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

waynema wrote in post #9908787
Why would anyone want to buy the original Markins Q3T clamp? Wouldn't they already have one if they have plates/demand for it?

The clamp can be used on any head. someone that has a head without a clamp might want one. It can also be put on a monopod.

ben_r_ wrote in post #9908606
then IMO the best way to go is a Gitzo 2 series with a Markins M10 head. Thats gonna be your best balance of stability and portability.

I've been looking at getting one of the new Gitzo Basalt 2 series tripods for usage with a 400mm f/5.6L lens.

This is a really nice setup these two. the quality and markmanship of both the tripod and the ballhead impressed me alot. As Ben said previously this setup is a fantastic all around travel lite setup and i agree wholeheartedly.
Since i want to make it a single tripod/ballhead for everything, I'll need to do some compromising. My choices boil down to either the Gitzo GT3541 with the markins m20 or the GT2542L with the m10.
Never going to be an easy decision know which i decide, but hopefully in the long run I'll be happy with the results

Tsmith wrote in post #9910167
I've been looking at getting one of the new Gitzo Basalt 2 series tripods for usage with a 400mm f/5.6L lens.

Keep in mind, Gitzo only rates stability of their 2 series up to 300mm, AND basalt is not as stable as CF. Less vibration dampening.

I've been using a Gitzo GT1530 for the past 2 years. About 3 months ago, I bought the Gizo GT1541T and I've been using it for the past little while. My impression of it is that it can be a bit frustrating to use because of its height. I'm a pretty short guy (5'8.5"), but the benefit of having an even lighter tripod is definitely a plus and not something I would complain about. However, I have some questions for you experts.

Height seems to play a role on the perspective of our shots. Let's say you're in a situation where extending the centre column isn't practical because of the wind, how do you use your tripod then where a lower point of view may not produce the best picture? If this doesn't make sense, then please tell me cuz I'm trying to figure out how to solve this. I didn't had this issue with the GT1530 because it was a taller tripod so it's easier to configure.

lsquare wrote in post #9918138
I've been using a Gitzo GT1530 for the past 2 years. About 3 months ago, I bought the Gizo GT1541T and I've been using it for the past little while. My impression of it is that it can be a bit frustrating to use because of its height. I'm a pretty short guy (5'8.5"), but the benefit of having an even lighter tripod is definitely a plus and not something I would complain about. However, I have some questions for you experts.

Height seems to play a role on the perspective of our shots. Let's say you're in a situation where extending the centre column isn't practical because of the wind, how do you use your tripod then where a lower point of view may not produce the best picture? If this doesn't make sense, then please tell me cuz I'm trying to figure out how to solve this. I didn't had this issue with the GT1530 because it was a taller tripod so it's easier to configure.

Well, I simply don't ever use the center columns. When you pay all that money seeking stability for sharpness, why give it up and then extend the camera on an unstable single column? When I can, I remove them from the tripod to save weight.

My choice for a travel tripod would be the 1540 (standard one) or I'm getting quite interested in some of the Feisol travelers now that they have the ALR style legs.

I'm old enough where it just is not comfortable anymore to bend over that much or that long. I also find that that compromises my composition because I don't take the care to get it perfect.

One thing I have done in the past though when constrained to use a travel tripod for it's weight advantages is to just not extend the legs all the way and shoot from a kneeling position.

J.

im 165cm will the 1541t + q3t works fine for me with a batt gripless cam? Also will the leg protectors affect the grip of the tripod? like sliding around on smooth tiles and stuff or maybe is there any other alternative way to protect it? Lastly is the 1541t sort of water resistant? Thanks.

anyone?

Noobic wrote in post #9918944
im 165cm will the 1541t + q3t works fine for me with a batt gripless cam? Also will the leg protectors affect the grip of the tripod? like sliding around on smooth tiles and stuff or maybe is there any other alternative way to protect it? Lastly is the 1541t sort of water resistant? Thanks.

Youre height would actually be perfect for this tripod IMO.

Typically where I imagined the leg protectors to be used the normal tripod legs would slip anyway (ie mud, underwater, dirt, perhaps even snow). Under those circumstances I have no noticed any additional loss in grip when using the leg protectors over not.

the 1541T is very weather resistant and can actually be fully submerged in even salt water. However, you must disassemble the tripod completely after do so and clean it all as you cant leave the dirt, grim, salt, etc on/in it. Hence my need for tripod leg protectors.

thanks ben for the reply! any idea where am i able to find a manual for disassemble the tripod? also i assume that you use it with center column extended?

Noobic wrote in post #9920813
thanks ben for the reply! any idea where am i able to find a manual for disassemble the tripod? also i assume that you use it with center column extended?

