Markins Integrated Camera Support System
Keywords: ballhead, panorama, birds, jrp
The vendor Markins is a long-time friend of Nikonians and has supported the community in various ways throughout the years. They are a manufacturer of top class camera support systems and accessories and its ball head models cover the needs for use on a monopod (Q3i), on a traveler tripod (Q3i-Tr) and on a tripod for medium sized focal lengths (M10i for up to 200mm) and for longer lenses (Q20i for over 300mm).
Markins ball heads with Quick Turn Knob Clamps
Click for an enlargement
Four sizes of ball heads are available, with two types of clamps, the Quick Turn Knob Clamp (shown above) and for the Quick Release Lever Clamp (shown below).
Markins ball heads with Quick Release Lever Clamps
Click for an enlargement
BIRDS AND VIDEO MODULE
Now, Markins introduced a clever module attachment that can be used on the Q10i and Q10i-Q, the BV-12, and the BV-22 for the Q20i and Q20i-Q. These modules mount on the ball head clamp (dropped on the open channel) and serve to constrain all camera-lens movements except for up and down tilt, allowing for use of the ball head pan capability. This makes Birds in Flight (BIF) photography and Video (hence the denomination BV) an efficient delight. In fact, the BV module replaces the need for an obtrusive Gimbal head or a Sidekick for BIF and for another head for video.
The BV-12 and BV-22 can only be used on i-Type ball heads, M10Qi, M10Q1-Q, M20Qi and M20Qi-Q.
Originally written on February 21, 2017
Last updated on January 27, 2021
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9 comments
Tom Egel (tegel) on May 6, 2017
Thanks for posting. There seem to be two different Markins websites: 1. http://www.markinsamerica.com 2. https://www.markins.us The first one calls it BV-22 (the photos show BV-20) and the second calls it BV-24. I assume these are the same device (they look identical to me). Anyway, the first site was sold out of the combo (Q20i+BV-22), but I was able to order it from the second site. This looks to be a much better solution than the Sidekick (which tends to get left a home a lot due to it's size). Looking forward to trying it out! --Tom
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on March 21, 2017
Diane, Nope. Amazon has not take over our Photo Pro Shop. Glad to hear you are a very happy user of the Markins ball head for over 15 years, like me ;-)
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on March 21, 2017
Gerry, Korean New Year Holiday and less items in stock since they are now supplying our customer from the now closed Photo Pro Shop. and you can always oder directly from the factory in Korea.
Diane Abell (zinkadoodle) on March 6, 2017
Interesting article. When I first encountered Nikonians in early 2000-ish, I was very impressed with the Markins line. I had no idea where my photography was going to take me, so I decided to buy the M20 ballhead, because it was capable of holding a good amount of weight, more than I had at the time, but would grow with me as I increased my photography load, with more and larger cameras, lenses, etc. I was not happy with the quick release clamp, so I bought the Really Right Stuff quick lever clamp and attached it to the Markins. It's what I use today. A fabulous setup. In addition, I have added the Wimberley Sidekick, and I cannot imagine living without it. It sits on top of my Gitzo basalt tripod, which I also love. So much better than aluminum, and a considerably less hit to the pocket than carbon fiber. An excellent middle ground. But, I digress..... I mention all this because I read this article, and apparently the M20 is no longer manufactured, and it's replacement also has a quick release lever clamp. Improvements galore. Also, there was a Nikonians store, where I purchased the M20, but it no longer seems to exist, unless I am missing something. Has Amazon taken over the Nikonians store? Just curious, really, because I am not looking to replace the M20, or any of my gear at this point. But again, I've used the M20 for over 15 years, and it has never failed me. It's a great product. Diane
Gerry LoSardo (JerryLoSardo) on March 4, 2017
JRP, Very informative review/article. I already own a Q20 and M10 (very happy with both) and am contemplating a Q20i-BV22 setup. I've already contacted Eric to check on available Markins inventory from the Photo Pro Shop. My concern with Markins items is that Markins North America (supposedly the official distributor for the US that also handles product maintenance) is non-responsive to emails and has been out of stock of nearly everything for quite some time. It just makes me wonder what is going on with that company and who I would go to should I have an issue with a product. So as good as they are, I'm thinking long and hard if I want to invest further in one of their products.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on February 22, 2017
Thank you, Ray.
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on February 22, 2017
(Edited by jrp Wednesday, 22 February 2017 ) Mike, The Photo Pro Shop North America closed its doors on December 15, 2016. That is why there is no link to it anymore. Eric Bowles (ericbowles) has our inventory. You may want to contact him if you are interested in any of these items.
Ray Heslewood (Hessy) on February 21, 2017
Thanks for a very interesting article JRP, now I must spend some more money on photo gear. Regards Ray
User on February 21, 2017
there was a link for the store, where did that do? I like that Markins Q20i, the BV-22 work fine for me, lots of people also like the sidekick, I personaly just don't need both option.