What’s your favorite inexpensive photo accessory? Let me know! Always looking to produce more relevant content. I could maybe do some equipment reviews on them.

@davidgommeren7283

Жыл бұрын

In the past when using small compact cameras it was always the small tripods with bendable legs, great for selfies, long exposures, delayed exposures, etc. Lately, maybe the little toy beanbag I once bought, but since I don't go on safari anymore I hardly use it.

@asadfarraj

Жыл бұрын

A handy air-blower definitely! I can use it to clean my sensor, lenses, and my PC's keyboard and mouse too!

@gwyneplaine4771

Жыл бұрын

I'd say investing in a small humidity cabinet ( like the Sirui HC-50 for $240 USD) is a great investment, especially if you live in a relatively dusty environment or a high-humidity environment like I do. They're silent and really don't use much power at all and the peace of mind is invaluable.

@Sean-Smith-Photos

Жыл бұрын

I picked up a mini tripod off amazon for about $35 perfect for when I travel light but might want to use a tripod. Also much better than the overpriced gorilla pod that I didn't like.

@shmvon

Жыл бұрын

I have a dumb LED that costs about 20 EUR and is great for boudoir photos in the near dark. Way better than flash. Also have a cheap tripod that. works just fine. When walking, I prefer a sling over other straps. I don't know if a screen calibration tool is under 100 USD, but that's a nice thing too. What I never use is my colour card and cube. Adjusting white balance in software is easy enough.

I’d like to add that if you have cameras with exposed sensors, one more way to reduce the chance of getting dust on the sensor is to make sure you wait a few extra seconds after you switch off the power, before detaching the lens. This is to make sure the camera has time to discharge static electricity from the sensor. If you detach the lens immediately (or didn’t turn off the power at all) the sensor will become a dust magnet. I went from having to clean my sensor 3-4 times a year, to once in 3 years after I adopted this habit.

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

great tip

@lsamoa

Жыл бұрын

Best advice! Thank you

@edneddy2

Жыл бұрын

That's something I never really thought of

@saifaldin_

Жыл бұрын

@@edneddy2 It’s not something I found out myself. I heard it somewhere, but I can’t recall where from. Of course, we also need to remember other tips, like making sure the sensor’s facing down when exposed, finding a cleaner place to change lenses, taking as short time as possible, etc..

@julius43461

8 ай бұрын

I was so obsessed over not having to clean the sensor, that I avoided switching lenses altogether. Even bought a second DSLR just for the prime portrait lens. Eventually I started switching lenses, but it never occurred to me to even turn the camera off while switching. Great idea.

Just a word of warning regarding ssd drives. Never use them for long term storage. They degrade faster than mechanical hard drives. Yes mechanical hard drives are prone to mechanical failure, but data decays faster on ssds and once that data is lost, unlike mechanical hard drives, they cannot be recovered. It is gone forever. So use mechanical drives for stationary backup that you're not going to access often, and the less fragile ssds are best used while on the go travelling to quickly back up directly from your camera cards. It's also a good idea to replace it with a brand new back up drive every 5 years or so.

@MattisProbably

Ай бұрын

Yup, that was my thought as well when I saw that. Prices for SSDs have come down but the same is true for mechanical drives. You can get a mechanical drive that is twice the size of an SSD for half the cost AND it will probably last longer.

My free accessory to always have with you = a plastic grocery bag. If you don't bring your camera case with you, having a plastic bag handy can save you not only from unexpected rain or snow, but unexpected sprays (like I encountered at Old Faithful), wind on a sandy beach or any other unexpected airborne danger to your camera. The bag stores easily almost anywhere (back pocket, purse, etc) and is ready quick.

@tribzman3977

Жыл бұрын

Even one further is using a clear shower cap with the elastic rim. Fit's snug on the body, you still can see and clearly access the functions while it's protecting the camera, and not as big, cumbersome and billowy as a plastic bag. Best accessory I've ever used!

