for questions about photography accessories.
46
votes
8answers
7k views
Manual photography cheat sheet — where can I find one, or what should be on it?
I have been trying to shoot more in manual modes (both camera and flash). At this point, I understand all the concepts, but all the adjustments slow me down.
I'd like to have a "cheat sheet" with ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
Are small on-flash softboxes useful, or a gimmick?
There are a number of "mini-softbox" products on the market. These are meant to mount on a hotshoe flash (usually with an elastic band).
Lumiquest Softbox III
Are these worthwhile portable and ...
17
votes
14answers
716 views
What are must have accessories?
Taking good photos is about more than just the camera.
What accessories are you sure to take with you?
15
votes
3answers
211 views
Is it worth it (or even possible) to clean a microfibre cloth?
If I get a microfibre cloth dirty (e.g. by dropping it on the ground), is it possible to clean it (in a washing machine, for example)? Or should I just throw it away and get a new one?
Thanks!
...
13
votes
2answers
533 views
How do I get shaped bokeh without a Lensbaby?
Is there a good hardware solution for generating shaped bokeh? I know Lensbaby has a set of filters that give various shapes — is there a similar solution for other lens?
13
votes
2answers
1k views
Which suits better for hobby usage: extension tubes vs. close-up filter?
I am looking to do a little macro work, but am not ready to invest in a macro lens. For hobby work like photographing flowers and such would it be better to invest in a set of extension tubes or in a ...
12
votes
7answers
627 views
Upgrade strategy for Canon EOS DSLRs
In February 2010 I bought my first DSLR: EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55IS Kit
I also bought a zoom telephoto lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
The XSi is a simple camera which I thought would be good ...
9
votes
6answers
753 views
Any good ways to keep a DSLR with a heavy lens parallel to your body while carrying?
I have a D80 with a fairly large lens which weighs the camera down and whenever i am hiking/walking long distances it gets annoying because it isn't parallel to my body. Are there any solutions? Like ...
9
votes
3answers
471 views
I want to purchase my first DSLR. Should I be worried about being able to purchase lenses and accessories in the future?
I've read some of the previous questions about choosing a DSLR based on brand or just which DSLR to buy. 10 years ago, I was pretty good with my parents' 35mm SLR, but we ran into the problem where ...
9
votes
2answers
375 views
Recommendations for off-brand battery grips for DSLRs
The Nikon- and Canon-branded battery grips are insanely expensive. What alternatives are out there, and where is the best place to buy them?
9
votes
1answer
466 views
How to choose a gaffer's tape?
After a long time using my flash with rubber bands to hold flash accessories, I decided to try the Gaffer's tape method recommended by many photogs. So, I searched for that on B&H's website and ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
What kind of tape to use when mounting photo to mat?
I'm looking to print, mount, and frame a bunch of photos I've taken. I've normally used poster-style frames (borderless and with no mat), but I'm beginning to develop an aesthetic preference for ...
5
votes
4answers
281 views
Is it possible to mount a Flash on a Tripod?
Are there any tricks / methods / accessories that can be used to mount an off camera flash unit on a tripod?
4
votes
5answers
279 views
How often should I clean my lens?
You may have read Lens Cleaner Recommendations, and now I would like to know how often to clean my lens. I have been using one lens for about a year without cleaning it yet and recently got a new zoom ...
4
votes
8answers
192 views
What are some good places to get equipment reviews online?
When making gear purchases, it seems sensible to get as much information as possible.
Where are good (i.e. reliably accurate and informative) places to look online for equipment reviews and ...
4
votes
1answer
150 views
How do I select a tripod ball head? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What qualities should be looked for in a ball head before purchasing one?
I recently purchased a tripod, however I didn't realize that it didn't come with a ball head. I ...
4
votes
4answers
243 views
Lens Cleaner Recommendations
What is, in your opinion, the best lens cleaner? Which do you think is the most effective/best value for your money/most easy to use, etc.
Please include advantages/disadvantages as well as price and ...
4
votes
1answer
173 views
Is the Panamatic any good?
Is the Lenspen Panamatic of any real use for creating panoramic shots or is it a waste of money?
More product details
4
votes
1answer
371 views
Uses for a dead/dying lithium-ion battery?
My DSLR, like most, uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery pack. I've got four batteries that have been used quite a lot. Only two of them can be reliably charged and used for any significant length ...
3
votes
4answers
851 views
What to buy first after getting the first DSLR?
I got my first DSLR (Canon 600D) with the 18-55 EF-S lens, now I'm considering to go a further step and buy stuff for my gear but I really can't decide what to buy first. There are a lot of choices ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
What are most important accessories for indoor portraiture?
I am brand new to DSLRs, so please bear with me. We just bought a Nikon D3100. Christmas is coming up; what are going to be the most critical "starter" accessories? Most of our shooting is indoor, ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I transfer images from a DSLR to an iPhone without a computer?
On photo trips, where I do not have a computer with me, I would like to twitter or email some JPEG images I have just taken with my camera. The photos sit on a SD card, and should go to the iPhone for ...
3
votes
3answers
225 views
What is this L-Bracket with Pivot?
I saw a guy with something that looked like an L-Bracket, but positioned the flash directly over the camera. Then he went and pivoted his camera 90-degrees into a portrait orientation by turning it in ...
3
votes
2answers
150 views
How to care for neck strap?
