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

Oh boy. I didn't see your review before, but it's very well written and offers plenty of insight. Now I'm not sure whether to reply here or there... I guess I'll jump over there -- reply coming soon!

Hey Guys,
i was researching on a traveling tripod and saw Ben's review on the top of the search list. Took a look at the first page and i was sold...
Just got my GT1542T as the GT1541T has discontinued. i was quite impress with this tripod. it was half the weight of my Vanguard Alta Pro 284CT but twice the strength! It does burned a big hole in my pocket but hell, if i get to spend once, go all the way!
However, i knew that the guys here pair the traveller with Markins Q3T. but i have seen guys complaining bout the pan issue and wondered if thats what i want. I am not into macro shooting yet, or shooting at weird positions but i would not want to regret my choice in the future.
Lately i took interest in Acratech's GP-s ball head. What intrigues me was the ability for the head to turn upside down into a pan head. i am into scenic shootings and panoramic is something i like alot.
Therefore, hope any of you guys out there who have experience with the GP-s share some of your thoughts and views with me. Also, i am also looking at the Acratech nodal rail and universal L so let me know what you all think about it
Thanks in advance!

kissing wrote in post #13030027
Hey Guys,
i was researching on a traveling tripod and saw Ben's review on the top of the search list. Took a look at the first page and i was sold...
Just got my GT1542T as the GT1541T has discontinued. i was quite impress with this tripod. it was half the weight of my Vanguard Alta Pro 284CT but twice the strength! It does burned a big hole in my pocket but hell, if i get to spend once, go all the way!
However, i knew that the guys here pair the traveller with Markins Q3T. but i have seen guys complaining bout the pan issue and wondered if thats what i want. I am not into macro shooting yet, or shooting at weird positions but i would not want to regret my choice in the future.
Lately i took interest in Acratech's GP-s ball head. What intrigues me was the ability for the head to turn upside down into a pan head. i am into scenic shootings and panoramic is something i like alot.
Therefore, hope any of you guys out there who have experience with the GP-s share some of your thoughts and views with me. Also, i am also looking at the Acratech nodal rail and universal L so let me know what you all think about it
Thanks in advance!

The people that complain about the panning base of the Markins Q3T are the ones that expect it to be an actual lock, which it is not. I dont even think Markins meant to create it to completely lock down. I believe I read some where that they were looking for it to be more of a tension adjustment knob. Although I have never had any issues with mine panning when I didnt want it to. When I tighten it down, mine doesnt go anywhere.

That being said to my knowledge there still isnt any other head more specifically designed to work with the Traveler Series Gitzo tripods so well. The Markins keep their extremely good quality and function in a smaller package designed to allow the legs on the Gitzo Travelers to still nicely fold up and completely close down keeping the whole unit small and compact, which is what those who buy it are really after.

That being said, you trusted the review and all the comments of people here who swear by it, why not give it a bit more and go the whole distance? Try the Markins Q3T, I assure you you will be just as impressed and you will fully understand why this combo got so popular and so loved by so many people.

Enjoy.

ben_r_ wrote in post #13030511
The people that complain about the panning base of the Markins Q3T are the ones that expect it to be an actual lock, which it is not. I dont even think Markins meant to create it to completely lock down. I believe I read some where that they were looking for it to be more of a tension adjustment knob. Although I have never had any issues with mine panning when I didnt want it to. When I tighten it down, mine doesnt go anywhere.

The panning "lock" is not a lock, it's a brake and it was designed that way. I believe the thought is that you would want that to slip before the ballhead comes unscrewed from the tripod. If it locked, eventually all that torque would be applied to the threaded stud mount between the ballhead and tripod.

j.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #13030630
The panning "lock" is not a lock, it's a brake and it was designed that way. I believe the thought is that you would want that to slip before the ballhead comes unscrewed from the tripod. If it locked, eventually all that torque would be applied to the threaded stud mount between the ballhead and tripod.

j.

