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

rudeshi wrote in post #13204629
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.

In that case the Q3T will be plenty for you. Even if you get a 70-200 itll be fine. Its a very well made head especially for its compact size. Thats whats made it so popular.

Thanks again for the quick replies. So it sounds like a good combo for me is the Feisol CT-3441T, Markins Q3T, and a RRS plate...is that correct?

Should I get the RRS L-plate or the dovetail plate? Sorry for all the questions, this is all new for me.

rudeshi wrote in post #13204667
Thanks again for the quick replies. So it sounds like a good combo for me is the Feisol CT-3441T, Markins Q3T, and a RRS plate...is that correct?

Should I get the RRS L-plate or the dovetail plate? Sorry for all the questions, this is all new for me.

No worries, thats what this forum is for.

Yes that setup would work too. And go with the RRS L Plate.

rudeshi wrote in post #13204667
So it sounds like a good combo for me is the Feisol CT-3441T, Markins Q3T, and a RRS plate...is that correct?

Yes.

You might want to look for a used RRS or Kirk L-plate for your camera model. They can be found on forums like this and on eBay. Nothing much can go wrong with an L-plate so it's safe to buy used and you can get good savings as the L-plates are expensive.

peter_n wrote in post #13205977
Yes.

You might want to look for a used RRS or Kirk L-plate for your camera model. They can be found on forums like this and on eBay. Nothing much can go wrong with an L-plate so it's safe to buy used and you can get good savings as the L-plates are expensive.

What's general opinion on JJC L-plates, they seem to be better design than Kirk and just $100 on ebay?

peter_n wrote in post #13204068
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.

I agree with this completely - both points. As a 6 footer, I'd find the Gitzo traveler to be too short for me. I'd go with either the Feisol or the larger Gitzo that is taller but still quite light - the standard 1541 or 1542 (whatever the number is now).

As to clamps - as much as I love Markins, the RRS clamps are better. A markins ballhead with an RRS lever clamp is really the best of both worlds.

J.

How easy is it to remove the markins plate from the Q3T and replace it with the RRS QR? Is it as simple as locking the ballhead and just twisting it off?

mnml wrote in post #13208113
How easy is it to remove the markins plate from the Q3T and replace it with the RRS QR? Is it as simple as locking the ballhead and just twisting it off?

If you already have the head, no. You'll need to heat the clamp to break the LocTite they use on the threads.

If you are planning to order the head, and will be replacing the clamp with the RRS one (good move, BTW), specify "No LocTite" when you order. That's what I did (specified "No LocTite" and put the RRS B2-LR II).

Jon wrote in post #13208208
If you already have the head, no. You'll need to heat the clamp to break the LocTite they use on the threads.

If you are planning to order the head, and will be replacing the clamp with the RRS one (good move, BTW), specify "No LocTite" when you order. That's what I did (specified "No LocTite" and put the RRS B2-LR II).

This is as I have done it and as I understand it as well. However I have heard from some people that Markins has stopped loctiting their clamps onto their heads because so many people requested to have them not. So Im not sure what the standard from them is anymore. Either way its a safer bet to just call AND leave in the checkout notes that you would like the clamp not loctited on the head.

uh oh, I have the Q3T with the markins QR plate already. I just ordered the RRS QR plate this morning. Any suggestions on how I go about heading the plate? Use a heat gun then twist off?

I used a blow torch, keeping it moving around the center threads. You might first see if it'll twist off without heating if, as Ben heard, they've stopped LocTiting them in place.

Okay, i'll give that a try. Hopefully I won't need a blow torch

I just got the Markins Q10 and the clamp is adjustable to fit RRS. I just got this but it seems to work very well. I think I would do this before trying to use a blow torch.

I have the RRS L-plate which does work with the Markins plate. I decided to get the RRS because it has a 3-position lever and a bubble indicator that is visible when the camera is mounted.

mnml wrote in post #13208445
I have the RRS L-plate which does work with the Markins plate. I decided to get the RRS because it has a 3-position lever and a bubble indicator that is visible when the camera is mounted.

Well please let me know how it goes, maybe someday I will do the same.