Meiki Lin | Markins Ball Head
Theme
Natural scenery photography (ball head)
Photographer
Meiki Lin
Date
April 25, 2014
Location
Hoshi Pass, Tokamachi City (formerly Matsushiro Town), Niigata Prefecture
Device
Markins
Sony
α7R, Sonnar T* FE35mm F2.8ZA
Sonnar T* FE55mm F1.8ZA
70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM Ⅱ
Sonnar T* FE55mm F1.8ZA
70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM Ⅱ
Hasselblad
H4X, CF 30mm, CFE 40mm, CFi 50mm,
CFE 80mm, CFi 120mm, CFi 180mm,
CFi 250mm(SA), CFE 350mm(SA), CF 500mm
CFE 80mm, CFi 120mm, CFi 180mm,
CFi 250mm(SA), CFE 350mm(SA), CF 500mm
Gitzo
GT3541XLS, GT2542L
Review
Meiki Lin
Born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1969. Started photography at age 18.
Since 2008, has been using digital cameras to photograph natural landscapes around the Japanese archipelago, presenting works that express the subtle atmosphere and transparency of natural landscapes.
Nature Photo Book of the Year 2005 Grand Prize Winner, sponsored by the International Federation of Wildlife Photography (IFWP)Since 2008, has been using digital cameras to photograph natural landscapes around the Japanese archipelago, presenting works that express the subtle atmosphere and transparency of natural landscapes.
URL : https://meilin.jp/
Member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society
Councillor of the Japan Natural Science Photography Association
The introduction to Markins began when recommended by a student in my photography class, and since the first day of using it two years ago, Markins has been a favorite.
Tripods and ball heads are often replaced when they no longer feel right, but this ball head, the tripod hub, and the VR-Holder come highly recommended. Once you use Markins, you may never need to replace them.
The smooth movement of the ball, its ability to hold its position even when hands are off, and its lightweight build despite its stability make it stand out compared to other ball heads.
During photography tours, there’s frequent interest in the ball head I use, and once tried, it often leads to immediate approval.
For someone constantly traveling across the country for shoots, having lightweight equipment is critical, and Markins ball heads are truly impressive.
Currently using three models: Q3, the Q3 Traveler model, and Q20, all in wine-red. While black is also excellent, wine-red offers a stylish touch that elevates the mood during shoots and adds to the enjoyment.
The precision machining of these ball heads is exceptional, especially in harsh environments. Additionally, the remarkably high load capacity for their size ensures reliability under challenging conditions.
Confidently recommending these products, not with hesitation but with conviction: “This is it!”
The lineup also includes camera plates, lens plates, and other accessories designed from the user’s perspective. Unique products such as the tripod hub and VR-Holder, unavailable from other manufacturers, are highly appreciated.
Quick Shoe offers both knob and lever options, and both are used with this multicopter. Despite their lightweight build, they provide excellent holding power, ensuring safety even during vibration-prone aerial shoots.
In conclusion, hope this serves as a helpful reference. Adding personal experiences below for further insights.
Tripods and ball heads are often replaced when they no longer feel right, but this ball head, the tripod hub, and the VR-Holder come highly recommended. Once you use Markins, you may never need to replace them.
The smooth movement of the ball, its ability to hold its position even when hands are off, and its lightweight build despite its stability make it stand out compared to other ball heads.
During photography tours, there’s frequent interest in the ball head I use, and once tried, it often leads to immediate approval.
For someone constantly traveling across the country for shoots, having lightweight equipment is critical, and Markins ball heads are truly impressive.
Currently using three models: Q3, the Q3 Traveler model, and Q20, all in wine-red. While black is also excellent, wine-red offers a stylish touch that elevates the mood during shoots and adds to the enjoyment.
The precision machining of these ball heads is exceptional, especially in harsh environments. Additionally, the remarkably high load capacity for their size ensures reliability under challenging conditions.
Confidently recommending these products, not with hesitation but with conviction: “This is it!”
The lineup also includes camera plates, lens plates, and other accessories designed from the user’s perspective. Unique products such as the tripod hub and VR-Holder, unavailable from other manufacturers, are highly appreciated.
For a slightly unconventional use, the multicopter, a developed version of the radio-controlled helicopter, is used to transmit camera footage from the air to the ground. This enables aerial photography of both videos and still images, where Markins Quick Shoe plays a critical role.
For those interested, there’s an aerial video of Hyakujotaki Falls in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture. It’s a rare and valuable sight globally.
→ Watch the video here
→ Watch the video here
Quick Shoe offers both knob and lever options, and both are used with this multicopter. Despite their lightweight build, they provide excellent holding power, ensuring safety even during vibration-prone aerial shoots.
In conclusion, hope this serves as a helpful reference. Adding personal experiences below for further insights.
- When using a Pentax 645 film camera or 645D with a 150-300mm lens, the combination of Q10i or Q20i ball heads and a VR-Holder is optimal. Pairing it with a Gitzo Series 3 tripod and the Markins tripod hub TH-300 reduces the tripod's weight and is highly recommended.
- For Sony α7R with a 70-400mm lens, either a Series 2 or Series 3 tripod works fine, but a VR-Holder is highly effective.
