Before we begin, an important disclaimer. This review is not endorsed or sponsored by Vallerret, and they had no say in its content. That said, they did send me a pre-release Skadi sample to test for free. So there could be some discrepancies with the final launch version. 

Also, some of the links in this review are my affiliate links. My goal is not to convince you to buy anything but to provide an honest overview of the product. However, should you choose to, I might get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Introducing the Skadi LRS

Skadi LRS is a recent release from Vallerret, a Norwegian company widely known in the photographers’ community. Inspired by Lukas Riedl’s artistic vision (LRS stands for Lukas Riedl Signature), it “empowers you to unleash your creativity like never before”.

At least that’s what the company claims. And while Vallerret is usually recognized for its outstanding lineup of photography gloves, Skadi LRS is slightly different. It’s a mitten.

A mitten, I should add, designed specifically for photographers — not something you hear too often. That said, it’s not an entirely new concept for Vallerret. Rather, Skadi LRS is a thoughtful refresh of the Skadi Zipper Mitt PSP model launched a few years back.

What I like about Vallerret is that they keep innovating, experimenting, and constantly enhancing their already fantastic offerings. In that spirit, the new Skadi LRS keeps all the great features of its predecessor yet tops it up with a variety of upgrades and improvements across the board.

At its core, Vallerret Skadi LRS is a 2-in-1 package — a thin liner glove combined with an outer shell mitten. You can wear them separately or together, so it’s a flexible setup that works well in different temperatures and conditions.

The mitt comes equipped with a zipper that opens it up to expose the inner glove. Together with the Vallerret signature flip-open cap on the thumb, this allows for easy access to fingers if you need to operate the camera dials or do any other tasks that require dexterity. 

All in all, it’s a cool idea and as a long-time Vallerret fan, I was hugely excited to try it. In the next sections, I will dive deeper into every aspect of the Skadi LRS photography glove. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to scroll to the bottom for the final verdict and the main takeaways.

Skadi LRS Key Stats and Features

The Look and Feel

If there is something I can universally praise about all Vallerret products, it’s their design. All their gloves are absolute eye-pleasers and the Skadi are no exception. Despite the size, they look stylish, elegant, and modern.

The materials are top-notch, as expected from Vallerret. The inner liner glove is all Polartec Power Stretch Pro giving it a sleek posh look. The outer mitt is mostly water-resistant Laminated DWR with a leather inset on the inside for better grip and a suede thumb cover.

If you already own any Vallerret gloves, this would probably all sound familiar. With this update, the company brings Skadi more in line with its other recent offerings. It’s a tried and tested formula and it still works perfectly well.

There are a couple of changes, however. One of my complaints about the Markholf Pro V3 model was the choice of suede for the thumb. It was a bit too coarse and rough to my taste. With Skadi, Vallerret seems to have addressed it. The suede here is smoother and nicer overall.

But the most notable difference is leather. While previously Vallerret had always preferred genuine goat leather, with Skadi LRS they are moving to faux leather instead. Although that’s more animal-friendly, I expect some people to be upset seeing this in a premium product.

In practical terms, artificial leather is generally known to be less durable than real one. So far, I’ve been using Skadi for a couple of months and haven’t seen any major issues. But how well they hold up over time remains to be seen.

Comfort and Usability

Vallerret has been making gloves for years now so it comes as little surprise that Skadi LRS are extremely comfortable to wear. They’re easy to put on and off, fit snugly, and just feel great on your hands.

But as always, Vallerret tried to make them not only comfortable but also practical. A lot of thought and consideration went into every aspect of this glove, something you immediately notice when you start using it. 

The liner and the outer mitt are fully separable from one another. This means you can wear them together or individually depending on the conditions. Thanks to convenient storm leash straps you can pull the outer mitts off if needed without ever losing them.

This is extremely handy when you want something done quickly. Take off the mitt, let it hang on the leash until you’re finished, then pull it back on. Honestly, every mitt should have this!

Another highly practical feature is the touch-sensitive coating on both the index finger and the thumb of the inner glove. It isn’t 100% perfect but works well enough for you to check the phone or, say, operate a drone.

The cuff has been extended for extra warmth and comes equipped with a strap to adjust its width. The zippers are all sealed to keep away cold air and moisture. There is a leather inset where you hold the camera for better grip. 

The list goes on. All in all, when it comes to usability, there isn’t much to complain about. The new Skadi LRS feel homely yet reliable at the same time. It’s a lovely pair of gloves that I enjoy wearing for all sorts of activities.

Photography Features

The big question is of course how convenient Skadi LRS are for photographers. After all, these are first and foremost photography mittens and need to be well-suited for that purpose.

The main photography feature of the Skadi is the zipper on the upper edge of the mitt. When open, it exposes the fingers allowing you to operate the camera as if only wearing the inner liner. As a nice touch, there is a snap fastener on the side to hold the open section in place.

The thumb is accessible via Vallerret’s signature FlipTech finger cap. The tip of the finger pulls open revealing the thumb and is then kept out of the way by a pair of magnets.

Together, these give you enough dexterity to handle camera controls and deal with other tasks without taking the mitt off. It’s a smart and well-thought-out design that generally functions pretty well balancing out the overall bulkiness of the glove. 

But as with any compromise, it’s not entirely flawless. There’s a bit of a learning curve for Skadi — expect to spend a few hours getting accustomed to them. There will certainly be cases initially when you’ll be tempted to take them off and use your bare hands instead.

I also found the zippers to be a tad fiddly sometimes. Occasionally the mitt crumples as you try to close it, preventing the zipper from going any further. You can fix it by applying a little counter-pressure with your hand, but it requires some practice.

Apart from that, Vallerret did a reasonably good job making Skadi LRS as easy to use as possible. As I said, they do take a little getting used to. But personally, I’d argue that sacrificing some convenience in exchange for extra warmth is a deal worth taking.

Additional Little Perks

Over the years, Vallerret has developed its own unique style. And so there are a few small but quite handy perks that you will find on almost every photography glove they produce. Skadi LRS is no exception, so let’s quickly go through them.

Water resistance. Skadi LRS utilize water-resistant materials that can withstand snow and rain for a while. That said, they aren’t fully waterproof. When exposed to moisture for a long time, they will eventually get damp and uncomfortable.

Side pockets. On the outer surface of each mitt, there is a small zipped pocket where you can keep anything you might want quick access to. That includes spare memory cards, lens wipes, keys, tickets, credit cards, coins, or even hand warmers.

Tripod key. In the side pocket of the right mitt, you will find a tripod key in the shape of Vallerret’s logo. Ever used a coin to unscrew the tripod plate? That’s exactly what this is for.

A carabiner. Skadi LRS come with a small carabiner that allows you to clip the mitts together and attach them to the belt, bag strap, or anywhere else. I haven’t used it much so far, but can see it being practical sometimes.

How Warm is Skadi LRS?

Vallerret rates Skadi LRS as a deep winter photography glove. In their own words, these are “heavily insulated gloves best suited for photo sessions in very cold temperatures and deep snow”.

This puts Skadi LRS firmly on the warmer side of the scale, right along the Tinden photography glove. In my testing, I actually found them to be warmer than Tinden. The difference is subtle at first but becomes more noticeable the longer you wear them.

A huge benefit of Skadi when compared to other gloves is that your skin is rarely directly exposed to the cold. Even with the outer mitt fully open, the hand is still protected by the liner. This preserves body heat allowing your hands to stay comfortable longer.

That is not the case with other Vallerret photography gloves. As awesome as flipping finger caps are, your fingertips will eventually get cold, especially if you’re actively shooting. And once that happens, it is very hard to heat them again.

This makes Skadi the warmest of all Vallerret gloves that I have ever tried. Exactly how warm they are, is somewhat hard to tell, however. The same numeric temperature might feel vastly different depending on the wind, humidity, and a variety of other factors.

If I had to give a rough estimate, you’ll probably be ok with Skadi for up to -10-12°C. Anything lower and your mileage may vary. What I can say for certain is that if I’m heading somewhere cold or anticipate staying outside for long, I’ll pick Skadi over any other model.

Skadi vs Other Vallerret Gloves

Now that we’ve gone through the main characteristics of the Skadi LRS, let’s briefly compare them to a couple of other photography gloves from Vallerret. Hopefully, this will make it easier to pick the right model for your specific needs.

Skadi LRS vs Markhof Pro V3

Markhof Pro V3 is Vallerret’s staple product, their top-selling photography glove, and a long-time fans’ favorite. But while it seems reasonable to see how it stacks up against the Skadi, the truth is, these two models play in totally different leagues.

Markhof Pro V3 is a versatile “Take Everywhere” photography glove that works well in a variety of scenarios. It’s stylish and sleek and I like using it as my go-to everyday glove even when I’m not shooting.

It’s a great all-rounder well-suited for spring, autumn, and those milder winter days when the temperature doesn’t go much below zero. But its largest drawback is that Markhof Pro V3 doesn’t cope well with truly harsh weather and freezing colds.

That’s where the Skadi LRS come in. Engineered to withstand those subzero temperatures, they fill the niche that Markhof Pro V3 just cannot cover. In simplest terms, Skadi LRS is a much bulkier but also significantly warmer photography glove.

So when deciding which one to get, ask yourself what conditions you will most likely face. If you’re often out and about when it’s properly frosty, go for Skadi LRS. But if you’re an occasional shooter, Markhof Pro V3 might be a better option.

I have talked about the Markholf Pro V3 photography glove at length in this review. You are welcome to check it out if interested.

Skadi LRS vs Tinden

Tinden is Vallerret’s heavy-duty photography glove designed to shield you against the elements during the coldest days of the season. As such, it is much closer to Skadi LRS in terms of performance and comfort.

Indeed, in my testing, I found the two to be closely matched. Skadi LRS is slightly warmer in my opinion, so for ultimate protection, that’s the glove I would pick. But otherwise, it largely boils down to personal preference.

Essentially, you are choosing between the glove and the mitten. Skadi LRS are a tad bulkier and somewhat more restrictive in how quickly you can do certain things. The Tinden are more convenient in many situations, but that comes at the expense of them being a little colder.

Honestly, I would be hard-pressed to give a definitive recommendation here. I love and use them both and think that both would be excellent choices that you’ll be extremely happy with. If you’re still unsure, check out my detailed review of the Tinden photography gloves.

Who is Skadi LRS For

At $119.95, Skadi LRS aren’t exactly cheap. So you might be wondering who are they for and whether you should invest in them. While ultimately that’s for you to decide, here are some categories of people who I think will like these gloves and benefit from having them.

Anybody who is serious about winter photography and is often shooting in harsh and unfriendly weather. Skadi are the warmest gloves in the Vallerret lineup. If you need that ultimate protection, they will serve you well.

Those landscape photographers who prefer to stay in the same place waiting for the perfect conditions to happen. When you don’t move much, it doesn’t take long for the cold to start creeping in. Even when the temperature isn’t crazy low.

Drone pilots. Skadi LRS are awesome for drone owners. With other photography gloves, your fingertips would be exposed during the flight as you operate the controller. And believe me, in cooler temperatures, they start going numb really fast.

With Skadi, there is a liner glove to protect your fingers. It might not sound like much, but surprisingly, makes a whole lot of difference. So for flying a drone, this is undoubtedly the glove I would pick.

Finally, everyone who generally tends to suffer from the cold. People are different and some need better insulation to stay comfortable. If you’re someone who likes to photograph winter but has difficulties keeping your hands warm, Skadi LRS might be a good choice.  

Vallerret Skadi LRS – The Verdict

Vallerret has long since established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of photography gloves. Following the launch of its first glove on Kickstarter back in 2015, the company has been continuously working to enhance and expand its product line.

Skadi LRS is yet another step in that direction. In that sense, it is an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary product. Vallerret took the already great glove, listened to all the feedback, and carefully improved its every feature.

The result is a high-quality premium photography glove that will make its owners extremely happy. Skadi LRS are visually impeccable, pleasant to wear, meticulously thought-through, and — most importantly — let you conveniently operate your camera.

In other words, it’s a glove that encapsulates everything we’ve come to expect from Vallerret and does it incredibly well. 

While certain aspects such as long-term durability are yet to be fully tested, at the moment I have no issue recommending Skadi LRS as a well-rounded and robust photography glove for your winter photography adventures.

