New tripod should arrive today

[EricL]

Big Brown should be knocking any time. The "Boss of Me" decided to get my B-day present a little early. She bought me the Gitzo GT3530LS http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=568743&is=REG tripod legs (tried to convince her to buy the 500f4, but no luck!!:wink:). I had done lots of research before deciding on these. I wanted to go with something steady and heavy enough for my 5D, TC, and some big glass this spring. I will have the Wimberley Gimbal for the big glass but am still trying to decide on a ball head. These are the 2 that I have been looking at:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=469926&is=REG
and the
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=469925&is=REG

This will be my first ball head as I have used the grip action style. Any input or advice is greatly appreciated. I am open to other suggestions. I do not want to cut corners with a cheaper ball head and regret the change:cry:.

[tvphotog]

These are the 2 that I have been looking at:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=469926&is=REG
and the
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=469925&is=REG

This will be my first ball head as I have used the grip action style. Any input or advice is greatly appreciated. I am open to other suggestions. I do not want to cut corners with a cheaper ball head and regret the change:cry:.

I would look at the Markins M10 or the M20(max. load 100lbs) for heavier gear. They make a superb product, light weight with as much weight capacity as those weighing twice as much. Very tight tolerences. Read this review comparing Markins with other pro ballheads.

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/markins/index.html

Don't know how the Z1 compares to the B1.

There's something I like about Markins. When you have the camera vertical in the notch and your right hand on the camera grip at the top, the tension and pan controls are facing you, easily accessible with your left hand. That's not so with some ballheads, where the knobs end up in front of the housing and you have to reach under the camera and around to get to them. You have to look at pictures of the heads and imagine where the knobs will be with the camera vertical to the left. It was one of the reasons that convinced me to get this head. Certainly not the most important, but icing on the cake.

[jhom]

You got a nice Boss. I would top the legs with a Markins M20 and RRS clamp. Your Boss would be very proud if you did.

[ben_r_]

Oh man, the perfect top for a Gitzo 3 series is a Markins M20 with an RRS lever clamp!

[Cyclop]

Congrats! You will find Gitzo CF tripods are lightweight and well made. You may want to look at the Markins Q-Ball M20 Ballhead for your needs. I am pleased with mine.

[EricL]

Thanks for the replies guys. I just picked up the new pod. Kept missing UPS at the house. My first impressions on the tripod are...WOW!! I am very impressed with the weight and craftsmanship first off. I had some hesitations on the twist lock but after opening it up once, all those thoughts went away!! I appreciate the remarks about heads. I am going to look at the Markins ball heads. I will end up spending more on the head and all the quick release plates than I did on the tripod since I'll need to replace all the old ones on the current gear. Oh well, spread it out a bit and the check book doesn't run and hide!!

[20DNewbie]

Another M20 user here, and the Markins plates are usually a bit cheaper than the RRS versions. Heck, a spot that would be even cheaper for the plates would be Kirks ebay store.

[EricL]

Well, I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I received my M20 the other day. I must say, I am impressed with the quality of this piece of gear. Anxious to get out and give it a workout!! Thanks again.