A tip I have is a rubber sun cap for your lens. It is used for taking pictures trough glass. Ideal if you are taking pictures in a zoo of animals that are behind glass. The rubber sun cap prevents light making reflections on the glass that can ruin your picture. Of course it can also be used in other situations where you want to take a picture trough glass but you can't open a window. Think about taking pictures from high buildings or from a train.

@aleon117

Ай бұрын

Didn't know this was a thing. Thank you!

@mtmccornack

Ай бұрын

My new job has a 110-mile commute once a week, and I was considering purchasing a rubber lens boot for that exact reason during the train ride! Have you used one yet? Do they have any tricks/techniques?

about the intervalometer : before going out and searching the one that is compatible with your camera, go look in the menus of your camera first, most of modern cameras nowadays have this function built in, even some have the video timelapse encoder right in as well (Lumix and Nikon cameras for example).

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

Agree!

One of my go to needs in my bag is a polarizing filter. I’m primarily a landscape photographer though but I think those are really important. Rare that I’m taking photos in direct mid afternoon sun but it does happen from time to time

@MakeItTakeItOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I use them for moving water to cut down the glare and add a couple stops of exposure

@jmg5878

Жыл бұрын

@@MakeItTakeItOutdoors indeed. I take a lot of shots on Lake Erie so I feel you there

A set of step up rings. If you're going to start using lens filters - like an ND filter to get those beautiful long exposures - get the filter that fits your largest lens thread and the step up rings will adapt it to fit smaller lens threads on your other lenses. Much cheaper than buying multiple filters.

Great advice! I agree with all those things you said. There are a few things that I would add. 1) A USB powered dummy battery, if your camera won't charge directly. But your camera may require higher power output for the dummy battery to work, so invest in a power bank with high power output - costs a little more, but still less than a $100. 2) Lens warmer - indispensable for nighttime photography, but also useful in any conditions where dew can collect on the lens and ruin the shot. 3) Neodymium magnets and plates for gear, to attach to your tripod, that you may want instant visual access to, but keep your hands free to make adjustments to your camera (or hold coffee) - external monitor, phone, power bank, intervalometer. Those magnets are strong, so if you have to move your setup, you can fold the legs of your tripod and move it all securely and not have to worry about loose gear dropping. I've made custom magnet mounts that I can strap to my tripod legs with velcro straps, and I've bought bicycle mount magnets. Either works great. 4) Tripod stone bag. They can be used for weight, but they're also useful gear that you don't want to have carry around or constantly transfer from bag to camera - lens caps, power bank, extra lenses, intervalometer. A variation on this is the Black Rapid tripod jacket - $50. It wraps around your tripod (some tripods better than most). It has the same amount of space as a camera bag (not backpack), so you can have protected and mobile storage of all your gear.

@richaneesh

Жыл бұрын

Read the video title again. It is a recommendation for beginners.

Another useful tip is to have more than one tripod quick release plate, e.g. one on the camera and one on the telephoto lens foot - makes swapping from wide to telephoto lenses much simpler.

Great video! I have been photographing for almost 40 years and these tips are still useful to me. I haven’t started to do these things although I have so many times decited to so it’s good to get these great reminders from one of my favorite youtuber.

A wrist strap is one item I can't/won't do without. My hands are not as steady or strong as they used to be and the security I get from using my wrist strap means I can focus more attention on my compositions! Thanks again for another great video, Simon!

Always your videos are like a lessons in a classroom at home. It's an amazing tutorial. I like your teachings as they are just transparent and crystal clear and no hidden agenda in that. Great Simon. I could find and subscribe your channel since long time. So inspirational teacher. Making the photography more interesting and fearless. Thanks 🙏👏

Great list, Simon. Beyond a remote shutter/intervalometer, the inexpensive accessory that has given me the biggest quality of life improvement has been an arca-swiss L bracket. Being able to switch from landscape to portrait orientation with ease and without having things slip out of place because of heavier lenses, etc. has relieved so much frustration.

So glad I found this channel. Thanks for all your knowledge and hard work you put into these videos. Very educational.🤙🏼

For the side sling, RRS plates have QD attachment points which makes them compatible with rifle slings. You can also attach a QD point to a hand strap so it can be quickly removed when switching to a tripod.

