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

It’s about 6 days since Ben talked to Gitzo about the spurious photo for the GT1542T on their web site. A check now reveals that the photo is still a 5 section pod.

Does anyone have any insight into why this subtle upscaling of the GT1541T came into being? It may be that Gitzo will continue to market both of them for the time being, but eventually rationalize on the one that proves to be more popular.

Andyh77 wrote in post #11216558
It’s about 6 days since Ben talked to Gitzo about the spurious photo for the GT1542T on their web site. A check now reveals that the photo is still a 5 section pod.

Does anyone have any insight into why this subtle upscaling of the GT1541T came into being? It may be that Gitzo will continue to market both of them for the time being, but eventually rationalize on the one that proves to be more popular.

No no, that wasnt me. That credit has to go to Russ61: LINK

My first post and already I’m spreading misinformation. My apologies to Russ61 and Ben.

Another choice that has recently been thrown into the mix is from RRS.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …&desc=TVC-24-Versa-Tripod

The TVC-24, while not a traveler in the sense of 180 degree folding legs, does fold down to 18.7 inches (with head removed). It is 50 percent heavier and 50 percent more costly compared to the 1541T, but the extra few inches in height, in a no-column mode, may appeal to some. I think my conclusion is that stooping has become more attractive.

Here's Manfrotto USA reply from 10/27/10:

We apologize for the confusion, but the wrong picture is shown. I'll alert the webmaster and product managers immediately.

Regards,

Kevin V. Lackey
Technical Support Supervisor
+1 201.818.9500 x 239

I also noted that no change has yet been made. Personally, I'd make the change immediately....its a week later.

Kirk ASC-5 Snap Collar for Markins Q3/Q3T

I just found out about this interesting little item and thought Id share it here with you all:

Kirk ASC-5 Snap Collar: LINK

ME: Will the ASC-5 Snap Collar work with the Markins Q3T?
KIRK: Whats the T??
Thank you,
ME: The T stands for Traveler. Its a variation of the Markin Q3 that was developed by Markins to be more form fitting to the Gitzo Travelers series of tripod legs. Its been out for at least the 2+ years I have owned one and is actually on its second iteration.

Here is Markins page for it:
http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/Q3T.php

Here is a review I wrote on the combo:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=538298
KIRK: If its the same ball size as the Q3 then yes it will fit.

Thank you,

Not really impressed with their customer service skills nor product knowledge. Alas Im left to guess that since both the Q3 and Q3T have a 38mm ball, the ASC-5 Snap Collar will work with the Q3T. Just would have preferred a bit more research on their behalf especially since they are designing and selling products for use with OTHER manufactures products.

UPDATE:
Its confirmed, tvphotog posted HERE that the snap collar works fine with the Q3T.

Like you I would be a bit apprehensive using it based of the feedback you got. It would not be much fun to find you had scored the ball on your Q3T because of a subtle dimension difference between the housings of the Q3 and Q3T.

Andyh77 wrote in post #11226412
Like you I would be a bit apprehensive using it based of the feedback you got. It would not be much fun to find you had scored the ball on your Q3T because of a subtle dimension difference between the housings of the Q3 and Q3T.

First of all, the collar is plastic; if anything will score anything, the ball will score the collar. Secondly if you look at the specs of the Q3 and the Q3t, they're identical. Third, Markins would have been foolish to have to design and mold two separate housings for a ballhead where the difference is only the panning base.

Last, my collar fits perfectly on my Q3t. You guys are overthinking a very effective tool.

Why would I need that?

J.

tvphotog wrote in post #11227014
First of all, the collar is plastic; if anything will score anything, the ball will score the collar. Secondly if you look at the specs of the Q3 and the Q3t, they're identical. Third, Markins would have been foolish to have to design and mold two separate housings for a ballhead where the difference is only the panning base.

Last, my collar fits perfectly on my Q3t. You guys are overthinking a very effective tool.

Dont get me wrong, I wasnt talking the product down, I was merely commenting that I didnt really like how Kirk handled the situation more than anything. They werent THAT bad about it, I was just a little surprised. Or maybe Im just spoiled by how well RRS and Markins take care of things?

JohnJ80 wrote in post #11227506
Why would I need that?

J.

Need? Probably wouldnt. But if you like/want/do carry your camera attached to the tripod with legs extended and over your shoulder, this little do-hicky will help prevent the possible ripping loose of the ballheads tightened down position (potentially ruining the ballhead) as youre camera rig is bouncing on your shoulder.

next week arrive mine , with the gh1789qr ballhead ( which i would change with the markins 3 traveler ) , i pay it 550€ incl shipping , ballhead and the notebook support...good ?

ben_r_ wrote in post #11227530
Dont get me wrong, I wasnt talking the product down, I was merely commenting that I didnt really like how Kirk handled the situation more than anything. They werent THAT bad about it, I was just a little surprised. Or maybe Im just spoiled by how well RRS and Markins take care of things?

Need? Probably wouldnt. But if you like/want/do carry your camera attached to the tripod with legs extended and over your shoulder, this little do-hicky will help prevent the possible ripping loose of the ballheads tightened down position (potentially ruining the ballhead) as youre camera rig is bouncing on your shoulder.

Ok, then I don't need it. I don't EVER carry my camera that way. Had a bad experience like that once. That's why I have a QR lever clamp.

j.

This is a great, cheap (less than $20 delivered) tripod case with the legs in ready position and a RRS BH-30 on it. A perfect fit. http://www.ebags.com …/107925?product​id=1284115

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Needsnow wrote in post #11229698
This is a great, cheap (less than $20 delivered) tripod case with the legs in ready position and a RRS BH-30 on it. A perfect fit. http://www.ebags.com …/107925?product​id=1284115

VERY cool! Thanks for posting this! Ill add it to the review as another option!

mine arrived today...

now i wanto to buy a good bag for it...

the gitzo GC1201T or others ?

seb87 wrote in post #11270636
mine arrived today...

now i wanto to buy a good bag for it...

the gitzo GC1201T or others ?

I posted a link and image to a Case Logic option in the original review.