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

Om Podcasten

5 photographers (Brent Bergherm, Jeff Harmon, Connor Hibbs, Erica Kay, Brian McGuckin) take turns covering listener questions, photography news, and the famous photography "doodads" of the week with each round table discussion episode. This is the podcast for enthusiast and professional photography nerds who want to level up and master their photography--without the fluff of a "talk show." The team has a special skill for covering advanced level photography techniques in a way that less experienced photographers can understand. They don't talk down to newer photographers yet provide tips that help advanced photographers. Come join us as we all work to master our photography together!