Quote Originally Posted by Luis Diaz Gimenez


<span style="font-size:small;"]I am looking for a decent ballhead that wont break the bank. I have been considering the Q3 model from Markins as it's not very expensive and looks well made. Does anybody in the forum have any experience with Markins? The heaviest gear I intend to use it with is a 7D plus grip with the 100-400 mm zoom. I really don't see myself buying more expensive prime glass as photography is just a hobby and not a profession for me. Have also considered theGitzo GT1830 Series 1 Basalt 3 Section Tripod to go with it. Getting your input would be greatly appreciated.









Hi Luis,


I use a Markins Q20 Ballhead with a Really Right Stuff B2 LRII quick lever clamp mounted to a GitzoGT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod. I can tell you with 100% confidence that the Markins Ballheads are produced with top notch components and workmanship, and they work smoothly and flawlessly. It's like holding a piece of Art in your hands.


They offer a very nice gross weight to support weight ratio. Their ballheads have a gross and fine adjustment knob that will allow you to fine tune the the proper balance between tension and fluidity. It also has a panning knob, but not a panning leveler.


I noted your equipment up top. I realize price is always a factor, but I think you would be better off with the Q10. The Q3 is more of a lightweight travel ballhead for Small sized DSLR's with medium sized zooms. I wouldn't consider a 7D with battery grip and 2 batteries installed small sized. I do think that you could probably get away with it thoughbecause the 100mm-400mm has a mounting foot plate that will enable you to balance the setup a little better. Will you only be using the 100mm-400mm lens occasionally or will you be using smaller lenses more frequently, because this will impact your decision?


I know you said that you didn't plan on buying any longer glass (haven't we all),however it doesn't leave you any room for future growth. I do believe that the Q10 represents the sweet spot in the Markins lineup.


The Markins ballheads can handle a lot of weight, but you must also consider stability of the tripod and center of gravity. I put more emphasis on stability over weight capacity. FWIW, I also feel that carbon legs dampen vibrations better than aluminum legs. I'm not sure, what Gitzo Basalt Fiber is, (after checking their website) it sounds like some sort of Composite Carbon. Carbon is also warmer to hold in the winter.


I saw your pictures and they were beautiful, so I think that you may be selling yourself a bit short with a series 1 Gitzo. You should also be aware that the series 1 is pretty thin and lightweight and may not offer the best stability in certain situations and if you crank up the center column you will worsen stability and the center column also prevents you from shooting very low ground macro work, however, after checking, it appears that the center column is now removable and reversible.


What do you plan on using this setup for? For example, do you also require easy mobility, traveling, airlines, hiking, and what and where will you be shooting?


The Markins Q3 and Gitzo series 1 is a good setup for lightweight travel for smaller cameras and lenses up to 200mm. If you are planning on only buying a tripod and ballhead once (who does?), then I think the GT2830 3 section Basalt series 2 for $75 more and stable up to 300mm may be the better choice.


However, you should also consider one of these below, depending on how tall you are, and your portability and/or stability needs.


Feisol Carbon Fiber Tournament tripods are lightweight and are also compact for Approx. $300 and very well respected, they also offer an optional center column upgrade kit:


I believe that either one of these would suit your needs and you will be able to shoot closer to the ground, it folds smaller, is lighter, has carbon fiber legs, and it holds more weight then the Gitzo GT 1830 Series 1 and it's even less expensive, even if you add the optional center column.


[url="http://www.feisol.net/traditional-tripods-tournament-tripods-c-24_29.html]http://www.feisol.net/traditional-tripods-tournament-tripods-c-24_29.html[/url]


[url="http://www.feisol.net/center-columns-long-columns-c-13_18.html]http://www.feisol.net/center-columns-long-columns-c-13_18.html[/url]


I'm a big Gitzo Head, I also have a Gitzo 5 Series Monopod.


<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]I would probably go with either the Gitzo GT2830 (Series 2) / Markins 10 or Feisol Tournament / Markins 10 if you would like to save some money.


<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]Please feel free to add some additional information and I'm sure we will come up with some sort of consensus.


Rich