After several years spent looking for the perfect stand (tripod) for our space travel companion, we are pleased to announce our new partnership!
What company was the worlds’ best to create a tripod reflecting the aesthetics and quality of STELLINA as well as the ethical values of Vaonis? Our mission and high standards led us to meet the world’s most respected tripod manufacturer: Gitzo.
In September 2019, Vaonis teamed up with the Gitzo brand to equip all of its STELLINA observation stations. Renowned for its excellence, this historical brand is considered the world’s best tripod manufacturer. All Gitzo products are made with high quality materials and assembled by hand in Italy, north of Venice. Combining its French origins with Italian design, Gitzo offers state-of-the-art camera stands using innovative materials such as lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloys to ensure stability and efficiency.
When design meets excellence
A tripod inspired by the Systematic range
Despite their vast range, the specific needs of astronomical instruments required working to design a unique model in the world entirely dedicated to STELLINA. After many echanges and a meeting with Gitzo’s R&D team, the GT3520S-VS model, inspired by the Systematic range, was born.
Systematic is Gitzo’s top range of tripods, perfect for professional photographers using long lenses and heavy equipment. Systematic tripods are the strongest and most stable tripods, they are also modular and can be quickly set up in different configurations both as photography or videography supports. Made with 100% Carbon fibre eXact tubes and innovative design they represent all Gitzo’s high quality and performance. Systematic accessories can be used to adapt to any situation or environment.
Design of a made-to-measure tripod
With its extraordinary stability and perfect aesthetics, this tailored tripod perfectly illustrates the collaboration between 2 brands and their search for perfection.
The first necessity was to reduce the length of the tripod’s legs to increase its stability.
Subsequently, the team’s work focused on tailor-made finishing of aluminum parts injected at low pressure. This injection technique significantly increases the mechanical quality of the part, preventing the appearance of air bubbles that could weaken it. This piece was then treated specifically to get closer to the visual identity of STELLINA.
The next step focused on the bubble level. If it was too close to STELLINA, visibility in a dark environment could be poor. We decided to create a custom level plate apart so that the bubble level is easily visible during installation.
Finally, the screw tightening locking levers were carefully studied to make their use simple and easy while guaranteeing the overall rigidity of the tripod.
After many prototypes and exchanges between teams of engineers and designers, STELLINA’s ideal partner was created.
STELLINA’s tripod zoom-in
The Gitzo Series 3 Systematic Tripod is a powerful, 3-section, professional carbon fibre tripod designed to safely hold longer lenses and heavy cameras. It is the perfect combination of minimal weight, durability, and uncompromising stability. The tripod weighs only 1.93kg and secures an impressive payload of 25kg. It reaches from as low as 9cm up to 130cm and folds down to 61cm. A highly reliable, versatile solution that’s easy to take anywhere, this model features Gitzo’s Carbon eXact tubes with G-Lock Ultra twist-locks that solidly connect the leg sections and protect them from dust and dirt damage. New, ultra-stable, removable feet make this support even more secure. With a top leg diameter of 32.9mm, this Series 3 model is the perfect choice for exacting professionals who want to travel light but require the adequate levels of stability for professional equipment.
Carbone eXact
The new Carbon fibre eXact tubes are revolutionary and even stiffer to maximize rigidity and image stability. Carbon eXact optimizes the fibre composition for each tube size.Removable Feet
This functionality allows you to easily replace used feet and to put other attachments such as spikes.G-Lock locking system
Gitzo entirely redesigned its G-Lock system. G-Lock Ultra offers new ergonomic and resistance performances. It brings a smoother use and efficiently protects the tripod from dust.
