Joshua Waller reviews the premium Vallerret Markhof PRO V3 mid-winter gloves designed for photographers
Vallerret Markhof PRO V3 gloves at a glance
- Premium gloves for photographers
- Designed for mid-winter
- Water-repellent gloves
- 2-year warranty included
- 89.95 Euro (around £79) from photographygloves.com
Vallerret make a range of gloves for different weather conditions, with Arctic winter, Deep winter, Mid-winter, Mild winter, and Light winter options.
The Markhof PRO V3 are designed for mid-winter, these are part of the “everyday gloves” range, and are great for cold days, whilst also providing good accessibility for using a camera. These are the third generation of Markhof PRO gloves and are a firm favourite in the range.
Environmental non-profits – It’s nice to know that as a member of 1% for the planet, 1% of Vallerret’s global sales go directly to environmental non-profits.
“Flip-tech” Finger caps – You can quickly release your index finger and thumb, with the finger caps, which can be held out of the way with the built-in magnets. This means you’re able to use touch-screens and other fiddly controls and dials more easily.
Pockets – Both gloves feature a zip-close pocket on the back, designed to house a memory card, you can also use it for smaller lens caps etc. One also holds a tripod plate key on a cord.
Leather – These gloves use goat leather suede, however there are vegan options available.
Vallerret Markhof PRO V3 gloves are made with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabrics and are designed to be used as a lens wipe. Image credit: Joshua Waller
Vallerret Markhof PRO V3: Design
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabrics include Goat Leather (21%) suede, designed to be used as a lens wipe. Alternative gloves in the range, the Milford, offer a vegan glove choice.
There’s a 100% Merino Wool Liner, and 3M Thinsulate has been used to improve warmth, whilst also providing flex and movement.
The non-slip grip includes a super grippy palm print, and the design features a printed image by Simon Markhof. Sizes are available from XS up to XXL. The gloves are designed in Norway (by photographers), and made in Indonesia.
These are very comfortable to wear, and look great, with the mix of leather, suede, and textured grips, plus the Jersey cuff (in grey) giving the gloves a more premium look than if they were just plain black.
The “Flip-tech” finger caps mean you can use your thumb and index finger on touchscreens. Image credit: Joshua Waller
Vallerret Markhof PRO V3: Function
The pocket is designed to hold spare memory cards, but I found them suitable for a small lens cap, with a 49mm lens cap easily fitting in with enough room. The zipper looks great, with a stylish finish and waterproofing.
The “Flip-tech” finger caps mean you can use your thumb and index finger on touchscreens, and other fiddly dials. As well as giving you precise control when using the shutter release button when taking photos.
There’s a pair of strong magnets designed to hold the caps back, so they don’t get in the way. However, I found that whilst the finger cap would neatly stay out of the way, the thumb cap seems less interested due to the thicker suede. I suspect over time this will improve, but it’s a minor issue that doesn’t really affect your ability to use a camera.
In very wintery and freezing conditions, the need to flip back the ends of the gloves can be a little frustrating, as it would be nice to be able to use the touchscreen on a smartphone without having to get your finger out every time.
The pocket is designed to hold spare memory cards, a 49mm lens cap can easily fit. Image credit: Joshua Waller
“Customised to fit the needs of adventurous photographers”
Verdict
The Vallerret Markhof PRO V3 gloves are very well made, with a premium fit, feel, and finish, making them a great investment. Just so long as you don’t lose your gloves. Whilst touch-screen operation would be a nice bonus, these gloves work very well for those who want to have a finer touch on the camera’s shutter release button (and other buttons).
