| Photo: Michelle Clark |
As camera reviewers, we have the privilege of trying out the latest and (sometimes) greatest in camera technology. In some ways, this may help alleviate the all-too-common gear acquisition syndrome; It’s hard to justify buying new cameras or lenses for our personal collection when we’ll be too busy testing new products to use them.
However, this does not mean that we are completely Unaffected. After all, when your job is to test cameras, it’s really easy to look at all the accessories to make your shooting experience easier, faster, or more spectacular. And sometimes all you really want is a particular lens to shoot whenever and wherever you want.
As a fun holiday exercise, we’ve compiled some items that we think are cool but can’t really justify buying for ourselves unless money is really no object.
valley
When I was thinking about what photo products I would buy if money were no object, I realized that most of the things I really wanted weren’t necessarily that expensive. Sometimes, they are hard to get.
Another Lowepro Photo Sport 300 Photo Pack
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| Photo: Dale Baskin |
A few months ago, I wrote an article About my favorite camera pack, the Lowepro Photo Sport 300, and it’s been my favorite pack for over a decade. I love this pack because it never runs out. I’ve trekked through tropical forests, ridden on roof racks through snowstorms, been dragged across snow in the sub-Arctic and ridden on the back of motorcycles and tuk-tukThis is a product I really like.
Unfortunately, Lowepro no longer makes this exact model, and while it still makes similar models today, I like it. If I find a good copy, I’ll buy it to save for the day when my current copy finally gets past the breaking point.
Guidance from a photographer I admire
I believe that no matter how good you are at something, you can always learn more. Most of the things I’ve learned in photography over the past few decades fall into two categories: things I learned through trial and error and knowledge passed down to me by more experienced photographers.
“Although I can easily trial and error my way through life, guidance and advice from the world’s best photographers is a rare commodity.”
Although I can easily do trial and errors in my life, guidance and advice from the world’s best photographers is a rare commodity. In fact, it’s so rare that it’s not something you can buy. They should recognize your passion and be inspired to take you under their wing.
However, if there were a way to swing it, I would have the opportunity to seek advice from a photographer I admire, e.g. joel sartorwhose work I have followed for years in the pages of National Geographic, or Christina MittermeyerWho has done fantastic work with conservation photography.
An opportunity to tell an important story
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Climate change is having a tremendous impact on the Amazon Basin. Photo: Dale Baskin |
Several years ago, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to live in the Amazon, and I have returned several times since. Unfortunately, in the 20 years since I started visiting there, I have been able to see firsthand the effects of climate change in the Amazon Basin: water at historically low levels, villages cut off when small tributaries dry up, and The resulting cultural and economic impact that arises.
If I could really buy myself a photo gift where money is no object, it would be a return to the Amazon for an extended period of time to tell this important story about the environmental impact of climate change in the Amazon and its effects on people. Focused on impact. Who live there. This may not be that far-reaching, and the more I think about it, the more I realize I should apply for a grant to do this.
Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
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| Photo: Dale Baskin |
Well, I’ll bow to good ‘consumerism’ in this case because it’s okay for anyone to crave what they want. To be honest, I don’t do that need Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Because I already have the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art, which is great for astrophotography. But dear lord, that 14mm F1.4 is a beautiful optic. So, yes, if money were no object, I’d probably find myself spending it on this.
matt waller
You may not be familiar with Matt’s name, but you’re definitely familiar with his work — he stays on top of our site with our latest stories and pictures.
LightPix Labs FlashQ Trigger Kit
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| Image: LightPix Labs |
As a small camera user (my everyday carry is an Olympus PEN E-PL10) who is trying to get into an off-camera flash, everything I’ve tried to trigger has been huge and clunky, The on-camera flash hasn’t improved much. I recently got these, which are exactly what the doctor ordered. And yes, I could (and will) just buy them, but they would make ideal little-camera-lover stocking stuffers (assuming anyone can find them in a stocking).
richard
something attractive
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| Image: Profoto |
Like Matt, more regular access to an offboard flash is probably the thing that would improve my photographic life. In practice this is unlikely to happen, as I’m constantly dealing with a chaotic mix of the next camera to be launched, so the chances of me finding something compatible with all the different X-TTL systems is essentially zero.