Practical and straightforward content clearly presented (as usual) - keep up the great work!

@ak_hoops

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

I have the same BlackRapid strap, the RS-4 Retro. I chose this one because it's the ONLY model (aside from the little backpack strap) that has a FRONT adjustment. This is game-changing because I can instantly cinch it up when I'm on the move, so it sits above my waist / against the front of my torso / stomach area. Zero flopping around and it allows me to be 95% hands-free when walking.

Another top notch watch, thank you. As a lifelong watcher of all things natural but only a fairly recent digital camera user my tip is 100% free. Patience. Time spent watching and listening is time well spent, turning those opportunistic grab shots we often get whilst walking through into more consistent better quality results.

I’ve been using a peak design capture clip on and off for the past 5 years or so. The last year I haven’t gone anywhere without it! Whether I’m skiing, hiking, climbing or just chilling it’s always been very useful. Has helped me capture multiple Moose pictures this winter and spring. Great video, just subscribed and looking forward to more! 😁

The best accessory list I’ve seen on KZread! Excellent video!

The automatic CC says your name is Simon Donald Trump 😅😂

@markus4942

Жыл бұрын

crazy 😂

@richaneesh

Жыл бұрын

@@markus4942 🤣

@MakeItTakeItOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Oh dear

@dummyuser

Жыл бұрын

lol

@ronnixug

Жыл бұрын

Same, had to check 😅

For most photographers backing up to an SSD, this won’t be an issue, but definitely worth mentioning that due to the way charges are stored in SSDs, they should be plugged into power every so often to prevent the SSD equivalent of “bit rot”.

@jimrinaldi8357

Жыл бұрын

I did not know that. Thank you.

@LupusAries

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, long term storage ye ole' Spinny boy is better, because every bit and byte is in a physical location (atleast on CMR drives), which makes data recovery a lot easier. On an SSD, if the controller is gone, you don't know where the files are stored. M-Discs and Archival discs or even Tape Recorders are even better in long term storage, but kinda expensive. But yeah keeping data backed up on an external drive that in case of a fire or other emergency you can just grab and go is a good idea. If you can, buy an HDD or SSD case and the SSD seperately, as that allows you to switch out the drive or case as needed, like when a new, faster connection standard becomes available. Fantec has made some good enclosures at reasonable prices. SSDs are quick but WD Blacks and Golds are no slouches in copying either, around 270 mb/s, which cuts down massively back up times, especially if you use a program like copy handler that makes any copying into a sequential write, and they have a lot of space for the money around 8 TB for 214-228 (WD Gold) euros and 10 TB for around 260. (WD Black) Prices are for Germany, and make sure to look for the versions with the 256MB cache.

@2112jonr

Жыл бұрын

All reputable, commercial, consumer SSDs need to be able to retain data for at least 1 year without power. In practice, it's longer than that. Likewise for data centre SSDs, it's three years. However, this is less of an issue, as most SSDs in a data centre never get disconnected from a power supply, unless they're being used for temporary data transfer during server migrations, in which case it's not an issue. It's not "bit rot" per-se, that's a much misused non-technical term - as nothing gets damaged, and the SSD is still perfectly usable. However, the charge that represents the bits that make up the data does drain away after > 1 year, so data will be lost when this eventually happens, unless power is re-applied, as Luke stated.

@julius43461

8 ай бұрын

I use both for long term backup. I always carry a smaller SSD with me for backup while on the road. Makes no sense to haul your long term backup with you.

@mrblc882

8 ай бұрын

I would buy two disks - external HDD for long term backup storage (not only photos, but also important documents) and keep it in bag with physical important document as something what I can grab in case of emergency (like earthquake, fire, evacuation). On the other side, portable SSD is great thing for more than one day trips, once or twice a day, copy SSD card to external SSD for aditional backup - especially if you only have phone with USB OTG, but no enough memory to store all images in long term.

The Intervalometer also works as a cable release for tripod shots with long exposures. Great tips Simon.