I have a wide neck strap that came with my DSLR. In the two years, it racked a lot of hours soaking in sweat and some light rain/snow.
To the professionals who lug their neck strap through thick and ...
3
votes
3answers
288 views
What lighting accessories can I use for outdoor macro photography?
I recently got myself a Nikon 60mm f/2.8G AF-S Micro-Nikkor lens. Without vibration reduction, it will probably need lots of light when hand-holding the camera. Anyone willing to give an overview of ...
3
votes
1answer
370 views
Which neck strap would be comfortable to use with a compact camera (Canon S90)?
After many near-misses with the supplied wrist strap I've decided I have to use a neck strap with my S90. I want something light, unobtrusive and comfortable. Currently I'm using thin elastic cord but ...
3
votes
1answer
285 views
What tripod-ready camera sling-type strap is suitable for rangefinder cameras with two side lugs?
I want to buy straps for a couple cameras, and I'm having trouble finding one that fits my needs.
I would prefer a sling type strap across my shoulders, with a sliding component that allows for ...
3
votes
3answers
495 views
Recommended cheap and fast SDHC USB card reader?
I need a few cheap and fast USB card readers, mainly for SD (16GB cards), CF support would also be nice.
Any pro/cons about:
Vivanco
Transcend P7
Lexar Professional Dual-Slot USB Reader
SanDisk ...
2
votes
5answers
404 views
What's the best way to avoid wasting money on equipment? [closed]
Budgets usually have tighter limits than wish lists. What strategies can be used to avoid wasting money on equipment?
By "wasting", I mean spending on an expensive item of photography equipment to ...
2
votes
5answers
114 views
What options to have better grip of my camera?
Big hands and a small camera is sometimes no problem at all, one might even be happy with a small camera. At other times a small camera can be hard to operate if you can't get good hold - even when ...
2
votes
1answer
79 views
Can I charge my camera while it is taking a video? [duplicate]
I have a Canon EOS 1100D and I would like to shoot a long video, of a long concert, for example. Is there a way I can charge it while it is taking a video (not just when the battery is in the camera ...
2
votes
1answer
75 views
How to more easily view the rear LCD?
I was at work today and went for lunch, there was a professional photographer in kitchen using the following set up
Canon 5d
tripod
Canon tilt shift lens (not sure on the specifics)
The ...
2
votes
2answers
223 views
Can I use old camera accessories with a new DSLR camera?
I found a good price on a Rebel X. It comes with a flash and a couple lenses. Could I use those accessories with most new DSLR cameras? Would I be limited to Canon cameras?
2
votes
1answer
214 views
Can a Wireless Shutter Release control camera movement, exposure or metering?
So, I looked up this: http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Remote-Cords/4730/ML-L3-Wireless-Remote-Control-%28Infrared%29.html
Questions:
Does a remote move the camera's face? I mean, ...
2
votes
2answers
287 views
Do third party extenders for Canon exist?
I was looking into extenders(Teleconverter) for Canon lenses, and they are quite expensive at around $450 for the 1.4x III or 2x III. I know that extension tubes are a different story, and since they ...
1
vote
3answers
226 views
How to mount a torch to camera?
I want to mount a torch to my camera body in the Flash hot-shoe.
I'm thinking about hacking up a mix of a rifle-scope accessory (to hold the torch, a led-lenser P7) and a ball head that fits in the ...
1
vote
3answers
101 views
Can lens accessories be used interchangeably?
I have noticed that filters seem to be brand agnostic, i.e., they can be used with any lens as long as the diameter matches. Is this true for other lens accessories like hoods and lens caps as well? ...
1
vote
2answers
114 views
Will these two accesories work together for a “Macro” photography experience?
I am trying to to get a Christmas gift for my wife. She has a Cannon Rebel T1i and two lenses that came with it (nothing else).
She has shown some interest in Macro photography with the lenses she ...
1
vote
4answers
792 views
How good is the Lowepro Fastpack 250?
I am planning to buy a backpack for my Nikon D90 and after some analysis and research I am thinking about getting a Lowepro Fastpack 250.
My requirements are not very high, since I am not a ...
1
vote
2answers
143 views
Will a LensCoat BodyGuard CB fit a Canon EOS 1000D?
I'd like to buy a LensCoat BodyGuard for my Canon EOS 1000D.
I'm in doubt because my model isn't listed in that page, so I wonder if it fits it or no. Any experience?
Then, I live in Italy, so I ...
0
votes
1answer
295 views
Has anyone any experience of the Flipbac Camera Grips?
I was looking at Flipbac Grips for my Canon S90. Was wondering if anyone had any comments to share about them. Yes I'd prefer Richard Franeic's custom-machined aluminium version but I'm too miserly. ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
How do I chosing the right LCD screen and UV protector for my Nikon D5100? [duplicate]
I got a D5100 and want to buy a LCD screen protector & UV ray protector, but how to know which model to get? I'll buy this from online, so how to find the right pair?
0
votes
0answers
25 views
Recommended Accessories for a Canon T2i [duplicate]
This is an awesome site. I've been on here the past few days and am really enjoying reading the questions and suggestions, and have conjured up the bravery to ask a question myself.
I bought a Canon ...
-1
votes
4answers
454 views
How good is Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod for a beginner
I have Nikon D-90 and i am learning bit by bit about the world of photography.I am planning to purchase a Tripod as i have some money as of now.
After doing some R&D i am putting my eyes on ...
