Review: Gitzo 1541T Tripod, Markins Q3T Ballhead w/ RRS B2 LR II Clamp

[ben_r_]

Originally Posted by str8six

posting a PM? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

When its a good question that I have either been asked several times before and/or think others might benefit from I like to post them appropriately for the rest of the community to benefit from. Nothing on the internet is private.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by str8six

posting a PM? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Originally Posted by ben_r_

When its a good question that I have either been asked several times before and/or think others might benefit from I like to post them appropriately for the rest of the community to benefit from. Nothing on the internet is private.

Agreed - often people PM a question they really should be posting in the open forum. If you PM a tech question, you're denying others who may have the same question any access to the answer. So please, if you have a question, post it to the open forum.

Note: This does not apply to questions about how the board is being run or about moderator actions. Those should be kept to PM instead of being posted to the open forum. Moderators will not post them to an open thread. However, if you ask me about a Domke bag, I may either post that in an appropriate thread or suggest that you do so.

[tvphotog]

My back pack is the Tamrac Expedition 5, and it has a pouch on the bottom into which to place two of the three tripod legs, and straps to secure it to the back of the pack. That means the QR head of the Q3 will be near the leg ends and hit may the ground when I put the pack down.

I've taken to unscrewing the Markins head and carrying it in a small cubby next to small lenses in the backpak rather than leave it attached in a position of possible damage. That also makes the tripod less high and visible like a flagpole that says, "I'm a tripod on a camera pack, please steal me."

[ben_r_]

When I carry this setup on my hiking backpack I strap it to the bag (same type of carrying strap as you have using the two legs in a pouch and strap around the top) with the legs folded right side out so that I can pull it off and use it quicker and with less effort.

[René Damkot]

Originally Posted by str8six

posting a PM? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

In a case like this I'd say this way everybody can benefit from the answer...

[Jeff C]

Ben -

Thank you very much for your helpful description of your setup.

While I will probably shoot 200mm+ (once you factor in the 1.4x teleconverter) from time to time, the vast majority of my shots will be within the tripod's specified limits.

Besides: I figure a slightly underweight tripod will result in a better shot than a regular sized tripod that somehow manages to stay perpetually in the trunk of my car.

So... I think I'll be getting the 1541T and Q3T soon. Not 100% sold on the clamp, but may end up going that direction as well.

Thanks again for your help - it's been quite useful!

- Jeff

[ben_r_]

Originally Posted by Jeff C

Ben -

Thank you very much for your helpful description of your setup.

While I will probably shoot 200mm+ (once you factor in the 1.4x teleconverter) from time to time, the vast majority of my shots will be within the tripod's specified limits.

Besides: I figure a slightly underweight tripod will result in a better shot than a regular sized tripod that somehow manages to stay perpetually in the trunk of my car.
A VERY good point!

So... I think I'll be getting the 1541T and Q3T soon. Not 100% sold on the clamp, but may end up going that direction as well.
If you do decide to get the RRS lever clamp, make sure you order the Markins with their clamp, have them remove it before shipping, then you can sell it for an easy $65 here on the forum. Helps cover half of the RRS one!

Thanks again for your help - it's been quite useful!

- Jeff

See my comments above.

[zeva]

Originally Posted by ben_r_

See my comments above.

Hmmm another kinda stupid question... but why do you need markins to remove it for you? i only have experience iwth RC2 system and you just spin that one off... i mg uessing the better ones lock somehow?

[ben_r_]

Originally Posted by zeva

Hmmm another kinda stupid question... but why do you need markins to remove it for you? i only have experience iwth RC2 system and you just spin that one off... im guessing the better ones lock somehow?

You dont NEED them to remove it, its just easier as they loctite them on there if you dont and its a pain to get off and if you have never done it before youll stress that your going to break something. Better to just let them do it.

[zeva]

Oh so i m guessing theres a locking mechanism not some crappy RC2 Type

[ben_r_]

Wait what do you mean by "locking mechanism"? You mean to lock the clamp onto the head? No, it just screws on, but they (Markins) put a glue like substance called Loctite to semi-permanently glue the bolt into the clamp.

[ZimageDoug]

I heard from Markins that the RRS clamp is not exactly compactible with Arcaswiss, they said not to use an Arcaswiss plat with the RRS clamp, as it will mar the surface of the clamp (I ordered a Q3T and a couple of mounts)...... anyone know about this? Looks like RRS and Kirk make the most plates anyways....

[René Damkot]

From the RRS site:

NOTE ABOUT LEVER-RELEASE CLAMPS: Due to wide variations in other brands of Arca-Swiss compatible plates, we recommend using our lever-release clamps only with Really Right Stuff or Wimberley brand quick-release plates.

[ZimageDoug]

Ahh, yes, found that info, thanks...

Ok, I purchased the RRS clamp, and some plates.... 1st thing I noticed.... definitely more secure that using my Bogen clamp... you go from sponginess to solid..... now I am just waiting for my Markins Head! 12/29 delivery date, and I ordered it last wed

Now to figure out if I really need L plates.... I do not ever even remember doing portrait on a tripod, usually do that hand held! Oh, and that replacement foot for the 70-200mm f2.8, wonderful! My light and capable tripod setup is almost done.... Advice for anyone else .... do not buy the Markins plates, just buy the head, and have them express it to you!

Doug

[Trout Bum]

Get an L-plate. Get one for every body you own, if you can afford it. They make WAY too much sense not to use. The RRS site gives the technical reasons why , 5 minutes of personal use will convince you.