Your videos are always informative and instructional. Thank you

All good stuff. I was using a shoulder sling too but I am short and never seemed to get it right ( too many clips etc.) so I started using one of my guitar straps. Cheap and super comfortable.

Microfibre cloths! Definitely have one or two of those in my bag. 😎

Simon, thanks for your super helpful ideas!

Filters make all the difference when you want to get those glorious blurred river/waterfall shots in daytime, minimize reflections or make landscape photography easier when the sky is much brighter than the landscape. At least on older cameras like my Canon 60D that lack an automatic HDR mode. There's also a massive difference between a generic store tripod and a proper photography one. That will cost more than a hundred bucks but I was blown away when I swapped my ordinary tripod for a Manfrotto. Cheaper tripods just can't handle wind as well, especially when you're using a heavier lens. Great content as usual! Production quality is also top notch!

I am an Olympus shooter and our batteries can be charged only on 110 V. I have an ancient power inverter from RadioShack. It plugs into a cigarette lighter outlet and I can plug my charger into that. I often charge my accessory battery while I’m eating lunch in the middle of an all day photo shoot. Another fabulous video, Simon! Thank you!

Great tips Simon! Thanks for sharing them :)

Thanks for the video Simon😊

I learned so much with yout channel, thank you so much, helped a lot

Another great video. Your videos are informative with no fluff! Best on you tube

Bon Voyage Simon! No doubt you will be well prepared and make the most of it. Looking forward to your return and resulting content.

Flash Drives also work for backing up photos. That's what I've invested in as it's what I currently can afford is ideall for anyone starting & on a budget. Tip for maximized storage, send the files to Zip Folder (One folder being original copies) By compression, you make more room. I definitely recommend having extra batteries & fully charged before going out to shoot. Also external battery chargers as they charge faster. I picked up 4 more with a dual charger, bringing me to 18 batteries and 3 chargers. As for cards, invest in the largest capacity your camera takes as well as a backup card as you never know when it will fail. Also investing in a microfiber cloth as well as cleaning pen with a brush.

I'm delighted that your coming to Botswana. You're going to have an amazing time Simon. Simply the best place wildlife photo opportunities. And incredible bird life to photograph.

Love your videos. Most informative on KZread.

Excellent video Simon! I have used the sensor cleaning products from Visible Dust (Canmore, AB) for many years. In addition to cleaning swabs and fluids, they make a lighted magnifier so that you can actually see the particles and then know exactly where they are on the sensor. The large magnifier is called Quasar and the flat portable version is the Mini Quasar. After using the blower bulb (I use their Zeeion blower with attached filter to prevent the blower from blowing dust onto the sensor), I use their Arctic Butterfly to gently wipe the sensor. This is a special brush with fibers that are statically charged to "catch" the dust particles. Plus it has a light so that you see exactly where you are wiping the sensor. A clean sensor makes for a happy photographer!

In addition to your excellent suggestions, I think that a comfortable means of carrying camera kit is a necessity, because otherwise you will often leave your camera at home. I used holster bags and shoulder bags for years, but often found myself leaving the camera at home because of neck strain. Beginners are often persuaded in stores to buy expensive holster or shoulder bags, but I have not met many photographers who use like to use them regularly for hours at a time. I've recently bought a Tenba Solstice 10 sling bag. This has plenty of room for a Canon 6D, 24-105, 70-200 and 50mm plus accessories, including travel tripod storage on the outside of the bag. Key attributes of this bag for me are really fast access to the camera and all-day carrying comfort. My camera kit is now with me much more of the time!

So seldom discussed as what you presented here Simon. It's almost like "we" don't talk about the stuff in plain sight, but matters. Great work.

Great tips, especially about the strap. I like that side strap you showed.