That said, you shouldn’t view it as a single right answer for every situation. Skadi LRS are designed for harsh winter conditions and subzero temperatures. That’s when they truly shine. As such, they might not be the best choice for milder climates or during the shoulder seasons.

Final Thoughts

As any photographer knows all too well, capturing a perfect image is never easy. Luckily, there are plenty of tools out there that can help to make this task easier. Finding the right ones is part of what it means to be successful in the craft. 

With the Skadi LRS, we now have another tool in our winter photography arsenal. One that will hopefully allow us to head out more frequently, be more efficient, and keep doing what we love while staying warm and comfortable.

If you enjoy winter photography and often find yourself in the cold, give them a try. They might just be the gloves for you. And if you have a friend who’s into photography, Skadi LRS will make for a very nice holiday present.

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this review and got something valuable out of it. If so, do me a favor and share it with your friends and on social media. I will also be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Just leave them in the comments below.

Finally, I invite you to read other reviews and articles on my blog. Here are just some of my recommendations that I think you might find interesting:

• Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Glove Review
• Vallerret Tinden Review: A Perfect Glove for the Colder Days
• 7 Tips for Winter Landscape Photography
• Beautiful Places to Enjoy Winter in the Southern Black Forest
• Best Landscape Photography Locations in Patagonia
• Photography Guide to Scotland: How to Get Amazing Images
• A Winter Dream: How to Visit Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market

If you enjoyed this content, you can support me by treating me to a glass of ice-cold beer using a button below or joining my community on Patreon. Cheers, you’re a legend!

And of course, visit our Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get notified whenever I publish something new. 

With that, happy travels and let’s see each other soon! 

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The post Vallerret Skadi LRS Review: Amazing Mitt for Winter Photography appeared first on Sunset Obsession.

As a quick disclaimer, this review is not sponsored or endorsed by Vallerret. I bought the Markhof Pro V3 with my own money and am solely expressing my personal opinion. That said, the article does contain affiliate links, and I might get a small commission should you buy through them. This helps me keep the site running, so I would greatly appreciate that.

Meet the Vallerret Markhof Pro V3

The original Markhof Pro photography glove was released in early 2017 on the heels of a successful Kickstarter campaign a year before. To create it, Vallerret collaborated with the German photographer Simon Markhof (hence the name). 

The idea was to design an everyday glove suited for landscape and travel photography in the typical European winter temperatures. The glove turned out to be a major success, and Vallerret followed up with more models shortly after. 

In 2019, the company released the Markhof Pro 2.0, a new and improved version of the original glove that further cemented the model’s status as the crowd favorite. To this day, the Markhof Pro 2.0 is a fantastic glove that I’m happy to keep in my winter photography arsenal.

Fast forward to the present, and Vallerret has recently announced an entirely new product lineup with Markhof Pro V3 as the main headliner. As a big fan of Vallerret’s photography gloves, I was incredibly excited, but at the same time a little wary.

After all, could Vallerret improve on what was already a fantastic glove? What further enhancements and exciting new features would Markhof Pro V3 bring to the table? Well, quite a few, as it turns out.

Markhof Pro V3 Key Stats and Features

What Changed Compared to Markhof Pro 2.0

While on the surface this might seem very similar to what its predecessor had to offer, Markhof Pro V3 features a bunch of various improvements and tweaks. If you own the Markhof Pro 2.0, here is a quick overview of what has changed:

• Updated look and new palm print
• Better insulation
• Tighter FlipTech finger caps with stronger magnets
• Goat leather suede wipes on the thumbs
• Longer jersey cuff
• Improvements to zippers, tripod key, and the buckle

Clearly, the V3 is an evolution rather than a revolution. As Vallerret themselves put it: “We’ve taken all the best elements of the previous Markhof Pro Model versions, and given them some oomph!”

And I can certainly attest to that. Although the enhancements add up to a substantially different experience, it’s still undeniably the Markhof Pro that we all come to love so much. Just better and more mature. 

The Look and Feel

Style has been at the core of Vallerret’s principles from day one. All of their gloves are carefully designed to look modern and elegant, and the Markhof Pro V3 is no exception. It is sleek, tastefully crafted, and well thought-through.

The materials are all top quality. On the outside, there is a familiar combo of leather and polyester, although arranged somewhat differently this time. On the inside, soft suede is accompanied by a rubbery coating for better grip.

The palm grip is unique for every model, and for the Markhof Pro V3 Vallerret has fittingly selected an image by Simon Markhof. Personally, I like it better than the old one, as it’s more prominent and eye-catching.

Overall, I am extremely pleased by the look and feel. Vallerret markets Markhof Pro V3 as a versatile “take everywhere” photography glove, and indeed it won’t look out of place no matter where you bring it, be that a winter photography outing or a casual city shopping.

The only aspect I am not overly sure about is the choice of the suede for the thumbs. I find it a bit too coarse compared to faux Nubuck that Vallerret put there previously. That might be a matter of taste though. 

The FlipTech Finger Caps

Arguably the main feature of all Vallerret photography gloves is what the company calls the FlipTech finger caps. Essentially, this means that you can pull back the tips of an index finger and the thumb to reveal the fingertips.

This allows photographers to easily operate the camera without taking off the gloves and exposing their hands to the elements. Simple as it sounds, in winter photography this can be priceless. That’s exactly why Vallerret gloves have become so popular.

This is really quite handy. Operating the camera dials, buttons, or – in the case of phones – screens can be a major pain when wearing gloves. With Markhof Pro V3, whenever you need to tweak the settings, you simply flip the caps, make the change, then pull them back on. Job done!

The caps are engineered to shut tight and not let the cold air through the slits when closed. And when open, they are held in place by a pair of magnets. This keeps them from getting in the way while shooting, which is quite convenient.

The concept is very intuitive and works wonderfully. Once you try it you won’t ever want to go back, mark my word. 

The only thing I still feel could use some improvement is the magnets. In Markhof Pro V3 Vallerret made them larger, but in my experience, they still aren’t 100% reliable. Occasionally the caps get loose, which can be a bit of a nuisance. 

Strangely enough, the behavior is somewhat inconsistent. I only seem to have this issue on the left thumb and right index finger. Could be my hands or some bad luck, but definitely something for Vallerret to dig deeper into.

Comfort and Usability

The Markhof Pro V3 are not only visually impeccable but also easy and convenient to use. The gloves fit really well, they’re soft and comfy and in general, feel great on the hands. Put them on, and you will not want to take them off again.

The FlipTech fingers make life significantly easier when you’re out and about. That applies not only to operating the camera dials but to a wider range of activities, such as checking your phone, unzipping the backpack, setting up the tripod, etc.

There is certainly some dexterity loss involved, especially if you haven’t ever tried photography gloves before. Handling the camera might be somewhat difficult and awkward at first because of the extra bulk.

In that regard, the Markhof Pro V3 are somewhat beefier than the 2.0 version. The difference is subtle, but it’s there. The good news is that you get used to it pretty quickly. Besides, once you learn, you can transition to even warmer and bulkier gloves such as Tinden in a breeze.

Thanks to the rubbery coating, the camera lies firmly in the hand. I have no concern carrying even a smaller Sony A6400 like that without a fear of it slipping away. And the longer jersey cuff ensures a better fit under the jacket sleeve.

Quite frankly, when it comes to comfort, I can hardly think of anything more to be desired. Vallerret has always paid a lot of attention to details, and Markhof Pro V3 is yet another testament to that.

How Warm Are the Markhof Pro V3?

All the comfort in the world would hardly amount to anything if your hands are freezing. After all, that’s why we buy the gloves in the first place – to keep ourselves warm. And when it comes to warmth, your mileage with the Markhof Pro V3 may vary.

Vallerret doesn’t specify the exact temperatures the gloves are supposed to withstand arguing that’s a subjective number. Which I agree with – a lot depends on the person, their style of photography, and the weather conditions.

Instead, they label the Markhof Pro V3 as the mid-winter photography gloves. According to their chart, that’s somewhere in the middle. And if you recall the original mission behind the model – handling the average European winter temperatures – you can probably guess that Markhof Pro V3 won’t be excessively warm.

That’s indeed my experience with them. These are superb gloves for milder temperatures up to perhaps -2°C. But when it gets colder, or it’s super windy, they won’t fully protect your hands. You won’t freeze, but it won’t be fun either.

So whenever I’m heading to higher elevations or to the wilderness where the temperature is typically cooler than in the cities, or it’s just a particularly chilly day, I would invariably pick the warmer Tinden photography gloves over the Markhof Pro V3.

That said, the Markhof Pro V3 shine in somewhat milder conditions. They are fantastic for short outings, city shoots, or any activity that involves a lot of movement. Or those late-autumn and early-spring days when there’s no snow, but the temperatures are low. 

In the end, you have to ask yourself what, where, and how you are shooting. Do you get cold easily? Do you stand still catching the best light or move around a lot? How brutal does it get where you live? Vallerret does have warmer options in their lineup, so you might want to consider those.

Other Notable Features

Vallerret always strives to make their photography gloves as well-rounded and full-featured as possible. And so the Markhof Pro V3 come packed with numerous minor perks that can be immensely helpful in certain scenarios.

Water resistance. While not completely waterproof, the Markhof Pro V3 can certainly withstand light rain or drizzle thanks to the water-repellent materials. However, in a downpour, they can become damp and uncomfortable, so I would suggest avoiding that.  

Side pockets. All Vallerret photography gloves feature zipped side pockets. These are great for storing little things you need quick access to, such as coins, parking tickets, memory cards, or keys. In Markhof Pro V3, Vallerret made the pockets larger, and they can now fit hand warmers as well. Super helpful if you want to use the Markhofs in more severe conditions.

Tripod key. In one of the side pockets, Vallerret has put a stylish tripod key crafted in a form of their logo. Unless you’re brand new to photography, I’m sure you had those slightly embarrassing moments when you had to grab a coin or something similar to unscrew the tripod plate. With Markhof Pro V3 – never again.

True suede lens wipe. The suede patch on the thumb doubles down as an emergency lens wipe. This is handy when you don’t have time to fetch the proper one from your backpack or simply forgot to pack them (yep, eventually that happens to all of us).

Markhof Pro V3 vs Other Vallerret Gloves

After the recent revamp, the Vallerret product lineup is more diverse than ever before. And so it makes sense to see how the Markhof Pro V3 compares to the other models. 

Markhof Pro vs Tinden

The Tinden photography glove is Vallerret’s cold-weather warrior designed to withstand the harshest of weather. In a way, it’s the big brother to the Markhof Pro V3 – all the same features, but warmer and thus thicker.

The difference thus boils down to what environment you mostly shoot in. For serious dedicated winter photography in snow and ice, Tinden is a superior choice. But for more casual photographers who prefer one glove for a variety of situations, the Markhof Pro V3 is hard to beat.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Tinden. I always wanted a warmer glove, and so I love having it in addition to the Markhof Pro V3. Together, they form an excellent combo allowing me to choose the right glove depending on where I’m going.

But, if I had to choose one, I’d likely lean towards the Markhof Pro V3. Not as warm, perhaps, but much more versatile. Plus, you can always compliment it with either Vallerret liners or the Alta Over Mitt for better insulation. Whereas if your hands get hot in Tinden, there isn’t much you can do about that.

If you still can’t decide, I suggest reading my detailed review of the Tinden, where I go over all of its pros and cons.

Markhof Pro vs Hatchet

The Hatchet is another recent addition to the Vallerret offer that sits somewhere in between the Markhof Pro V3 and the Tinden. The Hatchet is somewhat peculiar though in that it resembles more a working glove rather than a photography one.

With its minimalistic all-leather design, it’s a glove I could see being irreplaceable for winter camping or going off the beaten path into the winter wilderness. So unless that’s something you deal with fairly often, I would opt for the Markhof Pro V3.

However, if you prefer the somewhat rugged design or want something sturdy you can throw anything at, then the Hatchet is the glove for you. Just don’t get the natural tan color. Though it looks super posh, it’s much less practical than the black one. 

Markhof Pro vs Milford

The Milford is an intriguing newcomer to the Vallerred lineup. It’s their first photography glove to feature flip caps on three fingers as well as a protective rain shell.

If you have ever been to Milford Sound, you’ll instantly recognize what this glove is ideal for. Rainy, foggy and damp days that aren’t overly cold. So to me, Milford is more of an autumn glover than a winter one.

