Which Markins?

Would I be better off with an M10 or a Q3? My lenses are in my sig and I don't have any collars for any of them.

For me it would depend on the sticks. For a travel tripod such as the Gitzo 1541t, get the Q3t. For the 2 series or equivalent, the M10. The 2 series and M10 will give you more stability, the travel setup more portability. Either will handle your kit.

What tripod legs or monopod are you intended to mount it on?

I've got a Manfrotto 3221W and I don't hike with it. I have a monopod that I carry around, but the tripod stays home.

The Markins ballheads should be paired by tripod size. Any of them are able to hold all but the biggest lenses. They were designed to match up to the Gitzo line of tripods. Here's how that works out.

Q3/Q3T: Series 1
M10 or Q3: Series 2
M20: series 3

In your case, I think that probably works out to an M10 or the Q3 depending on your taste.

J.

Q3 series 1 can be useful for you.

Thanks for the info. From what you say, I measured the round plate on the top of my legs and it matches up exactly in size with the Q3 (2.20 inches). I didn't think about matching it to the legs and not the lenses and camera I'm using. I love this place.

I'd suggest the M10 for the 70-200. You say you don't have a lens collar and I would encourage you to get one because it makes the whole assembly balance better, which is the real issue rather than pure weight.

I use my 70-200 just fine on my Q3. In fact, I use my 300 f/4 on the Q3 as well with zero problems. You fit these heads to the tripods. Any of the markins head can pretty much hold any lens/camera combination.

Definitely use a collar on any of the 70-200's. You can get a knockoff cheap and it is just way better than cantilevering the lens out there on the base of the camera. You will have a much more stable mount by using the collar. Knockoff collars can be had for $20-35. Canon's is $149 or something like that.

J.

I just ordered a Q3 and a P50D plate. Now I have to find a tripod collar that doesn't cost $150. Any suggestions?
Too bad my 100mm L and 70-200 4L don't take the same collar.

^ what do you mean by a tripod collar?

I am looking at getting the Markins M10 to pair with my GT2541. I'll be getting the tripod base later on. see how it works with just using the GItzo 'Power Disc'. I am wondering how the tripod base compares to the power disc in terms of vibration absorption.

oh.. don't own any zoom lens yet. wow $150 for a collar! the plate is smaller than a body's ($50)!

yikes!

There are knockoff collars for <$35.

j.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #10515500
There are knockoff collars for <$35.

j.

I know, I've seen some as low as $15, but they are plastic. Is anyone happy with their knockoff? If so, wheredya get it?