Complete: my Gitzo GT0530 + Markins Q3

My light weight tripod setup is done, at a total weight of 2.5 lbs. Straps on myGregory Z30 backpack with ease. I know going into this its not going to support a big telephoto lens but thats not what its intended for. The EOS 40D + 70-200 f/4L are no problem at all and honestly I don't see where a lens like the 100-400 or 300 f/4L IS would be either. The setup is surprisingly sturdy for such a compact tripod. Mostly It'll be used with my EF-S 10-22 and 17-40 f/4L.

I did have the Kirk BH-3 but decided it was slightly too much for the tripod. Sold it off and just got the Markin's Q3 and its a perfect fit.

lookin sweet Tony!! how things been with you

I'm drooling.

I need to decide between the gt0530 and the gt1540T. The 1540T is considerably more expensive (its about $600) and I think possibly a bit heavier, but it holds the same weight. It also collapses to about 15-16"... I can't decide.

It would be mainly used for traveling and hiking, and I like the fact that I could put the 1540T inside a bag.

sam _ I went back and forth on both models too and even told myself if I didn't feel comfortable with the GT0530 that It'd go back to B&H Photo in exchange plus $$$ for the GT1504. Its a keeper for me and being that it's has 3 leg sections vs 4 makes it pretty sturdy but not as compact folded up. With the Q3 attached mine is 23" overall collapsed.

Great looking rig.

It is funny how skinny those legs look when compared to tripods just 10 or 20 years ago before the common use of carbon fiber. They look almost toothpick-like compared to the standard metal tripods we used to lug around, but it is likely more stable and surely dampens more vibration.

Tsmith wrote in post #5199109
sam _ I went back and forth on both models too and even told myself if I didn't feel comfortable with the GT0530 that It'd go back to B&H Photo in exchange plus $$$ for the GT1504. Its a keeper for me and being that it's has 3 leg sections vs 4 makes it pretty sturdy but not as compact folded up. With the Q3 attached mine is 23" overall collapsed.

Yeah the thing is that I feel like there are so many pros to each one I don't know which would be the one to go with. Either way they will all be a step up (in terms of weight and size) from my 3021bpro with its 329rc4 head, which weighs like 8 lbs.

Pros for the 0530:
-Price is significantly better
-3 leg sections = more stable
-Its actually lighter, I'm pretty sure, and holds the same weight

Pros for the 1540T:
-Holds the same weight
-Still doesn't weigh very much
-Without a head I could fit it in a bag very easily, even with a head I think it would be fine which is a pretty big deal for a few reasons
1. I can fit it in a carryon airport bag fairly easily (sweet!)
2. People won't see a tripod on the exterior of my backpack and know there is camera gear inside - this is a pretty big deal to me

For increased stability, don't extend the last leg section -- if you can sit and use the tripod, all the better, right? I'd say if 95% of the time the tripod will be hiking around compared to 5% in use, then don't compromise on the hiking features like size and weight when you can increase stability once you get there by using fewer leg sections or weighting the column.

TheHoff wrote in post #5199770
For increased stability, don't extend the last leg section -- if you can sit and use the tripod, all the better, right? I'd say if 95% of the time the tripod will be hiking around compared to 5% in use, then don't compromise on the hiking features like size and weight when you can increase stability once you get there by using fewer leg sections or weighting the column.

Right. The thing is that both are extremely lightweight, extend to an adequate height, so it is just a trade off for a longer collapsed, but cheaper and .4lb lighter tripod, or one that is smaller collapsed and heavier/more pricey.

0530:
20.9" height, 1.6lb weight

1540T:
15.4" height, 2lb weight

Anyway, I should probably stop taking this thread off topic. Sorry.

TheHoff wrote in post #5199770
For increased stability, don't extend the last leg section -- if you can sit and use the tripod, all the better, right? I'd say if 95% of the time the tripod will be hiking around compared to 5% in use, then don't compromise on the hiking features like size and weight when you can increase stability once you get there by using fewer leg sections or weighting the column.

