Share your inexpensive accessories that made your gear productive or look cool

[jdramirez]

Thank you for all the great ideas.

Here's one of mine: Rubber lens adjustable hoods.

* Protect the lens and the camera softly - won't break.
(Think willow tree versus an oak tree)

* Can put lens with camera in bag without removing hood as it takes almost no additional volume - and they collapse to fit my bag.

* $8 versus Canon's $32.

The only time I don't use them is with a lens wider than about 50mm.
Then we need the petal design.
However, if new rubber hoods come with petals - I'm all in.

Here's one for your 100-400 lens.

http://www.camera-filters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=483&products_id=7602

I had one and I really liked it... but if you drop the camera/lens lens first... it offers very little protection. As I don't use filters.. 8 will sacrifice a hood over the front element any day.

 

[ninjapeps]

Re: Share your inexpensive accessories that make your gear productive or look cool

This is a Vello Tripod Collar (Ring D) for Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L IS lens ... I bought this 2 years, for US$49, ago when it was first released ... at that time the original Canon version was around US$185, even now the original version costs US$172.
The Vello version is identical to the original canon version ... it is made of quality material, very sturdy and works perfectly.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822983-REG/Vello_TC_DB_Tripod_Collar_D_Black.html

The one I got was from iShoot. $15 with free shipping on ebay.

 

[slclick]

Custom SLR handstrap, 15 bucks. Works so well I would have paid 50.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Re: Share your inexpensive accessories that make your gear productive or look cool

This is a Vello Tripod Collar (Ring D) for Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L IS lens ... I bought this 2 years, for US$49, ago when it was first released ... at that time the original Canon version was around US$185, even now the original version costs US$172.
The Vello version is identical to the original canon version ... it is made of quality material, very sturdy and works perfectly.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822983-REG/Vello_TC_DB_Tripod_Collar_D_Black.html

The one I got was from iShoot. $15 with free shipping on ebay.

Could you repost the link (possibly a photo as well)? coz when I click on the link it says "0 results found in 28. Tripod Mount Rings"

 

[ninjapeps]

Re: Share your inexpensive accessories that make your gear productive or look cool

Could you repost the link (possibly a photo as well)? coz when I click on the link it says "0 results found in 28. Tripod Mount Rings"

Hrm. That's strange. I get three items when I go to that link. Is this one working? http://www.ebay.com/itm/iShoot-Tripod-Mount-Ring-Lens-Collar-Support-Canon-EF-100-2-8-L-USM-Macro-/280854802540?pt=US_Lens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item416440306c

 

[Vivid Color]

By far - the most important accessory for photographers who use lighting is the most professional extension cords you can get. The thicker the better because you might have only ONE socket. Also, get a companion power strip.

At Home Depot there are power cords and strips that have LED's in the plugs that let you know they're running juice. If you're going out on a job, keep one of these in your cars or trucks, period. Don't leave home with out 'em.

This is a great idea and I'd like to suggest something similar for leisure travel. When traveling, I now take one or two short – – 3 feet or less – household type extension cords that have the ability to plug-in three items. This makes it easier to recharge all of my electronic items at once. One of my extension cords is less than a foot and unfortunately, I can't remember where I bought it, and I haven't been able to find another one like it. It's ideal for plugging into lamps in hotels that have an electrical socket on their base.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Re: Share your inexpensive accessories that make your gear productive or look cool

Could you repost the link (possibly a photo as well)? coz when I click on the link it says "0 results found in 28. Tripod Mount Rings"

Hrm. That's strange. I get three items when I go to that link. Is this one working? http://www.ebay.com/itm/iShoot-Tripod-Mount-Ring-Lens-Collar-Support-Canon-EF-100-2-8-L-USM-Macro-/280854802540?pt=US_Lens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item416440306c

Yes, this one works ... thanks ... $15 is a fantastic deal.

 

[EricFiskCGD]

I wonder if folks who black out their gear do the same to their cars, dishwashers, razors etc.
Being anti advertising is one thing but a logo on a machine isn't like a Nike T shirt or a John Deere hat.

I think if I saw a blacked out camera it would actually stand out much more to me and furthermore it would be very easy to tell the brand from the shape. Ricockulous but ymmv.

One of the first people to get me into photography was a Private Dick who was a buddy of my dad's and told me about the ins & outs of night-time "Sneaky Peep" surveillance. Dick's like to black-out their brands of their cameras to hide hand distinguishing marks and to help camouflage themselves into the background so they won't be spotted by the people they're spying.

For me, I want people to know I'm buying the best and I wouldn't hide the name "Canon," ever.

 

[jdramirez]

I wonder if folks who black out their gear do the same to their cars, dishwashers, razors etc.
Being anti advertising is one thing but a logo on a machine isn't like a Nike T shirt or a John Deere hat.

I think if I saw a blacked out camera it would actually stand out much more to me and furthermore it would be very easy to tell the brand from the shape. Ricockulous but ymmv.

