Lars Johnsson wrote:
I like the Gitzo GT1541 better than the traveler version. It's a little bit larger but also more stable. I use that together with the Markins Q3 head as my traveler-tripod. The 1541T is also very short and you have to use the center-column which make it a lot more flimsy
I agree 100%. I think the Gitzo travelers are too short and the column is required if you want to stand and you are of average height. If you are short, then these can be a good choice.
I also agree 100% with Lars on the Q3 or Q3T. Outstanding ballheads with light weight.
The big hole in Gitzo's line is in the traveler tripods where short collapsed length (legs fold over the ballhead) is desired. The thing with travelers is that a combined folded length of ballhead and tripod comes in less than 22" to meet airline carryon dimensions. Often this means that the tripod is too short when opened and a column is required. Columns are just not a good idea and especially so in a lightweight tripod. For this reason, the 1541 is a better choice than the 1541T.
I'm working my way towards a 1541 as Lars has mentioned. I have a 1258 (like the 2540) that will go up for sale and be replaced by the 1541.
Of travelers, I think the mfg that has done the best job is probably Feisol. It's lower quality than Gitzo but they have done a nice job on their traveler line. If I were to go for a traveler tripod specifically, I'd go for one of those.
That said, the light weight and the quality of the Gitzo series 3 has greatly diminished my need for a traveler. Where the combined weight of a 2540+ballhead (or 1258+ballhead) is over 4 lbs, the 3541LS with a Markins M20 is right at 5 lbs. For a very modest increase in weight, a massive increase in stability, support and flexibility.
I'm considering travelers not just because its lightweight but also because its very short folded...
i do understand that in order to get the height i want i have to extend the column which is not a very good idea for stability hence im considering the series 2 travelers tripod (am i going the right way?)... and change the head to either Q3T or BH-40 ( we don't have BH-30 here) .. i just wanted to know whether BH-40 can be folded perfectly with series 2 gitzo traveler's tripod? or it would stick out even more?
babiMETE wrote:
People says bad things about Q3 panning, can someone confirm this?is this true?
The only bad things you hear are about the panning "lock." It's not a lock, it's a brake. You can reef on it as hard as you want to get it to brake as hard as you want. I don't want a pure lock because all the torque gets transferred to the ballhead/tripod interface and that can easily cause your ballhead to loosen. You can tighten down the panning control many times harder than you would ever need it to be used in practice.
Try one and see. It's a terrific product and I really like mine. I had a BH40 and traded it in on a Q3T and also bought a M20 for my Series 3 tripod. Very smooth, absolutely no movement when locked, fantastic friction adjustment.
Q3T again ah... okay.... i have read on other forum, many people bought Q3T and change the clamp to RRS clamp, why are they doing that? hmm... i'm still seeking answer whether BH-40 would closed perfectly on the 2nd series gitzo traveler's tripod..
sorry for these many questions, i just want to make sure that i bought it right the first time... thank you for your guys patience...
If you are going to leave the screw clamp on the Q3T, then you would not need to go to the RRS clamp. The Q3T clamp is quite cute and it's a nice clamp. I would not replace the Markins screw clamp with the RRS one - there is little benefit to doing so. However, the RRS Quick Release Lever clamp is awesome on the ANY ballhead. It's the best clamp on the market (IMO) bar none.
The BH40 is pretty chunky. I think it would be marginal in a fold up situation - but I don't have one any longer to compare too. The BH40 is a great ballhead. What I didn't like about it is the lever ball lock, I prefer the knob. I also really like to use the friction brake to position the camera before locking. I liked the Markins set up for this much better and think it is easier to use and more precise in adjustment compared to the BH40. Finally, the Markins ballheads, functionality to functionality are much lighter - which is a big deal to me and, I would guess, if you are interested in a tripod for travel. The Q3/Q3T will do anything that the RRS BH40 will do and it is considerably lighter.
I feel my checking account groaning as I keep reading these threads and contemplate what it is going to cost to set myself up with a quality tripod, ball head, quick release clamp and plate. Thanks to everyone who has experience with these matters and has contributed to this and other conversations on the subject. I'm learning a great deal.
I love Gitzos & have 3 of them. A word of caution about the carbon fiber tripods. The legs are too light for safety. I know a few guys who have had them go over, damaging their cameras. If you use one, hanging ballast on the hook is necessary. If possible, use an aluminum one.
I'm just a hobbyist, I don't expect myself to have more than 1 tripod...
and i think my choice goes to series 2 gitzo travelers tripod + markins Q3T...
but last night i browse through the internet and somebody said that there's problem with the plate for series 2 gitzo traveler's tripod... will this problem goes away if i just change the head to markins? or are they talking about different plates?
ah... okay.... i have read on other forum, many people bought Q3T and change the clamp to RRS clamp, why are they doing that? hmm... i'm still seeking answer whether BH-40 would closed perfectly on the 2nd series gitzo traveler's tripod..