Best photography purchases of 2018
The regular end-of-the-year post about the best (and worst) photography purchases always sparks interest, with many others chiming in on what they bought the past year, whether for fun or professional work. I forever seem to hover between sensible purchases that are necessary to advance … and just sheer indulgence. Here are some of what I think were my wisest investments … all the way down to some dubious side-tracked choices.
Notably about the gear I purchased, 2018 was the year where I “retooled” somewhat to be able to shoot more video, and also shoot more commercial timelapse videos. This meant … new toys!
We would all love to hear what you have been up to, and what astute and interesting choices you’ve made this year.
Let’s hear from you:
To make it interesting, there are three books available as prizes to be given to three randomly chosen comments. The winners will be picked via random number generator, as before. Winners will be announced on December 25th. Fancy that!
Update: I was a little slow in wrapping this up – but here are the winners of the book prizes. I’ll be contacting everyone via email or FB messenger.
1. irene Irene McGinniss
2. Jan van der Maat
3. Bill Merritt
Shot In The Dark
Shot In The Dark, by Brett Florens. A photographer’s guide to shooting in unconventional locations.
Wedding photographers are under tremendous pressure to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. They are forced to shoot in low light in every wedding—whether in poorly lit ceremony and reception venues or, later in the day, when the peak lighting has faded. This presents myriad problems and obstacles to achieving beautiful, artfully executed images of the events of the wedding day.
If you are interested in the premise of this book, you can order it through Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
the other book prizes
Portraiture Unleashed
Portraiture Unleashed, by Travis Gadsby. “A sublime collection of 60 creativity-inspiring images from a range of talented photographers whose styles and photographic techniques vary markedly.”
The book is divided into five sections, each of which is centered around a particular creativity-enhancing topic: (1) Quick and Easy: Ideas That Can Be Added on the Fly, (2) Location-Inspired Ideas, (3) Wardrobe-Inspired Ideas, (4) Prop-Inspired Ideas, and (5) Creative Lighting Treatments.
If you are interested in the premise of this book, you can order it through Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
Boudoir Photography Cookbook
Boudoir Photography Cookbook, by Jen Rozenbaum. This book presents 60 easily digestible sections, (aka the recipes), to discuss essential skills that will help you with boudoir photography. Of course I am a little biased when it comes to this book – Anelisa is on the cover.
While Jennifer covers lighting, wardrobe, and other aspects of boudoir photography, the core of those book focuses on posing. The book has a targeted look at various posing strategies that will really enhance your subject.
If you are interested in the premise of this book, you can order it through Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
My best photography purchases for 2018
Sony A7 iii mirrorless camera
When you compare the Canon R and Nikon Z6 and Sony A7 iii to one other, the Sony still comes ahead in features. In its own way this was a ground-breaking camera in 2018.
Here is my review: Sony A7 iii mirrorless camera
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Check the example video clip in the review of the Sony A7 iii, where I shot a video of a band using this lens.
Sony A9 mirrorless camera
I first went for the Fuji X-H1 which was a very likable camera, but I found the Fuji f/2.8 zooms weren’t as sharp overall as I needed my lenses to be. And yes, I prefer my professional lenses to be sharp. Nikon was too late with the announcement of their Z6 / Z7 mirrorless cameras, so I went with the Sony A9 (B&H / Amazon). It is just what I needed.
Aside from a few quirks, the Sony A9 is a phenomenal camera, and it quickly became the camera that I use in available light settings. For anything involving flash, I still prefer the Nikon D5. But the Sony A9 quickly proved to be very useful for my work where I need exactly this kind of camera.
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G
Fortunately the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G lens (B&H / Amazon) turned out to be both versatile and optically really really good. Here is my review of the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens.
DJI Ronin-S gimbal
I needed a gimbal that is relatively compact, ie, a gimbal that can be used with one hand, and that is strong enough to not start shaking when you zoom the lens out. The smaller gimbals struggle with the redistribution of weight as the lens expands. The Ronin-S handles this really well.
The Ronin-S is also easy to set up, and has an app for your phone to help with calibration. The slanted design of the rear arm helps in letting you see the camera’s screen. This gimbal really feels well designed and manufactured – it feels and handles like quality.
Here is a video snippet that I also showed in the review of the Sony A7 iii — shooting a music video for the band, Cut Like This, I couldn’t wait to at least show a snippet of what we got – here’s a slo-mo video segment that I love … a close-up of Brian’s guitar work. This was shot with the Sony A7iii and Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (affiliate) on the Ronin-S gimbal (affiliate) …. slowed down 4x. Shot at f/2.8 and 3200 ISO and Auto WB.
Profoto B10 flash
More in my video review of the Profoto B10 flash.
Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 ‘soap bubble bokeh’ lens
This lens creates a lovely soft-focus feel … and working at a distance and with no pin-point light sources in the background, the bokeh doesn’t quite show those huge soap bubbles, but it still gives a lovely painterly quality to this portrait.
Here is my review: Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 although it looks like there might very well be future production problems.
The Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 can be had in different mounts: B&H: Canon | Nikon | Sony | Fuji
Litepanels Astra 6x Bi-Color LED Panel
These portable and powerful continuous LED lights allow you to change the WB, making them quite versatile, whether in the studio or on location.
Below is a pull-back shot of how I set up four Litepanels Astra LED panels for a client that was renting my studio, and needed continuous lighting instead of flash.
Other purchases I am very happy with
- Abel Cine lens resolution test chart, because people weren’t convinced about my observations that the Nikon D850 medium RAW files are soft. This lens resolution test chart was also helpful in figuring out that the f/2.8 Fuji zooms I was using wasn’t as sharp as the Nikon or Sony equivalents.
- The Nikon D850 that I briefly had (for a week), convinced me that I needed a second Nikon D5 … and I was able to pick up an excellent condition used copy for only $3,500
- Embarrassingly enough, I badly damaged my Tamrac roller case that I kept my cameras in, when I backed my car over it in the driveway. No damage at all to my gear, but the bag was a mess. It was more than 12 years old, and was starting to look haggard anyway. Time for an update. So I replaced it with something larger – the Think Tank Logistics Manager 30 (B&H / Amazon)
- Ikea Fabrikor glass cabinet to display the vintage lenses I’ve acquired by now.
And then there is this thing
Lastolite 6×7 grey/white collapsible reflector
There is also a handy magnetic support beam (B&H) from which you can hang it, using a light-stand.
But maaaaaan, it kicked my ass for a while. I had real trouble collapsing it again, and it would take me an embarrassingly long time in front of my clients to fold it … until, with the help of some of my friends on FB, I get this helpful tip – fold it like a taco! I had no trouble collapsing smaller reflectors, but this thing had to fold in a triple kinda way, and there’s a knack to it.
So I would highly recommend this collapsible background, but there’s a bit of a learning curve with it. This video below was shot after I got it right in one go, and had my friend record me doing it … but then it took me three ties. Still, I claim victory!
Your turn!
That’s it for me. Now it’s your turn. Add yours to the list of Best / Worst Photo related purchases, by posting in the comments section.
What photo gear did you acquire which you believe will make a difference to your photography and your business in the upcoming years? Post your replies in the comments.
Related articles
- Other best photography purchases, listed by year
- What’s in my bag – lighting gear for headshots on location
New floor for the studio! Which resulted in images like below!
Great result Shawn! – I have pretty much the same floor in my studio!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZb-K_bl4qN/
JEALOUS! ;)
I also bought the Logistics Manager this year… I can fit 95% of my camera related gear (3 bodies, 5 flashes, 5 lenses, tons of camera/flash batteries, 3 media card wallets, 5 Yongnuo transmitters/receivers, yadda yadda yadda…
Good/Favorite purchases this year :
Manfrotto 410 Junior geared tripod head – makes my real estate photography MUCH easier ;)
Kacey Enterprises Kacey Pole Adapter – I bought this to be used on a painter’s pole when doing on location
lighting with mono lights. I bought the extra long pole from Home Depot, and talk about versatile!
As you’ll see in the link, it’s a lighting stand spigot that can be threaded on (and secured with LocTite®) standard
painter’s poles. Saved me a ton of cash instead of getting a light pole from various favorite pro fotog vendors.
I’m going to get another and put it on a shorter pole for when I do not need all that height the extra long poles
provides.
Nikon D750 (used) – Because……….it’s a D750 ;)
ParaSail Parabolic Umbrella – Because……..Neil :P Seriously, it has saved my butt a few times when shooting on location with low ceilings…
Interfit S1 monolights – The lesser known relative to the ProFoto B1. Can’t afford ProFotos, so did some research with the help of a friend and came up with Interfit. Got 2 for less than the price of 1 B1. It’s slightly quirky talking between light and transmitter, but very stable, and very consistent WB. I can go cordless with an onboard battery, or I can plug into a wall if needed and there is a socket is available. This was before the Godox and Flashpoint became a thing…
Zoom H1N Audio recorder – works great in addition to my Rode mics when doing video. Very portable, great quality, great price.
Purchases that I’m on the fence about :
Refurbished DJI Osmo w/Z-axis : It’s a great video recorder for well lit scenes, mostly outdoors;
low-light and indoor scenes…not so much.
It’s a compact system and very easy to use, but the low-light issues are limiting.