If you often find yourself shooting in wet and windy conditions, the Milford will probably be a better fit. But for harsher winters with snow and ice, Markhof Pro V3 is a clear winner.

Markhof Pro V3 vs Markhof Pro 2.0

Finally, if you already own the Markhof Pro 2.0, is there a reason to upgrade? I already went through the differences between the two earlier in the article, so here I’ll simply share some additional thoughts.

To me, there is no appealing reason to upgrade. The Markhof Pro 2.0 are excellent photography gloves that I enjoy using a lot. In fact, because the newer version is a little bulkier, I can see myself resorting specifically to 2.0 whenever the days become warmer in spring.

In that regard, I’m a bit sad that with Markhof Pro V3, it’s the end of the line for the previous generation. I would love for Vallerret to leave something that lightweight and versatile available as an option. We now have Milford of course, but that’s not quite the same.

Therefore, if you have Markhof Pro 2.0 and are happy, simply hold on to them. And if you need something warmer, get the Tinden. With that, you’ll have all your bases covered.

The Verdict – Who is Markhof Pro For

Markhof Pro V3 is a well-designed, stylish, functional, and feature-rich photography glove that will undoubtedly leave many photographers extremely happy. Building on the success of its predecessor, it brings multiple subtle improvements and refinements to an already established brand.

I have no trouble recommending it to anyone who is starting their winter photography journey. Markhof Pro V3 is versatile enough to cover a wide range of situations and make the idea of shooting in the cold much less intimidating.

While it won’t fully protect from severe colds and harsh polar-like winds, Markhof Pro V3 is more than capable of dealing with more reasonable temperature ranges. Unless you live in a place with exceptionally cold weather, it will be an excellent choice.

Like all Vallerret photography gloves, Markhof Pro V3 is not cheap. But then again, nothing in photography is. And if we are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for expensive gear, a small investment in our own comfort is not at all unreasonable.

Overall, I am very pleased with Markhof Pro V3 and highly recommend it to anyone who shoots outside during the colder seasons. And if one of your friends is a passionate photographer, this glove will be a wonderful Christmas or birthday present.

Final Remarks

One last thing I would like to mention is that Vallerret offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the purchase for whatever reason, you can send it back for a full refund. And so there is just no reason to not give Markhof Pro V3 a spin.

If you are serious about photography and don’t have any photography gloves yet, give Markhof Pro V3 a thought. Sometimes, simple things can lead to great results.

I hope you enjoyed this review and got something valuable out of it. If so, let me know, and be sure to share it with your friends and on social media – I would highly appreciate it. And if there are any questions I can answer, leave them in the comments below.

I also invite you to read other articles on my blog. I write about travel and photography and if that’s something you are interested in, here are some of my recommendations:

• Vallerret Tinden Review: A Perfect Glove for the Colder Days
• 7 Tips for Winter Landscape Photography
• Beautiful Places to Enjoy Winter in the Southern Black Forest
• Best Landscape Photography Locations in Patagonia
• Basel Christmas Market Guide: the Best in Europe. Or is it?
• Sunrise on Top of the World: Photography Guide to Mt. Pilatus

If you enjoyed this content, you can support me by treating me to a glass of ice-cold beer using a button below or joining my community on Patreon. Cheers, you’re a legend!

And of course, visit our Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get notified whenever I publish something new. 

With that, happy travels and let’s see each other soon! 

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The post Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Glove Review appeared first on Sunset Obsession.

Before we begin, I just want to mention that this review is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Vallerret. I have bought Tinden photography gloves with my own money and am solely sharing my personal opinion. 

That said, some of the links in the article are affiliate links, and I might get a small commission should you use them. This helps me keep the blog running, so I would greatly appreciate that.   

Meet Vallerret Tinden

In Norwegian, “tinden” is a suffix commonly used to denote a mountain peak. And so, it’s no coincidence that Vallerret chose it as a name for their brand new heavy-duty winter photography glove. The Tinden is a glove designed to withstand low temperatures and keep your hands warm in the harshest of conditions.

In case you haven’t heard of Vallerret before, it is a Norwegian brand specializing in making gloves for photographers. They aren’t new in the game either. Vallerret has been going strong since 2014 and has made quite a name for itself over the years.

The Tinden is one of the models in the revamped lineup the company has recently introduced. In their own words, “the Tinden photography glove will get you to the top of your winter photography during the darkest and coldest days of the season.”

What makes Vallerret photography gloves so unique and recognizable is their smart design that allows for quick access to the dials without taking the entire glove off. But with Tinden, Vallerret has seemingly taken things to a whole new level. 

Building on the strengths of the previous models, it incorporates everything we’ve grown to love and expect from Vallerret. But Tinden doesn’t just stop there. It features various enhancements and improvements across the board, making it the warmest glove the company has ever produced.

That’s exactly what makes Tinden so exciting. Vallerret released some excellent gloves in the past, but one aspect I always had issues with was their warmth. They just weren’t warm enough for me in a lot of situations. Perhaps Tinden could finally solve this problem?

Tinden Key Stats and Features

The Look and Feel

Vallerret has never compromised on visual aesthetics. All of their photography gloves are stunning, and Tinden is no exception. The design is clean, tasteful, and has a truly premium look to it.

On the outside, the goat leather and water-resistant polyester twill set the tone. The theme continues on the inside, where leather is accompanied by a suede layer on the thumb and a tacky rubbery coating on the palm for better grip. 

This palm print is unique for every Vallerret glove model. For Tinden, it depicts the Arctic Norway landscape inspired by the image of Christian Hoiberg.

Everything about Tinden conveys quality. It’s a very well-made glove that won’t seem out of place no matter where you take it. A little bulky, perhaps, but that is to be expected, given how warm they are. Overall, Tinden is a high-quality stylish glove that is a pleasure to look at.

The only thing I’m not a huge fan of is the choice of suede for the thumb. It replaces the faux Nubuck material of the last-generation models that I think was more elegant and visually appealing. Plus, when it snows, the new suede tends to quickly accumulate rime which hinders its secondary lens wipe function.

Interestingly, in Vallerret’s official video for the Tinden, the suede patch is missing, and it’s the leather that covers the thumbs. Not sure what caused the change, but I’m not entirely convinced it was the right decision.

Comfort and Usability

Just as they are visually pleasing, the Tinden are incredible to wear. They’re soft, homely, fit well, and are overall very enjoyable. Vallerret has no doubt put a lot of effort into making Tinden as comfortable and functional as possible. 

From the pre-curved build to the rubbery print on the inside ensuring a firm grip on cameras of any size, every tiny detail was meticulously thought through. However, one feature unique to Tinden that immediately stands out is its long gauntlet-style cuff. 

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure about it at first. Now, after testing Tinden for a few weeks, I really like it. It extends well under the sleeve, keeping the hands warm and making the glove feel more like a continuation of the jacket. And thanks to the velcro strap, you can quickly tighten or loosen the cuff to your liking.

That said, not everybody will appreciate such a cuff. It can be quite a nuisance if you have a jacket with tight sleeves. Whenever you put the glove on, you end up fighting the cuff and trying to fit it under that unyielding sleeve. 

Sounds trivial, but do it a few times, and you will quickly learn to think twice before pulling the glove off. And if you’re the type of person who wears watches, you’ll find it troublesome to check it under that cuff. It’s a minor issue but can get annoying after a while, so it’s worth mentioning.

But other than that, there is honestly little to complain about. I was genuinely surprised by how easy the gloves are to use despite their seemingly bulky size. The loss of dexterity was nowhere near as noticeable as I expected, and I was able to jump right back into action.

Granted, these are not my first photography gloves. If you haven’t previously owned something similar, you’ll probably need some time to adapt. It might feel very odd and slow at first. But give it a couple of weeks, and you will slowly get used to it.

The FlipTech Finger Caps

The main attribute of all Vallerret photography gloves is the FlipTech finger caps. It’s a simple yet brilliant design decision, and over the years the company has mastered it almost to perfection.

The idea is that you can pull back the tips of an index finger and the thumb exposing the fingertips. The caps are then held in place by a pair of magnets, allowing you to operate the camera without having to take the entire glove off. 

This is super convenient. When you need to, just flip the caps, do the shot, then pull them back on again. The closed caps extend over the rest of the fabric, fully covering the seal. So once shut, no cold air can enter through the cuts.

The FlipTech caps on Tinden work pretty well. I have tested them with all camera sizes from full-frame to mobile phones and had no problems whatsoever. The buttons, dials and switches are all easy to access, which is exactly what you want as a photographer.

The only aspect of it that I wasn’t fully content with is the magnets. Vallerret has been continuously improving them with every iteration, but they are still too flimsy to my taste. The magnets often come loose when you least expect them to, and the dangling caps get in a way.

This is not the end of the world, but can certainly be annoying occasionally, especially if you’re wearing glasses. I can’t help but wonder if the metallic clips as seen on some other photography gloves (or, in fact, Vallerret’s own Alta Over Mitt) would’ve made more sense.

Vallerret’s Warmest Glove

Warmth is arguably the most important attribute of a photography glove. After all, no matter how fancy the glove is, if it isn’t warm enough, you won’t be able to fully concentrate on the image.

Vallerret positions Tinden as their cold-weather champion, a photography glove built to withstand severe temperatures and get you through the coldest days of winter. And they back that up with some impressive specs.

To battle the elements, Vallerret brought in merino wool lining in combination with Primaloft Gold 270/170gsm insulation layer. This is pretty much the gold standard of modern insulation and together with a longer cuff should keep enough warmth inside.

Vallerret doesn’t provide exact temperature ratings arguing that cold and warmth are subjective and perception varies from person to person. Instead, they suggest their 5-degree winter scale – from light to arctic winter. 

Tinden sits near the top of that scale, between deep and arctic winter. So at least on paper, these gloves pack quite a punch. But how do they perform in the field?

Is Tinden Warm Enough?

Over the past weeks, I tested Tinden in temperatures as low as -10°C and a variety of conditions that included wind, snow, and even gale. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the results. The gloves did a good job keeping my hands warm throughout the sessions.

That said, minus ten degrees is not the harshest of conditions. And based on my observations, I’m not sure I would stay very comfortable in Tinden at even lower temperatures. 

So yes, Tinden is quite warm, but only up to a certain limit. Exactly what that limit is going to be, is unfortunately hard to predict. 

A lot depends on your body, style of photography, and weather. Do you move around a bit or stand still for a long time? Is it windy or still, humid or dry? How long are you spending in the cold? These are all important questions that will affect the outcome. 

My general conclusion is this. Tinden is a very warm glove that can withstand a wide range of conditions. It is without a doubt, the warmest Vallerret glove I owned. And honestly, for many people, it will probably be the only glove they ever need.

However, Tinden is not a one-stop solution that will keep just about any cold at bay. It’s a glove, and by itself, any glove has limits to what it can achieve. This is why Vallerret emphasizes the importance of the layering approach, just as you do with clothes.

In other words, if you tend to head out in really brutal colds or spend a lot of time in snow, you might find Tinden a little lacking. In that case, you should probably consider investing in one of Vallerret’s liners or the Alta Over Mitt for extra protection.

Other Notable Features

Vallerret has obviously put a lot of effort into making Tinden a well-rounded and full-featured photography glove. And in doing so, they included a few minor but convenient perks that are worth talking about.

Water resistance. Tinden is assembled from water-resistant materials and can easily withstand snow and rain. But they aren’t fully waterproof, so I would advise against photo sessions in a heavy downpour. The gloves do get damp and uncomfortable eventually and need to be dried up.

Side pockets. On the outer surface of each glove, you will find a small zipped pocket. These are handy for storing anything you might need quick access to. Spare memory cards, lens wipes, keys, tickets, credit cards, coins, or even hand warmers are just a few examples.

Tripod key. Inside the left glove side pocket, you will find a small but robust tripod key that can be very helpful in some situations. Chances are you won’t need it too often, but when you do, having one at your disposal is invaluable.

A carabiner. Something exclusive only to the Tinden photography glove is a carabiner and a steel outlet to attach it to. It allows you to clip the gloves together, hang them from your belt, bag strap, or anywhere else you fancy. I haven’t used it much so far, but I can see it being practical sometimes.

