Gitzo traveler (2580) + Markins Q3 Traveler

I use the Gitzo tripod - Traveler 6x Carbon Series 2 - GK2580TQR. Now I do not like the ballhead. So I want to change it for the Markins Q3 Traveler.

On the Markins site I read that it is for the series one traveler. But how about the series 2 (2580)

Has any one experiense with this combination ? or a good alternative that fits and also fits when the tripod is folded

Many thanks for your help

That's a very nice tripod, but as you say the head is not so good. Your choice really depends on your camera equipment, especially the lenses. I've used Markins Q3T heads for nearly four years, first on a Gitzo 1541T and currently on a Benro C2680T. They are good - no question, and with a max diameter of 50mm will allow the legs of your 2580 to fold back parallel to the center column. An alternative is difficult to talk about as no other company has achieved the feat of housing a 38mm ball in a head with a 50mm max diameter. It's a brilliant piece of engineering.

There are drawbacks though. You see frequent reports of locked balls because users don't understand how to use the friction (drag) properly. It doesn't help that the instructions that come with the product are a bit skimpy. Many users also seem frustrated with the way that the panning knob works; they're expecting it to lock the housing rotation but it is actually a brake by design and not a lock. I have never had either of these issues but plenty others have.

I've had two problems with mine: When using a Nikkor 17-55/2.8 on a Fuji S5 body the ballhead binds at angles around 25-30° from the horizontal. I've owned three Q3T ballheads and they have all done this. So if you use a lens with a particularly large lump of glass at the end I'd urge caution WRT this ballhead. Second, it locks up in cold weather. We've recently had some fairly cold weather here: 1°F (-17°C) and the ballhead got cold and was locked solid. After it warmed up a bit it was binding and I took it off the tripod and replaced it with another. Later I cleaned and polished the ball and it was fine.

I've now replaced my Q3T with a different brand that's a larger head as I don't need to fold back my traveler's legs. I lived in Utrecht for a while so I know it can get cold in the winter in Holland. If you have heavy glass and/or it gets seriously cold where you live I would not recommend the Q3T. In every other situation I've experienced though it has been perfect and I still think it's out on its own in its class. The one alternative that I think you might consider is the RRS BH-40. It has a ball diameter of 40mm and a base diameter of 53mm and it might fit on a 2-series Gitzo traveler. From reports it doesn't lock up in freezing weather.

Send the shop where I order most of my equipment a e-mail and they confirm it fits. Also send Markins the same question and also confirmed it fits etc.

So I ordered the Markins Q3T

My question can be closed

You might want to take a look at this .

Maybe this was changed in later models, but I've read a few discussions about the kit version of this tripod requiering some mods to mount different heads .

^ Thanks for the link. Very interesting.

For me it works with only the bolt that comes with the Gitzo GS2320D (Two piece upper disc kit Series 2)
And used the Gitzo head for my Gitzo carbon series 2 monopod

photos of this combination and used parts
http://eosfotografie.n​l …-tqr-markins-q3-traveler/

Also tested with a Gitzo upper disc for the series 1. This one works perfect. (D1550.01)

photos of this combination and used parts
http://eosfotografie.n​l …-tqr-markins-q3-traveler/

^ That looks like a very sturdy rig. FYI you can also use Benro or Induro parts on your Gitzo. I use a Gitzo upper disk on my Benro travel tripod and a Benro upper disk on my Gitzo 3-series systematic. The spikes are also interchangeable as are those from RRS.

Your questions are answered here:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1256272

peter_n wrote in post #15735475
^ That looks like a very sturdy rig. FYI you can also use Benro or Induro parts on your Gitzo. I use a Gitzo upper disk on my Benro travel tripod and a Benro upper disk on my Gitzo 3-series systematic. The spikes are also interchangeable as are those from RRS.

Thanks didn't know that

mayuka wrote in post #15746438
Your questions are answered here:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1256272

Did you read this topic ? All ready found the solution. Posted the solution on my site; http://eosfotografie.n​l …-tqr-markins-q3-traveler/

Superdaantje wrote in post #15746723
Did you read this topic ?

The small Power Disc is not the right solution for you, because it is not self-locking. You'll notice it when the head is loosening itself... It will happen sooner or later. The Power Disc from the GT2542T would have been the better choice. It has a small bolt that screws from the side, that makes self-loosening impossible.

I have nog problems with it. The combination is rock solid. So for me it works.
And I'm deciding for my self when something is a right solution for my situation

For me the solution works so topic can be closed