Jiro Tateno | Markins Ball Head
Theme
Landscape and Nature
photographer
Jito Tateno
Date
October 2019
Location
Nagano and Yamanashi Prefecture
Device
Markins
Canon
EOS 5D Mark IV
EF16-35mm F4L IS USM
EF24-70mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM
EF70-200mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM
EF16-35mm F4L IS USM
EF24-70mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM
EF70-200mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM
RRS
TVC-34L
Review
Jiro Tateno
Born in Tokyo in 1975. Around 1990, while interacting with nature through fly fishing, became fascinated by its beautiful nature and began taking photographs. Since around 1999, has been photographing around Japan with the theme of "natural beauty." Currently, provides many photographs for magazines, books, posters, calendars, etc.
- Photo exhibitions -
- 2010 "Okinawa" Mixim Ginza
- 2017 "Northern Light - A Journey of Light/Iceland"
URL : www.jirotateno.com
Remember that when went to buy the first SLR camera, also bought a tripod at the same time. Knew would be taking landscape photos from the beginning, so felt that a tripod was essential. The first tripod bought was a 4-stage HUSKY tripod with an integrated head. HUSKY tripods are made of aluminum alloy, so they are heavy and felt secure. The head was a 3-way tripod integrated with the tripod, and held the pan bar with both hands to operate it.
Recently, started using carbon tripods from RRS and GIZTO in search of lightness, and like both of them because they are light and highly rigid. Also started using a ball head, which is more compact than a 3-way head and can be set up quickly while holding the camera. Holding the camera and operating it allows setting the camera and zoom at the same time, so it is definitely faster than a 3-way head. Once get used to it, will never go back to a 3-way head. However, have used several ball heads, but have always felt a little dissatisfied.
One day, bumped into friend, photographer and tripod head enthusiast Takahashi Yoshiteru at a location was working on, so asked him to show the tripod head he uses.
The tripod head he was using at the time was the Markins Q20iQ-BK lever shoe type. He had told several times before that Markins were good, but already had a few tripod heads, and was worried that buying another one would be the same, so was grateful for the opportunity to try it out. Was also using an L-shaped plate that was compatible with Arca-Swiss, so attached it to the camera and tested it.
The best way to find out the pros and cons is to try it out as normally do. The plate width of the quick shoe opening and closing lever varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but was able to make it the best condition with a simple fine adjustment. Decided on the composition, tightened it lightly, and released it, and it stopped perfectly without any misalignment. Then, tried moving it like that, and it moved smoothly without any rattling and then stopped again! This is amazing!
Recently, started using carbon tripods from RRS and GIZTO in search of lightness, and like both of them because they are light and highly rigid. Also started using a ball head, which is more compact than a 3-way head and can be set up quickly while holding the camera. Holding the camera and operating it allows setting the camera and zoom at the same time, so it is definitely faster than a 3-way head. Once get used to it, will never go back to a 3-way head. However, have used several ball heads, but have always felt a little dissatisfied.
One day, bumped into friend, photographer and tripod head enthusiast Takahashi Yoshiteru at a location was working on, so asked him to show the tripod head he uses.
The tripod head he was using at the time was the Markins Q20iQ-BK lever shoe type. He had told several times before that Markins were good, but already had a few tripod heads, and was worried that buying another one would be the same, so was grateful for the opportunity to try it out. Was also using an L-shaped plate that was compatible with Arca-Swiss, so attached it to the camera and tested it.
The best way to find out the pros and cons is to try it out as normally do. The plate width of the quick shoe opening and closing lever varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but was able to make it the best condition with a simple fine adjustment. Decided on the composition, tightened it lightly, and released it, and it stopped perfectly without any misalignment. Then, tried moving it like that, and it moved smoothly without any rattling and then stopped again! This is amazing!
The exquisite friction was impressive. When tightened it further, it didn't budge. Heard that it can withstand a load of 50kg. Don't think it's often possible to support that much weight, but it's good to have the extra space. After that, had a chance to touch various products, and they were different from other companies in every way. Thought had to get this, so ordered it as soon as returned from the interview.
Thought the Q20iQ was overkill, so chose the next model down, the Q10i. This model has a load capacity of 45kg, which is more than enough. For the quick shoe, chose the knob shoe, which was used to using with other manufacturers. When it arrived, immediately placed the camera on the quick shoe and secured it in place. Was surprised again at that moment! Just by placing the camera on the quick shoe and turning the knob once, it was securely fixed in place. (Actually, it's about 3/4 turn)
This quick turn knob may be the nicest feature of the Markins. The one used before required more than two turns to attach and detach, and when didn't want to waste a few seconds in the morning and evening, it was stressful every time changed to vertical position or changed lenses. Also, the length of the knob is just right. When changing to 70-200mm with the camera still on the head, if the knob was long it would hit the tripod mount, and had to loosen the screw on the tripod mount every time, but this knob doesn't hit it, so can change lenses without worrying about anything. (*When using the tightening knob on the lens side as in the photo below)
Thought the Q20iQ was overkill, so chose the next model down, the Q10i. This model has a load capacity of 45kg, which is more than enough. For the quick shoe, chose the knob shoe, which was used to using with other manufacturers. When it arrived, immediately placed the camera on the quick shoe and secured it in place. Was surprised again at that moment! Just by placing the camera on the quick shoe and turning the knob once, it was securely fixed in place. (Actually, it's about 3/4 turn)
This quick turn knob may be the nicest feature of the Markins. The one used before required more than two turns to attach and detach, and when didn't want to waste a few seconds in the morning and evening, it was stressful every time changed to vertical position or changed lenses. Also, the length of the knob is just right. When changing to 70-200mm with the camera still on the head, if the knob was long it would hit the tripod mount, and had to loosen the screw on the tripod mount every time, but this knob doesn't hit it, so can change lenses without worrying about anything. (*When using the tightening knob on the lens side as in the photo below)
After changing the lens to 70-200mm, I had to take off the camera and put the lens back on the tripod head, but I was happy with the convenience of this small detail. In addition, it works without any problems even in extremely cold areas, so I'm looking forward to the coming winter.
■ Pennisetum alopecuroides and Mount Fuji
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / EF24-70mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM30 s F14 ISO125
■ Shirakome Pond in autumn
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / EF70-200mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM10 s F18 ISO50
■ Autumn leaves and sea of clouds on Mount Norikura
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / EF24-70mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM1/25 s F14 ISO100
■ Dawn at Shirakome Pond
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / EF24-70mm F2.8L Ⅱ USM1/10 s F13 ISO100
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