Tinden vs Other Vallerret Gloves

Tinden is not the only photography glove currently available from Vallerret. And while the company does a great job explaining the differences, I thought I’d chime in with some additional observations.

Tinden vs Markhof Pro

Markhof Pro is Vallerret’s most popular and recognized glove. With version 3 recently released, it has seen years of tweaks and improvements and remains the company’s signature product. So which one should you go for?

I won’t dive deep into specifics of the Markhof Pro here, as I have reviewed them in great detail here, but I’ll say this. In my opinion, the difference boils down to where and when you plan on shooting.

Markhof Pro V3 is a lighter, more elegant, and more versatile glove that I would routinely choose for non-photography activities, when photographing cityscapes, or simply when it’s not overly cold outside. It looks modern, is less bulky, and doubles down as a comfortable everyday glove.

The tradeoff is that it won’t deal with freezing temperatures that well. Markhof Pro V3 is a significant improvement over its predecessor but still a far cry from what Tinden can take on. Whenever the air cools down to less than -2°C, I’d pick the Tinden any day of the week. It’s just warmer.

So if you are only starting with winter photography or are mostly choosing uncomplicated and relatively short photography outings, I recommend the Markhof Pro V3. However, for proper winter landscape photography adventures, Tinden is the way to go.

Tinden vs Ipsoot

The Ipsoot photography glove has been discontinued after the release of Tinden. So this section is mostly for those who already own it and are considering an upgrade.

In simple terms, it helps to think of Tinden as the new and improved Ipsoot. I will not at all be surprised if it actually started like that. Only Vallerret knows the true story, but one thing is for certain – Tinden takes everything good about Ipsoot and builds on top of that.

In other words, I would always pick Tinden over Ipsoot. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to immediately upgrade. Ipsoot is a fantastic photography glove in its own right. If you like it, there’s absolutely no reason to discard it. 

Honestly, the only reason I would recommend jumping to Tinden right away is if you just need that extra warmth. Tinden is better insulated and provides superior protection against lower temperatures. If that’s something you experience fairly often, Tinden is the obvious choice.

The Verdict – Who is Tinden for?

Summing it up, Vallerret Tinden is an excellent photography glove that does what it is supposed to do and does it extremely well. It’s comfortable, warm, easy to use, and improves on all the features we’ve come to love and expect from Vallerret.

Tinden certainly has its imperfections, but for me, none of them are significant enough to not recommend it. The overall quality of materials and assembly together with the strong protection from the cold make it a terrific photography glove for those who like shooting in winter.

As the warmest and most heavy-duty photography glove in Vallerret’s lineup, Tinden is best suited for those who are serious about their winter photography. If you spend long hours outside in the cold chasing the images, this is the glove to have.

However, for those who live in milder climates, only shoot occasionally, or simply prefer the most versatile all-in-one option, Tinden might not be the optimal choice. If that sounds like you,  I suggest checking out the Markhof Pro V3 photography glove instead.

All in all, I was very pleased with Vallerret Tinden and fully recommend it. Of course, at €109,95 / $119.95, it is not a budget-friendly photography glove. But, as is often the case, you get what you pay for. To me, it’s an acceptable price for the quality and protection you receive in exchange.

In the end, neither Tinden nor another photography glove will make you a better photographer. But trust me, it is much easier to head outside knowing that you’ll be warm. Vallerret Tinden gives you that option, and once you are out there, the shots will follow.

Final Remarks

In winter photography, staying warm is of utmost importance. Every little bit helps, and with Tinden we now have one more tool in our arsenal against cold. Vallerret has done a superb job with this new glove, and I thoroughly enjoy using it. 

So if you’re out shooting on those cold winter days and still don’t have photography gloves, give Tinden a thought. And if you know someone who is into photography, Tinden can make for a very nice present.

I hope you found this Tinden photography glove review useful and informative. If so, feel free to share it with your friends and on social media. And if you have any further questions, please leave them below.

If you enjoy travel and photography, I invite you to read other articles on the blog. Here are just some of my recommendations that I think might be interesting:

• Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Glove Review
• 7 Tips for Winter Landscape Photography
• Beautiful Places to Enjoy Winter in the Southern Black Forest
• Basel Christmas Market Guide: the Best in Europe. Or is it?
• Sunrise on Top of the World: Photography Guide to Mt. Pilatus
• How to Photograph Burg Eltz – Best Locations, Tips, and Tricks

If you enjoyed this content, you can support me by treating me to a glass of ice-cold beer using a button below or joining my community on Patreon. Cheers, you’re a legend!

And of course, visit our Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get notified whenever I publish something new. 

With that, happy travels and let’s see each other soon! 

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I have been testing these gloves extensively for several weeks now and have been mightily impressed by their performance. Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 is a pair of really well-rounded photography gloves, so let us dive into what makes them so excellent.

Disclaimer

Before we proceed, a quick disclaimer. I am not sponsored by Vallerret, paid for this article, or otherwise instructed on what to write. However, I did receive the gloves from them for review.

I do admit that I am probably a little biased. Not only because of the above but also because I love Vallerret as a brand. I used their products in the past, long before they got in touch, and will probably continue to do so in the future. 

That said, my intention is to always be fully transparent and honest in the opinions I express. This Markhof Pro 2.0 review is no exception.

Lastly, some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy anything through them, I might get a small commission. That helps me run Sunset Obsession, so if you found the review useful, please, don’t be shy.

Meet the Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0

If you never heard of Vallerret before, they are a Norwegian brand specializing in making gloves for photographers. Here is how they express it themselves: “we design premium gloves customized to fit the needs of adventurous photographers in their battle against cold hands.”

The company was born in 2014 and by now has an entire range of products. Among those, the Markhof Pro model takes a special place. Not only is this Vallerret’s most popular and best-selling photography glove, but it is also the glove that started it all.

The Markhof Pro was originally designed in 2015 in collaboration with the German photographer Simon Markhof (hence the name). The intention was to create an everyday glove suited for landscape and travel photography in the usual European winter temperatures.

Fast forward to the present, the Markhof Pro 2.0 is a revamped version of that original hit glove. As somebody who used to own the first iteration, I am pleased to report that Vallerret improved on it in almost every way imaginable.

What defines a good winter photography glove? As Simon himself summarized it years ago, first of all, it must be warm. Then, it should allow for easy access to the camera dials. Finally, it needs to have a firm and secure grip.

With that in mind, let us now dive into the Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 review. I will go through each of these criteria, see how well the glove performs, and share my own thoughts. 

Markhof Pro 2.0 At a Glance

The Look and Feel

I will start my Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 review with the overall look and feel. Now, don’t get me wrong — when buying anything photography-related, appearance should probably not be at the top of the list. 

Still, fine feathers make fine birds, as they say. To put it simply, we all enjoy beautiful things. And, well, the Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 definitely look the part, in my opinion. 

Made of top-end materials such as goat leather, soft water-resistant twill, merino wool, and two-ply suede, they have a true premium feel to them. The gloves are soft, pleasant to the touch, and everything about them conveys quality.

Vallerret has obviously poured a lot of time and effort into making the gloves as comfortable as possible. The pre-curved build and jersey cuffs guarantee a snug fit, while the tacky rubbery finish on the inside ensures a reliable non-slip grip.

There is even a small zipped pocket on each of the gloves. These can be handy for keeping an extra memory card, hand warmers, microfiber cloth, or anything else of a similar size close to where you need them. 

As an additional nice touch, one of the pockets comes equipped with a handy tripod key styled in the shape of Vallerret’s logo. No more desperately searching for coins for those who don’t have a D-ring screw!

Design is a matter of taste, of course, but personally, I like it a lot. For me, the Markhof Pro 2.0 represent an elegant mix of modern and classic. While overall more on the sporty side of things, the leather intakes are somewhat reminiscent of urban fashion. 

Overall, I think it is safe to assume that Markhof Pro 2.0 will look great wherever you wear them.

The FlipTech Finger Caps

The central feature of all Vallerret gloves is the so-called FlipTech finger caps. This is exactly what makes them so wonderful for photographers. 

Behind the somewhat fancy name hides a simple yet brilliant idea. The top parts of the index finger and the thumb flip back to reveal the fingertips. For added convenience, the flipped-out caps are then held in place by the small magnets.

This instantly turns a regular glove into a fingerless glove, allowing you to change the camera settings, operate the touch screens, and do countless other things without taking it off. 

This is super handy for keeping hands warm, which is crucial in winter. After all, numb fingers are the number one enemy when shooting in low temperatures.

I have to mention that on the first generation of the Markhof Pro, the openings let in a fair amount of air from the outside, even when fully closed. That was arguably my main complaint about them — they just weren’t super warm as a result.

However, over the years, Vallerret has pretty much perfected the idea. In the current iteration, this problem no longer exists. The company kept the same slit-style design but tightened the sealing to minimize exposure to the outside temperature. 

Personally, I like this approach even better than the one adopted on the Ipsoot model, where the caps overlap the rest of the glove when closed. It is more lightweight, works well, and exposes more of a fingertip.

The only minor issue I have is with the magnets. Sometimes, they do not seem to hold the flipped-out sections firmly in place. Occasionally, the caps come loose and get in the way.

The Warmth

Another important consideration when choosing a photography glove is the overall warmth. So, how warm are the Markhof Pro 2.0 really? Well, the short answer is — it is a reasonably warm glove well suited for many occasions. A more detailed response is, as is often the case, far more nuanced.

The thing is, cold is subjective, and different people experience it differently. So instead of assigning a temperature range for their products, Vallerret has developed its own warmth rating. According to it, Markhof Pro 2.0 ranks as mid-winter ready. That is right in the middle of the pack, in between the mild and deep winter.

In their own words, mid-winter rating indicates that “this particular photography glove is best suited for photo sessions in mid-winter temperatures and is a great choice as an Every-Day-Use glove in Winter.”

To me, there are both pros and cons in such an approach. There is certainly merit in trying to describe what the glove is actually for rather than simply slapping a number onto it. Still, it may be hard to understand what this translates to in practice. What I can offer is a couple of observations from my own field testing.

The Markhof Pro 2.0 are definitely warmer than the previous version. Vallerret has added a Thinsulate mid-layer to the already present merino wool. Combined with an improved implementation of the finger caps, it is a welcome change that definitely contributed to extra warmth and wind protection.

As for my personal comfort level with the Markhof Pro 2.0, it sits somewhere right above 0°C. It is an outstanding glove for early spring, late autumn, and relatively mild winter. It really shines in those low but not yet freezing temperatures. 

Anything below zero though, and I would absolutely choose the Ipsoot model instead. 

Please bear in mind that this is merely a subjective judgment. Generally, I do not think of myself as somebody who gets cold quickly. Then again, some people are very content with the Markhof Pro 2.0 even in much harsher conditions. 

That is to warn you that your own mileage may (and probably will) vary.

Usability and Comfort

When on, the Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 are every bit as comfortable as you would imagine. They fit really well and are very enjoyable to wear. So much so, in fact, that I love having them on even for non-photography outings.

The non-slip rubber grip is fantastic, as one would expect. I had no issues holding any of my cameras. It is almost as if they are glued to the palm. 

Fun fact — that rubber pattern on the inside is not random. It actually depicts a famous german landscape — the Devil’s Bridge. Another nice touch that shows the attention Vallerret pays to every little detail.

In my Ipsoot review, I mentioned the noticeable loss of dexterity when wearing the gloves. Perhaps because I started with a warmer, bulkier model and slowly got used to it, I had no such difficulties with the lighter Markhof Pro 2.0.

They felt natural the moment I put them on. Obviously, if these are your first photography gloves, you will likely need time to adjust. But overall, I reckon that with Markhof Pro 2.0, Vallerret managed to strike an ideal balance between warmth and usability.

As far as water resistance goes, I did not yet have a chance to test the Markhofs in truly horrendous wet conditions. But both in snow and light rain they managed very well, staying dry and pleasant all the way through. 

A Perfect Photography Glove?

As we all know, perfection does not exist. That said, with Markhof Pro 2.0, Vallerret seemingly created if not the perfect glove, then at least one pretty close to it.

For me, it ticks all of the boxes in my photography endeavors. It looks stylish, fits really well, is pleasant to wear, and has become indispensable to my cold weather shooting sessions. I honestly cannot think of much else to wish for.

As I mentioned, warmth could be an issue for some people in more severe weather conditions. If that is the case, I would consider one of the company’s liner gloves as a supplement. 

