Photo Gear Do’s and Dont’s

Jim talks with Brian and Brent about several photography products to avoid or they have never used, then those that they use a lotThe Doo-DON’Ts!
What is one (or more) photography product that you bought excited about but have never used?

* Brent: Collapsible gray card focus target – $25
* Jim: Studio strobes – $2,000
* Jim: C-stand (Bought an awesome Avenger in 2012.  Used 5 times) – $150
* Jim: Gaffer tape
* Brent: Software: OnOne and PTGui – $400
* Jim: DJI Phantom 1 and 2 – $3,000
* Jim: Glidecam – $200
* Brent: Gura Gear Betaflae Backpack. Very large, but that’s about it. – $500
* Jim: TTL and HSS YN flashes
* Jim: Pelican case – $200
* Jim: Focusing rail – $50
* Brent: Gigapan Epic Pro, automated large pano shooting – $850
* Jim: Wireless camera remote – $20
* Jim: Nikon D4s – $6,000
* Jim: Samsung mirrorless smart camera (2014)  NX1100 – $1100
* Jim: Lots of camera straps – $75
* Brent: How about a few things we used to use, but no longer do?

* FlashTrax XT, a portable 40GB HD with flip up screen viewer
* 160 GB Portable HD with SD and CF card slots


* Jim: Cheap softboxes – $75
* Jim: Prime lenses – $600
* Jim: The GoPro (but now I’m wanting another one) – $400
* Yellow sandbag for tripod – $25
* La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger $60
* ProPole Painters Pole and Adapter – $40
* Two Prism 10×20′, 100% Cotton Muslin Backdrops and The Ravelli Full Size 10×12′ Background Stand Set $100
* Aquatech Sensory Gloves, Size: Large, 8-8.5″ – Black/Moss
* Demb Classic Flip-it! Bounce reflector $37.95
* Kotap BB-9B Ball Bungee, 9-Inch, Black, 25-Piece
* 2 of Fstoppers Flash Disc (FS FlashDisc) Portable Speedlight Softbox
* Manfrotto 175F-1 Spring Clamp with Flash Shoe – Black
*

The Do’s
What photography accessories have you used over and over again and were your best purchases?

* Jim: Feisol CT3442
* Jim: RRS BH40 ballhead
* Brent: Acratech GP ballhead with lever release. Just make sure you really tighten that opposing side on the QR mount.
* Jim: Breakthrough photography filters (Brent concurs 🙂
* Jim: YN-560 flash and YN-560 TX transmitter
* Jim: Glow parapop softbox
* Jim: Mac computers (Huge improvement to my business and productivity)
* Jim: Drobo
* Jim: Memory card wallet
* Jim: Tactical pants (Brent concurs 🙂
* Brent: LensPen
* Brent: Bubble Level, or level indicator in camera
* Brent: Grid IT organizer
* Brent: Step up Ring
* Brian: Titanium Smart Fast 16 Bay Ni-MH AA/AAA Battery Charger AC 100-240V + DC Adapters MD-1600L $60
* Brian: Neewer® Black Aluminum QR Quick Release L-Plate Bracket for Canon 5D Mark III 5D3 Camera Arca Swiss RRS Compatible $28
* Brian: Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes – Cleans Without Streaks for Eyeglasses and Sunglasses