Markins ballhead...need help!

I feel stupid even asking this, but I am lost! I have a little extra cash right now and am looking to get a markins ballhead to top off my new gitzo tripod. I do alot of hiking, so weight is an issue.

My question is, should I go for the Q3 or the M10. When I hike, I usually carry a 24-70 lens mounted on a 40D w/out a grip. The thing is, I also have a MkII that I often use with my 100-400 and would like the ballhead to be able to handle this setup as well.

Finally, from experience, what are your recommendations for plates to use w/ the ballhead?

Thank you all for your help!

I've recently had the same problem. After advise I went for the M10, but I feel sure you could use the M3 without a problem.

By the way, I chose to match it with an RRS lever clamping plate and will use the standard Markins plate on my monopod.

The M10 replaces a Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead that would move just slightly as I took my hands away after locking it down, the beauty of the Markins design is that it does not need locking down, just stays put! It;s a revelation.

Richard

gkopp1999 wrote in post #5101050
I feel stupid even asking this, but I am lost! I have a little extra cash right now and am looking to get a markins ballhead to top off my new gitzo tripod. I do alot of hiking, so weight is an issue.

My question is, should I go for the Q3 or the M10. When I hike, I usually carry a 24-70 lens mounted on a 40D w/out a grip. The thing is, I also have a MkII that I often use with my 100-400 and would like the ballhead to be able to handle this setup as well.

Finally, from experience, what are your recommendations for plates to use w/ the ballhead?

Thank you all for your help!

I just purchased the Q3...FANTASTIC QUALITY!

I'd get one that fits your tripod best: For instance a Q3 on a Gitzo 1xxx, an M10 for a 2xxx.
I'd think both would be capable of handling a 100-400.

I got an M10 on a Gitzo 1325 (would now be 3xxx), but that was because I couldn't see myself needing an M20, but I could see myself trade the 1325 for a 2540 or the likes

Which Gitzo is it? If it is anything but a 0 or 1 series, I'd go with the M10.

By the way...that's a Velbon Sherpa CF Pro 630 tripod in the picture I posted.

TheHoff wrote in post #5101513
Which Gitzo is it? If it is anything but a 0 or 1 series, I'd go with the M10.

it is a 1 series gitzo.

gkopp1999 wrote in post #5102076
it is a 1 series gitzo.

I'd go Q3 for the weight.