Other than that, the Markhof Pro 2.0 really hit the sweet spot between comfort and usability. The gloves are lightweight, easy to use the camera with, yet sufficiently warm in most situations.

My only suggestion for Vallerret is to take a closer look at the magnets for the flipped-out fingertips. As I briefly touched upon earlier, these do not appear overly strong and occasionally come loose. It is a slight inconvenience but one worth bringing up nonetheless.

Are Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 Worth It?

At €74,95 ($79.95), I imagine the price would be a sticking point for many, so here are my thoughts on the matter.

Yes, these are not cheap gloves. But is anything in the photography world? In the end, you always get what you pay for. We spend thousands of dollars on cameras, lenses, bags, and accessories. And we do so for one simple reason — quality.

With Vallerret, quality is exactly what you get. Whether you go for Markhof Pro 2.0 or the Ipsoot model, these gloves will serve you for years. Much like with any other gear, this is an investment. An investment in yourself and your own comfort while doing the thing you love the most. 

While I understand that photography gloves are probably less exciting than new lenses, ultimately, it is about getting the shot. The photos you capture and the memories you collect stay with you forever. That is why we do what we do, and the tools are there to help us.

If you enjoy or seriously consider winter photography, buying a pair of gloves is absolutely worth it. And in that game, Vallerret is miles ahead of the competition.  

And consider this — 1% of Vallerret sales goes directly to environmental non-profit organizations. Not only are you investing in your own well-being, but also help the planet. Isn’t that awesome?

The Verdict and Final Thoughts

Vallerret has done an incredible job improving on almost every aspect of the original Markhof Pro. In doing so, they achieved what I can safely state is the best photography glove in its class today. 

Every little detail about the Markhof Pro 2.0 is carefully thought out and thoroughly considered. This translates into gloves that are both practical and enjoyable to own and wear.

As a photographer, I want to focus on the shot, the composition, and the story behind the image, not on being cold and miserable. The Markhof Pro 2.0 allow me to do just that. 

If outdoor photography is something you are passionate about, buying a pair of dedicated gloves is a no-brainer. Trust me, you will not regret it.

I also encourage you to read my review of the Ipsoot photography glove. It is a warmer glove from Vallerret that might be a better fit for your particular circumstances.

Other than that, I hope this review of the Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 photography gloves has been useful. I tried to be as profound and detailed as possible, and, hopefully, answered any questions that you might have. If not, please let me know in the comments, and I will do my best to respond.

If you enjoyed this content, you can support me by treating me to a glass of ice-cold beer using a button below or joining my community on Patreon. Cheers, you’re a legend!

And of course, visit our Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get notified whenever I publish something new. 

With that, happy travels and let’s see each other soon! 

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Look, I get it. There are mountains and glaciers out there, incredible hikes you dreamed about for so long. Patagonia is waiting, calling your name! But trust me, Punta Arenas is also Patagonia. Perhaps not the one you imagined, but one that you might want to experience nonetheless.

Here, let me prove it. Get your camera ready — we are going on a tour. I will take you to the 5 amazing photo locations in Punta Arenas that you should know about.

The History of Punta Arenas

But before we get into the photography locations in Punta Arenas, let’s dive into its history for a moment. It is, after all, pretty fascinating. More importantly, knowing it helps to understand the city a little better.

Today, Punta Arenas is the capital of the Magallanes region in Chile and one of the largest cities this far south. It is also a common gateway for visitors to Patagonia. If you are traveling to Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas will likely be your first stop.

Punta Arenas is a Spanish translation of the original name “Sandy Point”. The area was first called that by the English naval commander John Nargorough in the 17th century. Yet many years would pass before it finally gets inhabited. 

Only in 1848, in an attempt to claim the Strait of Magellan, would the Chilean government establish a town here. 

Interestingly, Punta Arenas was not the first village on the Strait of Magellan. In the 16th century, Spain had tried twice to start a settlement on its shores. Yet both failed because of the harsh conditions of this remote and unforgiving land. 

One of those villages was later even renamed “Port Famine”. The Spanish translation, Puerto del Hambre, is still used today to mark the historic site where it once stood.

Punta Arenas, however, survived. Initially a colony for criminals, it lived through several mutinies and periods of unrest. Later, the sheep farming boom and the gold rush brought waves of immigrants from the Old World, cementing its success.

The remnants of this turbulent history can still be seen throughout the city. In fact, we will encounter many of them as we explore what I think are the most notable spots for photography in Punta Arenas.

The Promenade

Punta Arenas promenade runs along the shores of the Strait of Magellan. It is fantastic for a pleasant afternoon stroll and a very decent photography location as well. 

While the beach itself is somewhat uneventful (you won’t stumble upon fancy rock formations or dramatic wave action here), there are other things to photograph. There are monuments, art installations, wall murals, and a giant city sign to give you just a few ideas. 

My personal favorite, however, is an old pier ruin. Actually, there are several of those nearby. A nod to Punta Arenas days of old, these piers can serve as a nice foreground element in a photo.

From what I have seen, the Strait of Magellan tends to have some of the best sunsets in Patagonia. Together with the above, this means you can often come away with a killer image from here.

But more than anything, I love the promenade in Punta Arenas because of the vibe of remoteness and isolation. I remember the first time I stood here, breathing fresh air and looking across the Strait of Magellan. It really feels as if you are at the edge of the world.

Nao Victoria Museum

Another site reminiscent of the past is the Nao Victoria Museum on the outskirts of Punta Arenas. I reckon it is well worth a visit on that merit alone. However, it doubles as a photography location with some very unusual subjects.

Nao Victoria is an open-air museum that features full-size replicas of the historic ships that sailed in Patagonia. The most intriguing of those is a copy of the Victoria carrack. The ship was part of the Magellan’s fleet and became the first vessel to sail around the globe.

There are other smaller boats and items on display too. Each has a tale to tell, and some are utterly thrilling. My own favorite is that of the James Caird lifeboat.

What really blew my mind though, was a more recent bit of history — a shipwreck of Magallanes III. This fishing vessel was built in 1970 and has now apparently found its final resting ground in Punta Arenas.

The shipwreck is a prominent and unique subject that offers plenty of compositions. You can even walk right up to it if you want — how cool is that!?

Sara Braun Cemetery

We continue our photography tour of Punta Arenas by heading back to the center and the Sara Braun Cemetery. Now, a cemetery may sound like a strange choice for photography. Trust me, this is exactly what I thought myself when I first heard about it. 

And yet, Sara Braun Cemetery is definitely a noteworthy photo location in Punta Arenas, and rightfully so. Ranked by CNN as one of the most beautiful cemeteries worldwide, it is a lovely and serene place.

As you stroll through its quaint passages, charming gardens, and impressive monuments, you will no doubt notice plenty of fabulous compositions to capture. 

Many of Punta Arenas’ prominent historic figures are buried in Sara Braun Cemetery. With some background and curiosity, you could take your photography a step further and reflect on the region’s rich past through your images.

And then, of course, there is always a mystical appeal to a place like this. You could use it to your advantage in moody or overcast conditions.

The Strait of Magellan

We have already touched upon the Strait of Magellan while talking about the photo locations on the Punta Arenas promenade. However, the strait is much more than just a short stretch of the coast within the city limits. 

The Strait of Magellan is miles upon miles of wilderness and desolation. But of course, we people tend to leave traces everywhere, and occasionally there are mind-boggling discoveries to be made.

My favorites are the shipwrecks. These can be found in abundance all along the Strait of Magellan. Some are very close to Punta Arenas, others much more remote. But all of them equally fascinating.

Perhaps, that is just me, but I adore photographing these old schooners, steamers, and cargo boats. Each one is unique, and each one hides a story that just waits to be told.

In our Sunset Obsession Photography Guide to Patagonia, we go deep into the details of every photo location, both in Punta Arenas and elsewhere in Patagonia. With exact coordinates, profound descriptions, and tons of photography advice, it has everything you need to capture stunning images in Patagonia. 

Sunset Obsession Photography Guide to Patagonia

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Isla Magdalena

While not technically in Punta Arenas, Isla Magdalena is a destination that I wholeheartedly recommend as one of photo locations. The small island in the middle of the Strait of Magellan is famous for its resident colony of Magellanic penguins.

As you disembark, you will find yourself surrounded by these amusing little creatures. The visitor path takes you around the island and through their habitat. It is a funny and unusual experience and one that will undoubtedly land you some lovely images.

Note that the penguins are only present on Isla Magdalena between September and March. During this period, there are several travel companies in Punta Arenas that can get you there.

The two that I personally used are Fiordos del Sur and Comapa. Both are perfectly fine and will get you there and back safe and sound. Fiordos del Sur was somewhat posher and therefore more expensive, but otherwise, the service was essentially the same.

As you get to the island, you have about an hour to walk around it and take photos without disturbing the penguins. It may not sound like much, and frankly, I would have preferred a little longer, but these are the rules. At any rate, it should be enough to capture a handful of good shots.

A note of caution — if you suffer from sea-sickness, keep an eye on the weather. If possible, go on a calmer day. The journey to Isla Magdalena takes around two hours, and the waters of the Strait of Magellan can be pretty rough. 

Where to stay in Punta Arenas

When it comes to accommodation, Punta Arenas has a wide selection of properties for almost any taste and budget. What I learned is that even inexpensive options are usually very adequate. Therefore, I would simply look for something in the center that does not break the bank. 

For a couple of quick recommendations, I have stayed in both Hostal Fernando de Magalhaes and Apart Hotel Quillango (not affiliated with either). Both were great, and if the prices are within your range, I can safely vouch for them. Honestly, though, there are countless other offers.

One thing to mention is that, like elsewhere in Patagonia, reserving well in advance is usually a good decision. Punta Arenas is somewhat less affected by this because of its size, but as a general rule of thumb, the earlier you book — the better.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this short journey through Punta Arenas, its past, and the photo locations it hides. While often overlooked by visitors rushing to see more famous sights in Patagonia, Punta Arenas certainly has its charm.

What it lacks in epic mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers, Punta Arenas more than makes up for in atmosphere, vibe, and history. 

I have personally visited Punta Arenas twice and thoroughly enjoyed it on every occasion. I urge you to try and do the same. Give it a chance, and Punta Arenas might just open up for you.

If you read this far, I think you will find my other articles on Patagonia equally informative. I also have a YouTube series on this incredible part of the planet.

And, if you are interested in more photography locations in both Chile and Argentina, be sure to check out our Landscape Photography Guide to Patagonia.

If you enjoyed this content, you can support me by treating me to a glass of ice-cold beer using a button below or joining my community on Patreon. Cheers, you’re a legend!

And of course, visit our Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get notified whenever I publish something new. 

With that, happy travels and let’s see each other soon! 

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The post 5 Amazing Photo Locations in Punta Arenas You Should Know appeared first on Sunset Obsession.

Valle Frances (the French Valley) is a beautiful valley located on the southern side of the Cordillera Paine mountain group. The vale splits the range in between the peak of Cerro Paine Grande to the west and the Cuernos to the east. The hike through the French Valley is part of the famous Patagonian multi-day trail W-Trek. Most people would normally attempt it on their third day into the W-Trek.

The route takes you through the beautiful forests and mountains, terminating at Mirador Británico – its highest viewpoint. The viewpoint signifies both the end of the valley and the middle tip of the W-letter the W-Trek is named after. The visitors then retrace their steps to camping Italiano and continue to either Paine Grande or camping Frances, depending on the direction they do the W-Trek.

French Valley As a Day Hike

Fortunately, the French Valley can also be explored as a standalone day trip from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales. This is a perfect option for anyone interested in landscape photography or seeing more of the park but not too keen on completing the W-Trek. The logistics become a little more involved, however.

As a first step, you will have to get to the Pudeto Station within the national park. You can do so by bus (it is a frequent stop for various lines) or, if you have a car, simply drive there. From Pudeto, a boat will take you across Lake Pehoe to the Paine Grande station where the hike begins. From here, you need to make your way to camping Italiano and then further into the French Valley. After completing the climb, you return the same way and catch the catamaran back.

This makes the journey significantly longer compared to when doing it as part of the W-Trek. Mirador Británico is 13 kilometers from Paine Grande. With a return hike, you are looking at a whopping 26 km distance to cover in a single day. And because you want to make it to the last boat, you are on the clock too.

