p.3 #1 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I never use any loctite or wrench on the Q3 or any other ballhead that I own. Just hand-power is enough. And I like to have the option of changing the heads between my tripods without any hassle.
You really don't need to tighten the ballhead that hard on your tripod.
I'm with you. I never use loctite and never felt the need.
p.3 #2 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
I apologize for reviving a dead thread, but I was hoping that someone might steer me in the right direction in regards to heads/plates, etc. I have been reading these forums for probably the last... oh my god... 5 hours? I've been doing research on a tripod for the last 2 days, and now today/tonight has been heads/plates. I'm still not that close to picking a gitzo tripod... haha. But I think I want to get the Q3 for sure. My question is this: if I was to get the customized plate from RRS, for my 50d, would that fit in the head locking mechanism of the Q3? (I know, i know, i should get an RRS LR, but I will do that eventually, thats why I was hoping someone could tell me if the RRS plate would work in the Q3 right away). If i should just start a new topic/thread, I completely understand that. Thanks for any help anyone can offer!
p.3 #3 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
jhom wrote:
On the plus side, the Q3 was on firmly. I have a strap wrench I got from Sears that solves the problem of removing/installing a ballhead. Works everytime without fuss or muss.
Jim
Totally agreee with ya, Jim.
I find the panning lock holds just fine for shooting. What people seem to complain most about is that it will not hold when the tripod with a long lens is slung over the shoulder. To me, I rather have the panning lock slip a bit, but the head stay on tight....after all, something has to give...or break...he says with fear
p.3 #4 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
dcains wrote:
The rubber probably didn't hold up well enough. Look at my panning lock knob and you'll see bits of skin that's been ripped off my fingers from trying to get the knob tight enough.
I have not seen the need to do it, but have seen posts where people have gone to their local hardware store to get rubber tubing...cut a small section...and put over the panning knob. If it ages over time, easy to replace with another section.
p.3 #5 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
I apologize for reviving a dead thread, but I was hoping that someone might steer me in the right direction in regards to heads/plates, etc. I have been reading these forums for probably the last... oh my god... 5 hours? I've been doing research on a tripod for the last 2 days, and now today/tonight has been heads/plates. I'm still not that close to picking a gitzo tripod... haha. But I think I want to get the Q3 for sure. My question is this: if I was to get the customized plate from RRS, for my 50d, would that fit in the head locking mechanism of the Q3? (I know, i know, i should get an RRS LR, but I will do that eventually, thats why I was hoping someone could tell me if the RRS plate would work in the Q3 right away). If i should just start a new topic/thread, I completely understand that. Thanks for any help anyone can offer!
Yes, any of the quick-release camera plates or L-plates from Kirk, RRS, Acratech, Arca-Swiss (they set the "standard") will work with the Markins-supplied quick-release screw clamp on their ballheads. Other non-standard plates from Bogen-Manfrotto, Gitzo, Giottos, etc., will not. Further, as long as you purchase a clamp from Kirk, RRS, etc., which has the proper thread, you will be able to change/upgrade the Markins-supplied clamp at any time in the future. RRS' quick-release lever clamps are a very popular and common upgrade.
p.3 #6 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
I apologize for reviving a dead thread, but I was hoping that someone might steer me in the right direction in regards to heads/plates, etc. I have been reading these forums for probably the last... oh my god... 5 hours? I've been doing research on a tripod for the last 2 days, and now today/tonight has been heads/plates. I'm still not that close to picking a gitzo tripod... haha. But I think I want to get the Q3 for sure. My question is this: if I was to get the customized plate from RRS, for my 50d, would that fit in the head locking mechanism of the Q3? (I know, i know, i should get an RRS LR, but I will do that eventually, thats why I was hoping someone could tell me if the RRS plate would work in the Q3 right away). If i should just start a new topic/thread, I completely understand that. Thanks for any help anyone can offer!
Yep, from personal experience, RRS plates will work with the Markins Quickshoe clamp. On the other hand, Markins plates may not work with RRS lever clamps.
p.3 #7 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
I recently tried a Markins lens plate with my RRS QR lever clamp, and it didn't even come close to working - it slid as freely as if the clamp had been fully-opened. But, I've got multiple Kirk lens plates and a few L-plates which all work well.
p.3 #8 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
jrsforums wrote:
I find the panning lock holds just fine for shooting. What people seem to complain most about is that it will not hold when the tripod with a long lens is slung over the shoulder. To me, I rather have the panning lock slip a bit, but the head stay on tight....after all, something has to give...or break...he says with fear
John
I have been carrying my rig over my shoulder for years, using an A-S B1 head and never worry about either the panning lock not holding or the head loosening. Most shooters with long lenses carry their gear this way. No matter what Markins says, I do not consider the panning slippage a "feature", but a design flaw.
