Recently bought the 1542 as well as the as the Series 1 travel case. I want to add a ball head that will fit the tripod as well as fit into the case. The only information I can find is that the Markins Q3T will, when mounted on top of the 1541, fit the case. The problem is that the center column of the 1542 is a few inches longer than its predecessor's. The heaviest lens I own is the 100-400 L which would be attached to a 5DII. Any suggestions on a head that will support this weight and still fit into the traveling case while attached to the 1542?
The Q3T will support that camera and lens, but the 1 series tripods are none too stable with a lens at 400 mm. Why use such a small tripod for 400 mm? I don't have the case so I can't help with what fits.
Forget about the case and get the best ballhead for what you plan to do with the tripod. Cases are available for $20 or less at Adorama and B&H and hardly a reason to buy a smaller ball head.
I use my Gitzo with a Kirk ball head and the Wemberley SideKick with my 200-400mm zoom and it is great. I bought an expensive bag that is long enough to hold the tripod with the ball head and the Sidekick all attached and ready to pull out of the bag, extend the legs, and start shooting. All the case does is keep dirt off the tripod or dirt from the tripod out of your car.
Thanks to both of you for your help. OK, I forgot about the case. I have the Kirk head already. It's great but heavier then I want to drag around. Ordered the RRS BH30 with the thumb screw attachment because it is smaller and lighter. Was torn between this head and Markins 30T. Went with "born in the USA". Both are great products. Will see what the RRS is like when I receive it.
Just received the RRS BH30. Nice ball head. For me, a keeper. To answer my original question, when the head is attached to the 1542 the total length of the tripod is too long to fit into the 1 series travel case. Oh well, the RRS comes in a nice case so I guess that, for now, I'll hang the ball head case off of the Gitzo!!
Have you been pleased with the 1542? Feel limited or think it's everything you need? My heaviest load is a 50D w batt pack and a 27-70L. Don't want overkill, but also don't want to choose something where I will need to upgrade again. Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply. I bought the 1542 to use as it was intended...travel. It's short enough to fit into a suitcase and light enough it weight that its not a nuisance to travel with. It will hold your heaviest load with ease. No, its not nearly as stable as my at home model Gitzo 2541. If I'm going somewhere that the extra weight isn't a problem then my first choice is the 2541. If I'm walking any distances or traveling then the 1542 is the one. Even on a moving cruise ship the 1542 with my camera bag hanging from the hook on the extension post was able to absorb the ship's engines vibrations and allow for a sharp picture. In my line of work you never say never and you never say always. To say you'll never need to upgrade..ha!! On this site almost everyone posting here finds some excuse to upgrade whether it's real or perceived. I don't think that you'll ever have to find another "travel" tripod for a long time if ever.
Feb 08, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
The Markins Q3 ballhead will hold a lot more weight than your tripod 1541 or 1542. So there is no point in buying any larger ballhead.
I also own that combo. But I never use it for lenses longer than 200mm
Where I hang out for support info (POTN) the 1542 was not greeted with enthusiasm by 1541 users. Heavier & slightly shorter as I recall. Chinese companies like Benro and Feisol are making very competitive products these days, I've used a Benro traveler with a Markins Q3T head on several trips for 1.5 years now and it's very stable and reliable and half the price of the 1541 which I also have.
Why use such a small tripod for 400 mm? I don't have the case so I can't help with what fits.