Kinda my same way of thinking on this _

slappy sam wrote in post #5199820
Right. The thing is that both are extremely lightweight, extend to an adequate height, so it is just a trade off for a longer collapsed, but cheaper and .4lb lighter tripod, or one that is smaller collapsed and heavier/more pricey.

0530:
20.9" height, 1.6lb weight

1540T:
15.4" height, 2lb weight

Anyway, I should probably stop taking this thread off topic. Sorry.

decisions decisions _ no problem at all, talk it up.

So should i buy that Q3 for my GT1540T?
ok, the ballhead is Q3, what about the base? clamp? plate? QR ....etc

I've spent a year now using the 0530 as my light hiking tripod. It's true that the lowest leg sections are very thin and fully extended it's not particularly tall but the payback is that tiny 700g weight (plus head) that means you will take it where other tripods would get left behind in the hotel room. It really is no effort at all to carry it with you on even the most demanding treks. Folded up I just hook one leg over my belt and can forget it's there!

foxbat wrote in post #5201078
I've spent a year now using the 0530 as my light hiking tripod. It's true that the lowest leg sections are very thin and fully extended it's not particularly tall but the payback is that tiny 700g weight (plus head) that means you will take it where other tripods would get left behind in the hotel room. It really is no effort at all to carry it with you on even the most demanding treks. Folded up I just hook one leg over my belt and can forget it's there!

It is a sweet setup to use as intended. Thanks to you and a couple of naturescape.net members it solidified my decision _

I've been considering this *exact* setup for some time now. I had a few threads going here and there, and the general consensus seemed to be that the 0530 was not stable enough for my uses.

I'm curious how stable it really feels with general wide angle zooms on it. I do quite a bit of slow shutterspeed / long exposure work, and as such it really needs to be very still. I anticipate weighting the center column with my hiking pack as I'm shooting for an added bit. I seem to spend a great deal of time standing in the middle of rivers as well - how do you feel it would hold up with the water vibration? My 3021 is literally *unmoving* in that situation - I've done 30-90 seconds with perfect results.

However, I am sick of carrying around an 8lb setup with a pack around 20-50lbs depending on location (Not photo gear, backpacking gear). Weight is a huge concern for me, which is why I'm trying to stick with a 0-series.

Next year I'll be taking this tripod setup around the world - Milford Track, Everest Base Camp, extensive South America travel, etc. As such, it's very important I make the right choice Any insight would be very helpful.

xpsentity wrote in post #5203164
I've been considering this *exact* setup for some time now. I had a few threads going here and there, and the general consensus seemed to be that the 0530 was not stable enough for my uses.

I'm curious how stable it really feels with general wide angle zooms on it. I do quite a bit of slow shutterspeed / long exposure work, and as such it really needs to be very still. I anticipate weighting the center column with my hiking pack as I'm shooting for an added bit. I seem to spend a great deal of time standing in the middle of rivers as well - how do you feel it would hold up with the water vibration? My 3021 is literally *unmoving* in that situation - I've done 30-90 seconds with perfect results.

However, I am sick of carrying around an 8lb setup with a pack around 20-50lbs depending on location (Not photo gear, backpacking gear). Weight is a huge concern for me, which is why I'm trying to stick with a 0-series.

Next year I'll be taking this tripod setup around the world - Milford Track, Everest Base Camp, extensive South America travel, etc. As such, it's very important I make the right choice Any insight would be very helpful.

The 1540 (not the T) is only a touch heavier and supposedly holds 18 lbs as opposed to 11, therefore I'm guessing its sturdier. And if you don't extend all the legs so it functions like a 3 section like the 0530 it is probably even sturdier. I think it weighs approx .3 lb more than the 0530.

slappy sam wrote in post #5203381
The 1540 (not the T) is only a touch heavier and supposedly holds 18 lbs as opposed to 11, therefore I'm guessing its sturdier. And if you don't extend all the legs so it functions like a 3 section like the 0530 it is probably even sturdier. I think it weighs approx .3 lb more than the 0530.

The 1530 / 1540 both weigh .9lbs more than their 0-series counterparts. I'm not against it, but if it's not needed...

Those two would be the heaviest options I'm considering.