Perfect tripod for bird and landscape photography? Gitzo GT3543 LS Review (4 years)

Finding a good tripod is not easy. I was looking for a sturdy but still lightweight tripod that I can comfortably use for both bird, wildlife and landscape photography. To be able to take ground level shots I preferred a tripod without a center column and ended up with the Gitzo Systematic Series. I bought the product on my own and thought after four years of using it a review would be a good idea.
Please also have a look at my review of the flexshooter pro tripod head:
The perfect tripod head? FlexShooter Pro Review: • Looking for the perfec...