Head for gitzo explorer-50% macro 50% general

Hi all,
sorry if it's been asked juz bear with me a bit on this. I'm into macro (finally) and am trying to get a practical set. I've just gotten a GT2541 and looking for a head to go with. I initially wanted to go for a RRS BH 55 or AS Z1 to go with, coz I thought I can use them for both macro and general use. The largest lens I prob will use is a 300f2.8. But I guess it doesn't make sense to get a heavy head just to accomodate lenses, burdening the tripod. So what would seems to be a good compromise, small and light yet allows me to use it flexible enough for macro and a gd enough general use for the occasion 300 f2.8. I've try the BH55 and heard that acratech ballheads doesn't lock as solid in macro view. Would macro shooters give me some pointers? Thks a zillion.

I auditioned a Acratech GV2 a few months ago for this purpose and sent it back. It had, to me, enough creep (while locking down) to change my macro composition to an unacceptable degree. I think you may find the BH-55 to be top-heavy for a relatively light tripod such as the GT2541. If you're unwilling to go geared head for your macro (like a Manfrotto 410) and want to stick with a ballhead, then for your purposes I would absolutely recommend the Arca-Swiss Z1. It has no detectable creep, is strong enough to support your 300/2.8, and the elliptical ball (nobody else has it) really does prevent your big lens from tipping over and slamming into your tripod legs once you have the sweet spot dialed in. It also saves you a decent amount of weight compared to a BH-55.

The only thing is that I really didn't like the Arca-Swiss stock clamps. I replaced mine with a Kirk SQRC-Arca. You can also buy the Z1 directly from Wimberley with their C-10 clamp already installed. Both of these are better than the clamps currently included with the Z1.

A Markins M10 would probably be the best match for a GT2541 in terms of size and weight. I have a Markins Q3 and can confidently say that it is a high quality product just like my Z1. However, for a 300/2.8 I would personally want the Z1's elliptical ball feature.

Have you had a look at the Markins range? I've been using a M-10 for a couple of years and it's pretty darn fab.

Jim G wrote in post #9960118
Have you had a look at the Markins range? I've been using a M-10 for a couple of years and it's pretty darn fab.

I second that. I'm using the M10 for 4 years now without any problems. With my smaller GT1550T I'm using the Q3T. Very sophisticated stuff.

I haven't really look at markins close enough since I thought all AS look alike shouldn't be any better compared to the actual 1 but I agree some are really worth taking a look.

im in fact leaning towards Z1 but to get it's QR replaced seems like a lot of extra work involved especially it looks kinda big and heavy for my tripod.

Thks guy!