Top notch hiking tripod-ballhead combo?

<p>I will be traveling to Patagonia in a few weeks. Sometimes we will be hiking with a large backpack.<br />I am very into photography and I am willing to skip some clothing stuff in favour of photographic equipment.<br />I use a Gitzo 3541LS + RSS BH55 + RSS L-bracket + Nikon D700 (whithout grip) and following lenses: Zeiss ZF 21 and 50 macro, Nikkor 35,50,85AFS, Leica 35-70 F/4 R, Leica APO 100 macro F/2.8 and Leica APO 180 F/2.8 (all leitaxed for use on Nikon). I am putting the Leica APO's for sale since I want a 70-200VRII for photographing moving children.<br />My intention was to take the Nikkor 50AFS, the Leica 35-70 F/4 and a 70-200VRII with me. However I wanted to buy a lightweight but quality tripod and ballhead for this once in a lifetime journey.<br />What is important to me:<br />- a stable combination toghether with the Leica 35-70 and the 50AFS. It should be able to cope with the 70-200 VRII (or the Leica 180 APO in case I can not sell it on time), but I can use VR if necessary and anyway I think I will not need very slow speeds with the telezoom (subjectwise). There also is the hook were I can hang my backpack on...<br />- low weight of the combo (< 1.5 kg)<br />- (bit less important, but also since I want really something different from my GT3541LS-BH55) pretty small (certainly < 50 cm): it would be nice if I can fix it easily on my packpack or put it inside easily.<br />- working height (with centre column down) at least 120 cm (viewfinder height)<br />- The ballhead has to be top notch and have a two button design (like the Markins or BH-30 and 40). Panning would be nice but is so must.</p>

<p>I am torn between the following <strong>tripods </strong>(I only want Gitzo and only carbon):<br />- Gitzo GT 1541 mountaineer, to take off the center column, put on a kirk base plate, leading to a lightweight but sturdy combo I think (but this is already quite long and then why not just take my GT3541LS with me...)<br />- Gitzo GT 1541T traveler (no advantage of the GT 1542T since I do not like the centre column which is even heigher in the 1542T) --- here I wonder (1) if the centre column is removable and if one can put a base plate on and a ballhead directly to it AND if in that case the ballhead still fits between the legs; (2) if one puts on the optionally available shorter centre column does the ballhead still fits between the legs (depending on which ballhead)<br />- Gitzo GK 1580TQR4 (only recently released) but here probably the ballhead is not great, so which ballhead fits on it...and what is the weight of the tripod without the included ballhead<br />- really lightweight: Gitzo GK1580TQR5 (only recently released)</p>

<p>and then a <strong>ballhead</strong>:<br />I really like RSS, but I do not like the feet of the tripod standing apart when folded, so... (in case I take a 1541T and put on a shorter centre column, maybe the ballhead becomes an issue when folded back):<br />- rss bh-30 or 40 (I do not know if the knob is as easy to use as the one on the BH55 that I have and which is round and very nice to use)<br />- markins q3t (pano button is not great apparently but that does not matter that much to me)<br />- arcatech (seems fun, but is expensive and maybe less userfriendly and intuitive)<br />- Kirk (is this a Markins copy or does it have its own advantages?)<br>

<br />anyway I want a button to determine the friction on the ball and it should be lightweight</p>

<p>I tend to go for the GT1541T (with short centre column)+Q3T (the one apparently everybody owns...), but maybe one of the mentioned options is bettre.</p>

<p><br />Thanks a lot; it will make my trip even better,</p>

<p>Peter</p>

<p>Acratech ballhead gets my vote. Been using their V2 since '06 (it's since been replaced by the GV2 in their product line). Never had a problem. Very strong, smooth, and lightweight. The never jam and are ridiculously easy to clean. One knob for releasing it, a smaller one for friction adjustment, and a small one for locking the panning. Easy to operate with gloves on. The only thing to get used to is the unconventional look. They're a little bit pricey, but if you only have to buy it once...</p>

<p>I use mine with D700 w/RRS L bracket, 70-200 VRII (+/- 1.7 TC) , and a 80-400 VR regularly. Never had any creep or sag. Used variously with Gitzo 2941 LLVL, Manfrotto 3021BPRO, Sirui N2204 (I almost bought a Gitzo Traveler when I found that one). If I had to have a Gitzo, I'd have gone with the Traveler.</p>

<p>Have have seen <a href="http://www.bythom.com/hostage.htm">this article</a> about Patagonia?</p>

<p>I just bought the 3541LS but with the A-S Z1 ballhead and the thing is just great. I'm sorely tempted to take it on a trip. However I currently use two travel tripods, the 1541T and a Benro C2680T. I have a Markins Q3T on each of them.</p>

