Ballheads and plates and brackets, oh my!

tvphotog wrote in post #12277214
Markins makes their own lever QR which, unlike the RRS, is adjustable to any plate system.

I noticed that who use ballhead with lever seem more confident respect the previous solution that don't use a lever so, just as a question, i would like ask what happen if someone have different product arca plate system and you don't remember to adjust it.
What happen on a similar circumstance?
Don't fit the plate or seem fit but instead is loose?
Although there is a security system, you can notice that problem easy? Or not?

alessandro2009 wrote in post #12334188
I noticed that who use ballhead with lever seem more confident respect the previous solution that don't use a lever so, just as a question, i would like ask what happen if someone have different product arca plate system and you don't remember to adjust it.
What happen on a similar circumstance?
Don't fit the plate or seem fit but instead is loose?
Although there is a security system, you can notice that problem easy? Or not?

I use a RRS L bracket with my Markins clamp. It requires a little more pressure to close, but that's because the RRS is 1mm wider than Markins camera plates. However, I've read other places saying that Markins plates are too loose on RRS clamps.

I ordered my Markins ballhead with the Markins screw clamp, which to me offers the best universal solution down the road to handle about any type of plate. I am currently using a Wimberley clamp on my monopod and I don't mind the screw type clamp at all.

+1. I've used Markins screw clamps for years without any problems and have plates from several different manufacturers. Recently I had a Markins clamp machined to fit onto an Arca-Swiss Z1 and the combo works very well.

Thanks.

meglet wrote in post #12275475
(aka, yet another tripod head question.)

I just picked up a Gitzo 1541T compact tripod, which I love, and which holds even my heaviest gear quite solidly. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my current ball head, so I'm going to have to bite the bullet and replace it sooner rather than later.

Having read Ben's excellent 1541T review (which convinced me to buy the 'pod in the first place) and various other comments around here and in the tripod FAQ, it looks like I probably want to go with a lightweight compact head from either Markins or RRS, or a combination of the Markins head with a RRS plate/bracket.

I'm not currently invested in any bracket/plate system worth keeping, so I'll be starting from scratch with either setup. Based on my equipment and usage, it looks like I need 1 camera plate, 1 lens plate (for the 100-400mm) and possibly an L-bracket for portrait mode. Whichever system I pick, needs to last me (besides potential new brackets for a camera upgrade) as I really don't want to have to go through this again for a long time.

So, my choices are as follows, please critique, suggest alternatives, etc as you see fit.

I'm leaning more towards the Q3T, either complete or combo, due to it's nice integration with the folding legs of the 1541T tripod. On the other hand, that means I either have to special-order the head without the lock-tite and/or plate (I think) or not have an L-bracket for portrait mode. (On the other, other hand, the L-bracket would interfere with the rotating LCD on my 60D, which would be annoying.)

Almost forgot - I mainly use the tripod for landscapes and low-light photos when out wandering around the city or on road trips. Primary use is with the 24-105mmL on my 60D, secondary would be either wide angle lens, occasionally the 100-400mmL. Ease of use (particularly leveling) and stability are my primary goals here.

So, sorry about the long winded post, but I'd really appreciate some feedback and advice on these options, as my previous ballhead choice was based on "hey, that's cheap, I'll get that one!"

Bonus question - If I get a RRS camera L-bracket, am I reading right that it's modular so most of the time I would only need the bottom portion, and attach the side only for portrait mode?

You seem to want to spend a lot of money for very little. I was looking for a lightweight head and happened upon the Triopo RS3 it was only £30 (Sterling) so I thought I would give it a whirl, if it was rubbish I could always use it for my G9!

Well I have had it about 2 years now and am simply not interested in any other ball head, except the smaller versions of it. The RS3 is a very simple head with only one control lever(I prefer this), it's also the smoothest I have ever tried.The RS3 weighs 250gram and will EASILY support anything Canon currently make. If I deliberately set up my 1D4 + 600 F4 IS as far out of balance as I can, give the locking lever a fairly light twist all that happens is that my Gitzo 3 series carbon tripod flexes, literally the lockup is that good. I compared it to a couple of large Arcas that a local photographer was selling, the Arcas were much prettier but not as smooth and did not compare on lockup (+10 times the price!) and much heavier. I use mine with either a 50mm or 100mm Arca fit QR adapter. It supports anything I have got, makes my Gitzos look inadequate and cost £30 on Fleabay + another £20 for the QR adapter - pointless spending more IMHO.
Though I admit I prefer my Wimberley 2 for the really big lenses.

I finally remembered to email Markins and RRS about plates for my new grip over the weekend.

Markins says their PG-50 plate works with the (BG-E9) 60D grip. RRS doesn't make a plate that works with my grip, but did refer me to "Kirk Enterprises" who make this one-piece L-bracket: BL-60DG link.

It looks like the Kirk L plate will work well for the 60D and grip.

I'd hold off on buying another L-bracket right now. Figure out if you even like the grip first. That's a lot of money wasted if you never end up using the grip. I use a grip and it never comes off, so I only need one plate. I also don't like Markins plates.

klr.b wrote in post #12387572
I'd hold off on buying another L-bracket right now. Figure out if you even like the grip first. That's a lot of money wasted if you never end up using the grip. I use a grip and it never comes off, so I only need one plate. I also don't like Markins plates.

Not just that, but I'm also waiting to see if I even need an L-bracket at all. A lot of my tripod use is for landscapes, so I think I'm going to start with a basic set of plates and wait to see what I "need" for future upgrades.