hike for hours and find none—just tracks and that unmistakable musk scent hanging in the air. But it doesn’t matter. The search is part of the magic.

A Landscape That Makes You Feel Small

Dovrefjell is more than musk oxen. It’s a dramatic plateau of windswept beauty. Jagged peaks like Snøhetta, endless skies, and valleys that stretch further than your GPS signal.

It’s a place where you breathe deeper. Walk slower. Notice more. The lichen on rocks. The sudden silence. The way snow settles in pockets long after the sun is out. The crunch of your boots. The whisper of wind across ancient stone.

Every hike, every photography mission here is filled with those moments—the ones where you pause and just look. Not for the perfect shot. But because you’re caught in something much bigger than yourself.

And Dovrefjell doesn’t shout for attention. It whispers. And if you’re patient, it reveals everything.

Here, the silence is part of the view.

Winter, Summer, Storm, Repeat

We’ve been to Dovrefjell in every season. And trust us—it never shows up the same way twice.

In winter, it’s brutal and beautiful. The musk oxen blend into the snowdrifts. Your breath freezes on your scarf. And the light? It’s soft, fleeting, and magical. The shadows are long, the skies dramatic, and everything feels stripped to its bones.

Come spring, the thaw begins. Streams cut through the snow. Life returns, slowly. You might still get snow in your boots, but the valleys start to breathe again. The moss turns electric green. Birds return. And sometimes, so do the tourists.

Summer is vast and green. The air is fresh and sharp. There’s light almost all night. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, a musk ox will pose perfectly right as the sun dips behind Snøhetta. It’s the season of long walks, cold rivers, and sunburns in the mountains.

And then there’s autumn—our personal favorite. The mountains turn gold. The air smells of moss and rock. Mushrooms pop up along the trails. And the musk oxen look even more majestic against the fire-colored backdrop. It’s quiet. It’s moody. It’s pure poetry.

Fall fashion. Musk ox edition.

Where We Stay (or Don’t)

Depending on the mood (and the weather), we either bunk down at the cozy Dovregubbens Hall, which feels like staying in a mountain fairytale, or we go full-on wild and pitch the tent somewhere quiet, under a wide open sky.

There’s something deeply satisfying about waking up with frost on the tent flap, zipping it open, and seeing nothing but mountains and sky. Add the sound of distant bump from musk oxen? Perfection.

Dovregubbens Hall offers warm beds, hot showers, and surprisingly good breakfeast. The staff know the mountain like the back of their hand, and if you ask nicely, they might even point you in the direction of the last known oxen sightings.

But honestly? Sometimes nothing beats waking up in a sleeping bag, hearing a raven overhead, and knowing that today is all yours.

Super moon and musk oxen

For the Love of It

We don’t run workshops in Dovrefjell (yet!), but we keep coming back for the love of it. For the wildness. The silence. The stillness that somehow fills your soul instead of draining it.

Photographing here isn’t about ticking off a list. It’s about patience. About presence. About the kind of clarity that only cold air and distant peaks can give you.

It’s about waiting an hour in the wind for a musk ox to turn its head just so. It’s about learning how to read light on lichen. It’s about the stories you bring home that don’t need words.

If you ever get the chance to visit: go. Be respectful. Keep your distance. Bring snacks. Bring layers. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet the giants of the north.

Family gathering at Dovrefjell

Lofoten – We Came for the Light, Stayed for the Silence (and the Waffles)

Let’s be honest. The first time we went to Lofoten, we were thinking the same thing you probably are right now: “Sharp peaks, dramatic skies, turquoise water… it’ll look great on Instagram.”

And yes—it did. But what we didn’t expect was how quickly this remote corner of the Arctic would get its icy little fingers wrapped around our hearts.

We came for the photos.
We stayed for the soul.
And maybe also for the waffles.

A Place That Feels Like Another Planet

Lofoten is the kind of place that shouldn't exist. Like, how is it even real?

