Lightweight tripod head: Markins Q3 T vs Benro B-1 B vs Acratech GV2 vs ?

Continuing my quest to find a lightweight tripod head to match to a Gitzo 1541 Traveller tripod.

So far, I've been looking at the 3 options in the title. Main interest is use in backpacking, so weight is a concern. But it should also be able to handle up to a 7D + 100-400mm lens (~5.5 lb). And I want something of good quality/build. I don't want to be buying a second head in a year.

The Q3 Traveller gets a lot of recommendations on this forum. However, I'm in Canada and can't seem to find it locally. I could order it from Markins, but then have to incur shipping across the border. Price-wise, it's in the middle @ $320 CAD (per their site) and weight-wise as well (375g).

The Benro B-1 B is available locally listed at $190 CAD and also weighs the least (360g). So right off the bat it seems ideal in both categories, provided it's quality is up to par. It does lack the Panorama Index Q3, but I can live without it. FWIW, I have read some negative comments about Benro heads, but only in relation to the BH-series. All comments I could find from B-1 owners were positive.

And finally, the Acratech GV2 which is both the most expensive (list $400 CAD locally) and heaviest (450g). It will apparently function as a Gimble head, but with a 100-400mm lens somehow I don't think that will work very well.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Benro B-1 B, unless I hear reasons not to. Any and all suggestions welcome!

Had Benro B-1 for about 3 months now. It's not exactly long term, but it's working out quite well. Its lower weight gave me the option to not upgrading to carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod combo.

In term of quality, it still functions like new, but I did not take it out for any kind of backpacking trip or camping. Its mainly day hike of 3-4 hrs in Arizona.

Still working like new so far. No drooping yet.

Markinsamerica is in Canada, it's us "southerners" that have to get it across the border:

http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/contact.ph​p

I've got a Q10 and the fit and build is excellent.

Roak

Wow, I didn't realize Markins was in BC. And here I thought I'd get hit with ridiculous cross-border charges from UPS. Hmm, this changes everything*!

* (except the cost ...)

Thought I'd jump in and mention the PhotoClam. I did a lot of research a few months ago for a lightweight travel tripod/head setup for carry-on airline travel. The PhotoClam with the Benro C-069M8 Travel Angel legs are what I purchased.

The exact combo I bought definitely would not be for everybody but PhotoClam offers several different models. The PC-33NS head has performed perfectly for me. If I need to purchase another head in the future I'll have PhotoClam at the top of the list.


http://reallybigcamera​s.com …/Photo%20Clam%2​0Table.htm

http://photoclam.en.ec​21.com/

Thanks for the recommendation seaside.

I've been doing more research and have eliminated the Acratech GV2 as it doens't make sense to buy the most expensive and heaviest head.

I'm leaning towards the Markin given the sheer amount of good word-of-mouth it has generated. But the only caveat there are camera/lens plates. Ideally I have a feeling I'd want to buy specific ones for each piece of gear I'd potentially use (350D, 7D and 100-400mm), but that means three plates @ $55 CAD each. So suddenly a $320 head turns into over a $500 purchase (inc. shipping).

All the bullheads you listed utilize camera/lens plates for quick release.

Some come with and some don't.

Oh, I know. I'm just thinking out loud so to speak.