Planning Your Trip

At the moment of writing, all the necessary schedules can be found here. The earliest bus to Torres del Paine leaves Puerto Natales at 7 am, arriving in Pudeto around 10:30. If you go with an 11 am catamaran, you should start the hike at approximately 11:30. With the last boat departing from Paine Grande at 6.35 pm, that leaves you about 7.5 hours to complete the French Valley hike.

If you have a car, you can save some time by taking the 9 am catamaran instead. This brings you to the trail by 9:30, allowing you to do it in a much more relaxed manner. You have a long hike ahead of you, so those two extra hours will surely come in handy. Even so, making it all the way to Mirador Británico and back will be a tough undertaking.

That is why most visitors coming for a day trip only venture as far as the viewpoint Valle del Francés (9.5 kilometers from Paine Grande). This is deep enough into the valley to see most of its highlights and capture some marvelous views. Meanwhile, 19 km is a more reasonable distance than 26 km. You can take lots of photos and actually enjoy the experience rather than just rush to the destination. Unless you are an experienced and fast hiker, this is what I would suggest aiming for.

Sunset Obsession Photography Guide to Patagonia

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In my Landscape Photography guide to Patagonia, I have included an entire section devoted entirely to French Valley. There, I go into subtle details about each and every shot and photo location along the route. You will get tons of useful information and examples to help you plan the trip more efficiently.

Pudeto Catamaran

Annoyingly, it is not possible to purchase or reserve the tickets for Pudeto Catamaran in advance. You can only do so aboard. It is a relatively large ship, and there is usually enough room for everyone. But, just to be on the safe side, I suggest arriving slightly in advance.

The boat ticket costs 23,000 pesos (approximately $32) per person one way. A pure robbery, if you ask me. Throw in the bus ticket or hotel transfer, and seeing French Valley starts to feel a little pricy. Not much to do about that, unfortunately. The only consolation I can offer is that it is still cheaper than the organized tours. Those follow the exact same route but charge two or three times more.

The tickets are sold during the sail at a small counter in the lower deck. I suggest buying them early on. Surely do not wait until the end of the journey, thinking you can slip off the boat unnoticed. You will have to show the ticket to disembark. When those who hoped for a free-ride realize it, they rush to the counter, forming a huge line. You don’t want to get stuck in it, losing precious minutes. Just bite the bullet, purchase the pass and enjoy the rest of the ride. Important: you can only pay with cash! Make sure you have enough of it to avoid getting into a rather awkward situation.

The cruise across lake Pehoe lasts less than 30 minutes, and the landscapes are fabulous throughout. As the ship hits the open waters, you will be treated to a lovely view of the Cuernos peaks. It is a gorgeous sight indeed and the first sign of the things yet to come.

Paine Grande to Camping Italiano

The French Valley day hike can be largely divided into two distinct sections. The first one is from the Paine Grande station to Camping Italiano. The second – from there to Mirador Valle del Francés (or Mirador Británico if that’s your target).

The initial stretch is the longer but also easier of the two. At 7.6 km long, it is mostly flat with only 155 vertical meters. There are a couple of minor inclines that shouldn’t be an issue for most people. The path takes you through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes towards lake Skottsberg. After passing a haunted-looking forest of dead trees, you begin a moderate ascent towards camping Italiano.

There are both muddy and rocky sections, but mostly the trail is easy to follow. You can almost think of it as a leisurely stroll through the charming Patagonian wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for landscape photography, especially if you are lucky with the weather. Then again, it is Patagonia, and the sun can change to rain in a matter of minutes. So you will likely be able to take photos in a variety of different conditions.

Italiano is a very basic campsite with the bare minimum of amenities. It is not recommended or equipped for an overnight stay and thus cannot even be officially reserved. Some folks still camp there, but for most, it is merely a place to catch some breath and leave the heavy backpacks while hiking the French Valley.

The French Valley

From here on, the path gets steeper and more difficult. Over the remaining 1.9 km, you will gain another 160 m in elevation. The terrain becomes rocky and uneven, making it harder to negotiate. Good hiking boots and stamina are definitely advisable.

Officially, Torres del Paine authorities estimate close to 1.5 hours to climb to the viewpoint. We did it somewhat faster, but it’s a good target to have in mind. Also, the route through the French Valley officially closes at 3 pm. That shouldn’t generally be a problem, but if you are a photographer hoping for a sunset shot, that’s something to consider.

Difficulty-wise, I believe this section is still very doable for almost anybody who is reasonably fit and agile. For some reference, it is far less demanding than the neighboring hike to Base las Torres or Fitz Roy in Argentina. That said, for older people, it may turn out quite challenging. Personally, I wouldn’t call it strenuous, but you have to understand your own abilities and decide for yourself.

What I can say for certain is that the views are absolutely striking. As you get deeper into French Valley, you will witness all sorts of stunning landscapes. There are waterfalls, there are glaciers and mountains, but above all, there are incredible panoramas of both Cuernos and the hills and lakes of Torres del Paine to the south.

I sincerely hope that as you reach Mirador Valle del Francés you still have a bit of time left. Because honestly, this is not a view to glance over and rush back. Have a seat and allow yourself to enjoy and admire it the way it undoubtedly deserves.

A Hike to Remember

Our adventure started at 9am in Pudeto, and by 5.50pm, we were back at Paine Grande, exhausted, but happy. We made it to the Valle del Francés viewpoint and took plenty of pictures. With 45 minutes remaining until the last departure, we even had enough time to sip a beer in the station cafe to celebrate our achievement. And I hope you will too.

It is no accident that many consider the French Valley their favorite part of the W-Trek. It is truly a kaleidoscope of extraordinary Patagonian views, incredible nature, and endless photo opportunities. Whether you are a landscape photographer or a more casual explorer, French Valley is an area I think you need to see with your own eyes. Believe me, you will not regret it.

Below, I include a shortlist of the most important things to know about the French Valley. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the article. If you are a passionate photographer interested in photo locations around Patagonia, be sure to check out my guide. In it, I give various tips and advice for landscape photography in this wonderful region.

I also have other articles about Patagonia that you might find useful and even a YouTube series about the region. One of the videos there is specifically about the French Valley. Other than that, come and say “Hi” on Instagram or Facebook, and I hope to see you again soon!

French Valley Day Hike Packing List

Here is a quick list of the things to remember when venturing into the French Valley:

• Total distance: 19-26 km, depending on how far you go.
• Total time required: 7-9 hours of walking plus commute
• Difficulty: moderate to demanding.
• Clothes: wear layers. The weather in Patagonia can change rapidly. I recommend a rain jacket and waterproof pants. Even when it’s sunny, light rain is very likely in Torres del Paine at some point.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes are a must. Don’t put on new boots, wear something you fully trust.
• Other items to consider: sunscreen and sunglasses, a hat, (optional) hiking poles, cash for the boat tickets and snacks at the Paine Grande cafe
• Provisions: bring food and some water. Don’t pack a ton of water – spring water in Patagonia is perfectly drinkable, and you will have plenty of opportunities to refill.
• For landscape photographers – pack a camera and an all-around versatile zoom such as 24-105. It’s a long hike, so try to not bring additional lenses. Same with the tripod. The only thing you might want it for is the occasional water streams. Personally, I wouldn’t carry extra weight just for those.

The post Best of Torres del Paine – The Amazing French Valley Hike appeared first on Sunset Obsession.

Before we proceed, a quick disclaimer. This review is not sponsored or endorsed by Vallerret in any way. I bought the gloves with my own money and am not paid to write this review. Of course, if Vallerret is reading, I would be happy to accept their other products for testing – just saying! [Update: they did reach out! ]

For now, though, this Vallerret Ipsoot review represents my own honest opinion. I share it solely to help my fellow landscape photographers. That said, some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on them and then buy anything, I will get a small commission at no cost to you.

So if you like the review, don’t be shy – it helps me run Sunset Obsession and I would really appreciate it.

Why Vallerret Ipsoot?

If you haven’t heard of Vallerret before, don’t worry – they are a relatively new kid on the block. Vallerret is a Norwegian brand that specializes in making premium gloves designed specifically for photographers.

The company started in 2015 with a successful Kickstarter campaign and has since grown its product line to include offers for all types of winter conditions.

The main feature of Vallerret gloves is what the company calls FlipTech finger caps. Essentially, it’s a design that allows you to flip off the tips of the index finger and the thumb without taking the entire glove off.

Your hands stay warm, and you can operate the camera more naturally. As photographers, that’s exactly what we want. For convenience, once open, the caps are held in place by a pair of magnets. This prevents them from getting in a way all the time.

Fancy name aside, it’s a simple concept, and I’m a little surprised no one figured it out before.

The gloves I am reviewing today is their Ipsoot model. The company describes Ipsoot as designed for deep winter. In their own words, these are the gloves for “very cold temperatures in deep snow”.

Why Ipsoot, you might wonder? Well, these aren’t my first Vallerret gloves. I used to own the Markhof Pro model a couple of years back, before losing them somewhere in Frankfurt airport on my way home.

One of my main issues with Markhof Pro was that they weren’t warm enough for me. So when choosing a replacement, it made sense to go for something more insulated.

Vallerret Ipssot At a Glance

The Look and Feel

In my opinion, the Ipsoot is a pair of fine-looking gloves. From the soft outer shell to the elastic wrist and the rubbery coating on the palm and fingers, the gloves are designed and put together extremely well.

They feature a range of high-quality materials such as goat leather and Thinsulate. Overall, the gloves are soft, pleasant to the touch, and have a nice premium feel to them.

The company obviously put a lot of thought and consideration into the implementation of the flipping finger caps. In the early initial version of the Markhof Pro model, the slits would often let through wind and chilly air even with the tips closed, compromising internal warmth.

With Ipsoot, this is no longer the case. Vallerret did their homework and changed the design to fully seal the opening.

The outside of each glove features a small zipped pocket that could be used to store an extra memory card or something similar. One of those actually comes equipped with a tripod key designed in the shape of the Vallerret logo.

Personally, I haven’t used either the pockets or the key myself yet, but I thought it was a nice little touch. Check out this short video where I demonstrate how the gloves look like and operate:

All in all, as far as look and feel goes, Vallerret Ipsoot get my definite seal of approval. They are scrupulously thought-through, expertly put together, and look the part – everything you’d expect from a premium brand.

Comfort and Usability

With regards to comfort, the Vallerret Ipsoot are extremely pleasant to wear. They fit really well and, once on, won’t let in the cool air. The inner 100% merino-wool layer ensures additional warmth and softness.

The leather and the rubbery cover on the palm and fingers provide for a fantastic grip. I didn’t have any issues holding the camera.

Another great thing about them is that they are very moisture-resistant. I could never get my Ipsoot wet, which is obviously important during longer trips in harsh conditions.

Unfortunately, this comes with one serious caveat. The gloves are bulky. Not yet in the ski clothing department, but close. In exchange for warmth, you lose quite a bit of flexibility in the fingers.

This makes operating the camera rather clunky, especially one of a smaller variety. I am currently shooting with Sony A6400 and Panasonic G70, and let me tell you – at first, it hasn’t been easy. Many a time I would just take the entire glove off out of frustration to do what I needed to do. Which we can all agree defeats the purpose.

Luckily, this is largely a matter of habit. It may sound strange, but there is a learning curve to these gloves. At times I had to consciously force myself to keep them on and come to terms with slower speeds of doing things.

I won’t sugarcoat it – there has been a lot of accidental setting changes and frustration involved. However, after I used the Ipsoot for a while and got through that initial phase, I became much more apt and confident with them.

After a couple of outings, the movements started to come more naturally, and I am finally reaching the point where I can forget they are there and concentrate on taking photos.

On a separate note – if you wear glasses, a flipped-out thumb cap has an annoying tendency to get in a way when looking through the viewfinder. It’s a minor inconvenience, but perhaps something Vallerret could improve in future revisions.

Are They Warm?

No Vallerret Ipsoot review can be complete without discussing their warmth. Unfortunately, the company does not reveal the exact temperature ranges for their products claiming that those are too subjective.

Instead, they offer their own custom warmth rating, which places the Ipsoot into the deep winter category. In simpler terms, that’s 4 out of 5 on their warmth scale, outperformed only by the arctic winter range.

Though it is an interesting idea, personally, I’m not sure I’m convinced. To me, such an ad hoc solution seems likewise subjective.