Mar 18, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #9 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
dcains wrote:
I recently tried a Markins lens plate with my RRS QR lever clamp, and it didn't even come close to working - it slid as freely as if the clamp had been fully-opened. But, I've got multiple Kirk lens plates and a few L-plates which all work well.
That's why RRS say that you should only use their QR lever clamp with their own and Wimberley plates
p.3 #10 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
Yeah, but I've never had trouble using a Kirk plate, either, so they should probably mention that brand,too. Perhaps RRS isn't interested in supporting Kirk's business, but it seems that to support the "standard", it might be good if both companies did well. I know many of us use gear from both companies.
Mar 18, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #11 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
It's the RRS lever clamp. Their normal clamp works better with all brands. That's why they only like to promise the lever clamp to work with Wimberley and their own plates
p.3 #12 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
I understand the difference in the clamps. What I'm saying is that I use several Kirk plates with my RRS lever clamps without issues. Others here on FM do as well.
Mar 18, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #13 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
I use every plate that I own together with my RRS lever clamp. And also together with my Wimberly clamp, Markins clamp, Arca-Swiss clamp & Kirk clamp But that doesn't say that every plate will fit. I have been reading that some of the older Kirk doesn't fit.
p.3 #14 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
Lars,
You're starting to make me worry! haha. I should be ok with a plate from RRS, with the standard twist release clamp that comes with a Q3? Ultimately I want to get the RRS lever clamp, but i'm already over budget terribly!
I'm hoping that the Q3 is a good match for a 2 series gitzo tripod, would it be too out of place on a 3 series in any of your opinions?
I know that someone will say a M10 or M20 would be a better choice, but for my 50D and my 24-105, maybe a 70-200mm someday, i think the Q3 should work out *crosses fingers*
p.3 #15 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
I know that someone will say a M10 or M20 would be a better choice, but for my 50D and my 24-105, maybe a 70-200mm someday, i think the Q3 should work out *crosses fingers*
The Q3 is plenty for the 50D+70-200 ...You'll be happy with the head and the setup.
p.3 #16 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
I've got an M10L, so I can't speak directly to the Q3, but I can say that my Markins product is exceptional quality. I hope you enjoy your Q3 very much.
p.3 #17 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
Lars,
You're starting to make me worry! haha. I should be ok with a plate from RRS, with the standard twist release clamp that comes with a Q3? Ultimately I want to get the RRS lever clamp, but i'm already over budget terribly!
I'm hoping that the Q3 is a good match for a 2 series gitzo tripod, would it be too out of place on a 3 series in any of your opinions?
I know that someone will say a M10 or M20 would be a better choice, but for my 50D and my 24-105, maybe a 70-200mm someday, i think the Q3 should work out *crosses fingers*...Show more →
I've experience with both the Q3 and M10. For the gear stated, the Q3 will easily handle the gear well. Once you start using focal lengths greater than 300, some of the Q3 limitations become apparent.
p.3 #18 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
Thanks everyone for your responses!
I think I might bite the bullet; flipping a coin to see if i get the 2431L or the 3541LS. Although the 2431 is still lingering against the 2431 (170 dollars difference?). Darn it... I wish there were 3 sided coins. I'm hoping that any of the 3 won't be a wrong decision (pros and minor, minor cons of all?)
After reading so many suggestions I think that I will be getting the Q3 and an RSS quick plate!
P.S. Jim that photo of your setup looks quite intimidatingly bad-ass.
p.3 #19 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
Thanks everyone for your responses!
I think I might bite the bullet; flipping a coin to see if i get the 2431L or the 3541LS. Although the 2431 is still lingering against the 2431 (170 dollars difference?). Darn it... I wish there were 3 sided coins. I'm hoping that any of the 3 won't be a wrong decision (pros and minor, minor cons of all?)
After reading so many suggestions I think that I will be getting the Q3 and an RSS quick plate!
P.S. Jim that photo of your setup looks quite intimidatingly bad-ass.
If you are planning on the Q3, you should consider the 2 series. The Q3 will look awkward on a 3 series. It is too small for it.
p.3 #20 · Markins Q3 Ballhead - Is it the right one?
JonnyBlazexx wrote:
Thanks everyone for your responses!
I think I might bite the bullet; flipping a coin to see if i get the 2431L or the 3541LS. Although the 2431 is still lingering against the 2431 (170 dollars difference?). Darn it... I wish there were 3 sided coins. I'm hoping that any of the 3 won't be a wrong decision (pros and minor, minor cons of all?)
After reading so many suggestions I think that I will be getting the Q3 and an RSS quick plate!
P.S. Jim that photo of your setup looks quite intimidatingly bad-ass.
The Q3 will handle your setup just fine. My D2 bodies and 70-200VR worked fine on it. I lost my previous setup (055 + Q3) on a trip to India. I've recently replaced with a M10 and a 3530LS. The main reason I went with this setup is so that I could support a 300 f/2.8 in the future.
