Gear Guide | 5 Photo Accessories That I Would NEVER Buy Again
Let’s be honest. Everyone wants to save a couple of dollars whenever possible, but there are moments where paying a few dollars up front will save you a lot in the long run, and you’ll enjoy a better quality product.
Here are five products I’ve invested in in the past and have regretted it. Save yourself the heartache and your hard-earned money and learn from my mistakes.
Cheap Shoulder Rigs
For example, the Flashpoint DSLR Should Rig II is more than likely why I have trust issues as a human being. Within an hour of opening the box, I had pieces lying around the studio because it came apart that quickly. I wouldn’t trust a go-pro attached to that thing, much less a DSLR or Mirrorless camera worth thousands of dollars. Save your money and wait until you can afford a quality shoulder rig.
Consider buying this instead:
FILMCITY DSLR Camera Shoulder Support Rig Kit
Cheap Light Stands
Note to self: Stop buying cheap light stands.
I've made my fair share of cheap light stand purchases over the years, and every single one has failed me. Don't skimp, invest in a quality light stand or pack well. After all, the only thing stopping your precious strobe light from bouncing off of the floor and an unfortunate insurance claim is a quality light stand.
Consider buying this instead:
Manfrotto 5001b Nano Stand
Cheap Gaffer Tape
I don’t think there’s anything in the world as frustrating or disappointing as cheap Gaffer tape. I mean, why even bother buying it? It doesn’t stick and doesn’t hold down anything. You’d have more luck using a wet napkin to hold things down in set.
Consider buying this instead:
Gaffer Power Gaffer Tape
Cheap Lighting Modifiers
I once invested in a Photek Softlighter II, after watching a very well regarded photographer using one on set. While teach a class, it caught on fire. Yes. In the middle of a 40-50 person class, it caught fire and I had to put it out. Luckily no one was injured, aside from my pride.
Don’t skimp. Invest in great lighting modifiers that will last you for years and be sure your lighting modifiers are fire retardant.
Consider buying this instead:
Profoto Umbrella Shallow White
Cheap or Kitschy Camera Straps
I’ve owned well over a dozen camera straps over the last couple of years. I’ve had two that have withheld the test of time (One of them even lasted longer than the manufacturer that made it), and the rest have made their way to the NYC landfill by now.
Consider buying this instead:
