Even when using a tripod, your photos still look soft
Even though you're using a tripod, your photos somehow still look soft — have you ever experienced this?
・Slight blur with slow shutter speeds
・Loss of sharp focus with telephoto lenses
・Lack of resolution despite firm support
▶ The cause might be micro vibrations at the front of the lens.
A tripod and head alone cannot completely eliminate vibration
Even if the camera body is fixed, the tip of a long lens continues to move slightly.
Especially in the following situations, even small vibrations can significantly affect image quality:
・Using super-telephoto lenses
・Long exposure (waterfalls, night scenes)
・Macro photography
・Outdoor shooting in windy conditions
A dedicated design to suppress “invisible blur”
The Markins VR Holder is a lens support that enhances stability during shooting by using a
two-point support structure for the lens or both the camera and lens.
By supporting the front of the lens from below,
it brings out that extra level of sharpness that a tripod alone cannot achieve.
Additionally, by adjusting the rail position, you can optimize the center of gravity and further improve overall system stability.
Made from lightweight yet highly rigid aluminum alloy, each connection is designed to minimize play and ensure a solid structure.
Its effectiveness can be clearly seen in the
sample images using the VR Holder.
Specifications
| Manufacturer |
Markins |
| Model |
VR15J-SL |
Quick Shoe |
Knob type |
York (roller section) |
YK15L (long neck type)
For use with battery grip attached |
| Size |
9.5 X 3.0 X 3.5 in (242L×75W×88H mm) |
| Weight |
11.68 oz (331 g) |
| Material |
A6061-T6 |
- Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail style
- Vibration reduction through two-point support
- Adjustable York (roller section)
- Quick-turn knob shoe that tightens in about one rotation
- Hard anodized finish for excellent wear resistance
- Smooth and safe rounded edges
- Elegant matte finish
How to Choose a VR Holder
There are two types of York (roller section): the short YK-15S and the long YK-15L. Choose based on the height difference between the two support points.
With the YK-15S, the height difference between the VR quick shoe and York is approximately 1 cm; with the YK-15L, it is approximately 3.5 cm.
As a general rule, choose YK-15L when using a battery grip, and YK-15S when not using one.
※
Angle adjustment is possible by attaching/detaching the VR quick shoe (a 4mm T-handle hex wrench is required separately)
※
If you want to disable the safety pin of the quick shoe, first remove the quick shoe using a 4mm T-handle hex wrench (sold separately), then remove the screw on the back using a 2.5mm hex wrench (sold separately), flip the pin, and reattach it.
※ When the optional ER-90 is attached
Sample Images Using the VR Holder
Excerpt from a user report by landscape and wildlife photographer Akio Torikoshi
● Example 1
≪Shooting Data≫
Nikon D700 + Tamron SP180mm F2.5 LD
ISO200, F16, 1/15 sec, 180mm
Shot at Kamo Iris Garden in Kakegawa City. Using a 180mm telephoto lens to capture distant irises that could not be approached from the wooden path.
Since it is a prime lens without a tripod collar, slow shutter speeds introduce blur from mirror shock.
When enlarging the image without the holder, you can see fine blur degrading sharpness, whereas with the holder, the blur is reduced and sharpness is improved.

Without holder

With holder
● Example 2
≪Shooting Data≫
Nikon D700 + SIGMA 50-500mm F4-6.3 EXDG HSM + ×2 teleconverter
ISO200, F13, 1/15 sec, 1000mm
Early morning shooting at Lake Hamana. Although the lens has a tripod collar, using a teleconverter for 1000mm super-telephoto results in significant blur without the holder.
By removing the tripod collar and supporting both the lens and camera with the VR Holder, the blur was dramatically reduced as seen in the “with holder” image.

Without holder

With holder
● Example 3
≪Shooting Data≫
Nikon D700 + SIGMA 50-500mm F4-6.3 EXDG HSM
ISO1600, F6.3, 1 sec, 500mm
This is a night view of Gamagori City taken from Mount Goi. Long exposures in night photography are highly sensitive to even slight vibrations.
Here again, the VR Holder proved highly effective. The “without holder” image clearly shows blur from mirror shock, while the “with holder” image demonstrates significantly reduced blur.
It can be used with confidence even for long exposures.

Without holder

With holder