Review: Gitzo 1541T Tripod, Markins Q3T Ballhead w/ RRS B2 LR II Clamp

thenextguy wrote in post #12004683
So I have a question about my Q3T. What does the small dial on the larger dial do? From what I've read it's the tension control. But isn't that what the main large dial is for? What does the small dial do?

The small dial is to limit "how lose" you can turn it to be. So once you adjust the main knob to a point that you're comfortably lose, tighten the small dial. That sets the max "loseness" that the main knob can go. This helps so that you need not spend a long time to tighten the main knob.

So by right, the right way to use it should be that you only need to turn the main knob a small amount (1/4 - 1/2 turns) to tighten the ball head... haha, hope I explain well enough.. Kind of hard to explain

jookee wrote in post #12004711
The small dial is to limit "how lose" you can turn it to be. So once you adjust the main knob to a point that you're comfortably lose, tighten the small dial. That sets the max "loseness" that the main knob can go. This helps so that you need not spend a long time to tighten the main knob.

So by right, the right way to use it should be that you only need to turn the main knob a small amount (1/4 - 1/2 turns) to tighten the ball head... haha, hope I explain well enough.. Kind of hard to explain

You explained it perfectly. I was playing around with it earlier and I did notice that it did reduce the amount of turning of the main knob needed to lock it. I just wasn't aware that was the purpose of it. Thanks!

Edit: I wish it was a little easier to turn!

jookee wrote in post #11996860
No issues at all. I've tried fitting it outside the bag (as per normal), and inside the bag. When fully folded, the GT1541t and markins q3t length happens to be able to fit into the TT streetwalker HD exactly. But i've to rearrange the dividers to accomodate that.

with the gt1541t inside the bag, what else do you have in there? (just curious, 'cause I wanted to try this out too)...

thenextguy wrote in post #12004683
So I have a question about my Q3T. What does the small dial on the larger dial do? From what I've read it's the tension control. But isn't that what the main large dial is for? What does the small dial do?

jookee wrote in post #12004711
The small dial is to limit "how lose" you can turn it to be. So once you adjust the main knob to a point that you're comfortably lose, tighten the small dial. That sets the max "loseness" that the main knob can go. This helps so that you need not spend a long time to tighten the main knob.

So by right, the right way to use it should be that you only need to turn the main knob a small amount (1/4 - 1/2 turns) to tighten the ball head... haha, hope I explain well enough.. Kind of hard to explain

Thanks for asking and thanks for answering. I just upgraded my 1541T from the Flashpoint F2 head to the Q3T and had noticed that piece but hadn't even connected it with being a separate control (I know - RTFM!). Nice touch.

thenextguy wrote in post #12004683
So I have a question about my Q3T. What does the small dial on the larger dial do? From what I've read it's the tension control. But isn't that what the main large dial is for? What does the small dial do?

It also puts the two controls on one knob, eliminating something else sticking out.

tagakweens wrote in post #12004800
with the gt1541t inside the bag, what else do you have in there? (just curious, 'cause I wanted to try this out too)...

Still got plenty of space left to fit in other stuff actually. Here is a pic:

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ben_r_ wrote in post #5932816
Another option, much more affordable option has been mentioned. POTN user NeedSnow posted that the Case Logic Medium Tripod Case nicely fits this combo. It can be purchased for around $30 or less. Here is a LINKto purchase, LINK to Case Logic's page on it and a few images:

IMG NOTICE: [NOT AN IMAGE URL, NOT RENDERED INLINE]

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IMG NOTICE: [NOT AN IMAGE URL, NOT RENDERED INLINE]

I got that case, the Case Logic Medium and it is kinda big for the 1541T. I'll measure when I get home, but there seems to be a several inch gap. The picture above seems to be taken without the legs inverted which may account for the difference in size.

themadman wrote in post #12031609
I got that case, the Case Logic Medium and it is kinda big for the 1541T. I'll measure when I get home, but there seems to be a several inch gap. The picture above seems to be taken without the legs inverted which may account for the difference in size.

It is without the legs inverted. That particular case will only work with an BH-30 ballhead (or one of similar height) as they are a little shorter than the Q3T.

I posted some pictures of my attempt to use it with a Q3T on page 120.

https://photography-on-the.net …p=11864518&post​count=1795

I returned the case.

jookee wrote in post #12005088
Still got plenty of space left to fit in other stuff actually. Here is a pic:

didn't include my camera n lenses in. But as you can see, there're still space to fit in quite a number of stuff. I normally put my 40D, 17-40, 70-200 F4IS and a 580 EX II. I'll say it can fit another flash body and lens.

wow! i didn't think it would fit... thanks..

i have a 7D gripped with the 24-70 attached, tokina 11-16, 50mm, 580exii, some filters and chargers, batteries, etc.

I'll try this when I get home....

thanks again....

now I don't know if I should still get this: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …GC1201T_Travele​r_Bag.html

So the key is to keep it inverted...

themadman wrote in post #12031656
So the key is to keep it inverted...

Then the case is too big. I suppose you could stuff the case to make it fit better.

thenextguy wrote in post #12031661
Then the case is too big. I suppose you could stuff the case to make it fit better.

Lets me keep my hamburger in there I guess...

I am just lazy and don't like to deal with returns... maybe I can sell it if I get annoyed with it.

Yeah, it will work as long as you don't mind the extra space. Obviously extra room is less of a problem than not enough room!

tagakweens wrote in post #12031653
wow! i didn't think it would fit... thanks..

i have a 7D gripped with the 24-70 attached, tokina 11-16, 50mm, 580exii, some filters and chargers, batteries, etc.

I'll try this when I get home....

thanks again....

now I don't know if I should still get this: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …GC1201T_Travele​r_Bag.html

I think the Gitzo bag is too expensive. One of the reason I got my TT Streetwalker HD is to have huge enough room to pack the GT1541t in when I need it. Thus when zipped up, nobody can tell I'm carrying camera items (except for people who're into photography & knows TT products).

Well, it all depends on your style of usage. I usually like to keep a low profile. Thus I try to avoid slinging/attaching the tripod outside the bag. And I also risk damaging the tripod too.

Hi, just wanted to stop by and say thanks to Ben for posting his review and to everybody who made a contribution on this thread. I`ve learned way to much to not stop in and give you guys credit for an amazing read.

Cheers