Later today I’ll be kicking off a new series of weekly blog posts that will run on Tuesdays, featuring photography gear or equipment. I’m hoping to offer some real-world thoughts on the gear rather than just restating the specs or such.
Too many reviews and photo gear blogs simply spit out the manufacturer’s specs or hypothesize about how something might perform. I’m going to look only at gear I’ve used, and offer an honest look at the good and bad points of said gear. Discussion will probably move beyond the gear itself and more into how the gear is used and fits into an overall photography system.
In the interest of disclosure: because of many positive purchasing experiences through B&H Photo I’ve formed an affiliate relationship with their website and will be linking directly to product pages on their site. If you purchase through B&H via one of my links, I’ll receive a small commission.
Last night I shot Ignite Portland, a fast-paced program featuring a series of presenters. As I’ve started shooting more events that involve using two cameras, it has become quite obvious that carrying two bodies on neck straps is highly impractical.
I did a bit of research and yesterday on my lunch break I headed over to my favorite Portland photography store and purchased an R-Strap. What is an R-Strap? Go to their website and watch the videos – it’s a nylon strap with a heavy-duty fastener that can slide along the strap. The camera hangs from the fastener, along your side or behind your back depending on how the strap is adjusted. To shoot, just swing the camera up to your eye and fire away. Unlike a traditional neck strap, the camera is out of the way when not in use and it also leaves both hands and arms completely free to move around.
The R-Strap is simple, but very functional. I used it last night to carry my 300D + battery grip with a 135 f/2L lens. It was comfortable and very practical; I could swing the camera up for a quick shot in less than a second. I would highly recommend it for event photographers or others who shoot in fast-moving situations.
Shortly after starting this blog I wrote about which DSLR for a beginner and it’s been a popular post. Today I learned of a new site called the DSLR Map which offers a grid and links to information and reviews on a bunch of DSLR cameras. The site has a good start; I assume that some of the blanks will get filled over time. If you’re looking for camera information, check it out.
Robert Scoble recently recorded a spur-of-the-moment interview with the founders of Twitter. As he notes in his blog post, some folks are giving him grief for not using a “professional” camera, but he notes that the meeting wasn’t originally scheduled to be an interview.
He got the video because he had a video-capable camera with him at all times. Have you ever missed a photo opportunity because you didn’t have a camera? I always recommend that photographers have a camera with them at all times.
Carrying a DSLR and lenses and other gear all the time isn’t practical for many, but even a relatively inexpensive point-and-shoot camera can take some great photos. I have a Canon A540 with me all the time for opportunities to shoot when I don’t have my 40D. When it comes to getting the shot, a $150 5-megapixel point-and-shoot is far better than nothing at all.
Professional and serious hobby photographers can accumulate a lot of gear (bodies, lenses, flash equipment, batteries, storage, etc) and as I’ve grown my collection over the past few years I’ve adapted my gear-carrying methods as well. My first serious photography with my DSLR was outdoor photography and I purchased a LowePro Mini Trekker AW backpack. It worked well, easily carrying the body, several lenses, and some other small accessories. Over time, I came to realize the big drawback with a backpack system: accessing the back involves stopping, taking the backpack off one’s back, setting it down, getting the gear, then reversing the process. It wasn’t bad when I had somewhere dry to set things and had some time, but I wanted something with easier access.
Enter the Think Tank Speed Belt system. It’s a very flexible system consisting of a variety of bags that can be worn on a special belt. Bags can be added or removed from the belt as needed for a particular situation or shoot. A big positive is that the lenses or other items in the bags can be accessed while the belt is being worn, without stopping or setting anything on the ground.
I still use my backpack to bring a large quantity of gear to a shoot, but if the situation requires moving around and being able to swap equipment quickly, the flexibility of the belt system makes it my tool of choice. Photographers looking to invest in a bag should consider the type of photography, gear to be carried, and budget, and choose a system allowing for the best results for their situation.
