Gitzo GT1542 and Markins Q3T Minitripod Mini review
My dilemma was this: A 3 week trip to Alaska visiting 4 towns, where a lots of carrying a load of equipment meant leaving my Gitzo3540 and Mongoose head at home. Considered taking just a monopod but I knew I would miss a tripod for the panorama shots. Decided on the Gitzo gt1542t because of the 2.2 pounds weight and rated 15.4 pound load capacity. I first paired it with the small giotto ballhead but it was not usable at all with my 500mmf4is. I returned the Giotto and got the Markins Q3t ballhead at almost twice the price but what a drastic improvement. The tripod works like a charm even with my 800mmLIS ! I won't say its as sturdy as my 3540 but with I.S. or VR engaged I found it to be a very good performer. It also doubled as a monopod when needed.
The trip was a success photographically and the fact that my lens could be supported while waiting for bears,whales,river otter and eagles to do their thing made life so much easier than doing without a tripod.
The 500mm with my MarkIV felt very solid if the neck was not extended and I would not hesitate to leave it alone for brief times. The Markins locks down solid with the lens in any position. The Giotto would creep a lots.
I know that lots of you will be a little skeptical but it was a very workable solution for me. Below pix are with the Canon 800mml f5.6
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