Markins Q3T and Wimberley Plates

[col4bin]

i have a gt1541t that will be delivered on Wednesday and my planned usage of this tripod is for when I travel and hike. I am going to get a Markins Q3T to pair with this tripod. I currently have a Wimberley p-5 plate attached to my camera. Is there any reason why I would not want to use this plate with the standard Markins clamp?

Is it really difficult to take the clamp off the Markins myself and replace it with a RRS QR clamp? Having a QR lever or knob is not really a concern of mine. All of my wimberly clamps are knobs. Is the RRS B2 LRII worth the cost over the standard Markins clamp?

If I don't get an L bracket, will i really throw off the stability of the GT1541T by using the head in portrait mode? 80% of my tripod shooting is done in landscape orientation.

[argyle]

You have two options with Markins, if you haven't already purchased the head: (1) Order it with the clamp, but specify "NO LOCTITE" ON THE ORDER. You can easily remove the clamp and change over to an RRS lever clamp (this is what I did). Or (2) order the Markins WITHOUT the clamp. This will only knock about $30 off the price of the head, however. I ordered mine with but put the clamp on my monopod.

Any time you flop the camera into the drop slot for a vertical shot, you are introducing instability and the chances for vibrations to interfere with the shot (more so on a light-weight rig). Plus, there's the re-composing the shot to think about. An L-bracket will keep the load centered over the apex of the tripod no matter which orientation your camera is in, and will basically eliminate the need to move the tripod to recompose the shot. You just need to weigh your options based on your needs. TBH though, an L-bracket is really the only way to go...once you use one, you'll wonder how you got along without it.

[col4bin]

Thank you. I have not ordered the Markins head yet. It probably makes sense for me to order the the head without a clamp. I already have a Wimberley clamp on my monopod.

[bps]

You have two options with Markins, if you haven't already purchased the head: (1) Order it with the clamp, but specify "NO LOCTITE" ON THE ORDER. You can easily remove the clamp and change over to an RRS lever clamp (this is what I did). Or (2) order the Markins WITHOUT the clamp. This will only knock about $30 off the price of the head, however.

I've been looking at these options too since the RRS B2 LRII looks like the definitive choice.

Question though: is there any after-market demand for the Markins clamp? I'm trying to decide of it's worth getting the clamp with the Markins ball-head and either a) selling the clamp separately, or b) holding on to it as a spare (although, it seems like a spare is not necessary).

Or is it better to save the $30 upfront?

Thanks,
Bryan

[col4bin]

I don't think there is much of an aftermarket. One thing is you will not get $30 for it so may as well take the savings now. Unless you need a clamp for a monopod then I don't see any need for an extra clamp.

[jhom]

Over the years, I have come to appreciate both the RRS lever clamp and screw clamp. I have also had the Markins clamp. I clearly prefer the RRS clamps. But each has its place. The lever clamp is the most convenient to use especially if you are doing frequent switching from landscape to portrait with an L bracket. The screw clamp is great for minimal "lock and load" shooting. I have the screw clamp for my monopod and the lever clamp on my tripod. I tend to lock and load on the monopod while I'll tend to switch from landscape to portrait on my tripod.

An L bracket is a must. As already mentioned by Argyle, you keep the weight of your setup over the center line of the legsets. This maximizes stability of the leg(s). If I were happy with just screw clamps then I would get the Markins with the screw clamp and spend the money for an L bracket.

[col4bin]

i think i would feel more comfortable pairing the RRS L bracket with a RRS clamp.

[ben_r_]

i think i would feel more comfortable pairing the RRS L bracket with a RRS clamp.
Agreed.

[jhom]

i think i would feel more comfortable pairing the RRS L bracket with a RRS clamp.

I've used the L bracket with the Markins clamp. No problems. However, for maximum compatibility I would also go with the RRS clamp. Issues arise when you use the RRS lever clamp with other brands of plates. It is not an issue if you use screw clamps.

[MDJAK]

I have used my RRS lever clamp with a few different types of plates with absolutely no problems.

[col4bin]

I have used my RRS lever clamp with a few different types of plates with absolutely no problems.

Any of those plates a Wimbereley QR plate?

[MDJAK]

Yes, in fact it was. it was I believe the P50 for my 300L.

[MDJAK]

Yep, this was it. And it worked perfectly.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/205337-REG/Wimberley_P50_P50_Quick_Release_Plate.html

[col4bin]

great, thanks.