Creatives and the Law

Monday, September 21, 2015

Most Valuable Photography Accessories

Whether you are just starting out with photography or simply looking to improve your setup, you will quickly realize that the right gear can definitely make your life easier. However, identifying the right gear can be a bit exhausting. Now, when I use the word "gear" I am referring specifically to camera accessories. Why the focus on accessories? Well, I do not believe purchasing new cameras and lenses should be a regular occurrence. Instead, I believe you should focus on taking care of your equipment. However, as with lenses, there are so many different accessories available on the market that you can easily find yourself purchasing equipment that you really do not need. Well, have no fear, I am here! Below is a list of the top 5 accessories I believe will be most valuable to you as a photographer and factors to consider when purchasing these items.

1. Camera Bag

Types of Camera Bags: Walk into any store that sells camera equipment and you will be inundated with camera bags. The most common types of camera bags are sling bags, shoulder bags, backpacks, beltpacks and rolling bags. Each type of bag has its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Sling bags, shoulder bags and beltpacks allow for easy and quick access to your gear, which is essential when you take your camera out for a field trip. However, with sling bags and shoulder bags, one shoulder bears most of the weight, which can cause discomfort when walking for a long period of time. While beltpacks allow for more even distribution of weight, they can be bulky and awkward, making walking for long periods difficult. Plus, in my opinion, I worry that the belt might come apart suddenly, causing my camera to crash to the floor before I could catch it. This is also a concern with sling bags.
  • Backpacks tend to be more comfortable because the weight is evenly distributed across the back and both shoulders, which is great if you intend to take your camera on a hike or long walk. The downside, it can be difficult to access your gear. If you do not want to risk dropping your equipment when you open the bag, you need to prop up the backpack. Another huge downside, many venues will not permit you to bring a backpack inside -- even if it is a camera bag.
  • Rolling bags are generally used if you need to haul a lot of gear. As such, they tend to be a bit clumsy for every day use. Rolling bags also tend to be very expensive, however, if you are interested in a low cost way to make a perfect rolling backpack, sign-up for my newsletter as I will have an article on how I did just that! (shameless plug over!)
  • I also want to note that there are many companies that make other types of bags, each basically a variation of the basics listed above. For example, several companies manufacture "fashionable" camera bags for women. These bags tend to resemble purses as opposed to traditional camera bags. With these bags, however, I have found that sometimes the top of the bag does not seal all around. For example, the bag may have a zipper across the top, but that zipper is not attached to the ends, which leaves your gear susceptible to the elements. There are also companies that sell modular systems allowing you to convert any bag you own into a camera bag. However, be careful with this, as sometimes these systems are more expensive than purchasing a designated camera bag. If you are simply looking for extra protection for your gear, consider purchasing a Domke wrap. They allow you add an extra layer of protection to your lens or camera
Purchasing Considerations: Regardless of the type of bag you choose, you will want to ensure you purchase a camera bag with lots of padding, preferably one that also has padded dividers that you can readjust to suit your specific needs. You also want to purchase a bag that is water resistant and, preferably, contains a small organizer to hold extra memory cards and other small items. Finally, you want a camera bag that comes with a rain cover, which will provide extra protection for your gear should you find yourself in the middle of a sudden downpour.

What Do I Use? I originally purchased a backpack, however, the inability to access my gear in a hurry was beyond frustrating. Therefore, I purchased a Think Tank Turnstyle 10 sling bag, which is currently priced at $84.75. The zippers are secure and I never worry that the clasp will come apart causing my gear to crash to the ground.  Additionally, with my sling bag, I have never been denied admission to venues that otherwise ban backpacks (such as the Statute of Liberty or White House). Plus, Think Tank stands behind each and every product and while I have never had to contact their customer service, people generally rave about their customer service department. 