One of the first people to get me into photography was a Private Dick who was a buddy of my dad's and told me about the ins & outs of night-time "Sneaky Peep" surveillance. Dick's like to black-out their brands of their cameras to hide hand distinguishing marks and to help camouflage themselves into the background so they won't be spotted by the people they're spying.

For me, I want people to know I'm buying the best and I wouldn't hide the name "Canon," ever.

How expensive of great do private dicks have? In the movies they always seem to zoom in... and those were the days of film... so what.. 1600 iso and 1\30 of a second shutter speeds to get the husband dancing in his under wear?

 

[Don Haines]

A DC-AC converter (with USB charging port) that allows me to charge batteries and devices while traveling.

 

[EricFiskCGD]

How expensive of great do private dicks have? In the movies they always seem to zoom in... and those were the days of film... so what.. 1600 iso and 1\30 of a second shutter speeds to get the husband dancing in his under wear?

My dad's buddy was a retired cop turned Private Dick who took a lot of necessary and unnecessary precautions. Blacking out your equipment label might be excessive... all depending on your point of view.

It was also before the digital age and I don't remember a lot of expensive lenses - just chatter of infrared 35mm film. Keep in mind I was very young when I heard their "stories."

 

[jdramirez]

How's the balance with the 100mm tripod ring. I think I'll pick one up. It will be cheaper than buying a nice tripod ball head.

 

[btaoka]

I was on a trip visiting my new niece in California. My brother and sister in law didn't have any newborn photos so I went to Target, bought a black bedsheet for $8 and used their natural window lighting to create a makeshift studio setting:

Baby Sohini by btaoka, on Flickr


Baby Sohini 2 by btaoka, on Flickr

You can see some lint in the first shot after washing the bedsheet but it's easily correctable in CC.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

How's the balance with the 100mm tripod ring. I think I'll pick one up. It will be cheaper than buying a nice tripod ball head.

The balance is very good with the Vello tripod collar which I've tried on 7D, 60D, 5D MK III & 70D ... but if one is only going to do landscape oriented shots than I do not see any reason for this tripod collar on the any of the cameras I've mentioned here (it might better for smaller DSLRs) ... but it is absolutely invaluable to quickly change the orientation from landscape to portrait mode, especially during macro photography.

 

[YardBurner]

My new fave travel must have is this. www.belkin.com/us/p/P-BV106050-CW/

Six AC and 2 USB can't be beat.

Lowes, Home Depot and even Costco (they have a 2 pack for like $25)

 

[JonAustin]

Re: Share your inexpensive accessories that make your gear productive or look cool

This is a Vello Tripod Collar (Ring D) for Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L IS lens ... I bought this 2 years, for US$49, ago when it was first released ... at that time the original Canon version was around US$185, even now the original version costs US$172.
The Vello version is identical to the original canon version ... it is made of quality material, very sturdy and works perfectly.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822983-REG/Vello_TC_DB_Tripod_Collar_D_Black.html

The one I got was from iShoot. $15 with free shipping on ebay.

I bought my copy of the Vello collar for the 100L macro from B&H in December 2012 for $35; less than Rienzphotoz paid, but as he wrote, it had just been released when he bought. (Interested that it's back up to $50 now!) Fifteen bucks much better still, and no doubt the iShoot and Vello versions are identical, save for the logo printing on the base. Any of these prices are great bargains compared to Canon's version.

The balance is very good with the Vello tripod collar which I've tried on 7D, 60D, 5D MK III & 70D ... but if one is only going to do landscape oriented shots than I do not see any reason for this tripod collar on the any of the cameras I've mentioned here (it might better for smaller DSLRs) ... but it is absolutely invaluable to quickly change the orientation from landscape to portrait mode, especially during macro photography.

I've only used the Vello collar with a 5DI and 5DIII (both with grips), for portrait shoots (in portrait orientation, of course!), and have been completely satisfied with all aspects of its use. I rarely take it off the lens.

 

[KyleSTL]

A DC-AC converter (with USB charging port) that allows me to charge batteries and devices while traveling.

+1, I have a Pearstone charger and 6 plates for it (3 Canon DSLR, 2 Canon P&S, 1 Nikon DSLR). I carry one charger and all the plates for the cameras I'm carrying at any time, and have the ability to charge my iPhone, iPad, etc at the same time. I wish it was a 10W or 12W USB charger, but for convenience, it cannot be beat.

 

[wD_Boston]

A simple white kitchen trash bag. Folds up nicely in your camera bag for when you get caught in the rain. Also makes a great flash diffuser.

 

[Lloyd]

I use this Monster portable powerstrip which is extremely compact. http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Outlets-To-Go-Powerstrip/dp/B000ONZTMW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1395253266&sr=1-2&keywords=travel+power+strip

 

[jdramirez]

I don't recall it being mentioned... but I use the yongnuo 622c's and the first set I got only one of the transceivers was fully functional, so you have to keep that in mind... but they quickly and efficiently add ettl wireless control over your speedlites. And at roughly $40 each.. that is a steal.