Useless or absurd accessories

[rs]

Tied with the "tripod" that has flexible legs and can supposedly wrap around a fence post or branch.

I really hope I am not the only one who fell for that, this thing can barely carry its own weight, but it really reminded me of the "buy cheap, pay double" saying :-\

I tried one in store and could not get it to hold onto anything.....

With the model I know they're smart enough to put it into a tight casing so you have to buy it before realizing that it's no good ... and in addition to that I ordered mine online, not a large loss of $$$ mind you but that's probably just what keeps them going.

Love mine. Holds my 5diii with grip and 16-35/24-105/100 IS with no problems. Much easier to hike with than a full size tripod.

It largely depends on the model. I had the SLR Zoom version for some time - it worked within its limits. However, one of the plastic cups broke (its quite a common problem), and from then on, not only wouldn't it grip onto anything, but it couldn't even hold its own weight up when using it as a mini tripod. I now have the focus version (with metal cups in the legs), and it is good for what it is. However, if wrapping around something to mount a camera for any long duration (more than a few minutes), I'd only consider using it in combination with a good buckle strap tightly wrapped around the legs.

My preferred long term mount of choice is the Manfrotto Magic Arm with a Super Clamp.

 

[eml58]

I bought a micro camera to clip onto Fluffy's collar to see what she did all day. The camera was set to take an image every 10 seconds. I managed to capture 9 hours of sleeping cat.

I tried it on her outside. She came back without camera and collar. I never found it.

That's too Funny Man, I'm still laughing, not sure which part was the best, the sleeping Cat (there's a surprise ;D ) or the missing Camera & Collar, nice neighbourhood.

 

[pwp]

It's interesting that after 21 posts, there have been precious few genuinely absurd accessories stories. Many of us may have made dumb purchases along the lines of the cheap tripod folly, but what I'm reading is that most of us a actually reasonably savvy about what represents a genuinely useful addition to the kit.

Aren't we a smart bunch!

-pw

 

[ninjapeps]

Lens hoods for UWA lenses? They've just never seemed to serve any purpose to me, especially since I mainly use hoods as added protection for my front elements.

If we're not restricted to photography gear, those supposed anti-radiation strips for cellphones. They're strips of plastic and metal pasted on a cellphone casing. How is that supposed to stop radiation?

 

[cellomaster27]

ND filters from China. Hong Kong to be exact. Didn't want to go for the expensive Lee or other good brands. Cheap filters from tiffen, vivitar.. Cheap macro filter set. Slew of third party lens hoods.. I guess we live and learn, usually the long route. ;D

Oh! Can I include camera bags?? But then maybe that's more preference based.. :

 

[tcmatthews]

What have you seen for idiotic accessories or for items that were just not thought out....

I saw a car window mount tripod head..... You roll down the window, slip it over the edge of the glass, and mount your camera or spotting scope to it. This one was marketed as XXXXXX window mount, real tree camouflage. Why would you need camouflage? With a couple of square inches of camouflage the critters will not be able to see you? That somehow they will miss the car, the big white lens, and the person behind it, but it is the tiny mount that matters?

Sort of like camouflage flashlights

I believe it is intended to mount on the window of a deer blind while hunting. I actually have a black Bass Pro version. Only used it once. Most of the deer blinds I am in have a window seal that is two wide. I know that it shows it attached to a car window but that is ridiculous.

When I first started I bought a very cheep $19.95 Dynex tripod. Being low on funds and insisting on owning a tripod it was my only option at the time.

First thing the plastic tripod head popped right out of the aluminum center column. I had to DIY fix it. The plastic head had a small hole in the bottom of the tripod head. I shoved a peace of an old broken fishing rod in the hold and taped up ring sections to add reinforcement and epoxied the tripod head back on the shaft.

I would not trust the tripod with a 5d but it is fine will a rebel or other small camera and small lens. I even used it for a while with my 60d. (That was a little scary at times. I finally bough a real tripod but I sometimes use it to hold my NEX or an external flash.

Sense I am using every excuse to test my 6D this week I include pictures.

 

[eml58]

Someone once said (may have been my Father), when you have a great idea, wait awhile, it generally goes away.

The attached is one of the most useless pieces of equipment I've ever had a good idea about.

I think in these Images the "joints" must have been super glued.

 

[eml58]

And one of the few items (I know, it's not Photographic) but is a bigger lesson in Futility is.....

 

[surapon]

Yes, I am Canon FAN since 1965, and My First Canon camera = FT-QL yes, One of the best( Great Cost= $ 100 US Dollars in that Time)----Since that time, I buy only Canon equipment and get the Best use of them--Until 1978, I brought Canon Grip/ Stand for my Canon A2E = Canon Grip GR-100TP = $ 100 Us Dollars---And It can not carry the Load( USELESS/ STUPID INVESTMENT) of my Love A2E-----Ha, Ha, Ha, The Bolt can not tight enough to carry the Load---I just throw in to the box and never see it again, Until I read this Post---I just find It and try with my 7D ( Yes, I remove the Battery Grip out first), and try this Grip again, Well --No, This Grip still not work for me. BUT, I will use with my new toy EOS-M that I just order, And Will get with in next 5 days Plus I will add DIY , the Hand Grip for this M machine too. I hope that, It will work for this Tiny camera
Enjoy
Surapon

 

[TAF]

What have you seen for idiotic accessories or for items that were just not thought out....

I saw a car window mount tripod head..... You roll down the window, slip it over the edge of the glass, and mount your camera or spotting scope to it. This one was marketed as XXXXXX window mount, real tree camouflage. Why would you need camouflage? With a couple of square inches of camouflage the critters will not be able to see you? That somehow they will miss the car, the big white lens, and the person behind it, but it is the tiny mount that matters?

Sort of like camouflage flashlights

I cannot speak to the camouflage, but the slip over the car window tripod head can be quite a useful accessory, if you are shooting things where you don't want to get out of your car but still want a decently stable platform.

I have one - I've used it for shooting waves crashing on the beach during a storm.

(I've also used it to hold a traffic radar antenna when clocking a road race).

 

[Rienzphotoz]

And one of the few items (I know, it's not Photographic) but is a bigger lesson in Futility is.....

;D ;D ;D
I bet most of us have at least one Rubik's cube, hoping to crack it one day ... I probably bought at least 7 or 8 of them int he past 30 or more years ... but still haven't cracked it ... 10 seconds and I just give up. ;D

 

[scottkinfw]

I have one languishing in my closet too.

Someone once said (may have been my Father), when you have a great idea, wait awhile, it generally goes away.

The attached is one of the most useless pieces of equipment I've ever had a good idea about.

I think in these Images the "joints" must have been super glued.

 

[scottkinfw]

What is that blue and yellow accessory of yours in the background on the floor, and exactly what do you use it for?

Scott

What have you seen for idiotic accessories or for items that were just not thought out....

I saw a car window mount tripod head..... You roll down the window, slip it over the edge of the glass, and mount your camera or spotting scope to it. This one was marketed as XXXXXX window mount, real tree camouflage. Why would you need camouflage? With a couple of square inches of camouflage the critters will not be able to see you? That somehow they will miss the car, the big white lens, and the person behind it, but it is the tiny mount that matters?

Sort of like camouflage flashlights

I believe it is intended to mount on the window of a deer blind while hunting. I actually have a black Bass Pro version. Only used it once. Most of the deer blinds I am in have a window seal that is two wide. I know that it shows it attached to a car window but that is ridiculous.

When I first started I bought a very cheep $19.95 Dynex tripod. Being low on funds and insisting on owning a tripod it was my only option at the time.

First thing the plastic tripod head popped right out of the aluminum center column. I had to DIY fix it. The plastic head had a small hole in the bottom of the tripod head. I shoved a peace of an old broken fishing rod in the hold and taped up ring sections to add reinforcement and epoxied the tripod head back on the shaft.

I would not trust the tripod with a 5d but it is fine will a rebel or other small camera and small lens. I even used it for a while with my 60d. (That was a little scary at times. I finally bough a real tripod but I sometimes use it to hold my NEX or an external flash.

Sense I am using every excuse to test my 6D this week I include pictures.

 

[Zv]

Someone once said (may have been my Father), when you have a great idea, wait awhile, it generally goes away.

The attached is one of the most useless pieces of equipment I've ever had a good idea about.

I think in these Images the "joints" must have been super glued.

Haha that is one ridiculous image. Anyone (incl me) who owns these jobys (another word for turds where I come from funnily enough) can testify to the fact that it can barely hold an iPhone without falling over.

I bought the middle one, the Hybrid, for my EOS M and same story as everyone else. Worst accessory ever.

I also remember buying 2 third party rubber lens hoods for my 18-55 kit lens (can't even say that without laughing now!). Pointless garbage. Also bought one of those lens caps that have a string attached so you don't lose it. It just flaps about annoyingly and gets in the way instead! Pointless!

UV filter instead of a clear filter. Stupidity.

Two tripods of mediocre quality. One that is just far too bloody heavy to use and get's left behind for the the much smaller, much cheaper, much less stable SLIK sprint thing I got as a gift. Idiotic!