<p>I don't think you can put a base plate on the 1541T, and the shorter center column seems to be causing a couple of issues. There's a very recent thread on this issue; go to the archive and select tripods to see it. Also as I post this it's still in the Active Threads section at the top of the home page; click on "<a href="../filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/00Y3cN" target="_blank">New Gitzo Traveller</a>". FWIW I prefer the Benro to the Gitzo traveler and I'll be selling the 1541T, the Benro's working height with center column down is 131cm (it's taller than the 1541T). However I think if you want to stick with Gitzo the 1541T is the best all-rounder of your choices. The two things I like least about it is height (too short for me and I'm 5ft 8in) because it forces you to use the center column too much, and it doesn't take spikes.</p>

<p>WRT ballheads I strongly recommend the Markins Q3T. Beautifully made and very smooth in operation. The panning base is a brake as distinct from a lock. I use two of them and Markins are a pleasure to deal with.</p>

<p>Another vote for Acratech.<br>

For travel and backpacking, where everything you carry should do multiple jobs, you simply can't beat their heads. I have their GV2 but I'd be looking at the GP or GPS depending on your legs. Yes it is unconventional looking but it's easy to use, extremely rugged, performs flawlessly, is very light and accepts AS plates. Their GP & GPS heads can be set up as a leveling base on uneven ground for panos and can also function as a very usable gimbal head for lenses in your 70-200 range.<br>

If I was going on a once in a lifetime trip to the other hemisphere of the planet, I wouldn't worry about a price difference in heads, especially if it may be the last head I'd ever need. Plus Acratech sometimes sells cosmetic seconds at a great price.<br>

I'd tell you to have fun but I'm too envious.<br>

Okay, have fun anyway.<br>

Lee</p><div></div>

<p>I have the Acratech GP, they are phenomenal heads. I can't understand why all other head manufacturers insist on continuing to work inside their little boxes, Acratech have always thought outside that box and the GP is their best example, so many features and it just works.</p>

Does any of the acratech heads work well with the1541 traveler?

<p>From Acratech product info: "...the GP-s Ball head has been designed with a smaller diameter base to allow it to be used with travel type tripods where the legs fold around the tripod head."<br /> http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=76<br>

<br />You could phone them up. They've been helpful to me in the past.</p>

<p>Peter, I would take your GT3541LS with you. I am assuming it is four sections and will pack well. You will need it in the Patagonia wind. I am sure the RSS BH55 ball head will work well. My Kirk BH1 and BH3 are pushing 10 years if not older. I wonder if all of Asian ball heads such as Markins are reverse engineered from European design such as Arca Swiss, FOBA, Studio and the US Kirk. Wimberley has probably taken the toughest beating. Of all the ball heads I have touched and used the Kirk I think has the smoothest action and for me the most elegant design. That being said I will own a RRS head some day. I have some of the RRS plates and think they are excellent. Good hunting. Andy</p>

<p>Can anyone confirm that the BH-30 RSS head also works flawlessly and does not interfere easily with the leg closure.</p>

<p>The RRS BH-30 is a wonderful head. The 1541T folds up around it almost, but not quite, perfectly. One leg will be a few degrees off of exact parallel. It makes no difference in packing or carrying. I use the combo a lot (with the quick release platform) and like it. It is light, compact, and functional.</p>

<p>I use the GT1550T with the BH-30. The tripod is similar, but folds down a little smaller. I really like the BH30. I'll confirm what Anthony said. There is one leg that is only off a couple degrees, but doesn't impact packing at all and it really isn't even noticeable. I also use the quick release (LR version on the RRS site) It doesn't have tension control, but the ball is really smooth. The biggest advantage is the 40mm base diameter. Any of the other heads listed here are at least 50mm and wouldn't fold as tightly.</p>

<p>The maximum diameter of both the panning base and the ball housing must be <=50mm for the 1541T legs to fold back parallel to the center column.</p>

<p>Hmm, it must be larger than the 1550T then. I'll have to take a closer look next time I stop in a store.</p>

<p>What about the GK1580TQR5 kit (maybe with another head). It has G-lock and seems somewaht higher and maybe sturdier than the GT1550T.</p>

<p>Sorry for the late response. I think the GK1580TQR5 would be a great tripod as it's just an improved version of the GT1550T. I use mine with my Zuiko 50-200. A bit lighter than your 70-200 but larger zoom range (2x focal length multiplier). I haven't had much time with it since getting the new head. It's more stable than the head it came with, but if you are going to try 30 second exposures at 200mm you may not find it's stable enough to be super sharp except under calm circumstances. Otherwise that that I can't recommend it enough. The weight makes it a pleasure to carry around. It should be fine for your other lenses.</p>