自由雲台の選び方

Markins' ball heads are divided into three series, Q3i, Q10i, and Q20i, depending on the load capacity, but the load on the head varies depending on the size, weight, and center of gravity of the equipment attached to the head.

For example, in the case of a lens with a tripod mount, the tripod mount is generally closer to the center of gravity than the camera body, but let's say this equipment is attached to the head with either the lens plate attached to the tripod mount or the camera plate attached to the camera.

It is assumed that the tripod mount is closer to the center of gravity, but the load is lower when supported by the lens plate than when supported by the camera plate, so stability is improved and the occurrence of blur can be reduced accordingly.

You can feel this by actually holding the equipment with your hand, but even with the same equipment, the load changes depending on the mounting position, so please understand that the weight of the equipment does not equal the load.

For reference, please read the article about payload capacity that was clearly published in the Korean version of Digital Camera Magazine, June 2007 issue. → Read

Now to the main topic: the standard of the three series is the Q10i series. This is because the Q10i series covers most equipment, but for reference, please take a look at the video that shows the Nikon 800mm F5.6. → Open the video

The ball head used in the demo video is a 2002 model with a load capacity of 45kg, but the current Q10i series has this load capacity. Of course, the Q10i series has no problems even if you are using light equipment.

Also, in 2002, the highest model was 45kg, but now the top-of-the-line Q20i series can withstand a load of 50kg. The larger ball makes the movement smoother and more flexible, so for ease of use, we recommend the Q20i series for the aforementioned 800mm f5.6 or lenses of a similar weight.

As for the Q3i series, it is recommended for telephoto lenses up to about 200mm. Even if we say 200mm in general, for example, a 70-200 f2.8 zoom lens would weigh about 1.5kg, and when combined with a Nikon D850 or Canon EOS5D Mark IV, it would weigh about 2.5kg, and this is the recommended range for the Q3i series. For lenses heavier than this, we recommend the Q10i.

I think this will give you a good idea of ​​which series is best for you, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Next, choose the type of quick shoe from knob, lever, or panoramic, and then choose the color to determine the model number. We will also explain the type of quick shoe in How to choose a quick shoe.

The Q3i series has a traveler model, so we will explain about the traveler model here.

Gitzo has a tripod called the Traveler Tripod, which has legs that can be stored by inverting them, and the Markins Traveler Model was released for this tripod. When folding the legs by inverting them, the protruding panning scale that interferes has been eliminated, and the short knob shoe has been changed to a short one, so it fits perfectly.

This is the only difference, and I recommend the Traveler model for Gitzo Traveler tripods, but for other tripods, I think the protruding panning scale is easier to use.

Series	Model	Shoe Type	Load capacity	Base Diameter	Weight
Q3i (Traveler)	Q3iTR	Knob	30kg	50mm	368ｇ
	Q3iTRQ	Lever			373ｇ
	Q3iTRP	Panorama			482ｇ
Q3i (Small and lightweight)	Q3i	Knob	30kg	56mm	381ｇ
	Q3iQ	Lever			382ｇ
	Q3iP	Panorama			488ｇ
Q10i (Standard)	Q10i	Knob	45kg	62mm	488ｇ
	Q10iQ	Lever			490ｇ
	Q10iP	Panorama			592ｇ
Q20i (Highest grade)	Q20i	Knob	50kg	68mm	553ｇ
	Q20iQ	Lever			555ｇ
	Q20iP	Panorama			640ｇ