Excellent advise! My first digital camera (a Toshiba PDR-M5 compact camera) I purchased in the late nineties. Memory cards where very expensive and had limited storage. During a 2 month trip to Australia I had to aggressively delete and lower the quality of images during the trip. After that I bought a portable HD that was both a music player and storage for photos, problems sorted. Nowadays I just fit every device with a large memory card so they are always ready to use (I move everything to my laptop after each session). On some trips I don't bring my laptop but a Chromebook, I'm thinking of putting in a large 1TB micro SD card (or several if I shoot video) to backup everything after a day shooting. At home everything is backed up to my Nextcloud server and several external drives. As for straps, the straps that arrive with cameras are not the best. Yesterday I went on a 6km walk with two camera around my neck and my (mostly empty) camera bag. as well. My neck is still sore, even though I use them mostly as shoulder straps, but you can't shoot fast. Need to investigate something better :) Enjoy your trip to Botswana, it's going to be amazing!

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

It will!

This is such a great and informative channel.. thank you!!

This is a great video! Thank you for the pro tips!

Simon, I really do identify the suggestions you've made as "necessary" as I have them too. I also would add that having a USB-B to USB-C adapter could be effective when moving from computers with differing connectivity options. It helps with cable management and reduces the number of items to carry in the field or while vacationing.

My advice, I always, always have on me a short but very thick (2cm diameter) smooth brush made originally for drawing stuff. Every single time before I change my lens (especially outside), I brush the whole area around the mount, flip the camera and use the blower. It just takes a few more seconds and it's the best way to minimize dust.

I'd include on your list a good camera bag. I understand how that might not apply to your style with 600mm monster lenses. But I try to always have my camera handy for those random shots of opportunity. Having a core shooting setup ready to go in one place is pretty helpful.

I like my card wallet. A few years ago, I took a 7 day trip to Europe. I put small pieces of masking tape on each card pocket that I numbered for each day and used 7 memory cards so that each day's pictures were on their own card, helping me to organize and remember what I shot each day.

Great tips, some I am already using. thanks

Thank you for the advice 😊

@simon_dentremont

6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

Nice turn around talking about essentials Simon. I have 2 more: 1. Peak Design's camera clip. If you uses a backpack in the field and see a shot you quickly want to take without taking off your backpack and getting your camera, the clip is easy. Your camera can fit on your shoulder strap while walking and easily can be removed and used. 2. I'm old school and always carry a basic shutter release cable even though you have much more high tech methods. Call it peace of mind.

I've been looking for a good shoulder strap for a while that I could attach directly to my large lens for easier and safer carrying. Already ordered the one you suggested because it is exactly what I was wanting.

For me, remote release. Cheap and easy to carry. It really helps when you spend a lot of time looking through the viewfinder waiting for that crucial moment. With a remote release, you don't have to touch your camera which risks creating shake/vibration. Works well for both stills and video. Sage advice re power bank. Great for powering your camera in the field if you're doing something battery intensive.

Great video Simon! A well padded camera bag would be a great accessory here.

Other than a spare battery and the obvious lens cloth in my camera bag pouch, I carry a card reader with USB to USB C transfer cable. As my camera was made before wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity became popular, this set up allows me to transfer the photos to my phone or tablet for quick sharing. A resize app on the phone is handy to reduce file size.

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always, awesome tips 👍🤗

Full-frame sensor swabs work for APS-C sensors, too. Just swipe from top to bottom, instead of side to side.

Excellent suggestions…as always! Thanks!

@simon_dentremont

2 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

You're the best! So inspiring, thank you!

Loved this video for less seasoned photographers like me. Please keep periodically making these type vids, sir!

My favourite accessories include: 1) Remote. I use three different types: A) a cabled one, the Canon RS-60E3. It's a bit more expensive than a generic one, but also smaller and better; the resistance in the button is perfect, and it has a couple of slots for cable management. B) an infrared one, the Canon RC6 (or rather a $1 copy). I used to own the RC1 wich had a holder to attach it to the camera strap. It was very secure and never fell off, and I miss that. But after only 20 years of use, the unit died. A sad day. C) a Bluetooth one, the Canon BR-E1. Only works with certain cameras like the Eos 90D, but allows me to remotely zoom the 18-135 USM with the PZ-E1 attached. D) You could also use an intervalometer as a remote, I own one, but rarely use it. My cameras all have inbuilt intervalometers - even my old Eos 550D (Rebel T2i), because I've the Black Magic firmware installed. But if you do use the external intervalometer as a remote trigger, it's probably not even necessary to insert batteries. If you wish to use the intervalometer function, you will need the batteries, of course. 2) ... sorry, ran out of time. Will update later.

