RRS tripod for Q Questions

[Orguy]

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I am in the market for a Really Right Stuff tripod and head for my Q. I would be willing to dedicate the tripod to only the Q and not "planning for the future" where I might want to use it with a significantly heavier bigger setup. (Hopefully though, I could also use it when there is a slightly bigger Leica Q2? with longer or interchangeable lenses!) I would like something as compact and light as possible for use traveling and hiking. With all the options available, what are you all using of theirs and what would you recommend? I am 5 foot 7, BTW.

 

I own the Leica large tabletop ball head 14110 and table top tripod, 

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=29953&gclid=CjwKEAjw3fG4BRDsn9GAv7T2zEkSJACNJdjgWof-vT6I_bcvDK4JG1ry_PGgowYq7oUhn0VRrTTj1BoCCpHw_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C52934714882%2C&Q=&A=details

 

Would this Leica ball head be ok with one of their tripods or should I step up to an RRS ball head?

 

What accessories would you recommend? Last time I looked into it, they hadn't made a plate dedicated to the Q - so how would the quick release problem be solved, if I do go the RRS ball head route?

 

Thanks!

[marchyman]

I have one of these: https://www.peakdesign.com/product/clips/capture/

 

The QR plate screws on to the camera at the tripod mount.  It is Arca Swiss compatible and will fit the RRS, Mefoto, and probably most other tripod heads as well as the PD capture plate.   Down side is that the camera won't sit flat when the QR plate is installed. I usually have the capture plate attached to the shoulder strap of a day pack.   I clip the Q to the plate to leave hands free yet have the camera ready for picture taking in a few seconds.   I use a wrist strap with the Q.

 

If you use a shoulder or neck strap on the Q just about any Swiss Arca style QR plate will do.  But be aware... the longer plates will interfere with the battery/memory card door.    A 25mm plate will not interfere.

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[dadohead]

I have and use the RRS TQC-14 with a BH30 head.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Series-1-Support-Packages?custcol25=2

This is a remarkable and beautifully finished tripod and head. All the RRS gear is as top-of-the-line as it gets and generally makes Gitzo and other products look somewhat crude by comparison. It's also quite expensive, but you already knew that. I use the tripod regularly with a Canon 5dIII or 1dx and up to 70-200mm 2.8, or an 11-24mm so it's well within the range of a feather like the Q. It's small and light for it's load capacity, and it travels well. The head has a separate pan function and the ball works smoothly and is sturdy. The lever clamp is a god-send, but they claim you should only use RRS plates; the lever clamping mechanism isn't adjustable, so small differences in tolerance could be a problem. This is less of a worry if you get the screw clamp, but once you've tried the lever...

 

I don't know anything about the Leica head you mention, and frankly it's hard to imagine it could compare favorably to a BH30, at least just from looking at a photo, especially as it appears you are adding a column between the bottom plate of the camera and the apex of the tripod, which is exactly what you want to avoid.

 

RRS makes generic plates that are just flat instead of being fitted to the bottom of the camera, so it's likely your Q would twist a little more than with a plate made specifically for it. Ask them; they can recommend a plate if you send a photo of the Q bottom. If you can afford the RRS, you won't regret buying it. The question is: do you need all that tripod for a camera like the Q?

[Pete McGill]

I have the GItzo 1554 and the Leica Ball Head 38.  Because the center column is shorter on the 1554 it folds up around the ball head just perfectly and the whole thing fits in the Gitzo traveller bag once you figure it out (note the position of the column is not fully extended).  It makes a nice compact package while still having a pretty nice head.  The quick release plate for the ball head is very small but very rigid.  I also like the way the camera attaches to the ball head.  Just slide it in and give the knurled collar about a half turn.  I was skeptical when I ordered it but it is my favorite quick release system.  The setup is pretty expensive but it is top notch in my opinion.

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[Leica Guy]

I have the GItzo 1554 and the Leica Ball Head 38. Because the center column is shorter on the 1554 it folds up around the ball head just perfectly and the whole thing fits in the Gitzo traveller bag once you figure it out (note the position of the column is not fully extended). It makes a nice compact package while still having a pretty nice head. The quick release plate for the ball head is very small but very rigid. I also like the way the camera attaches to the ball head. Just slide it in and give the knurled collar about a half turn. I was skeptical when I ordered it but it is my favorite quick release system. The setup is pretty expensive but it is top notch in my opinion.

I have the same Gitzo Traveler tripod and a RRS BH-30 ball head. I love it for travel. I fold it up the same as you and it fits nicely in a medium size backpack. Another compartment protects my Q and the SF-40 flash. I'm set.

[Pete McGill]

I have the Sf-40 flash too.  It's seems perfect for the Q.  Way more powerful than to 26 but still pretty small, and a perfect balance to the Q.  I probably should have gotten the Nissan for less since I shoot flash mostly in manual anyway.

[ralpheburns]

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Late reply for you;

 

Although I have medium and smaller Gitzo tripods, here is a completely different route to consider.  It holds my Nikon D5 with a moderate length lens without issue.

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BC-18-Pocket-Pod-Package

with

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BPnS-Bidirectional-plate-for-Point-n-Shoot

 

(first post here... I've decided to shop for a Q.  Thanks to Infiniumguy's local support!)

 

- Ralph

[Leica Guy]

Glad you joined us on the forum Ralph.

[adamdewilde]

TQC-14 + BH-30 + B22

 

Get those items and you're SET. Besides if you do decide to move up, you're still set. I've used that setup for my S-006 + 100S and haven't had issues at all. 

Mind you I also have a custom monopod from them, MH-01 monopod head. And the much more sturdy TVC-23 + BH-55 and a TVC-33 for good measure. So I'm a bit of a fanboy.