Review: Gitzo GT1541 + Markins Q3 + RRS B2 LR II

Ha, see, its obviously my first real tripod, I didn't realize you could do that! NOOB! LOL.
I might get the regular plate then, for starters, and see how I like it.

check this out:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

chinoamigo wrote in post #8078406
check this out:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

Ok so the L plate makes more sense to start with and have when using the tripod.
Do most of you all out there use an L Plate? I wonder what the majority uses?

heh, it's alright.. we were all noobs at one point or another. i had to learn all this stuff too...

That is an awesome set up congrats.

So let me ask you this chinoamigo and others...at what point did you add a tripod to your gear list? I have two lenses, 24-70mm f/2.8 L, and the 50mm f/1.8 II (cheapo), and thats it, should I save up and buy more lenses before I start looking at these super nice tripod rigs or what?

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #8083933
So let me ask you this chinoamigo and others...at what point did you add a tripod to your gear list? I have two lenses, 24-70mm f/2.8 L, and the 50mm f/1.8 II (cheapo), and thats it, should I save up and buy more lenses before I start looking at these super nice tripod rigs or what?

I think a tripod will do much more for your pictures than any new lens will (the 24-70 is already a very nice lens!). I'm just a newby here as well, but I went all out on a nice tripod (ofcourse I can afford it, it's my only hobby). Even with my kit lens the great pictures keep coming...

The Q3 will hold pretty much any lens. That's not the issue. The issue is that the Gitzo legs are rated for max focal length (an intelligent way to spec capacity vs useless load rating). Each of the Markins ballheads are designed for a particular series of Gitzo legs - the Q3 is best on the Series 0 (0540) and Series 1 (1540). The M10 is best on the Series 2 (2540), the M20 on the Series 3 and up (3540 etc..). You can use a Q3 on a Series 2 and it works fine, but the M10 might be better. The Q3 used for 300mm or higher should be on a Series 3 and the Q3 is a bit tiny for the platform on top of the Systematic 3540LS for example (which fits an M20 perfectly).

J.

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #8083933
So let me ask you this chinoamigo and others...at what point did you add a tripod to your gear list? I have two lenses, 24-70mm f/2.8 L, and the 50mm f/1.8 II (cheapo), and thats it, should I save up and buy more lenses before I start looking at these super nice tripod rigs or what?

that's actually a good question. i'd say buy a decent tripod when you get the chance and upgrade later if you want to.

yeah yeah i know what that tom guy says but he he didn't practice what he preaches and there are many fine photographers who don't own $1000 tripod rigs.

so get a decent tripod when you can and eventually you'll use it... and later you can upgrade if you feel the need to .

ed rader

JohnJ80 wrote in post #8084231
The Q3 will hold pretty much any lens. That's not the issue. The issue is that the Gitzo legs are rated for max focal length (an intelligent way to spec capacity vs useless load rating). Each of the Markins ballheads are designed for a particular series of Gitzo legs - the Q3 is best on the Series 0 (0540) and Series 1 (1540). The M10 is best on the Series 2 (2540), the M20 on the Series 3 and up (3540 etc..). You can use a Q3 on a Series 2 and it works fine, but the M10 might be better. The Q3 used for 300mm or higher should be on a Series 3 and the Q3 is a bit tiny for the platform on top of the Systematic 3540LS for example (which fits an M20 perfectly).

J.

Awesome explanation John, thanks! So the M10 is my choice of ball head, along with the GT2531 legs, and the RSS clamp and L plate! DONE!
How do I specify to Markins not to glue down that quick shoe?

ed rader wrote in post #8084299
that's actually a good question. i'd say buy a decent tripod when you get the chance and upgrade later if you want to.

yeah yeah i know what that tom guy says but he he didn't practice what he preaches and there are many fine photographers who don't own $1000 tripod rigs.

so get a decent tripod when you can and eventually you'll use it... and later you can upgrade if you feel the need to .

ed rader

I'm going with a good all around tripod rig now, it should last me for the lenses I plan to purchase, nothing over 70-200...that I have in my future as of now.

write "No Loctite" in the comments box when you order

tijgerke1983 wrote in post #8084150
I think a tripod will do much more for your pictures than any new lens will (the 24-70 is already a very nice lens!). I'm just a newby here as well, but I went all out on a nice tripod (ofcourse I can afford it, it's my only hobby). Even with my kit lens the great pictures keep coming...

Thanks, I will heed this advice and continue with my tripod purchase. I just wanted to see what others felt was a good thing to do.

chinoamigo wrote in post #8084340
write "No Loctite" in the comments box when you order

And you all really think its worth it to just order this and take off the Quick Shoe and sell it, vs. ordering it without a QS in the first place? I hate dealing with selling and shipping stuff, might be worth it for me not to have to deal with it, and go with the NQS option?

How do I figure out which QR clamp is the right one for my 5DMKII?
http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/03.html#LRwar​ning

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack this thread, I'll move all my questions to another post. My bad man.

I seriously believe that no ballhead should not have an RRS QR lever clamp. I think they are great.

I think with some of the Markins ballheads, the Q3 maybe too, you can order without the clamp. You only save $20 though and the clamp is worth more than that. If you ever get into a tight situation where you need the knob, the Q3T's clamp is really quite cute.

J.