2. Tripod

Types of Tripods: Every photographer needs a sturdy tripod. Tripods consists of the following elements:
  • legs, which are typically made of carbon fiber (lightweight, durable and does not rust, but expensive), aluminum (heavier and tends to be cheapest), basalt (in between carbon fiber and aluminum in terms of weight and price), or steel (heaviest, primarily for heavy duty use).
  • leg locks, which come in twist form (twist the leg to pull the leg out and twist in the opposite direction to lock it in position), lever (open the lever and pull the leg out and close it to lock it again) and then there are other custom options. 
  • head, which is the part that holds the camera or a lens. There are many types of heads but the most popular types are ball heads (one control that loosens or tightens the grip; flexible and allow for smooth operation) and pan-tilt heads (either with single handle for horizontal movement or dual handles for both vertical and horizontal movement; adjustments might take a bit longer). There are also gimbal heads, which are specifically used for long and heavy 300mm+ lenses. These perfectly balance the camera and heavy lens. You will also want to ensure your head is equipped with a quick-release system, which is explained in detail below under Purchasing Considerations.
  • centerpost/center column, which is a separate leg that runs through the middle allowing you to further raise the tripod head. My advice, avoid raising the centerpost as it is not as stable and can cause too much vibration when shooting.
  • feet, which can be rubber non-slip (used for most indoor and some outdoor shooting), spike (best for outdoor shooting), and custom (which can be anything).
The most common types of tripods are pocket, tabletop, portable/travel, medium duty and sturdy duty/studio. Pocket and tabletop are perfect for situations where you just need to prop up the camera on a table. They are small and easy to carry. Portable/travel tripods can be raised high off the ground, but they collapse into a smaller size making transport easier. Medium duty tripods tend to stand in the gap of the portable and sturdy tripods. Medium duty tripods are heavier and generally, you can raise these tripods higher than portable tripods. Sturdy/studio tripods tend to be used by professional photographers and are generally used for specific purposes.

Purchasing Considerations: When purchasing a tripod pay attention to the weight of the tripod, the maximum load capacity, and the height. The heavier the tripod, the less you will use it period. Thus, you want to ensure you have something that you can carry with you on days you want to go exploring. The maximum load capacity is the heaviest camera and lens combination the tripod can handle. If you put a camera that is heavier than the maximum load capacity, you run the risk of the tripod breaking or collapsing. Therefore, ensure the tripod you purchase can support your camera and its heaviest lens. Also, as stated above, you want to purchase a tripod that will allow you to raise the camera to eye-level without extending the centerpost.

If you are purchasing your first tripod, I recommend you start with whatever tripod you have at home. If you do not have one at home, consider purchasing a relatively cheap aluminum tripod. Why? Well, before investing more money into a tripod you want to first know how much you use it. If you find yourself using that tripod once a year, then it likely does not make sense for you to own a more expensive carbon fiber tripod. However, if you already own a tripod and need to upgrade or you already know that you will be using your tripod frequently, then purchase a portable/travel carbon fiber tripod with the arca-swiss quick-release system.

The Arca-Swiss Quick-Release System has basically become the standard for tripod heads. Cheaper tripods come with a plastic plate that can be attached on any camera or lens. The Arca-Swiss Quick-Release System, however, is made of very strong aluminum and allows attaching the camera/lens on a tripod without the need to rotate anything. A quick-release plate is permanently attached to a camera or lens, which then easily slides into a quick-release clamp. The locking mechanism is simple, tight and vibration-free. 

What Do I Use? I originally started  out by using an aluminum tripod lying around my parents house. However, as I grew as a photographer, I started to use the tripod more and I found it to be clunky and difficult. So, I purchased the MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod in carbon fiber at a price of $199. At 5'0" this tripod is not quite at eye level, however, I want a tripod that is lightweight so I was willing to sacrifice a little in the height column. Can it be annoying to have to bend down to see through the camera? Yes, but my back does not hurt when I carry it. The tripod weighs 3.1 pounds, comes with spiked feet, the arca-swiss quick-release system and a ball head for easy on-the-spot adjustments. Plus, the tripod comes in a variety of colors and ships with a carrying case.