@grumpyparrotphotography

Жыл бұрын

Yes, my remote has come in handy very often.

I couldn’t agree more on the storage backup. I lost 4 years’ of photos due to failed hard drive that sits on my PC for years, it already showed signs of failing but I was not paying much attention at the time. Nowadays I had a 5tb external HDD to work at home and carry around. Not as fast as SSD but that will work for me. Good thing is I only plug it in if I wanted to work on the photos. Will definitely go for SSD once my current storage fills up. Thanks for the great video as always!

Love your videos! Great presentation and I love the fact that you educate as you go and it’s easy to follow and Peter McKinnon used to do this but now you are my favorite photography and Lightroom channel. Would love some more Lightroom step by step videos….Thank you!!!

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

On my list! Thanks!

I have a few of the Sandisk SSDs, tough, water, dust and shock resistant, and often on sale. I have used them all over the world with me without a single failure, ever. I use those exact sensor swabs, effective and easy to use. I have versions of all those other accessories you recommend also. Been doing this as a pro for 50 years. . Cheers and thanks Simon

I just wanna note that ssd are very bad for backup storage in comparison to hard drives. Reason is that an ssd goes bad in on moment and it's done. Hard drives will slowly start having issues and you'll realize there is something wrong which gives you time to make sure your stuff is safe.

@radiogoon

Ай бұрын

Never ever seen a t7 ssd die

Great suggestions. I'm going to look into the side strap for carrying a camera.

Great video simon thanks 😊

Also I have to say your video on exposure comp, helped me alot on my last shoot…I still have a lot to learn when setting up my camera but it was certainly a step in the right direction!

Can't say this enough, really the best photography videos for me. Some people just talk and don't show examples, some people just try to sell you things, and more. Greatly appreciate your approach honestly! Would you recommend quick release straps? I don't like walking around without a strap but also don't like shooting with it as it gets in the way.

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

I’ve never used one, but they’re quite popular, so probably good

@ak_hoops

Жыл бұрын

@@simon_dentremont gotcha. Thanks!

Thank you! I can't wait to see your photos from Botswana.

Merci Simon pour la vidéo.

I’ll be waiting for your workflow video… Thanks!!

@simon_dentremont

Жыл бұрын

a few weeks!

Great tips Simon. My contribution is to have some duck tape for those emergency repairs in the field. You can wind a few strips around a pen or pencil and it takes up minimal room in a camera bag.

Thanks, great video. That’s my Christmas list written now 👍

@simon_dentremont

7 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

Another great informative video.

Very good advice sir salute!

Enjoy the trip to Botswana! Cant wait to see the shots!

A must watch video, thanks

From a career computer tech: the ssd advice is spot on. Learn to back up your data before learning Lightroom and Photoshop. Also: keep your ssd off site. You don't want to lose both your backup to fire or theft and your computer.

I would love to see Simon discuss the availability of post-processing software for those of us on a budget. I have never bought/used the more professional packages such as Photoshop, Light-Room, Capture One, etc. that require leasing with a monthly or annual payment. When I started taking photographs, I used (What is now) "Corel's Paint Shop Pro" software. As camera's became more advanced, I added Corel's AfterShot Pro 3 software to process RAW files, and to allow me to "Focus Stack" images. These software packages are not "leased" products. You buy them once, and only upgrade as one deems necessary based on the need for any newly added features. Personally, I think that these Corel software packages are a "steal" based on the price verses the number of features available for the budget minded photographer to use to post process their photographs. However, I am not looking at these Corel Software Packages from the standpoint of a professional photographer such as Simon. Therefore, it would be great to get Simon's input on what he thinks of these products. The discussion could include whether Simon thinks the Corel packages have a sufficient number of available options to handle the needs of many (most?) "hobby type" photographers without having to lease the more commercial packages mentioned above. Thank you for reading and considering my suggestion(s).