Towering granite cliffs straight out of a fantasy film. Fishing cabins painted like red Lego bricks. Beaches so white you’ll swear someone imported sand from the Maldives. And don’t even get us started on the light—a soft, sideways glow that lasts for hours, as if the sun is just too polite to set.

For photographers, it’s a dream—one where the dream keeps changing every hour. Golden sunlight filters through snow flurries. Storm clouds burst open to reveal sunbeams. Northern lights sneak across the sky like green foxes in the night. Sometimes we shoot for hours in silence, unable to look away.

We’re not saying the weather is dramatic, but Lofoten could probably win an Oscar.

Light, Texture, Silence

Photographing Lofoten isn’t just about the landscape. It’s about the texture of the air. The sound of stillness. The way light skips across a mountain ridge or slips through a gap in the clouds. You wait. You watch. You frame.

There are moments here where everything aligns—not just in the camera, but inside you. You stop thinking about settings or gear. You’re just present. Completely.

And that’s when you take that shot. The one that stays with you.

Sometimes the best shots aren’t wide. They’re quiet.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Because it’s not just about ticking off locations. It’s about slowing down. Lofoten forces you to stop and observe. You can’t plan everything. You can only be ready—tripod in hand, gloves off, heart open.

You might hike up a ridge and find yourself above the clouds. Or stand at sea level while snowflakes dance in golden light. Or just sit and watch while waves sculpt the shoreline.

We’ve never shot the same scene the same way twice. And honestly, we don’t want to.

You don't always need a shot list. Just curiosity.

Yes, We Run Workshops. And Yes, They're Awesome.

Okay, okay—we’ll admit it. We love sharing Lofoten with other photographers. That’s why we host two small-group workshops here each year.

But we’re not here to hard-sell you. This isn’t bootcamp. This is for people who want to get inspired, shoot a lot, laugh a lot, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way.

Want the details?
👉 Lofoten Autumn Workshop
👉 Lofoten Spring Workshop

Come for the light. Stay for the people. And the snacks.

Our Eyes on the North

Need a taste of what’s waiting up north? Check out our gallery from Lofoten right here. These are just glimpses—tiny windows into something so much bigger. Something you kind of have to feel.

Behind the Lens: Our Unfiltered Journey to Vestrahorn, Iceland

Hey, folks!

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes look at our epic adventure to Vestrahorn, Iceland – where the real magic happens. Get ready to peel back the curtain and see the raw, unfiltered moments that led to one of the winning shot in the CEWE Photo Award 2023. Spoiler alert: it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but man, was it worth it!

Sunset Silhouettes – Chaos and Calm

Okay, so here's the deal. That silhouette shot you see? Yeah, it wasn't as effortless as it looks. Picture this: three kids running around like wild banshees, while Kirsten and I are desperately trying to set up the shot before the sun disappears. It's chaos, it's madness, but somehow, amidst all the craziness, we manage to capture a moment of pure magic. The result? A image that perfectly captures the essence of our family adventure.

Droning on Through the Sandbanks – Trial and Error

Now, let's talk about this drone shot. Trust me when I say it took a whole lot of trial and error to get it right. First off, there was the wind – always a fun challenge when you're flying a drone over sand dunes. Then there was the whole "avoiding crashing into Kirsten" thing, which, let's just say, required some serious maneuvering skills. But hey, after a few close calls and a couple of panicked moments, we nailed it. The result? A jaw-dropping aerial view of Vestrahorn that makes all the sweat and stress totally worth it.

Capturing Magic in Motion – The Big Finale, and winner picture

And finally, the moment you've all been waiting for – the winning shot. Here's the thing: capturing this image was no easy feat. We spent days scouting the perfect location, battling unpredictable weather, and chasing the ever-elusive light. But when the stars finally aligned, and Kirsten stepped out into the water with Vestrahorn towering in the background, I knew we had something special. It's a moment frozen in time, a snapshot of pure magic and wonder that perfectly encapsulates our journey to Vestrahorn.