Oh boy... I know I have seen them before, and I think myself or others have posted them somewhere in this thread, but if not I know you can find them on the Gitzo or Manfrotto website.

Never. I always leave the center column down and just bend over to compose the shot.

alright got it..guess i gotta look around this thread for the instructions..

lsquare wrote in post #9918138
Height seems to play a role on the perspective of our shots. Let's say you're in a situation where extending the centre column isn't practical because of the wind, how do you use your tripod then where a lower point of view may not produce the best picture? If this doesn't make sense, then please tell me cuz I'm trying to figure out how to solve this. I didn't had this issue with the GT1530 because it was a taller tripod so it's easier to configure.

This is exactly the problem with short tripods. Some people try to rationalize their way around it by saying "Well, photos are boring from eye level anyway, and using a lower perspective results in more interesting shots." But as you have realized, it's just too often untrue.

The solution, in my case, was to not buy a 1541T. I was looking at the new Feisol CT-3441T traveler with RAL anti-rotation legs. Less than 19" folded and extends to almost 57" without the center column. I was told by Kerry over at Really Big Cameras that his first major shipment of the new RAL tripods will be in within the next couple of weeks.

jjasc wrote in post #9807743
I own both 1541T and 3441S (also had 3441B). I've used both Feisol's extensively on backpacking trips accross remote china. From a "height" standpoint, the Feisol 3441S is more suited to taller people as you get a few more inches (and I believe the 3441B is even taller than the 3441S). However, I've had a lot of problems with my Feisol's in terms of breaking down in the field. Small things like rubber foot pads falling off the bottom, rubber side grips breaking/sliding (the ones you twist to tighten legs), tripod legs not locking securely (the 3441B especially had a problem where the twist clamps were not tightening enough to prevent the tripod legs from slipping down -- for normal use it was ok, but with added pressure, the legs would slid down) and legs constantly needing to be tightened with an allen wrench. I suppose these are not a big deal -- the tripod still worked fine -- but it's annoying as heck when you are abroad, in the field, and it's not an option to send it back to get repaired. I certainly can't say this is a problem that everyone will have with these tripods, but i've noticed these issues twice with two different Feisol's. I'd say if you are a travel photographer then the issue of your tripod not breaking down in the feild is crucial. But for the casual shooter here who takes the tripod to the park or occasional outing, it's not a big deal. If you travel abroad and backpack, hike mountains, etc, it is.

As far as usability is concerned, the 1541T is MUCH easier -- the ARL locks really make it faster to extend your tripod (though the new Feisol rapid locks address this) and the Gravity locks add an extra measure of stability. What you really notice a difference is the quality of the rubber grips around the tripod. All feisol's i've had have had these flimsey, cheap rubber grips. The gitzo has solid rubber that won't come off or "shift."

There's definitely a difference in quality between the Gitzo and Feisol lines. Putting them next to each other or even picking them up, you can tell right away the difference in quality. Considering the Gitzo is double the price though, this should not be surprising.

Bottom line: if you need a cheap tripod in a pinch or you are concerned about height issues of the 1541T, the Feisol is a good buy -- it's half the price. But there is no way it's a better tripod than the Gitzo 1541T. And I say this as someone who's REALLY used Feisol tripods for a couple years.

I think I'll do a review in a couple days comparing the 3441S to the 1541T as I currently have both (i'm going to sell my Fiesol soon though) and can directly compare via pictures and stuff.

hyt wrote in post #9920908
This is exactly the problem with short tripods. Some people try to rationalize their way around it by saying "Well, photos are boring from eye level anyway, and using a lower perspective results in more interesting shots." But as you have realized, it's just too often untrue.

The solution, in my case, was to not buy a 1541T. I was looking at the new Feisol CT-3441T traveler with RAL anti-rotation legs. Less than 19" folded and extends to almost 57" without the center column. I was told by Kerry over at Really Big Cameras that his first major shipment of the new RAL tripods will be in within the next couple of weeks.

I'm not sure the change in the Feisol will make a difference according to above review. For me, I do travel alot with the Gitzo and like knowing that it will work every time. Granted, I'd like a higher tripod, but kneeling with the 1541t gets me what I want for now.

According to Kerry at Really Big Cameras, the only thing different about the new Feisol Rapid RAL tripods are the twist clamps.

I have read enough "horror" stories about Feisol and Benro tripods that now I am afraid to buy anything except for Gitzo... I was considering a Feisol CT-3441S Rapid, but I chickened out and bought the Gitzo GT-1541T.

The Gitzo GT-1541T is a nice little travel tripod. It seems more stable than my old Benro Aluminium Travel Angel and the twist locks are definitely much better.