Need a ball head for a GT-2530 Mountaineer + some other questions...

argyle wrote in post #5567251
The L-brackets are not cumbersome at all...

+1 on that.

I agree about L brackets not being cumbersome. If you get one custom designed for your camera, it becomes an integral part of the body. Sure it adds some bulk but it is easy to get accustomed to as you use it. It is like adding a battery grip to a body. If well designed you will hardly notice it is there.

Well OK then. I started this thread a few months ago, and I am now ready to pull the trigger and guess what: The Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer CF Rapid Column tripod is discontinued! Well that was fast. Now what? What is the latest and greatest that takes its place?

Edit: I guess its the GT-2531. But what is the difference?

Edit Edit: I guess nevermind. They look pretty much exactly alike. So my plan remains the same.

The GT2531 has slightly different locking system that's apparently more reliable and vibration dampening or something.., plus the tripod goes down as low as I think 17cm, as apposed to the older model being 30cm because they've added a 3rd position to lock the legs into. (not quite the right terminology, but you get the idea)

from what I have read since I own the GT2530, is the GT2531 has a new top platform to the center column that helps dampen vibration (materials used), but this is only useful if you are using the center column. If you go with the Markins Tripod Base then that feature is useless, since the center column is removed from the tripod. The 2531 goes as low as 6.7 inches where the 2530 goes as low as 13 inches.

BBrat wrote in post #6012281
from what I have read since I own the GT2530, is the GT2531 has a new top platform to the center column that helps dampen vibration (materials used), but this is only useful if you are using the center column. If you go with the Markins Tripod Base then that feature is useless, since the center column is removed from the tripod. The 2531 goes as low as 6.7 inches where the 2530 goes as low as 13 inches.

Also, with the new materials in the spider, the 2531 is 0.1 pounds lighter than the 2530.

René Damkot wrote in post #5560719
Markins M10.
RRS L plate for the cameras.
Arca QR plate for the lens.

Exactly what I was thinking!

ben_r_ wrote in post #6013029
Exactly what I was thinking!

René Damkot wrote in post #5560719
Markins M10.
RRS L plate for the cameras.
Arca QR plate for the lens.

Something like this:

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Couple of things that I'm not sure were clear from the various posts. I have the Gitzo 3541 mountaineer legs with the Markins M20 ballhead and RRS LR clamp and plates. So it's pretty similar to what you're looking at. You want to order the -NQS version of the ballhead from Markins if you're going with the RRS LR clamp. You'll probably want to use some Loctite Blue thread locking goo when you attach the RRS LR clamp to the Markins ballhead. An alternative to using L-plates is using a camera rotator bracket, like the Newton Di400. The camera can rotate between portrait and landscape mode inside the CR bracket that attaches to the RRS LR clamp. The RRS B6 plate works well to attach this CR bracket to the RRS LR clamp. And you buy the RRS LR clamp and plates from RRS. It sounded like there was some confusion about where you get the plates. RRS has a collection of them for various camera bodies and lenses.

1080iAddict wrote in post #5560672
After doing much research and reading reviews and posts, I have elected to go with the Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column). Here is the link:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&sku=475926&is=​REG&si=rev

If you don't already have it, I'd recommend the 2540/2541 if you are doing travel. The smaller collapsed size is very helpful for cars, trains and planes. There is, IMO, no difference in stability with Gitzo's 3 or 4 section tripods because the new G-locs are so good.

Nope. You're looking at top end stuff. You'll be really happy with this set of legs.

Markins M10 or Q3. I'd be inclined to look at the Q3 since it is lighter.

I'd also recommend that when you buy either head from Markins, you make sure they don't loctite the clamp in place. Then purchase RRS QR lever clamp to replace it. Lever clamps are so much better, IMO, and every ballhead should have one.

I'd also suggest an L bracket for your camera and the RRS plate that matches your lens with its collar. With that, you are good to go.

I consider L plates to be a necessary piece of gear, they are that useful. When I buy a new body, I automatically order the L plate from RRS to go with it.

Don't think so. With that you should be good to go with excellent support. Have fun!

J.

Can't go wrong with the great advice in this thread.

Can't wait to get my ballheads