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The
Markins Ball Heads
by J. Ramón Palacios
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A
New Ball Head by MARKINS
With
the M10 and M20 ball heads, the medium to heavy gear segment
was fully covered, however, we felt a smaller one was needed
for light loads on light tripods and for use on monopods.
Markins responded with the new Q3
ball head, the lightest yet, comfortably fitting our description
of the ideal head for that use.
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|
|
| Markins
ball heads lineup |
European
Nikonians members have been asking for comparisons with ball
heads more easily available to them. So here it is.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Linhof
Profi III QR |
NovoFlex
CB 5 QB |
FLM
58 FT QR |
Markins
Q3 |
| Weight:
2.82 lbs |
1.89
lbs |
1.94
lbs |
0.85 lbs |
| 1,280
grams |
860
grams |
880
grams |
385
grams |
Load
capacity:
22 lbs |
26.4
lbs |
33
lbs |
66 lbs |
|
10 Kg |
12
Kg |
15
Kg |
30
Kg |
Load/Weight
ratio: 7.8:1
- |
14:1
- |
17:1
- |
78:1
. |
| Height:
5 inches |
4.5
inches |
5.2
inches |
3.6 inches |
| 127mm |
114mm |
132mm |
91mm |
Street
Price USD: $740
- |
$740 |
$350 |
$270 |
|
100% |
100% |
47% |
36%
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Although the four ballheads above are often considered "pro"
ball heads, the Linhof has no progessive tension control and
the clamp is of proprietary design, not for the dove tail
industry standard plates. Also, the FLM has a "tilt"
function, which actually locks movement on two axis, allowing
for a reduced "sweet spot" to tilt only, not on
three axis, and also with proprietary plates.
In
terms of finishing, the Novoflex ClassicBall 5 QBase is simply
ravishing and also very good at having preset tension control
levels for various gear combinations. Pricey, though.
There is much confusion, especially when doing comparisons,
making people cross classes inadvertently, mixing heads with
very different load capacities and capabilities, like apples
with oranges. However, one thing is certain: rated load capacity
published is the maximum each manufacturer is willing to accept
as a limit to avoid customer complaints. Some even prefer
not to publish max load capacity.
After trying many, these are our requirements for a Professional
Tripod Ball Head:
| 1. |
Supports
at least three (3) times the weight of the user's heaviest
camera-lens combination. This ensures smoothness. |
| 2. |
Easy
to use, easy to carry, easy to operate and built for a
lifetime. |
| 3. |
Low in height for the lowest center of gravity, without
interfering with the ball head itself or the tripod in
all movements. |
| 4. |
Light
weight, because the heavier the tripod head the higher
the center of gravity. Most important for stability and
more so with the light carbon fiber tripods. |
| 5. |
Accurate
and dependable operation regardless of extreme weather
conditions. |
| 6. |
Have
a progressive ball locking mechanism (not just on and
off like a vise) with smoothest handling. |
| 7. |
Have
a "sweet
spot" friction setting which allows for no-creeping
and yet able to smoothly move the gear without having
to touch the controls. (794Kb download windows media movie)
|
| 8. |
Provide
sturdy support with ultra-high torque and extra-low damping
factor. |
| 9. |
Have
a maintenance free system, except for cleaning. No need
of grease for lubrication, which may contaminate the photographer's
hand and even the camera equipment. |
| 10. |
Have
a clamp for industry standard dove tail plates, Arca Swiss
style. |
Once
more, the Q3, the youngest of the Markins trio, is the lightest
of all four above, the smallest, capable of the same loads
and more -with room to spare to ensure smoothness- and for
its price it is more than competitive.
If
you want to learn why the Q3 is called Emille and the legend
around it, go here
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