ultralight travel landscap setup: RRH B25 + RRH PLC-1 levling clamp or Acratech V2??

I currently have a Feisol 3441S lightweight travel tripod (about 2lbs) and a Acratech v2 ballhead. So far, I love the combo. It's super lightweight (about 3lbs total weight), extends almost to eye level without the center column (i have the special short column for the feisol tripods), and supports 22lbs of weight (3441S supports 22lbs, acratech is rated at 25lbs).

I am very happy with the tripod, so no planned changes there. I like the acratech v2 quite a bit too (i had a acratech ultimate ballhead, but upgraded to the V2 since I found it was a pain to move the panning base to tilt the ballhead up).

I'm moving to China for a year and I plan to do LOTS of hiking and traveling, so I want to shave weight of my setup.

I was thinking of getting a Really Right Stuff BH-25. It weighs less then half of the Acratech V2 though it can only support 8lbs. I can also use the RRH leveling base as the clamp and gain the added leveling functionality (really useful for landscapes)

I just sold me 30D, Canon 10-22mm lens, and a few other accessories and bought a used 5D.

I have a Canon 24-105L and will be getting a 17-40L. I also have a 50mm 1.8. I intend (when i have cash) to get a 80mm 1.2L. I may also (in the future get a 70-200mm f4L).

I am not a telephoto shooter...primarily landscapes. As, stated, I will be doing lots of extensive hiking in remote locales in China (tibet, etc) and the tripod will be with me everywhere I go. I will be using a Canon 5D + RRH L-plate.

Do you think the RRS B-25 is appropriate replacement for the Acratech v2? It can't hold as much weight for sure, but it's half the weight. I want to shave as much weight as possible.

I also want to get into panoramic landscapes so I need a leveling base. I am considering getting the RRH B-25 without the clamp and using the RRH PLC-1 leveling base as the clamp. The total weight will be slightly lighter the Acratech V2 BUT it will have the added leveling functionality. I think the PLC-1 also has a panning base, which makes up for the fact that the B-25 doesn't have a panning function.

What do you guys think? Yes, I know I won't be able to slap a 100-400mm, but for the 24-105mm or 17-40mm, I think this setup should work and be VERY very light.

Will it support a 70-200 f/4L? I don't have one, but I may get one in the future.

As an alternative, I would consider the Markins Q3. It has a panning base that the BH25 doesn't. Also, its load rating is outstanding and will hold all your gear without problems. Supposedly, Markins will be introducing a Q3 traveler version to allow for tripods that fold upward for travel and hiking. Markins ballheads are among the best made.

jhom wrote in post #5595951
As an alternative, I would consider the Markins Q3. It has a panning base that the BH25 doesn't. Also, its load rating is outstanding and will hold all your gear without problems. Supposedly, Markins will be introducing a Q3 traveler version to allow for tripods that fold upward for travel and hiking. Markins ballheads are among the best made.

Here is my Feisol CT-3442 with Markins Q3 (48cm/19in and 1430g/3.15lb)

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Wow, it looks like you can actually fold the tripod backwards. I could never do that with the Acratech, as it's slightly too wide too allow the 3441S's leg's to fold backwards.


The one concern I have with both the Q3 and the RRS BH-25 is the ballhead design. In dirty, dusty environments you might get grit in the ballhead. The acratech ballhead doesn't have this problem (you can easily wipe it off).

I know the BH-25 doesn't have a panning base, but if I use the RRS PLC-1 leveling base as the clamp I can use that as both the panning base and as a leveling base. The Q3 obviously can hold far more weight, but this doesn't affect me because I think the Canon 5D + L-plate + 24-105/17-40/70-200 F/4/80L 1.2 is less then 8lbs.

If I get the Q3, i get the panning base and can finally use the backwards folding design of the 3441S (which really does shave lots of height...pretty useful when you walk through crowded areas. I've knocked a girl in the face with the tip of my acratech ballhead when walking through a mall once since it sticks out!). However, I would have to add the RRS PCL-1 to the Q3 to get panorama capabilities which would add an additional 260 grams or so to the weight and I don't know if this would allow the tripod to still fold over backwards. It would be nice if I could replace the Q3 quick release clamp with the PLC-1 like you can on the RRS ballheads -- this would be a great way to shave some weight off. The ballhead would then be a bit heavier then my Acratech V2 though. If I go with the BH-25, I save nearly $150 bucks (it only costs $90), a good 200+ grams (by using it as the quick release clamp), and can fold the 3441S backwards. I also get the panning base with the PCL-1. The only thing I really lose out on is the weight bearing factor, but I doubt this will affect me since I won't be using heavy lenses.

What do you think?

The RRS PCL-1 panning clamp has an optional dovetail plate...you simply mount the PCL-1 to your clamp when you need it. When you don't need it (as when folding up your tripod), you can simply remove it and put it in your pocket or your pack. I use mine strictly as a means to level the tripod on uneven terrain if shooting a pano...with it, I can level the tripod in a matter of a few seconds (much faster than fussing with the legs). If I'm not doing any pano shooting, I just use a simple hotshoe bubble level.

And don't fret too much about the Markins head and dirt...it holds up well in rushing water and in dirty/dusty environments. I have an M-10, and it works just fine in those conditions.

Yea, I was reading about that. That's a useful contraption for sure. Isn't it just more efficient to use the PCL-1 as the quick clamp by directly attaching it to the BH-25 ballhead? I guess you could just quickly clamp it in to the markins and take it out when you finish using it, though this will add to the total weight you have to carry in your pack.

Yea, I was reading about that. That's a useful contraption for sure. Isn't it just more efficient to use the PCL-1 as the quick clamp by directly attaching it to the BH-25 ballhead? I guess you could just quickly clamp it in to the markins and take it out when you finish using it, though this will add to the total weight you have to carry in your pack.

Yea, I was reading about that. That's a useful contraption for sure. Isn't it just more efficient to use the PCL-1 as the quick clamp by directly attaching it to the BH-25 ballhead? I guess you could just quickly clamp it in to the markins and take it out when you finish using it, though this will add to the total weight you have to carry in your pack.

I am using this setup when I travel. Feisol 3441S w/center column and the RRS BH-25 -Total weight is 2.75lbs

This configuration not only allows you to backward fold the tripod but since the BH-25 is so small you can also fit the entire setup into the Feisol supplied tripod case when you are traveling.

I have used this setup with good results with both my 70-200 2.8L & 300 2.8L lenses and it is very stable as long as you use the lense plate to mount to the BH-25.

I don't do panaramic shots so a hotshoe bubble level works fine for me.

interesting. It's good to hear that the BH-25 can be used with the fiesol tripod when you fold it over backwards. I guess if I add the PCL-1 clamp to the BH-25, i get panning functionality.

Thanks for the info. I'm really leaning towards the BH-25 ballhead with the RRS PCL-1 clamp. It's about as heavy as the Markins Q3 but has leveling functionality.