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

FWIW, I finally have my dream combo.

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ben_r_ wrote in post #13078399
FWIW, I finally have my dream combo.

Which camera/lens combo are you planning to use with the GT3541LS?

lsquare wrote in post #13094414
Which camera/lens combo are you planning to use with the GT3541LS?

Any and all of my gear!

Thanks for the review I ended up getting a GT1542T and puttying my Joby Ballhead X on it.

CupofJava wrote in post #13133749
Thanks for the review I ended up getting a GT1542T and puttying my Joby Ballhead X on it.

Ha, first time Ive heard of that combo! Post some pics!

The head is pretty solid. I have the gorillapod focus legs and it served me well on my last trip. I'm thinking of taking both on my next trip. I do like the small size of the gorillapod.

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Sweet! Doesnt look half bad on those legs either and you get to have the head do double duty.

I still highly recommend someday considering the Markins Q3T though. When you get some extra cash pick it up and compare the two.

I just read through a lot of this thread and I'm pretty much sold on the 1542T/Markins Q3T combo. I'm a complete newbie and this would be my first and only tripod. I'd be using it mainly for travel/hiking. I have a couple of questions:

1) I'm 6'1" tall, so would I regret not having a taller tripod?
2) Should I go with the Markins PG-30U camera plate? Or should I go with a different brand?

Thanks in advance.

rudeshi wrote in post #13201885
I just read through a lot of this thread and I'm pretty much sold on the 1542T/Markins Q3T combo. I'm a complete newbie and this would be my first and only tripod. I'd be using it mainly for travel/hiking. I have a couple of questions:

1) I'm 6'1" tall, so would I regret not having a taller tripod?
2) Should I go with the Markins PG-30U camera plate? Or should I go with a different brand?

Thanks in advance.

You are pretty tall for this setup and you will have to bend down. I even have to a bit and Im 5'9". I have never minded it at all though as the compactness and light weight of this rig has always been worth it.

I personally prefer the Really Right Stuff route for plates and clamps, but you can of course go with the Markins gear. Its not bad as I hear, I just like that RRS has so much more to offer and since I already have so much of their gear I like sticking with one brand.

rudeshi wrote in post #13201885
I have a couple of questions:

1) I'm 6'1" tall, so would I regret not having a taller tripod?
2) Should I go with the Markins PG-30U camera plate? Or should I go with a different brand?

1) Yes, definitely. Take a look at the Feisol range; they make tripods that are suitable for people 5ft 10in+ in size.
2) Do not buy a Markins plate. If you end up buying a Markins ballhead and clamp, the clamp has a terrific safety mechanism in it; a spring-loaded safety detent pin that stops a plate (and its attached camera + lens) from sliding out if the clamp vise became loose. The pin catches in a cutout in the bottom of most clamps, but Markins clamps don't have the cutout. Yes it's idiotic but it seems the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing in that company. As Ben says RRS make very good plates, and Kirk are another good brand.

On another issue, if you end up buying the Gitzo 1542T (and I assume you've read that it's a poor replacement model) you're not limited to the ballhead dimension limitations of the 1541T, as the legs on the 1542T don't reach the ballhead when they're folded back. So you could use a Markins Q3 instead of a Q3T for example.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have been looking at the Feisol range as well. It seems the Feisol Traveler Tripod CT-3441T would suit my needs pretty well. If I went with that tripod, which ballhead would you guys suggest?

I'm preparing for a trip to Argentina where I will be hiking/trekking in Patagonia so portability is critical. But since this will be my only tripod all-around usability is important as well.

rudeshi wrote in post #13204539
Thanks for the replies guys.

I have been looking at the Feisol range as well. It seems the Feisol Traveler Tripod CT-3441T would suit my needs pretty well. If I went with that tripod, which ballhead would you guys suggest?

I'm preparing for a trip to Argentina where I will be hiking/trekking in Patagonia so portability is critical. But since this will be my only tripod so all-around usability is important as well.

Same, Markins Q3T.

What is your heaviest/longest camera/lens combo?

I currently have a Canon T2i with the 18-55 mm kit lens. I am planning to purchase the Canon 10-22 mm lens in the next week or two.

That would be it for now. Not sure if I'll get a telephoto lens in the future, since my budget will be pretty much exhausted with the tripod, ballhead and wide angle lens.