However, given the ‘cost is no object’ ethos of this article, I like the idea of something powerful enough for any situation, such as One Profoto B3 or A2. In reality, I suspect something like this Godox V1 Or V1 Pro In fact I will have more use for it in my hands. I like the idea of it having its own Li-ion battery and being USB chargeable, as it means I can actually be able to keep it topped up when I’m travelling. Given the awkwardness of finding removable batteries, separate chargers and power lead adapters that all feature removable batteries, separate chargers and power lead adapters in the company’s small Li-ion flashes, they’ll probably take up just as much space in my bag, so I’d rather have that space in accessories and peripherals. Instead of handing over the flash itself, I’d inevitably leave it on in hotel rooms and trains (as I’ve owned several X100 chargers over the years).
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| Image: Lumecube |
Apart from Godox, a pairs of lumecubes This will mean I stop worrying about TTL compatibility and also provide a flexible option to fill a bit for both stills and video work.
a photo tour
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| A photo taken by Richard during his last visit to the UK. |
On that note, probably the best thing I can buy to improve my photography next year would be a vacation. I’ve increasingly found that I shoot my best galleries during the holidays and, looking out the window on another grey, wet Seattle December day, after a weekend where I didn’t take a single photo, I’m looking forward to the change in lighting. The idea came, a change of scenery and something new to inspire the imagination feels incredibly welcome. Of course, that then raises the question of whether this would actually be an inspiring creative opportunity if I felt the pressure imposed on myself to take photographs for work, but that’s not a dilemma I can protect myself from. , no matter what the unlimited fantasy budget.
Michelle
a better camera strap
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I don’t mind the Peak Design strap, I just think there’s something better out there for me. Image: Peak Design |
In absolute terms, most camera straps are not particularly expensive. However, the point is that I’m not 100% sure what I want, and I’ll probably have to try a lot of them to find out what I really like. Apart from the straps provided by the manufacturer, I have used only Peak Design Slide StrapIt’s fine, but I don’t like it… although I also don’t have any specific fixes I’m looking for; Just a general feeling that it could be better. It can’t really be his fault, because a metal plate on my collarbone makes me particularly sensitive to how things fall on my shoulder.
I have two things in mind that I will start my search with. The first is the Magpul MS4. It’s actually a rifle strap, but it’s compatible with the QD mount that appears on some camera accessories, and it can be used in both single-point or double-point mode, depending on That’s how I’m taking it. The other option I’ve considered is at completely the other end of the complexity spectrum: one of those bars that are Made from recycled climbing ropeWhich I think would be a very comfortable material, but only for light weight setups.
A press photography pass for Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National tour
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| Image: Kendrick Lamar |
The only concerts I was drawn to were of small indie bands whose crowds could be counted not in the hundreds or thousands but in the dozens. So, while I’m probably about 0% qualified to take photos of one of the biggest tours of the year, I’d still say yes to the opportunity if someone offered it. I think it would be great to capture a photo of one of my favorite artists at what might have been the peak of their popularity – and imagine what a great sample gallery that would be.
What I’m saying is that if you’re part of PGlang and want to make my Christmas, you know where to find me.
a giant card reader station
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| Image: lexer |
The downside of writing our accessory roundups is that I often end up covering things I can’t possibly justify buying but that I still want. one of those things is this $600 docking station from LexarWhich can accept up to six (sold separately) card reader modules and lets you load from all of them at once at speeds up to 40Gbps.
Obviously, we work with a variety of cameras at DPReview, which involves juggling a variety of cards. And while I’ve never needed the ability to dump a six, it would be fun for me to know. canEven though I can realistically do my work with a single CFExpress Type A and Type B reader. Another plus of the Lexar Dock: It gives you a few extra Thunderbolt and USB A ports, and I always feel like I could use one or two more of those, despite that. Thunderbolt dock already exists,
Sony 28-70mm F2
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| This is an incredible setup – it’s a shame it costs $9,400. |
My personal favorite time to take photos is late at night, so I’m always looking for the fastest lens I can get my hands on – I know this is an unfortunately heavy and expensive hobby. That’s why Sony’s new 28-70mm F2 Very compelling to me; It’s brighter than the standard 24-70mm lens, and even though it has a slightly shorter range, it’s far more versatile than the F1.4 primes that make up the bulk of my arsenal. Of course, it would have been better, considering it costs $2,800. Plus, if I really wanted to buy one for myself I would have to pay even more since I don’t currently own a Sony body.
