Author Topic: What are your favorite (or absolutly neccesary) accesories? (Read 12472 times)

leaf · « **on:** November 05, 2010, 08:44 »

I am wondering what you take along on a shoot in terms of gear that isn't a camera, lens or memory card.

I made a little wishlist on BHphoto for all my favorite items
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/wl/39D3EAC766?BI=1878&KW=&KBID=2528

I have three things (so far) I always like to take on a shoot.
52" reflector. Great for outdoor shoots, indoor shoots.. anything. A reflector really has to be the cheapest and simplest lighting method yet. I am sure any brand would work just as well but I have been impressed by the westcott reflectors.
Giottos Rocket Air Blower - a quick and effective way to clean the sensor .. or anything else dusty
ColorChecker Passport - I was a little skeptical if I would really use this, but I bought it in the hopes that it would help with getting good color balance in my shots. It now comes along on every shoot and when I remember to use it

I am very happy with the results.

RT · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2010, 09:09 »

Gaffa tape and clamps/crocodile clips.

Karimala · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2010, 09:20 »

Rechargeable batteries and charger for my flashes. Why is anyone still using regular batteries instead of rechargeables?

LSD72 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2010, 09:24 »

Quote from: Karimala on November 05, 2010, 09:20

Rechargeable batteries and charger for my flashes.

Thats it right there. Need to find my trigger batteries in a rechargeable form. Those are the only disposable type batteries I buy.

Beyond that.. Gasoline and Cigarettes.

rubyroo · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2010, 09:34 »

Yeah.... rechargable batteries. Spot on. Plus light modifiers - some professional (Lastolite - I like the one with the handle - it reduces hand fatigue) and some more basic (cuts of white card, small mirrors etc).

sharpshot · « **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2010, 09:45 »

I don't do people, so my camera bag has a hot shoe spirit level, a graduated ND filter and an intervalometer to do timelapses. My MP3 player and headphones are also essential, so I don't have to hear people saying "why are you taking photos of that?". Now I do video and timelapses, I reluctantly take a tripod everywhere but still don't use it much for stills.

Pixart · « **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2010, 10:01 »

Can't remember life before the Pocket Wizards.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2010, 10:05 »

My wife. I need adult supervision.

Anyka · « **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2010, 11:39 »

My anglefinder + knee-protectors - I like a VERY low angle, but I hate lying on my belly.
Collapsable reflector, Cokin filter set (ND grads mostly), tripod, fingerless gloves in winter.

diego_cervo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 05, 2010, 12:25 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on November 05, 2010, 10:05

My wife. I need adult supervision.

nobody mentioned a light meter by the way?? maybe it's too old-fashioned stuff....

bendicks · « **Reply #10 on:** November 05, 2010, 14:12 »

My Geometr GPS unit for my D700. Comes in handy when doing image tagging, I can use the info tagged on the image in Google Earth so I can get the correct names of the surrounding land features on my landscape type shots. Also great just look at where you were for the shoot via the satellite image.

-Don

Opla · « **Reply #11 on:** November 05, 2010, 14:59 »

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2010, 16:20 »

Quote from: bendicks on November 05, 2010, 14:12

My Geometr GPS unit for my D700. Comes in handy when doing image tagging, I can use the info tagged on the image in Google Earth so I can get the correct names of the surrounding land features on my landscape type shots. Also great just look at where you were for the shoot via the satellite image.

-Don

That does sound useful. Is it an add on or standard equipment?

lisafx · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2010, 16:32 »

Most of my favorites are covered already. Great list!

For me it's:

Husband/lighting assistant/extra model/production assistent

,
Model releases,
5 in 1 reflector/diffuser,
Pocket wizards,
and Tramadol for when my back ache sets in halfway through the shoot

dnavarrojr · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2010, 16:49 »

I am a large person, so standing for long periods of time aggravates my back. One essential piece of equipment for me is a portable stool:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Walkstool-Basic-Stools/746565.uts?rid=0123456789

For white/color balance, I bought these on eBay and they're fantastic:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pro-Photo-18-Gray-Cards-White-Balance-card-CMY-3-LOT-/150498472349

Since I mostly record video, I have a Zoom H1 audio recorder, a shotgun microphone, a lav mic, and a Fader ND filter. I also always keep a fresh bottle of gatorade in one of the outer pockets of my camera bag.

eppic · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2010, 17:11 »

My Gitzo traveller CF tripod and ballhead with QR plate always goes with me. I also always have a Giottos retractable lens brush to get rid of any unwanted particles of dust. I have a couple small 12" reflectors; one aluminum/white and one gold/white that I like using in macro photography if I'm doing that.

