Tripod / Head Combination for Trip to Rome

[kccody60]

Greetings,

I currently have an XTI (upgrading to a 50D or 5DII in the Fall) and a 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 lenses) that I will be taking to Rome. My wife and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. I have a really junky tripod but I about to purchase a Gitzo GT-1550T tripod. I am looking to use RSS quick release and thier camera specific plates. What I'm not sure of is the ball head. I'm looking at either the Markins Q3T or RSS40.

A couple of other important items;
- I would like for the 1550T to close as much as possible to fit in my backpack so that I can carry it on the plane flight.

- If I go with the Markins do I have to make any special requests to the manufacturer to use the RSS quick release.

- I'm planning sometime next year to purchase a more sturdier tripod (Gitzo Studio) and ballhead RRS55. I want to be able to use the quick release and camera plates for both ballheads in the future.

Thanks is advance for any comments or suggestions.

Mark

[tvphotog]

Did you check out the GT1541t? It's a few inches longer when folded, but has twice the weight capacity. I like the Q3t, which you can buy without the QR attached, and then buy the lever QR from RRS and Loctite it into place. That's what Markins does with its own QR. You can order the Q3t without the QR directly from their site.

For example, see the M10 below.

The Markins M10 and M20 heads are excellent, for heavier sticks and equipment.

Photo courtesy Markins

[Traumuh]

If your order from Markins tell them you don't intend to use their quick release clamp so they don't loctite it.

[kccody60]

Thanks for the replies.

In looking in the Gitzo catalog, it says the the 1550 holds 9.9lbs, while the 1541 only holds 4.9 lbs. In looking at the specs in B&H, it says the 1541 holds 17.6 lbs. If B&H specs are correct, I may consider the 1541. Besides being 2" shorter, is there any other benefits to purchasing the 1550

I like the Q3t, which you can buy without the QR attached, and then buy the lever QR from RRS and Loctite it into place. Also what does loctite it in place means? (Sorry for the stupid question) Is it a type of glue or other fastener. Difficult to do?

Again thanks.

[DragonDan]

Loctite is a thread locking liquid. It hardens, locking the threads on something tight. It comes in various strengths, Markins will probably use the Blue strength, meaning it can be disassembled with hand tools.

[ed rader]

Loctite is a thread locking liquid. It hardens, locking the threads on something tight. It comes in various strengths, Markins will probably use the Blue strength, meaning it can be disassembled with hand tools.

actually a blow from a rubber mallet is what worked for me. very simple but not for the faint of heart :D.

ed rader

[ed rader]

Thanks for the replies.

In looking in the Gitzo catalog, it says the the 1550 holds 9.9lbs, while the 1541 only holds 4.9 lbs. In looking at the specs in B&H, it says the 1541 holds 17.6 lbs. If B&H specs are correct, I may consider the 1541. Besides being 2" shorter, is there any other benefits to purchasing the 1550

Also what does loctite it in place means? (Sorry for the stupid question) Is it a type of glue or other fastener. Difficult to do?

Again thanks.


that would be my first choice with Q3. that set-up would be light enough for travel and it's a full size tripod that won't require use of center column like the T. plus the 1541 is sturdy enough for everyday with lenses like the 70-200L and shorter.

ed rader

[tvphotog]

Let me refer you to this link which I think will be helpful:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298&highlight=1541t

Also, Gitzo's page on the Traveler 1541T shows the max weight at 17.6 lbs. www.gitzo.com. Go to Photo tripods/Traveler.

[kccody60]

Thanks for the info Jay.

I think I will purchase the Gitzo GT1541T. I may get the RRS40 instead of the Markins Q3t. I really dont want to have to glue the RSS QR to the markins ballhead. I assume you dont need to glue the RSS QR to the RSS40.

Mark

[tvphotog]

the Q3t is made specifically for the Q3t and is narrow so you can invert the 1541's legs and keep the whole thing narrow. The pano bottom does not have a flange as do the other models and the Q3.

I don't know that any of the RRS heads are made specifically for the 1541t as is the Q3t. Check. No, you don't have to glue anything with the RRS combo.