So there you have it, folks – the real story behind the winning shot. It's messy, it's chaotic, but above all, it's real. Because sometimes, the most beautiful moments in life are the ones that aren't carefully staged or meticulously planned – they're the ones that unfold organically, in the midst of all the chaos and craziness. And as we look back on our time at Vestrahorn, we're reminded that it's not just about the destination – it's about the journey, the memories, and the moments that take our breath away. Thanks for joining us on this wild ride, and here's to many more adventures yet to come!

Best wishes

Kirsten & Henrik Solgård

Chasing Tails: An Arctic Fox Adventure in Svalbard

Introduction: The Foxy World of Arctic Foxes

So, you're probably wondering what's the deal with Arctic Foxes, right? Well, hold onto your snow boots, because these little furballs are like the rockstars of the Arctic. With their fluffy white coats and mischievous glints in their eyes, they're basically the Kardashians of the polar wilderness—minus the drama and the Instagram accounts.

Now, let me tell you, trying to snap a pic of these Arctic cuties is like trying to catch a polar bear in a snowstorm. But hey, where there's a will, there's a way, right?

Meeting Oddgeir: The Fox Whisperer

So, picture this: we're out in the freezing cold of Svalbard, looking for Arctic Foxes like it's a game of hide-and-seek on steroids. That's when our buddy Oddgeir swoops in like the hero of a Scandinavian folk tale. This guy knows Arctic Foxes better than they know themselves. Seriously, if they ever start a fox support group, Oddgeir should be their president.

With Oddgeir leading the charge, we set off into the wilds of Svalbard, armed with cameras and enough snacks to keep a hungry polar bear at bay.

Capturing the Moment: Portrait of a Snowball with Ears

Our first encounter with an Arctic Fox was like love at first sight—except colder and with more fur. There it was, standing in the autumn landscape like it owned the place (which, let's face it, it probably did). With a flick of its tail and a twinkle in its eye, it struck a pose that would make even the most seasoned supermodel jealous. Click goes the camera, and voilà—a masterpiece was born.

Strike a Pose: When a Fox Plays It Cool

But the pièce de résistance came when we encountered a fox that was straight-up posing for the camera. I mean, this fox had more attitude than a teenager with a smartphone. It looked right upon the open landscape, "Yeah, I know I'm fabulous." And you know what? It was right.

Conclusion: A Wild Ride with the Foxes

So, there you have it, folks—a wild and wacky adventure in the land of Arctic Foxes. From chasing tails to capturing moments of pure magic, it's been a journey we won't soon forget. And hey, if you ever find yourself in Svalbard with a camera in hand, just remember: sometimes, all it takes is a little patience, a lot of snacks, and a whole lotta love for the foxes of the north.

Best regards

Kirsten and Henrik Solgård

Welcome to Solgaard Photos: Embark on a Journey Through the Lens

Step into the captivating world of Solgaard Photos, where every click of the shutter unfolds a new chapter in our photographic odyssey.

The Dolomites

Join us on a journey beyond the mere mechanics of photography; here, we explore the soul of each image, the story behind every frame. From the vibrant streets of bustling cities to the serene tranquility of untouched landscapes, our lens captures the essence of the world around us.

But what sets our journey apart is not just the destinations we traverse, but the tools we wield along the way. Through our lens, we'll share the stories of the equipment that accompanies us on our photographic adventures. Each piece carefully selected, not just for its technical specifications, but for the unique voice it lends to our visual narratives.

We'll take you behind the scenes, sharing the intimate details of our gear choices and the reasons behind them. It's not just about the latest gadgets or the most expensive lenses; it's about finding the perfect match that empowers us to bring our creative vision to life.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscapes of photography, expect more than just reviews; anticipate insights, anecdotes, and revelations that illuminate our path. Whether you're a fellow traveler on this photographic journey or a curious observer, there's something here for everyone.

So, grab your camera, dust off your lenses, and join us as we embark on an unforgettable adventure through the lens. Welcome to Solgaard Photos, where every frame tells a story, and every journey is an opportunity to capture a moment in time.

Let the journey begin.

Best regards

Kirsten and Henrik Solgård