Jonathan Ross · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2010, 17:22 »

two of everything

jbarber873 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2010, 18:47 »

I guess this list is for non-studio shooters, but I'll throw in my list for studio work. Aside from the obvious- good lights, sturdy tripod or studio stand, these are the things i can't live without:
C-stands; A-clamps; 30x40 silver/white cards; funtak; gaffer tape; little blocks for holding stuff up ( childcraft deluxe maple blocks), scissors; and diet pepsi.

bendicks · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2010, 19:23 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on November 05, 2010, 16:20

Quote from: bendicks on November 05, 2010, 14:12
My Geometr GPS unit for my D700. Comes in handy when doing image tagging, I can use the info tagged on the image in Google Earth so I can get the correct names of the surrounding land features on my landscape type shots. Also great just look at where you were for the shoot via the satellite image.

-Don

That does sound useful. Is it an add on or standard equipment?

Hi Warren,

Its an add-on and has worked really well..........here is a link to Amazon so you check the specs if you like.
http://www.amazon.com/Geometr-Receiver-Nikon-Realtime-Geotag/dp/B0019T236A

It plugs into the ten pin port and comes with an adapter that slides into the hot shoe w/velcro on top and on the back of the GPS unit and sticks on there. Powers up and aquires a signal fairly quick.

Regards,
Don

You can also see your current GPS location and altitude via a menu option on the D700

donding · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2010, 19:58 »

Tripod
Hiking Boots
Diet Dr Pepper....

madelaide · « **Reply #20 on:** November 06, 2010, 15:06 »

- lens tissue
- mini tripod (it's always in my bag)

Kone · « **Reply #21 on:** November 06, 2010, 16:18 »

Quote from: leaf on November 05, 2010, 08:44

I am wondering what you take along on a shoot in terms of gear that isn't a camera, lens or memory card.

Flash (SB 800)

leaf · « **Reply #22 on:** November 08, 2010, 04:36 »

Quote from: bendicks on November 05, 2010, 19:23

Quote from: WarrenPrice on November 05, 2010, 16:20
Quote from: bendicks on November 05, 2010, 14:12
My Geometr GPS unit for my D700. Comes in handy when doing image tagging, I can use the info tagged on the image in Google Earth so I can get the correct names of the surrounding land features on my landscape type shots. Also great just look at where you were for the shoot via the satellite image.

-Don

That does sound useful. Is it an add on or standard equipment?

Hi Warren,

Its an add-on and has worked really well..........here is a link to Amazon so you check the specs if you like.
http://www.amazon.com/Geometr-Receiver-Nikon-Realtime-Geotag/dp/B0019T236A

It plugs into the ten pin port and comes with an adapter that slides into the hot shoe w/velcro on top and on the back of the GPS unit and sticks on there. Powers up and aquires a signal fairly quick.

Regards,
Don

You can also see your current GPS location and altitude via a menu option on the D700

I wish Canon would get on board and get a GPS solution that is a little less bulky. Currently you need a wireless wifi controller ($800) and a gps unit which is both expensive and bulky

I have just been logging GPS on a separate unit then merging the pictures to the gps log later. That works but it is a bit of a work around and not easy to remember to do.

Randy McKown · « **Reply #23 on:** November 09, 2010, 08:38 »

iPhone, receipt book, extra pen, couple hundred bucks in assorted bills, business cards, and some Tylenol

Red Dove · « **Reply #24 on:** November 10, 2010, 17:52 »

Sandwiches...

Accessory wise it has to be a notebook and pen if I'm outdoors....I seem to come up with my best ideas for future work when I'm roaming the woods.

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Author Topic: What are your favorite (or absolutly neccesary) accesories? (Read 12472 times)

leaf

RT

Karimala

LSD72

rubyroo

sharpshot

Pixart

WarrenPrice

Anyka

diego_cervo

bendicks

Opla

WarrenPrice

lisafx

dnavarrojr

eppic

Jonathan Ross

jbarber873

bendicks

donding

madelaide

Kone

leaf

Randy McKown

Red Dove

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