Just got the Gitzo 1540. Need a ballhead

I just got the Gitzo 1540. I contemplated getting the 2530 model as that was the same price. However, I do not see myself getting a telephoto lens. Anyway, I purchased the Manfrotto 488RC2 head to go with the Gitzo. I'm really disappointed in the "sag" after it has been locked into place.

It seems like the Markins Q3 is highly recommended. The Q3 comes with a quick shoe, but do I need to buy a quick release plate separately? If so, which ones do you guys recommend? Interestingly, the cheaper 488RC2 comes with one already.


Thanks,
rays

I am actually looking at the Markins Q3 myself and it is supposed to be excellent. However, the quick release plates made by Markins are custom made for each camera body. Many people really like the RRS quick release plates, but they are custom made for each body as well, so you may have to buy a couple depending on the equipment you have.

Buy the Q3. It is simply superb.

Buy anyone's generic plate - Kirk, Markins, Wimberley, RSS, Benro, whatever, as long as AS compatible. Unless you have need for a custom plate for your camera, I think you're wasting your money.

Stew

It seems the plates are all about the same price from Kirk, RRS, and Markins.

What about the quick-release system. The Q3 comes with one already. However, I see that many people have gone with the RRS system to mount on the Q3 ballhead. Any opinions?

I'm digging the Markins,.
I have two other ballheads, one about twice the size of the Markins, and another three times easily,. (weight as well) and the Markins is tougher than both of them at 1/2-1/3 the size and weight.

I've got it on a 1300 series CF Gitzo, and it looks small on that, it will look tiny on that big 15xx, but it will be plenty tough.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #4431520
I've got it on a 1300 series CF Gitzo, and it looks small on that, it will look tiny on that big 15xx, but it will be plenty tough.

Actually the new 15XX series Gitzos are equivalent to an 11XX when comparing to your 13XX series. It is a one series tripod of roughly 24/25mm upper leg segment diameter. The older 15XX series were five series now equivalent to 55XX series.

The Q3 doesn't come with a QR lever clamp. Only a knob QR clamp. The RSS lever clamp is a nice addition, but not really needed IMHO unless you do a lot of rapid camera mount/demounts.

Stew

squiress wrote in post #4431554
Actually the new 15XX series Gitzos are equivalent to an 11XX when comparing to your 13XX series. It is a one series tripod of roughly 24/25mm upper leg segment diameter. The older 15XX series were five series now equivalent to 55XX series.

Oh the humanity,. what's funny is I have the "new" Gitzo,. but I'll be damned if I can ever remember there new numbering system?

I use the RRS BH-25 with my 1540T. It's a perfect match. I also use the RRS BH-55 on my Manfrotto 055 and it's a great combo too. I was also disappointed with the sag of the 488 and ditched it long ago in favor of the RRS heads.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #4431652
Oh the humanity,. what's funny is I have the "new" Gitzo,. but I'll be damned if I can ever remember there new numbering system?

you have the GT3530

Now he tells me

No, I think CDS has the Belmondo Signature Left Behind Tripod.
me

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #4433108
Now he tells me

Do you use the Markins Q3 with a 3530? I have a Gitzo 3540LS and was wondering about the Markins Q3 and use with a 100-400 and 400 5.6. I'm using a Manfrotto 468 Hydrostatic with a kirk clamp but the grass always seems greener on the other side. I actually really like the Manfotto, but that grass again....

Gene

GeneC wrote in post #4447589
Do you use the Markins Q3 with a 3530? I have a Gitzo 3540LS and was wondering about the Markins Q3 and use with a 100-400 and 400 5.6. I'm using a Manfrotto 468 Hydrostatic with a kirk clamp but the grass always seems greener on the other side. I actually really like the Manfotto, but that grass again....

Gene

Certainly the Q3 would handle the load you're describing. There is always a question of esthetics however. The Q3 is pretty compact. Normally it's optimal to match the base size of the mount to the top plate of the tripod diameter. I would think the Q3 would look small on a 35XX tripod. If that is your only tripod you might consider an M10 instead.

Stew

squiress wrote in post #4447838
Certainly the Q3 would handle the load you're describing. There is always a question of esthetics however. The Q3 is pretty compact. Normally it's optimal to match the base size of the mount to the top plate of the tripod diameter. I would think the Q3 would look small on a 35XX tripod. If that is your only tripod you might consider an M10 instead.

Stew

As I said the grass always looks greener however I am pretty happy with the Hydrostatic actually, I liked it well enough to buy 2. You can look in my sig to see what I am using for gear. The quarter turn lockup with finger tips and the drag control on the hydrostatic head is something I don't see in other heads. But if I was convinced that a Markins M10 or Arca Swiss z1 would give me overall better performance by giving me a bit more steadiness I could justify one. The 468MG hydrostatic locks up tight enough with finger tips to drive a truck on top of it. Any comments in my thoughts are appreciated.

gene

GeneC wrote in post #4447589
Do you use the Markins Q3 with a 3530? I have a Gitzo 3540LS and was wondering about the Markins Q3 and use with a 100-400 and 400 5.6. I'm using a Manfrotto 468 Hydrostatic with a kirk clamp but the grass always seems greener on the other side. I actually really like the Manfotto, but that grass again....

Gene

Basically, Markins set up their line to fit with the Gitzo's series.

1540/30 - Q3

2530/40 - M10 or Q3

3530/40 - M20.

They are great. I have an RRS BH40 and an M20 on various tripods. If I had it to do all over again, it would be Markins all the way. The Bh40 is nice, but the Markins stuff is superb. That said, I put RRS QR Levers on all of them. RRS makes better clamps.

J.