And probably the dumbest of them all (only in Japan) - a small pillow or "zabuton" for my camera. I don't even know what it's meant to be for but I bought it when I was a newbie. I think it's supposed to be put under the lens as a kind of soft support but that only works on a flat surface, maybe if you place the camera on a wall? I use it as bag filler to make my bag more secure now!

 

[Marsu42]

I think in these Images the joints" must have been super glued.

Exactly - and in Germany they don't show this image with the L lens, or it would be misleading and you could return the item (well, per mail order you can return it anyway for 2 weeks, but still). However the text accompanying the mini-tripod heavily implies that you can use it in versatile ways and makes absolutely no mention of the very strong weight limit - that's why it came to my mind when thinking of "useless".

 

[Botts]

Tied with the "tripod" that has flexible legs and can supposedly wrap around a fence post or branch.

I really hope I am not the only one who fell for that, this thing can barely carry its own weight, but it really reminded me of the "buy cheap, pay double" saying :-\

I quite liked my GorillaPod, it had its place, and my Gitzo has its place. I use my gorilla pod lots with my P&S in places like Disneyland, or to strap a T2i to my Gitzo if I want video to supplement my photos.

Sort of like camouflage flashlights

As someone who has spent a substantially amount of time outdoors, I actively seek out the brightest coloured, least camouflaged items I can find. Nothing worse than seeing someone drop a brand new camo zippo or flashlight in the bush, never to see it again.

The only things I buy in less visible are things that I don't store in my pack if I'm trying to go low observable, but even then the items will be OD or black, not camo.


The worst accessory I can think of is the selfie stick! http://www.amazon.com/niceEshop-Extendable-telescopic-handheld-Portrait/dp/B00B0TNWIW/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1386659265&sr=1-5&keywords=self+portrait

 

[Eldar]

Someone once said (may have been my Father), when you have a great idea, wait awhile, it generally goes away.

The attached is one of the most useless pieces of equipment I've ever had a good idea about.

I think in these Images the "joints" must have been super glued.

I actually bought the ballhead version of this. After trying it and concluding that it doesn't work, it's been collecting dust.
But when I saw this thread started, I thought we would see loads of useless crap, but after close to 40 years, I have a hard time thinking of any really useless and/or absurd gadgets.
The area where I have wasted most money is probably on tripods and heads. Always trying to cope with something cheap, always ending up buying something better and more expensive.

 

[serendipidy]

And one of the few items (I know, it's not Photographic) but is a bigger lesson in Futility is.....

;D ;D ;D
I bet most of us have at least one Rubik's cube, hoping to crack it one day ... I probably bought at least 7 or 8 of them int he past 30 or more years ... but still haven't cracked it ... 10 seconds and I just give up. ;D

Many years ago shortly after they became popular, I got my 4 year old son, who I thought was a prodigy, a Rubik's cube for his birthday. After all the adults failed, I showed him how to work it and told him the goal was to make each side one color. He went to his room and came back 5 minutes later with it solved. We were all in disbelief. So I mixed it up again and gave it to him a second time. He comes back 5 minutes later with it solved again. Unbelievable. I asked him how he did it and he shows me that each of the colored squares was a stick on piece of paper which he meticulously pealed off and perfectly reapplied until the puzzle was solved. I guess there are several ways to skin a cat. ;D

 

[infared]

Sort of like camouflage flashlights

The worst accessory I can think of is the selfie stick! http://www.amazon.com/niceEshop-Extendable-telescopic-handheld-Portrait/dp/B00B0TNWIW/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1386659265&sr=1-5&keywords=self+portrait

[/quote]

"One man's trash is another man's treasure"! The Selfie Stick could be Steve Huff's most important piece of hardware. .......so...you just never know.
Me, I thought it was a monopod!

 

[Rienzphotoz]

And one of the few items (I know, it's not Photographic) but is a bigger lesson in Futility is.....

;D ;D ;D
I bet most of us have at least one Rubik's cube, hoping to crack it one day ... I probably bought at least 7 or 8 of them int he past 30 or more years ... but still haven't cracked it ... 10 seconds and I just give up. ;D

Many years ago shortly after they became popular, I got my 4 year old son, who I thought was a prodigy, a Rubik's cube for his birthday. After all the adults failed, I showed him how to work it and told him the goal was to make each side one color. He went to his room and came back 5 minutes later with it solved. We were all in disbelief. So I mixed it up again and gave it to him a second time. He comes back 5 minutes later with it solved again. Unbelievable. I asked him how he did it and he shows me that each of the colored squares was a stick on piece of paper which he meticulously pealed off and perfectly reapplied until the puzzle was solved. I guess there are several ways to skin a cat. ;D

Clever boy ... clearly he was thinking out of the box ;D