Love your work (amazing photography), love your presenting style (fabulous voiceover). Pleasure to watch your channel, I always learn something new from you. Thank you :-)

@simon_dentremont

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Good Idea of the back up photo SSD. just looking at them as my photo's on my photo file is reaching near capacity.

Another great video and I have been using the Black Rapid camera strap for about one year and it makes hiking easier. You never seem strapped for topics but you mentioned your lighting gear a more detailed on that might be nice.

I've never had to clean the sensor on my Olympus em5 mkii, the inbuilt ultra sonic sensor cleaning works amazing! ( I do take care though when swopping lenses). A cheap accessory in my camera bag is a rubber band, very handy in case screw on filters get stuck, just put the rubber band around the ring, grip it and loosen. (yes magnetic filters would be nice :)

As for favorite accessory... By far my most used camera accessory is the pd quick-clip. Not affiliated with them or anything, but definitely worth checking out. It does what it says on the box. Quick. Clip. The base has a couple of screws and a plate, you just bolt it to the shoulder strap of your backpack and you attach the arca swiss plate to the bottom of the camera. Done. Snaps in, holds my 7D mkII with a whopper of a lens (Zenitar, at about 700 grams) very securely, unlocks with the push of a button. I have no issues trusting it to hold the camera tightly when cycling through the local woods, climbing minor obstacles like rocks and whatnot, just generally wandering about. I'm more concerned about the zoom lense's little lock latch unlocking and having the lens extend at random. So... yeah, the peak design is not the cheapest accessory I own (that honor goes to the blower), but it's most certainly the most used one.

wow I love this channel, Just subscribed. Could you please tell us more about video and photo lighting?

Intervalometer sounds like a must have for a lot of things. Thanks!

Really cheap or free accessories. A foam pad to lay or sit on to keep you dry and comfortable, Desiccant pouches to put in your camera bag to keep lenses and camera bodies dry from humidity, A large plastic bag to put gear in in case you get caught in a down pour, bug dope, toilet paper.

I use my wireless remote control for shutter release often enough to always take it with me. Thanks for the great videos. DD

Peak design makes a really nice camera strap that has a more conventional shoulder strap with stiffer straps that distribute the load really well!

I've watched those other videos and they were helpful but its good that you told me about things that can be helpful like the ssd drive my photos now are stores on sticks. I have a car wallet and a two camera harness and portable power. I do watch helpful videos like yours especially. Thanks for you help. After 50 years still learning which means im not dead from the neck up yet😂.

Great ideas! I would add lens hoods and ND filters to the list as well!

I would add a pocket note book with pen. I’ll make a note and photo it to keep track of locations or sequences. In a pinch it’s a white card.

A reliable multitool with a belt clip or pouch is so handy to loosen tripod screws or extract stuck SD cards, to remove a shard from skin, or to tighten the screws of a cage. So many applications.

Hello I'm a beginner at this photographing it's amazing taking pic's of everything around where I live like realistic moment and the video help's me understand more about my 70D canon thank you for the better understanding my canon 70D keep up the great work Simon.

Simon: Your best tip is getting rid of the cheap vendor camera strap. I used to get severe neck pains when being out on a long shoot. I got a decent strap, now no problems no matter how long I am out.

I had owned my fx3 for exactly one week when I had a sneezing fit during a lens swap! I totally learned how to clean that censor.... and fast!

Thankyou Simon

I do a lot with manual focus lenses. My new toy is a Canon EF-RF adapter with no contacts but including 0-10mm worth of helical mount extension. This turned my manual focus Laowa 105mm that previously focused to a meter and beyond to a 1:3 'sort-of' macro good for flowers without requiring removing the lens to add tubes. That is the latest toy but 'favorite' is hard to say. I am still a fan of a camera cage that includes horizontal and vertical Arca Swiss tripod fittings. There are some options about half the price of the most popular ones and I have been happy with the two different ones I have for two different cameras. Cages also make it easy to place a strap so the cameras hang vertically when two are worn together and the strap does not flop across the viewfinder when shooting verticals since both attachments are below the camera.