In the changing seasons...
Fall 2022
Photographer / Manabu Yamamoto
The autumn leaves in 2022 were almost as colorful as usual, and I think I was able to capture beautiful autumn colors.
I covered Hokkaido, Fukushima Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, and Kyoto Prefecture with the Markins ball head Q10i-RD.
I covered Hokkaido, Fukushima Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, and Kyoto Prefecture with the Markins ball head Q10i-RD.
Canon EOS R5 / RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM / F16 1/5秒 ISO-400
It has been four years since I started using the Markins ball head. During that time, I have had it overhauled twice, and each time it has been restored to like new. The one I used before would quickly wear down even with a thin layer of grease on the ball and become unusable, so I had to buy a new one, but the Markins ball head is a little expensive, but it does not wear down and can be used for a long time, which is one of its charms. I have hardly ever cleaned it by wiping it with a towel, but I have been able to use it without any problems.
Cameras and lenses have become more compact and lightweight with the shift to mirrorless cameras, but I want better images from the equipment I use, so although it is somewhat heavy, my beloved Q10i-RD is smaller than you would imagine from its appearance, but it is heavy and can firmly support long equipment. For example, when using EOS R3 + RF100-500mm + extender 2x, even if it is angled, the composition is decided in one shot. It is highly precise and does not bow forward from the back, so it is very stable.
The knob that secures the ball and the quick shoe fixing knob are also wrapped in rubber, so it can be firmly fixed even on slippery rainy sites or in the cold winter when you are wearing gloves. The knob can secure the plate with a half turn, so it is easy to attach and remove quickly.
It also has a safety pin, which is useful for preventing the plate with the camera and lens attached from falling. In my case, who takes landscape photos, it can be fixed without any problems even in the freezing cold of winter or in the pouring rain on a southern island in midsummer, so it is a truly reliable professional piece of equipment.
Cameras and lenses have become more compact and lightweight with the shift to mirrorless cameras, but I want better images from the equipment I use, so although it is somewhat heavy, my beloved Q10i-RD is smaller than you would imagine from its appearance, but it is heavy and can firmly support long equipment. For example, when using EOS R3 + RF100-500mm + extender 2x, even if it is angled, the composition is decided in one shot. It is highly precise and does not bow forward from the back, so it is very stable.
The knob that secures the ball and the quick shoe fixing knob are also wrapped in rubber, so it can be firmly fixed even on slippery rainy sites or in the cold winter when you are wearing gloves. The knob can secure the plate with a half turn, so it is easy to attach and remove quickly.
It also has a safety pin, which is useful for preventing the plate with the camera and lens attached from falling. In my case, who takes landscape photos, it can be fixed without any problems even in the freezing cold of winter or in the pouring rain on a southern island in midsummer, so it is a truly reliable professional piece of equipment.
Canon EOS R5 / RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM / F8 1/1000秒 ISO-20000
Recent cameras have improved ISO sensitivity, and many people raise the ISO and shoot handheld, and in some places tripods cannot be used. Unfortunately, for these reasons, fewer people are using tripods.
However, there are many subjects that cannot be photographed without a tripod, even though it is a hassle! It is also important to face the subject carefully.
"Blur" and "blur" are different... The slow shutter, which the photographer intentionally blurs the subject, is an important role of the tripod head. It goes without saying that if the tripod head does not stop well, the image will be "blurred".
In that case, a sturdy tripod is important, but a tripod head that can firmly support the weight of the camera is also important. I really rely on Markins because he is able to handle all of that.
However, there are many subjects that cannot be photographed without a tripod, even though it is a hassle! It is also important to face the subject carefully.
- I want to shoot with the ISO sensitivity as low as possible
- I often shoot with a narrow aperture
- Shooting with long exposure
And so on.. - I often shoot with a narrow aperture
- Shooting with long exposure
"Blur" and "blur" are different... The slow shutter, which the photographer intentionally blurs the subject, is an important role of the tripod head. It goes without saying that if the tripod head does not stop well, the image will be "blurred".
In that case, a sturdy tripod is important, but a tripod head that can firmly support the weight of the camera is also important. I really rely on Markins because he is able to handle all of that.
Canon EOS R5 / RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM / F16 1/320秒 ISO-3200
I don't have any particular complaints about the Markins, but if I had to make a request, I would like the cutout to be on the other side as well, since mirrorless cameras are often used for vari-angle shooting these days and the head is sometimes turned upwards when shooting, but considering that the head would become larger and heavier to compensate for the strength, it may not be easy to achieve.
And nowadays, an indispensable item is the L-shaped plate. The one I'm currently using is a specially designed one, which is convenient and safe because it allows me to fully use the vari-angle when using an ultra-wide-angle lens. However, depending on the model, it may be necessary to shift it slightly to attach the remote switch, so I hope that this point will be improved in the future.
Finally, writing this report allowed me to once again feel the greatness of the Markins.
And nowadays, an indispensable item is the L-shaped plate. The one I'm currently using is a specially designed one, which is convenient and safe because it allows me to fully use the vari-angle when using an ultra-wide-angle lens. However, depending on the model, it may be necessary to shift it slightly to attach the remote switch, so I hope that this point will be improved in the future.
Finally, writing this report allowed me to once again feel the greatness of the Markins.
Manabu Yamamoto
Born in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in 1975. Graduated from the Department of Photography, Faculty of Arts, Osaka University of Arts. After graduation, worked at the training room of the same department at the same university. Studied under photographer Seizo Takada while still a student. Currently freelance. While producing works daily, also actively engaged in teaching amateurs at various photography classes and clubs, such as the Canon EOS Academy. Has also served as a judge for city exhibitions and tourism contests.
Member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS)
Regular member of the Japan Travel Photographers Association (JTPA)
Member of the Japan Landscape Photographers Association (JSPA)
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