Which Ballhead to Pair Up with Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X?

Hello!

I just bought my first tripod for $200 less than its normal price (hooray for used gear! ), and now I'm looking to complete it with the right ballhead and preferably L-plate for my Canon XSI.

I don't expect to use any lens beyond 200mm (maaybee 300mm) and though my budget won't allow a camera body upgrade any time soon, I'd like to keep that possibility in mind when choosing accessories to fit my long-term needs. Currently, I am interested in a set-up that will be convenient for general portraiture, everyday general use, and to take with me on hikes.

Based on all that, what would you recommend for me? (Especially those who do/have own[ed] the same tripod legs) I've been eyeing the BH-40 LR and BH-30 LR (though if I plan to use L-plates, should I just go straight for the LR IIs?), but not sure if it's necessary for me to get something that costly. And my mind is spinning from having to narrow down so many different alternatives. (I am also leaning towards Markins Q3-Q...) Are there any incompatibilities/issu​es I should know about before deciding upon a ballhead for this particular type of tripod legs? Or about certain ballheads in general?

Any advice for this newbie would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

I opted for the GT1541 rather than shorter GT1541T. I waffled over various ballheads including the RRS 40 and 30 series, deciding in the end to go with the Markins Q3 (not the Q3T with smaller base for Traveler version of tripod) with QR lever and am VERY happy with the combo for mountain hiking when I also generally constrain myself to my 70-200 f4 lens as the largest. I likewise use RRS L brackets. Note that I also use an Arca Swiss Z-1 with Wimberley C-10 screw clamp on my GT3541XLS for shorter and/or flatter shoots and/or needing longer lenses.

Markins Q3 of course

I have the Acratech GP on my 2531 and the GP-S on my 1541T. I am extremely happy with the quality and usability of these heads. I have used them both as semi gimbals for the 70-200 f2.8 and the 400 f5.6, and I have used them in the panorama configuration with great results.