3. Lens Cleaner/Duster

Types of Lens Cleaners/Dusters and Purchasing Considerations: There is not too much to say on this accessory, except you will want a lens blower to remove any dust that might be on your lens. One popular brand is the Rocket Air, however, as long as the blower has enough power to remove any dust that might attach itself to your lens, you can go with any brand here. When blowing air onto your sensor or lens just remember that you do not want to use a lot of force. The goal is to remove the speck of dust not to destroy your camera.

It is important to note that you should never, ever, ever use compressed air dusters on your camera. These air cans can spew fluid all over your lens or sensor, which could result in your destroying your equipment. Do not use!

What Do I Use? An air duster given to me by my dad's friend. It does the job well!

4. Remote Shutter Release

Types of Remote Shutter Releases and Purchasing Considerations: Generally, remote shutter releases are divided into two categories: wired and wireless. As you might have guessed, a wired shutter remote attaches to the camera via a cord whereas a wireless remote does not. Wireless remotes, which are more expensive, can be particularly useful when taking group shots or when it is not practical to stand directly behind your camera. Wired remotes, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper and are useful when simply pressing the shutter release button might create undesired vibrations.

When deciding whether to purchase a wired or wireless remote you should consider purchasing a remote that at least allows you to operate in bulb or continuous shooting mode. If you want something a bit more sophisticated, you might consider purchasing a remote with a timer. A timer is particularly useful if you tend to shoot long exposures or enjoy light painting as the timer will keep the shutter open for a set period of time and then close it automatically. Whatever you decide to purchase, just remember to choose an option that is compatible with your camera system.

My recommendation for purchasing -- buy the cheapest option. While I believe it is important to have a remote shutter release, it is unlikely you will use this accessory frequently. Therefore, I would strongly recommend you spend no more than $30 on your shutter release.

What Do I Use? For my older Nikon, I have a standard ML-L3 wireless remote control, which costs around $17. However, the ML-L3 is not compatible with the Nikon Df. Instead, you must invest in Nikon's WR-10 wireless controller set (priced at a ridiculous $179.99) in order to be able to utilize a wireless remote. Thus, I opted for Nikon's MC-DC2, which is priced at $25. It is a wired remote, which can be a bit annoying at times, however, the remote be operated in bulb mode, which is more important. While I have considered purchasing a wireless, timer remote, as of now, I simply do not use my remote shutter release frequently enough to justify the cost of Nikon's WR-10 system AND a timer.

5. External Flash

Types of Flash and Purchasing Considerations: Many people might say that this is not necessary because their camera comes with a built-in flash. However, an external flash offers vastly more benefits than a camera's built-in flash. With an external flash you have the ability to bounce the flash (e.g. tilt the flash head so you can bounce the flash off another source), use the flash off camera (if you have never tried this, it really is quite wonderful for close-up), and/or wirelessly control the flash. Additionally, in my opinion, external flashes tend to be more powerful and produce better results when in need of fill flash.

When purchasing an external flash, you should ensure you purchase an item that is compatible with your camera system. Additionally, you also want to ensure that the flash has TTL ("through-the-lens") metering. Generally, when utilizing a flash in manual mode, you need to determine and control both your flash's power and your camera's exposure settings. If you miscalculate, the image will not be exposed properly. TTL metering, however, controls both the camera's and the flash's exposure settings, ensuring the photos are properly exposed.

What Do I Use? I use the Nikon SB-300, which currently retails for $149.95, with a flash diffuser. While this is certainly not the most powerful flash, it is pretty powerful for its size. Plus, I simply do not use a flash often so I did not feel the need to invest in a more expensive flash.

6. Extra Battery and Memory Card

Alright, I know I said that I would only list 5 accessories, however, as I was writing this I thought it would be a good idea to remind you that you should always have an extra battery and memory card on hand. Every camera manual details the type of battery that can be used in the camera and the memory cards that are compatible with the camera. If you have not purchased a second battery or memory card yet, go out and do that immediately!

Are there other accessories that you think are essential to a photographer? If so, feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section.

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