Therefore, all I can offer here is my personal perception. Personally, I’d prefer the Ipsoot to be a little warmer, especially considering their size and the resulting loss of dexterity.

They are certainly better insulated than their more lightweight brother Markhof Pro 2.0, but still a far cry from a glove that can withstand “very cold temperatures in deep snow”. At least in my book. I also want to point out that I am not someone who gets cold easily.

To wrap it around some numbers, anything around or slightly lower than 0°C is probably fine. Below that, your mileage may vary. As one example, a couple of weeks back, I was out taking images at around -6°C in an open environment with fierce winds.

It didn’t take long for my fingers to start freezing. This is where Ipsoot’s snug fit comes as a disadvantage since you can’t easily wear a thinner lighter glove beneath them.

Luckily, in Germany, we don’t get extreme temperatures very often, so for the most part, the Ipsoot did a great job for me. However, if you are sensitive to lower temperatures or live in an area with harsher weather, I would perhaps consider Skadi Zipper Mitt instead.

Conclusion

I would like to sum up this Vallerret Ipsoot review by answering the main question – do I recommend you buy them? And, well, the simple answer to that is yes, absolutely.

If you love landscape photography and are serious about shooting in wintery conditions, investing in a special glove makes a lot of sense. Currently, Vallerret is the best there is for photographers, and while not yet perfect, they offer fantastic value.

Keep in mind, you’ll have to learn to operate the gloves, and it might take a while to get used to them. But once through that initial phase, I’m sure you will enjoy and love the product.

For me personally, Vallerret Ipsoot have become the default choice for any winter photography trips. For landscape photography, they are head and shoulders above any other gloves I own.

That said, Vallerret products are definitely expensive. If you are just starting out or only shoot in the snow occasionally, the investment might not be worth it. I would suggest giving it some time.

Once you reach the stage where you feel that using conventional gloves becomes a hurdle, go for it. Or, better still, drop a subtle hint to your friends. Vallerret gloves make for a great gift to a photographer, after all.

I’ll leave you with that. I hope you enjoyed this Vallerret Ipsoot review and got something useful out of it. Consider reading my review of another Vallerret glove – the Markhof Pro 2.0. It is an excellent option for somewhat milder conditions.

If you still have questions about the Ipsoot (or the Markhof Pro) – by all means, let me know. Have a look around this blog if you like, or come say “Hi” on our Instagram or Youtube. And above all, happy shooting!

The post Vallerret Ipsoot Photography Gloves Review appeared first on Sunset Obsession.

Tip #1 – Always Look for Snow

Well… duh! Sounds pretty obvious, but it’s also utterly important. Not everyone has the luxury of living in a really snowy area. With global warming, many places in Europe, for example, are seeing less snow every year. It is warmer, perhaps, but let’s be honest – it is also painstakingly dull. Snow and ice are what really makes winter so magical. An otherwise boring landscape instantly turns into a beautiful shiny fairytale. And for us photographers, that’s just what we want.

In Stuttgart, where I live, we are not used to seeing a whole lot of snow. A couple of times a year, maybe. And then it’s all gone in just a few days. If you are in the same boat, you need to travel. The good news is that often you don’t need to go anywhere far. Your best bet is the mountains of course, but that’s not always possible. However, in many cases, all you need is a small hill or an elevated area. That half a degree lower temperature you get higher up might just be enough to keep the snow from melting. And then it’s game on.

Trust me, I’ve seen it many times over the last weeks. There is seemingly no snow anywhere, but as soon as I drive out of town, patches of it start to appear. A little bit further south, and it’s all white. So, know your neighborhood and keep an eye on the snowfalls.

Tip #2 – Go Out no Matter the Weather

If you are used to shooting in the summer, know that winter landscape photography is a very different beast. A lot of rules don’t apply anymore. My favorite example is the weather. As landscape photographers, we tend to be very picky about the right conditions. However, the truth is, there’s simply no bad weather for winter landscape photography. With snow everywhere, you can always find incredible compositions.

On a grey overcast day, snow smoothens everything. Where there used to be a cluttered foreground, there are now amazing undulating snowdrifts. Where clouds and fog used to ruin the shot, there is now a white vastness that makes for amazing minimalistic shots.

On a bright day, clear blue sky that photographers often loath otherwise, contrasts beautifully with the solemn white foreground. You can almost feel the chill of the crispy winter air on your face by looking at those images. And if you show up for sunrise or sunrise, you will witness an amazing palette of colors that you won’t be able to catch any other time of year. It truly is spectacular.

And of course, don’t forget the snowstorms. Blizzards are remarkable for landscape photography, plain and simple. Yes, it’s not the most pleasant of times to be out, but believe me, you will get shots unlike any other. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, just listen to what Thomas Heaton has to say about it.

Tip #3 – Take Care of Yourself

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On that note, an essential tip for winter landscape photography is to always take care of yourself. To state the obvious once more, subzero temperatures can actually be deadly. You need to be warm and comfortable. Proper clothing and high-quality shoes are essential. Clothing-wise, dressing in layers is the best way to regulate your body temperature. For shoes, pick up a pair of good mountain shoes. Yes, they are expensive, but they will keep your feet warm and dry. Personally, I use Lowa Cadin (and love it), but anything with Goretex and an insulating layer should do the trick.

Comfortable gloves are imperative. You need warm hands to be able to operate the camera. Fiddling with buttons and settings while wearing gloves can be a real nightmare, however. So if you are serious about winter landscape photography, consider buying a pair of dedicated photographer gloves. These will allow you to comfortably use your gear while keeping your hands warm. I use and recommend Vallerret – it’s one of the most renowned photography glove manufacturers, and their products are fantastic.

Finally, be prepared. Study the weather forecasts and learn about the conditions in the area you are heading to. Winter is the season of avalanches and unpredictable weather. Be ready to face the elements if you have to. At the very least, pack water, snacks, a headlamp, and a whistle. And wherever you go, be careful. Snow smoothens the landscape, but it also conceals treacherous pits and crevices.

Tip #4 – Take Care of Your Equipment

The same way winter colds can be brutal to people, they are unforgiving to the equipment. In winter photography, it is vital to also take care of your gear. There are a few simple rules to follow here. First of all, don’t let it get wet – mixed rain and sleet can cause moisture on your equipment. Many modern cameras are water sealed, so normally it shouldn’t be a huge issue. However, it is always a good idea to have a towel or wiping cloth just to be on the safe side.

Another way for moisture to accumulate on your gear is through abrupt temperature changes. That usually happens when you enter a warm building after being out for a while. A sudden change in heat levels can cause condensation on and even inside your lenses. That’s not something you want. So, after shooting in the cold, make a habit of not opening your bag for a few hours. With the chilly outside air still trapped inside, the temperature rise will occur much more gradually.

Here is another thing that I learned the hard way just recently. When using a tripod, double-check that your camera is well attached to it. Operating the knobs and locks while wearing gloves can be a little tricky, and it’s easy to screw something up. I was shooting a waterfall in the Black Forest and at some point wanted to move the tripod a bit. But the moment I lifted the tripod, my Sony A7III slid out of it and went flying right into the stream. Turns out, the plate knob was loose. Ouch. So, always double-check – it’s a lot easier than having to deal with repairs afterward.

Tip #5 – Watch Your Batteries

Another thing to remember with winter photography is to keep an eye out for your batteries. In lower temperatures, they lose juice much faster, especially those that aren’t brand new. So charge your stuff and have enough spares. Rather than keeping the batteries in the bag, it helps to put them somewhere closer to your body. If your jacket has internal pockets, try those. That way, the batteries will stay warmer and won’t lose charge so quickly.

This applies to all your gear of course, not only the camera. I recently had an uneasy moment when flying my drone in subzero temperatures. In a split-second, the battery level dropped from 65 to just 30 percent. Luckily the drone wasn’t too far away when it occurred, so I had enough time to land it safely.

I would also suggest buying a power bank. A reliable portable charger doesn’t cost a fortune but is a real life-saver if your phone dies or all of your camera batteries are depleted. Believe me, sooner or later it happens to everybody.

Tip #6 – Look for Isolated Subjects

While all the general rules of composition still apply in winter landscape photography, one of my favorite techniques is to look for isolated subjects. With snow covering and concealing most of the landscape, it is super easy to focus on a single entity within the frame. That makes for simple yet powerful and impactful shots that tell a beautiful story.

Isolated subjects also tend to add contrast to the image, something you might find yourself struggling with. When most of the frame is filled with white and grey, you’ll want every bit of contrast you can find.

Tip #7 – Know Your Equipment and Use a Good All-around Lens

Winter landscape photography isn’t really bound by any specific focal range. One moment you need to go wide, the next – zoom way in. That’s why I prefer an all-around lens such as 24-105mm. After mine took a swim with the camera, I’ve been using a combination of a wide-angle and a telephoto instead. With that, I found myself constantly swapping lenses. And when it’s cold and windy, it’s frankly a bit of a pain.

And while we’re at it, another potential source of pain is fiddling with the camera settings on the go. Make sure you understand how to change anything you might need to change quickly. Likewise, configure everything that you won’t be changing at home, before heading out. Trust me, digging through the menu in an attempt to figure out why your back-button focus doesn’t work is no fun in the middle of a snowstorm. Been there done that.

Quick Bonus Tip – Wear Contact Lenses

This will not apply to everyone, but if you’re like me and wear glasses, do yourself a favor and pick up a set of inexpensive daily contact lenses. When it’s cold outside, glasses tend to gather moisture and get all foggy, making it really difficult to see through the viewfinder. What’s worse, there is no easy solution for that in the field. I’m no big fan of the contact lenses myself, but this is one of those cases when they absolutely shine.

These are my 7 tips for winter photography. Hopefully, they will help you get better at capturing this amazing time of the year. If you think there’s anything important missing, let me know in the comments. But above all else, get out there and shoot! Believe me, it’s great fun. If there is one season that can make you feel like a kid again, it’s the beautiful snowy winter. And of course, check out other articles on this blog, come and say “Hi” on Instagram or Youtube, and stay in touch!

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And so, in this article, you won’t find epic locations, travel advice, photography tips, or anything else you typically expect from Sunset Obsession. However, if you are interested in what is on my mind as we transition into 2021 or what the future holds for this blog, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s begin.

I won’t spend much time going over the process. There is no right or wrong formula for the personal annual review. Everyone comes up with a variation that works best for them. My approach is reminiscent of one laid out in this article, but you are welcome to invent your own. I will start with an overview of 2020, then analyze what went well and what didn’t. Finally, I will share my vision for 2021 and list the goals I wish to achieve over the year.

As a heads up, I will only cover anything loosely related to Sunset Obsession. Clearly, my full annual review includes personal activities and goals as well, but I won’t bore the reader with those.

Early 2020 – A Perfect Storm

As we all well know, 2020 has been quite a year. It caused us to rethink and reinvent a lot of habits we always took for granted. A shift of such magnitude is never easy, and it definitely hasn’t been for me. Most of what I do with Sunset Obsession is grounded in travel. I just love to see the world and share what I learn on this blog and my Youtube channel. So when travel was essentially shut down in March, it was a big deal for me.

To make matters worse, by then I was starting to experience general exhaustion and lack of motivation. The reason was simple enough. Trying to combine my full-time job with traveling, writing articles, and creating YouTube videos proved to be too much.

Together, the restrictions caused by the pandemic, and this mental fatigue have created a personal perfect storm. The net result was that I completely lost all creative motivation for a few months. From March to about June I didn’t take any photos or work on anything related to this website. Basically, I shut down this whole part of my life. I just didn’t feel like doing any of it.

Late 2020 – Getting Out of the Pit

The rest of the year was like getting out of the pit. A slow and careful process of regaining the confidence and motivation for doing the things that I know I love. I started off by simply taking my camera with me when going out. The next step was to realize that I could still travel, even if only locally. Our generation is so used to exploring distant countries that we forget that there is often beauty right where we live. You just have to look for it.

In my case, I found it in Allgäu, a stunning mountain region a couple of hours driving away from my place. I made a few trips there during late summer and autumn and thoroughly enjoyed it. Allgäu is what inspired me to begin writing again. I just had to share everything that place has to offer. By now, Allgäu grew to become one of my favorite destinations in Germany.

