what accessories are essential to your photography

[Steve]

MIracles never cease. Never owned a 400 F2.8. i have had 300 F2.8, 500 and 600F4. 400 F2.8 w/ built-in TC makes sense for sports shooters. Wonder what this means for 600 F4?

My fingers are fully crossed. While a 400 2.8 with a built-in TC is tempting, my bread and butter is at 600mm and above. It makes sense that they would do it for both lenses, I guess we'll see.

Of course, the TC is still a rumor at this point too. Peter is usually right most of the time, but there is the occasional miss.

 

[Letolen]

Remote control & reading glasses

 

[Pistnbroke]

It's just a flash bracket that allows you to keep the flash away from the camera but more importantly always above the lens regardless of whether you shoot in landscape or portrait mode. Very popular items among wedding and event photographers. Here's an example: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/347641-REG/Flash_Frame_FF400_Flash_Flip_H_O_T_Bracket.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI:514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7efXoIqs8gIVtgqtBh20YABSEAQYAiABEgJr8PD_BwE

That is a horrible version that I would never use . I will take some photos and put up a separate thread.

 

[Steve W]

It's just a flash bracket that allows you to keep the flash away from the camera but more importantly always above the lens regardless of whether you shoot in landscape or portrait mode. Very popular items among wedding and event photographers. Here's an example: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/347641-REG/Flash_Frame_FF400_Flash_Flip_H_O_T_Bracket.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI:514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7efXoIqs8gIVtgqtBh20YABSEAQYAiABEgJr8PD_BwE

Some of these flash brackets are overly complicated and bulky. The simple “L” bracket used to work just fine. It pretty much emulated the handle mount flash guns that were popular some time ago.

Kaiser Folding Metal "L" Flash Bracket with Hand Strap

Buy Kaiser Folding Metal "L" Flash Bracket Review Kaiser null

www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[Woodyg3]

Something dry to sit on. I've used an old plastic bag more than once.

 

[Roy]

We all have cameras and lens, tripods and heads, but about the little stuff that can make or break a trip. Accessories that are much more valuable than you might think.

For exampe, I have an rolling Eagle Duffel bag. No structure in the bag, just a hand to grab it on the top and wheels on the other end. Weighs around 2-3 lbs, saves me 5-7 lbs vs a rolling bag with a hard bottom.

Chobe bag by Gura Gear. Holds my laptop plus all sort of chargers, meds (I am old enough to need them), ... fits on the handle of another key accessory - my samsonite trolley.

Or OR (Outdoor Research) storage bags I got an REI years ago to hold flash brackets.

The monster Outlets To Go extension strip. 4 US plugs, 2 on each side, no surge protector to blow when I connect it to 240V outside the US, short cable wraps around the strip, only need 1 plug adapter.

I am sure I will add more. What is on your list.

I most shoot commercial so my need change.
My gear is laid out in groups across benches. I grab what I think i'll need.
The batteries are on their own bench with the memory cards and I grab them last.
Then I grab a small pouch with small torch, tools, spare cards, lens heaters, camera rain covers and spare lens caps.
I have another separate system for lighting.
Last of all I grab the bag or bags that will easily fit the gear. And of coarse a suitable tripod...

 

[Roaring 40s]

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Skimmer ground pod and gimbal.

 

[Karl Gillard]

I live in SW Louisiana and shoot mostly wildlife, nature, landscapes. The weather can go from bright sunny to flood rain in a matter of minutes. Mosquitos, gnats, deer flies, horse flies, red ants, wasp, etc. are year round inhabitants. I have/use three different backpacks that all contain at least one of these items: insect repellent - Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall; a large garbage bag (used for sitting on wet ground, backpack rain cover, etc., about 15’ of paracord which can be taken apart and use the inner strands for a multitude of purposes, 5’ of gorilla (duct) tape rolled onto itself, sunscreen, “Sting Ease”, hydration, and a hat (since my hair doesn’t cover as much as it used to). Only minimal space used and less than a pound added to the weight.

 

[Patrick M]

Reading glasses were a must before Nikon Z6, but now I can see everything in the EVF! Result

 

[Stephen Berger]

BlackRapid Double Breathe Camera Harness. I like to have my 600 and a wider lens with me at all times.

 

[Anjin San]

My wildlife spotter to help find the darned critters. It is about 64 inches tall and weighs about mumble mumble pounds and has long blond locks. She’s also a pretty decent 2nd Sherpa when I include myself and makes a pretty good kinda tripod long lens support when needed…and can get into my backpack without taking it off a whole lot better than I can.

It also works in the car to hold things.

 

[ssheipel]

Padded kneepads.

Agreed. I got a pair of hunting pants that have knee pads built in!

 

[ssheipel]

Perhaps you can explain this . With the 180-400 Nikon has a drop in 1.4 convert (Canon pioneered it on their 200-400). Why hasn't a company made a supertele with a drop in converter. Seems like a no-brainer but then again I may not have the brain to understand optical design.

Both Canon and Nikon have lenses with built in TC -- I have the Nikon 180-400 with built in 1.4 TC -- I simply flip a small switch reachable by right hand finger.

 

[ssheipel]

Something dry to sit on. I've used an old plastic bag more than once.

Yup. Laid face down in beaver,- muskrat- and bird-poop flavoured dirt yesterday

 

[Palouse]

A corkscrew and a bottle opener, for those days when you must either celebrate a great day in the field, refresh at the end of a long, hot day, or drown out your failures/crew-ups!

 

[Woodyg3]

Yup. Laid face down in beaver,- muskrat- and bird-poop flavoured dirt yesterday

LOL. I always figure it's good for me to do that once in a while. I've been known to lie down on cactus by mistake, as well.

 

[ssheipel]

LOL. I always figure it's good for me to do that once in a while. I've been known to lie down on cactus by mistake, as well.

Ouch!

 

[NickD]

Perhaps you can explain this . With the 180-400 Nikon has a drop in 1.4 convert (Canon pioneered it on their 200-400). Why hasn't a company made a supertele with a drop in converter. Seems like a no-brainer but then again I may not have the brain to understand optical design.

Nikon’s new Z400mm prime is expected to have a built in 1.4TC……your wish is thier command !

 

[RichF]

Nikon’s new Z400mm prime is expected to have a built in 1.4TC……your wish is thier command !

Hope that they include a drop in 1.4 TC with the Z 600 F4. or better yet, 600 PF (F6.3 or faster)

 

[Whiskeyman]

Yup. Laid face down in beaver,- muskrat- and bird-poop flavoured dirt yesterday

Sounds great! What was for dessert?