Complete: my Gitzo GT0530 + Markins Q3

xpsentity wrote in post #5203446
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.

Ooh, I didn't know that. I thought it was less than the difference between the 0530 and 1540T, which is .4 lbs. Yeah, .9 lbs is kinda pushing it when you are only talking about tripods weighing approx 2 lb anyway.

Tsmith wrote in post #5198085
My light weight tripod setup is done, at a total weight of 2.5 lbs. Straps on my North Face 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.

looking good Toney....what's the weight of that head?

ed rader

If I may make 1 suggestion. Replace the centre column with a Markins TB20.
e.g. www.photoproshop.com. It is sturdier than the plastic top plate and it allows you tripod to get really low too!

The Q3 weighs in at 0.84 lbs (385 g) with the standard Markins quickshoe.

xpsentity wrote in post #5203164
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.

That's the very reason I parted ways with my Manfrotto 3001BD setup, just to darn bulky and heavy for any convince while hiking. Thing always spent way more time left behind than on the trails.

I honestly can't say whether or not the 0530 would serve your purpose or not in those situations. Guess it might would depend how swift the water was flowing. So far in my normal testing outdoors its been as solid as the 3001BD ever was, just 4 lbs lighter while doing it. Yes its light weight but at the same time its very well built and using the hook off the center column would help making it even more stable as you pointed out.

I often wonder if the negative feedback actually comes from people who have actually used the tripod or if their opinion is solely based on specifications _

I am looking forward to packing and using it this coming July on another GNP 7 day hking trip. Results will tell _

Tsmith, thanks for this review. It helped a lot in my decision.

I think I'm gonna purchase this setup. Got my birthday thursday and I should be getting some cash from that. The 0530 is currently $333 at amazon ($40 rebate), so that would be $603 + shipping from markins for the whole deal.

How is the resale value on this gear?

Resale is excellent, it's Gitzo and Markins =)

Just got my Q3 today to pair with my 1530.. talk about ultralight.

Hey glad it helped out in your decision making process. The setup does works using with my 70-200 f/4L on a tripod collar.

xpsentity wrote in post #5607367
Resale is excellent, it's Gitzo and Markins =)

Just got my Q3 today to pair with my 1530.. talk about ultralight.

And solid built. I love the tension adjustment screw made into the Ballhead knob.

xpsentity wrote in post #5607367
Resale is excellent, it's Gitzo and Markins =)

Just got my Q3 today to pair with my 1530.. talk about ultralight.

How's the setup holding up? What's the heaviest lens you've put on it so far and how are the results?

After going back and forth 5,000 times between the 1 series and 2 series, I ordered a 2540 then rejected UPS' delivery. Well, just purchased the 1530 locally this afternoon and am now ready to order the Q3. No more flip flopping!

Did you purchase the Markins camera plate or an L-bracket? If you're using the plate, have you experienced any stability issues when rotating the ballhead 90 degrees to the portrait orientation?

A suggestion for your Markins Q3

Get a Kirk ASC-3 Snap Collar for the Markins. This will take the strain off the ball head if you decide to carry a camera/lens attached to your tripod. It is a good $25 investment in the safety of your equipment.

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om/ballheads.html#snap​collar

A question to Toney (or others using the Q3 and the 24-105 F4/L lens): how is the head holding the 40D with this lens, especially when positioned for a vertical shot? I've been rather unhappy with the way the 450D/24-105 combo behaved with lighter Manfrotto heads. Balancing was all right with the 70-200 F4 attached because of the nicely centered collar; but the 24-105 throws the camera off-balance since the center of gravity is shifted substantially with this lens. As a result, you have to tighten the ball screw real hard (and tighten it like hell when doing a vertical shot) to ensure there's no drift. How's the Q3 doing in this regard (with the 24-105 and lighter bodies in particular)?

Alexiz wrote in post #5750789
A question to Toney (or others using the Q3 and the 24-105 F4/L lens): how is the head holding the 40D with this lens, especially when positioned for a vertical shot? I've been rather unhappy with the way the 450D/24-105 combo behaved with lighter Manfrotto heads. Balancing was all right with the 70-200 F4 attached because of the nicely centered collar; but the 24-105 throws the camera off-balance since the center of gravity is shifted substantially with this lens. As a result, you have to tighten the ball screw real hard (and tighten it like hell when doing a vertical shot) to ensure there's no drift. How's the Q3 doing in this regard (with the 24-105 and lighter bodies in particular)?

Just saw this: the Markins Q3 has a tension adjustment for the Ball Head knob that controls the movement your experiencing with the Manfrotto heads. Thats the very reason I was so unhappy with my 486CR2 and the 488CR2 uses the same design yet has a panning base.

Alexiz wrote in post #5750789
A question to Toney (or others using the Q3 and the 24-105 F4/L lens): how is the head holding the 40D with this lens, especially when positioned for a vertical shot? I've been rather unhappy with the way the 450D/24-105 combo behaved with lighter Manfrotto heads. Balancing was all right with the 70-200 F4 attached because of the nicely centered collar; but the 24-105 throws the camera off-balance since the center of gravity is shifted substantially with this lens. As a result, you have to tighten the ball screw real hard (and tighten it like hell when doing a vertical shot) to ensure there's no drift. How's the Q3 doing in this regard (with the 24-105 and lighter bodies in particular)?

The Q3 is a phenomenal ballhead for its size. Lens droop is almost nonexistant if you stay within its design parameters. Even with a larger lens such as a 300 f2.8L IS, the Q3 is steady as a rock. Its tension control system is superb.

I can say without reservation, none of the Manfrottos I have used 484, 486, 488, and even the 468MG hold or function as well as the Q3.

Thanks, guys, appreciate it. I guess it's time to switch from the 486 for me too.

Alex

AMG911 wrote in post #5204769
If I may make 1 suggestion. Replace the centre column with a Markins TB20...

It's a bad idea to add the Markins TB-20 to this tripod: adds 4.2 oz / 120 grams to a tripod thats meant to be ultra light, cost $83 + S&H, and anyway the new Gitzo's have the "Ground-Level Set feature wich allows you to remove the center column to save weight and get the camera closer to the ground. The upper disk is removed from the center column and inserted directly into the upper casting using the column hook. No tools required."

The Markins TB-20 was useful for the older models that did not have this feature.