Markins Q3 stable enough for 24-70L or 300 f4?

[yabbie]

I have been doing lots of research in current and past threads, and have narrowed my future tripod/ballhead combo to GT 2531 or 41, and a Markins Q3 (TR?) or Markins M10.

My current cheapo tripod head sags under the weight of most of my lenses - one of many reasons for the upgrade. Would the Q3 or M10 be better for holding the weight of the heaviest of my lenses + a 5D or so in the future? I don't want to get something that almost does the job, but is lighter, I'd rather a kit that is perfect. Specially for this kind of money!

[Jim G]

I have a M-10 and it's well more than enough for the 24-70L. 24-70L+20D+580EX II doesn't bother it at all. Not even a hint of movement and it's definitely not tightened to the maximum by quite a way.

It makes me wonder if I couldn't have gone with the Q3 and gotten away with it.. the M-10 fits inside my tripod legs anyway, though, so it's not a big issue.

Edit: I emailed Markins back before I bought mine asking whether the Q3 would be enough for a 100-400L or equivalent.. let me see if I can find their reply.. they basically recommended the M-10 as it'd be smoother, iirc.

[arrgeebee]

I like the Q3 due to size and weight. It holds my 1D MKIII & 100-400 without issue.

[ben_r_]

I sure hope the Q3 will hold it! Its rated at 65lbs max load!!! The Bogen 488 will hold a gripped 40D with a 100-400L and 580EX II flash no problem and its only rated at 17.6lbs mx load! I am going for the Markin Q3T though since I decided to order a Gitzo Travler Tripod.

[Lowner]

I've got the M10, but everything I've heard or read tells me the M3 would be fine for you requirements.

But now you have another decision to make: What clamp and plate system to go with it?

Richard

[ben_r_]

I've got the M10, but everything I've heard or read tells me the M3 would be fine for you requirements.

But now you have another decision to make: What clamp and plate system to go with it?

Richard
Yea thats the really tough one. I want to go with RRS, but man is all that stuff gonna cost big bucks!

[jhom]

The Q3 holds my 300 fine. However, if you want extra security and also for future long lenses then I would get the M10. The difference in price and weight is minor.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7761/2530q3tb20rrs300or9.jpg

[Lowner]

Jim,

I've just counted your lens twiddly bits and come up with six. The most I've got is on my 100-400L IS is four, I've been robbed!

What does the "Focus Priority" (or is it "preset"?) slide and the little button next to it do?

Richard

[ben_r_]

The Q3 holds my 300 fine. However, if you want extra security and also for future long lenses then I would get the M10. The difference in price and weight is minor.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7761/2530q3tb20rrs300or9.jpg
Yea thats why Im going to go with it as I dont intend to buy a lens larger than my 100-400L or 70-200 2.8 IS.

[JC4]

I sure hope the Q3 will hold it! Its rated at 65lbs max load!!!

True, but this is a quote form Markin's site, for the Q3:
Ideal ballhead for small SLR cameras such as Nikon D70 or Canon 20D with mid-zoom lens (70-200mm/f2.8)

It WILL hold my 300 f/2.8, and 100-400, but it wasn't designed for these long lenses. There is a SLIGHT bit of sag with a 1d + 300 f/2.8, especially when tilting 45+ degrees off the side. Add a TC and its a bit worse(focal length magnifies ANY sag). Its also difficult to get a smooth panning tension with heavy loads, on the Q3. Doable, but not ideal. I haven't used the M10, but if I was building a rig for > 200mm, I'd go M10 plus a 2 or 3 series Gitzo. Its not just load capacity. Longer lenses require a stiffer rig.

edit: I agree with above, for your current lineup the Q3 is plenty. Just not for longer/heavier lenses.

[ben_r_]

True, but this is a quote form Markin's site, for the Q3:


It WILL hold my 300 f/2.8, and 100-400, but it wasn't designed for these long lenses. There is a SLIGHT bit of sag with a 1d + 300 f/2.8, especially when tilting 45+ degrees off the side. Add a TC and its a bit worse(focal length magnifies ANY sag). Its also difficult to get a smooth panning tension with heavy loads, on the Q3. Doable, but not ideal. I haven't used the M10, but if I was building a rig for > 200mm, I'd go M10 plus a 2 or 3 series Gitzo. Its not just load capacity. Longer lenses require a stiffer rig.

edit: I agree with above, for your current lineup the Q3 is plenty. Just not for longer/heavier lenses.
Yes but there is a HUGE difference when you compare it to the 300 f/2.8L! That lens is twice the weight of the others. According to B&H:

Canon 300 4 IS: 2.6lbs
Canon 400 5.6: 2.8lbs
Canon 100-400L: 3lbs
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS: 3.5lbs
Canon 300 2.8 IS: 6lbs

So anything in the 3lbs range should be fine.

[jhom]

Jim,

I've just counted your lens twiddly bits and come up with six. The most I've got is on my 100-400L IS is four, I've been robbed!

What does the "Focus Priority" (or is it "preset"?) slide and the little button next to it do?

Richard

The button is for setting a focus preset position. Once set, you rotate the focus preset ring to recall the shift the focus to the preset position.

I assume you also noticed the AF stop buttons situated around the front black ribbed ring for pausing autofocus. These buttons can also be assigned several different function with CF19 on a 1D2.

[Lowner]

Thanks Jim. See, I wos wrobbed! I haven't even got the posh shiny plate nailed to any of my lenses.

I had noticed the buttons on the hood area on the 300 before, and assumed they were some different lens hood securing method. I live and learn.

Richard

[yabbie]

Thanks for the responses, I've not been able to get on the net for a couple of days to read.
Looks like the Q3T will suit me, it's always a toss-up between light weight for portablity vs too light weight and flimsy - in all weather that is. I've looked at the traveller and 1-series Gitzo legs, but they sound just a bit too light and short. If I did get a heavier lens, it would be a birding one, and tripod for that would not come backpacking with me!