As we say good-bye to 2020, I can confidently state that I’m back and ready to take on new challenges. I learned that I’m still captivated by landscape photography. I enjoy going out and seeing the beauty of nature, be that a thousand kilometers away or just around the corner. Simply put, I still love everything that drove me to create Sunset Obsession in the first place. It took me a while to get through this personal crisis, but it also cleared many things in my head. I have a ton of ideas and the energy to see them through. But before we get into that, let’s have one more look at what did and didn’t go well in 2020.

2020 – What Went Well

Despite all the challenges 2020 brought, it has by no means been a disastrous year. There are still objectives that I managed to achieve and feel good about. Here are the most important ones:

• Completed my very first photography guide – Sunset Obsession Photography Guide to Patagonia. It hasn’t gone live yet, but it will soon, and it’s beautiful. Featuring more than 140 pages and dozens of locations in Patagonia, it is something I know will be of great value to my fellow photographers
• Gone through the downtime and came out the other side with more clarity about the future and how to take things forward
• Redesigned the Sunset Obsession website. It now looks cleaner, fresher and more modern
• Created a unified color palette and moved all my social media under the Sunset Obsession umbrella
• Created a mission statement for Sunset Obsession. You can find it on the home page of the renewed website. The mission statement has helped me in both communicating my values to the world and keeping myself on track with the things I pursue
• Wrote 4 new articles and created 6 YouTube videos. This isn’t much, I know, but it’s still something to appreciate
• Finally, I have moved my legal base of operations to Germany, where I live, by registering myself as self-employed. Sunset Obsession is by no means a fully fleshed-out business yet, but it’s a start

2020 – What didn’t Go Well

Obviously, not everything was shiny and splendid in 2020. Some initiatives didn’t go too well or downright failed for me this year:

• I failed to publish new content consistently, be that on YouTube, my blog, or even Instagram. Uploads have been sporadic and lacking any rhythm or schedule
• As a consequence, the audience of Sunset Obsession has declined by almost 50% compared to the numbers of 2019. YouTube and Instagram remained mostly at the same level, which is nothing to be proud of either
• Even though I completed my first photography guide, I failed to release it by the end of the year as initially planned
• I still haven’t made any money with Sunset Obsession. For now, it largely remains a hobby, and I am still far away from transitioning it into a working business
• A bunch of ideas that I worked on this year (including a website for travel itineraries) never went live and have since been abandoned

2021 – A Year of Action

A cool thing I’ve seen some people do with their annual review is to come up with a theme for the coming year. My theme for 2021 is simple: Action. I want 2021 to be a year of action. A year in which I combine the groundwork laid out in the past with knowledge and insight gained in 2020, and build on that. I want Sunset Obsession to stay true to its principles and the mission statement. However, I also intend to take the steps necessary to convert it into a thriving business in the future.

Rather than any action, I want 2021 to be all about focused action. If there is anything 2020 has taught me, it’s that taking on too much will eventually drain you. Trying multiple things at once stretches you too thin, making you dizzy and disoriented. When no clear direction is set, any direction is as good as any other, preventing meaningful progress. I’ve experienced this in early 2020 and am determined to avoid making the same mistake again.

All of this is to say that in 2021, I will mainly concentrate on Sunset Obsession. As much as it hurts me to admit it, for now, YouTube will have to remain secondary. I might publish an occasional video, but I simply have no resources to properly develop the channel right now. Instead of trying to juggle two things at once and failing spectacularly at both, I will devote my undivided attention to just one primary target.

My Goals for 2021

With that, it’s time to wrap-up the annual review by bringing everything together and listing my goals for 2021. I imagine with everything I explained above, most of these will look fairly obvious.

• Publishing consistently, at a rate of at least one article every two weeks. It’s not a huge amount, but with a full-time job, it’s a schedule I feel I can maintain. With 52 weeks in a year, this means a total of 26 new articles by the end of 2021. That’s an increase of 650% compared to 2020
• Boosting the number of total views on Sunset Obsession by 50%
• Releasing my Patagonia photography guide by mid-to-late February
• Completing and releasing another photography guide in the second half of 2021
• Creating my first landscape photography calendar for 2022
• Earning my first $200 off Sunset Obsession

So there you have it – my Sunset Obsession goals for 2021. Looking at the list above, I wonder if I have set my bar too low. Then again, accomplishing everything I set out to achieve will mean the best year for Sunset Obsession so far. And, well, should that turn out to be the case, I will repeat the exercise more aggressively in twelve months.

In Conclusion

Conducting your own annual review is a great practice, and I encourage everyone to give it a go. Privately or openly, in a similar manner or differently – do it any way you prefer, but try it. It really makes you think about what you want to accomplish and where you want to go. If anything, it’s certainly more useful than coming up with resolutions that fall apart in a week or two.

While I’m pleased with my annual review and the objectives for 2021, it’s an unusual experience too. Stating my goals openly like that definitely makes me more accountable for any failures. But if that motivates me to try harder, it’s all good. Meanwhile, having the confidence to share this plan certainly gives me confidence that I can see it through. Somehow, it is very liberating.

I definitely hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it gave you a bit of inspiration. With that, I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and let’s talk soon!

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Lake Seealpsee in… Germany?

Situated in between the two valleys, the Seeapsee of Allgäu is an incredibly photogenic mountain lake. Now, some of you might be confused – isn’t Seeaplsee a Swiss lake? You are absolutely correct, there is a gorgeous lake in the Appenzell canton in Switzerland, also called Seealpsee. Well, it turns out Germany has one of its own! Less popular perhaps, but every bit as lovely as its Swiss counterpart. As with many locations in Allgäu, Seealpsee won’t be easy to reach. But trust me when I say that it’ll take your breath away, both literally and figuratively.

The German Seealpsee is located near the village of Oberstdorf. It sits on top of the mountain ridge that separates the Oytal valley from the Seealpe valley to the north. Naturally, the only way to reach it is through one of the two valleys. No matter which direction you go, expect a long and strenuous hike. The total distance is a little longer through Oytal, at around 11 kilometers, one way. The other route, through Seealpe and the Höfatsblick mountain station, is some 3 kilometers shorter. The elevation gain is the same though, at a whopping 1000 meters, give or take. Naturally, you can combine the trails, taking one up and the other one down, for a nice 19-kilometer loop.

There is an easier option, too. The Nebelhornbahn ski lift connects Oberstdorf with the Höfatsblick mountain station, allowing you to cut most of the climb. Catch the ride up, and you’ll only have to hike downhill. Unfortunately, at the moment of writing, the lift is closed for renovation until at least Easter 2021. For now, I’m afraid, the only chance to see Seealpsee is by doing some good old hiking.

Which way up?

Since there are two routes up, you might be wondering which one to pick. As is often the case, the answer is “it depends”. The Seealpe route is shorter overall, but that doesn’t make it much easier. The path keeps going up all the time, with hardly a place to catch your breath. Luckily, most of that ascent is on the well-maintained paved road. It’s steep and hard, but you really won’t need hiking shoes to do it. This is the option I have chosen myself, and the one I will cover in this article.

I haven’t personally attempted the Oytal trail, but from I heard, it offers a more classic hiking experience. A long and mostly plain section through the valley floor is followed by an aggressive ascent to the lake. The climb is much steeper, and you will actually be hiking the narrow forest paths on your way up. If this sounds more appealing to you, there are articles on the internet that describe it in more detail.

Before we proceed, I should also mention that while the Nebelhornbahn lift is being renovated, the path to Höfatsblick is officially closed. The reason is safety considerations during construction in the mountains. The hike itself is fully intact and perfectly usable, but please bear that in mind. Whatever you do, it’s your own responsibility.

The Waterfall Galore

If you are traveling to Oberstdorf by car, look for parking close to Audi Arena. Parkplatz an der Oybele Festhalle is one decent option. The price is EUR 8.50 per day, only payable in coins. Definitely quite overpriced, but it gets you close to the start of the hike.

From here, go behind the ski jump area and look for signs towards Station Seealpe. The easiest option is to walk up the paved road (Schanzenstrasse on Google Maps). However, I suggest taking the alternative path through the forest. This route follows the river Faltenbach and is much more exciting than simply walking up the road. Right from the get-go, you see numerous waterfalls and cascades with lots of great photo opportunities. Get your tripod out and start looking for compositions. Just try not to forget that we still need to reach lake Seealpsee today!

In all seriousness, if you don’t fancy doing the entire hike, this little section is well worth a visit. It is easy to access, requires minimum physical effort, and you will come away with some really nice images. The waterfall galore ends with a big waterfall running down from a man-made wall. If water action is all you are interested in, you can turn back here.

Otherwise, proceed to Station Seealpe. You will need about an hour to reach it from the parking lot. The path goes relentlessly uphill, but this is still an easier part of the ascent. If you’re feeling out of breath, just know that there is a beer garden waiting for you at the end.

The Brutal Ascent

Once at the station, have a rest and a refreshing beer at Seealpe Gasthof. There is also a drink machine nearby in case you don’t want to stop for long. If you haven’t brought any beer with you (shame on you!), this is your last chance to stock up. A bottle goes for 2.50 EUR in the machine, payable in coins only. Once you are ready and rested, let’s head out. The difficult part is about to begin.

Your next task is to climb the cliffs surrounding the valley. That is going to be one tough nut to crack. As you leave the rest area, the ascent starts to pick up, slightly at first, but steeper by the minute. Before you know it, you’ll be huffing and puffing and sweating. The road is still paved, but the incline is unforgiving. A section with switchbacks midway to the top is especially brutal. Your legs will hurt, but just keep pushing. If you find yourself dizzy and weak, take a break and drink. It’ll get easier soon.

After about an hour and a half of relentless uphill battle, you will emerge on top of the ridge. While lake Seealpsee is still a few minutes away, you will find yourself next to the Höfatsblick station. That’s where you would arrive if you use the ski lift. I have to admit, I am quite tempted to do just that the next time (once the repairs are complete). As fun as going up was, I was pretty exhausted and completely out of breath by the end of it. And I don’t consider myself terribly out of shape!

Lake Seealpsee

Once you are at Höfatsblick, lake Seealpsee is literally just around the corner. Simply continue up the hill for another 10-15 minutes. Once you cross the ridge into the valley on the other side, you will see it down to your right. And what a view that is! A tiny lake with ice-blue water hidden on the edge of a cliff, the mighty Alps framing the background. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Feel free to wander around, snapping photos as you go. Lake Seealpsee is the main attraction around here, no doubt, but there is lots more to explore. If you are courageous enough, there is a hike on the spine of the ridge you just crossed. It’s a popular Instagram adventure and seemed doable, but having my dog with me, I decided not to risk it. Feel free to go down to the lake or explore the hills behind you. You are at the heart of Allgäu, there are views all around. Honestly, I can’t wait to get back to the area and see what else it has to offer.

And if you are too exhausted after the challenging hike up, just sit down and relax, taking in the beauty. Watch the weather change, listen to the wind, drink that beer you brought, and let your mind wander. Not a terrible way to spend the afternoon!

Lake Seealpsee Fact Check

Stick around until sunset if you wish. I didn’t, as I ventured to lake Seealpsee in early October, and it was getting quite cold by the evening. I’m definitely planning to return to Allgäu next summer, so who knows what that is going to bring. For now, I’m just happy to have seen this amazing place with my own eyes. And if you are considering doing the same, here is a quick checklist for you:

• Total length of the hike: 16 km
• Total elevation gain: 1100 meters
• Duration: at least 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: very demanding, but not dangerous
• When to go: May to October, best in summer
• What to bring: water, snacks, appropriate clothes in case it gets rainy or cold, cash in coins for parking, a beer to celebrate the achievement. In summer, sunscreen
• Camera gear: camera, mid-range zoom (I recommend 24-105mm), tripod (for waterfall shots or if you plan to wait until sunset)
• Doable with a dog: yes, I did it with my papillon Rocky, and he had tremendous fun
• Total costs: EUR 8.50 for parking, EUR 2.50-3.00 for the drinks at Seealpe Gasthof, fuel to get to Oberstdorf

If you enjoyed this read, check out my article about the hike to Schrecksee. It is another beautiful hike in Allgäu, and I think you will enjoy it as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to get in touch. I would love to chat and help you in any way I can. And if not, roam around this blog or check out my YouTube channel. I’m sure you will find a lot of exciting stuff there.

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