Yep. Thats what I meant to say. Think you worded it better though, thanks John

One of the things about the 1542T you have bought is that you no longer need the 50mm max. panning base and ball housing that was a requirement for the 1541T legs to fold back over the head. The Markins Q3T is a quality ballhead that complies with that requirement. The 1542T legs still fold back, but just short of the base. So you can use a bigger ballhead like the Acratech GP-s with impunity.

I've run up against an unexpected limitation of the Q3T, my Nikkor 17-55/2.8 is very end-heavy and if you set the friction sweet spot for it on the Q3T it seriously binds after approx. 40deg movement in any direction. It's the ballhead as I have two of them and they both behave the same. I like the ballhead a lot but it does have it's issues; I'm not wild about the panning "lock" myself although I'm used to it.

peter_n wrote in post #13030758
One of the things about the 1542T you have bought is that you no longer need the 50mm max. panning base and ball housing that was a requirement for the 1541T legs to fold back over the head. The Markins Q3T is a quality ballhead that complies with that requirement. The 1542T legs still fold back, but just short of the base. So you can use a bigger ballhead like the Acratech GP-s with impunity.

I've run up against an unexpected limitation of the Q3T, my Nikkor 17-55/2.8 is very end-heavy and if you set the friction sweet spot for it on the Q3T it seriously binds after approx. 40deg movement in any direction. It's the ballhead as I have two of them and they both behave the same. I like the ballhead a lot but it does have it's issues; I'm not wild about the panning "lock" myself although I'm used to it.

Ah, yes you are quite right about the legs folding up under the base plate as seen here:

Ben you can move the ball through 10-20deg with some ease but try to move it more it becomes increasingly difficult and then impossible. Both ballheads are identical in operation and I'm adjusting the friction control properly.

peter_n wrote in post #13031124
Ben you can move the ball through 10-20deg with some ease but try to move it more it becomes increasingly difficult and then impossible. Both ballheads are identical in operation and I'm adjusting the friction control properly.

Oh, you mean when you leave some friction/tension set on the knob to have some "drag" in moving the ballhead around? Yea I never use my ballheads that way, I just loosen, adjust and tighten.

ben_r_... thank you for the great review on the Gitzo tripod. i ended up getting myself the GT1542T tripod with the Gitzo G1177M Magnesium Center Ballhead. currently Gitzo is having a manufacture rebate of $100 if you buy a combo tripod and head. thanks again.

msu_1972 wrote in post #13031717
ben_r_... thank you for the great review on the Gitzo tripod. i ended up getting myself the GT1542T tripod with the Gitzo G1177M Magnesium Center Ballhead. currently Gitzo is having a manufacture rebate of $100 if you buy a combo tripod and head. thanks again.

Very welcome msu_1972! And Im sure that 1542T/G1177M will serve you well! Enjoy!

ben_r_ wrote in post #13031669
Oh, you mean when you leave some friction/tension set on the knob to have some "drag" in moving the ballhead around? Yea I never use my ballheads that way, I just loosen, adjust and tighten.

Yes I'm using the sweet spot, otherwise why pay all that money for the ballhead?

peter_n wrote in post #13032328
Yes I'm using the sweet spot, otherwise why pay all that money for the ballhead?

Small, light and strong were plenty enough for me. Friction control was actually the last thing on my mind.

I just received my 1541T and Q3T combo. Definitely left a hole in my wallet, but in doing all of my research, I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. I was pretty set on the Q3T, but didn't know what legs to get. I'm sure I will put this to use a lot, since it's SO LIGHT!

Thanks Ben,
A

A plus wrote in post #13043706
=A+plus;13043706]I just received my 1541T and Q3T combo. Definitely left a hole in my wallet, but in doing all of my research, I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. I was pretty set on the Q3T, but didn't know what legs to get. I'm sure I will put this to use a lot, since it's SO LIGHT!

Thanks Ben,
A

Thats good hearing! Glad it still satisfies! Youre very welcome!