Tamron 100-400mm
Tamron 15-30mm
Those are probably the two that will “up our game” the most. The 100-400 we’ve already used on two trips, and were very happy with the results. The 15-30 is brand-new to us, but I know the niche it fills in our collection (taking the place of my Tokina 12-28 DX lens, while also working on our full-frame camera), so we’re looking forward to taking this one out soon.
We’re using these on Nikon D500 and D750, so the interchangeability of lenses between DX & FX is important as well.
Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC and Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC. They have upped my wedding photography images a great deal thanks to their vibration control that extends to 4 and 5 stops. With the 70-200 I can now shoot from the back handheld tripod free (as long as it isn’t totally dark). And the 24-70 allows me tripod free headshots, portraits and even formals for weddings with no tripod. They are such a valuable editions to my equipment bag.
I forgot one more purchase. The Lastolite triflector, a much needed tool for the bright headshot look I was needing.
Hi Neil,
Re best purchase of 2018.
For me as a property photographer in the UK, working in small rooms, undoubtably the best purchase this year was the Godox AD200 flash. Much more powerful than a speedlight yet very portable with a Li-ion battery that lasts most of the month, shooting all day, every day.
With best wishes,
Malcolm Sales QEP, ABIPP, ARPS.
0774 034 6923
Buttercross Photography
Best Purchase: I bought the Canon 70-200 mm F2.8 IS L II, upgrading from the Tamron 70-200 mm F2.8 VC. I noticed the difference right away when I did my first conference with it.
Best Purchase: Bought a Glow 12″x56″ double-diffused strip box, and it came with a grid. Easy setup. Great for full-body shots!
WORST Purchase (ever): this freaking contraption I thought I would use for head-shot photography. Concept is great, using it is awful!
https://www.ebay.com/i/322271528327?chn=ps
Center holder limited to 24 inches, swivel brackets don’t stay tight, I could go on and on!!
Neil – I have a couple of the Fovitec 5’x6.5′ versions of the backdrop you purchased. They are just great aren’t they (well, once you get the hang of putting them away, that is!)?
+1 on the Ronin-S. Love that thing! Makes my BTS videos of my clients way smoother and more polished. My favorite piece of gear though has been my Canon 85 f1.4. The IS on that lens is crazy and can effectively bring me from 2000 iso down to 400ish just by how much I am able to drag shutter down. Love that thing!
ED field flattener for Astrophotography and a Celestron WiFi unit to control everything from INSIDE so I don’t freeze my assets off. (Slightly geeky but it makes me happy and you can’t put a price on happiness).
Bought a few stocking stuffers this year for my flashes, including a set of gels with holder that I like a lot. Put an offer in for a used 6D but no response yet.
Worst was a reflective umbrella that was unable to tilt. What?? No really. Got a refund on that one.
Hoping for a workshop with Neil in 2019. (Please Santa – I’ve been such a good boy this year!)
Merry Christmas Neil to you and yours.
Two B-10’s were an amazing addition to my lighting arsenal! Love your review also!
I always do my research, so I have zero Worst Buys :-p
From my few buys (all software), the best ones are Retouching Toolkit v3 panel, and probably 3D LUT Creator (still a n00b). Hell, I even gave in to PortraitPro which I find a hoot and not at all as bad as you hear. I think I must have timed it well.
I bought the Tamron 24-70 g2 I feel like it opened up lots of new options for me and has been fun to get to know.
Also the Nikon Z6- we are still getting acquainted so still deciding if it’s love or not.
My best purchases for 2018 are two Flashpoint eVOLV AD-200 (Godox AD-200), the Lastolite 6×7 collapsible background (white/gray) for headshots, the Canon 85 1.4L IS lens and the Canon 35 1.4 L II lens.
Ok. Thought I didn’t have anything to contribute, but I do.
Purchased a used and in excellent condition,
a Canon 50 mm Macro Lens for photographing pen and ink products for my business. Never have looked back. Kicks a$$.
My best purchase lately is the Westcott 32″ Rapid Box duo that replaced my smaller Rapid Box 26″ Octa. The light is much better and softer plus the space on the 26″ Octa was too small for large flashes like the AD360II. You do need the SMDV DA-03 adapter when you are using the AD3600II to avoid the spill and increase the reflection inside the Rapid Box Duo.
My best purchase was the Canon 5DMkIV body. A close 2nd are the two Flashpoint AD600 flashes I picked up that allow me to do HSS without hauling a truckload of AA batteries.
Loving my Godox 600BM Strobe. I am new to OCF and this is a game changer in my photography journey!
Non-pro enthusiast here. Best purchase was replacing an aging Nikon AFS 70-300 with the new full frame AF-P version. Great lens at a reasonable price. No worsts – I did pick up a copy of DxO Photo Lab for high ISO noise reduction. Still learning how to get the most out of it and learning to streamline the roundtrip from Lightroom. I do see the potential, so let’s call that a work in progress….
Thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge and experience. May 2019 bring continued good health to you and yours!
Two gridded strip softboxes from StrobePro
Two MagMod basic kits
Two Godox S-Type Speedlite Brackets for Bowens
I will use these to experiment with colored rim lighting for portraiture.
Finally jumped on the LED wagon and bought a LumeCube at PhotoPlusExpo – having a lot of fun with it!
The Peak Design camera strap. I recently broke my shoulder and can’t wear a double strap so I actually wear two of these on top of each other. Total comfort.
Nikon Z7. Bought for and used in silent mode during wedding church service. I got compliments of the pastor for my silent approach who also wondered if I did take pictures after all because he did not hear anything ;-)
My best purchase this year was a small foam sheet to make a black foamie thing, which is something I should have done ages ago. I often photograph shelter animals to help them get adopted. I used to lug a couple of strobes, octaboxes, backdrops, portable shooting stage, etc. The images looked great but it was too much stuff for small spaces and took too long to set up/tear down. Then I went with speedlights in a shoot-through umbrella and used shallow dof to blur out distracting background elements. This was much lighter and faster but now I was literally herding cats and they didn’t like being followed around with an umbrella on a light stand. So I changed to what I should have been doing in the first place, using on-camera bounce flash for maximum flexibility and efficiency. The BFM really lets me control the light.
Best: Godox AD200 + XPro trigger, Sony A7iii + MC-11 adapter.
Worst: None, as I haven’t bought anything else this year.
Three purchases. #1 a couple of Canon 600EX speedlites. Expensive but built like a tank. The first shoot one of them fell about 8ft when the wind overwhelmed one of my stands. Not a bit of damage where one of my Yongnuo flashes would have been in pieces. #2 Canon 50mm f/1.2 L lens. Mostly used for wedding receptions in dark rooms without flash. Amazing pictures with a unique look. #3 Canon 100-400L zoom + 1.4 extender. Picked up over $600 off from B&H with instant savings along with B&H discount to frequent customers. First good quality telephoto I’ve owned and just wonderful.
My best purchase was a Fuji X-T100 with kit lens (15-45). It had everything I wanted: good look, good photo quality, unintimidating size, silent shutter if needed and a LCD that both tilts and flips. As a bonus it gave me the opportunuty to dive into a ‘world’ different from Canon.
My worst purchase was a Fuji X-T100 with kit lens (15-45). After six months I still struggle with it: the powered zoom is frustrating, the camera responsiveness is sluggish, the experience with the electronic shutter was totally unexpected – basically only subjects that can be shot at 1/30 of a second or slower appear still and undeformed – and finally fuji raw file converter requires an incredible amount of computer power and a good amount of learning I did not completed yet.
Was this experience worth it? I think so. Will I use that camera other than casual shooting? I don’t think so.
My best purchase was a Nikon 16-35mm f/4.0 that I use mostly for shooting real estate photography.
My Best purchases for this year …
Jpeg mini Pro
Smart Albums
Lou Recine
Nikon D750 NEW (Dec 2018) – because I’ve always wanted it. , oh and 50mm 1.8G :)
This might sound strange … my best purchase was five yards of white ripstop nylon. Clamp both ends to light stands, position some lights behind it, and you have a giant softbox. Worked well to light a group of 15 indoors when no bounce surfaces were available.
Best purchase for 2018… besides a Scion XB which allows me to load up and secure my gear, I held off on purchases.
Worst- I still have some 2016, 2017 purchases that I am contemplating on.
Best purchase for 2019- a B10 setup may be in the cards.
Best purchase for me are the Sony HVL-F60RM wireless radio flashes, I got. I’ve been waiting for Sony to come out with a wireless flash and they have worked out the overheating and hot shoe mount issues, I’m very pleased with these flashes.
Two best purchases of the year, an older Tamron 90mm macro. I live 15 mins from a park full of flowers, and its a great way to spend an hour near sunset. The lens is very sharp and most important a lot of fun. No models/customers no one to please but me, it gets me back to the original why of photography. Second is gear insurance that includes drops and spills, it was surprisingly inexpensive and when i did an inventory, it really stressed how much i need it.
Runner up, Neewer 300w battery powered strobe, simple manual strobe but better quality and quantity of light than my speedlights.
Hi there from Germany!
Best purchases 2018:
– I left my beloved Nikon behind, converted to Fuji and never looked back: XT-2, 16mm f/1.4, 23mm f/2, 35mm f/2, 56mm f/1.2.
– 2 Magmod basic kits: So much easier on location!
– Godox XPro-F: Very able transmitter and very easy to use
I was a little slow in wrapping this up – but here are the winners of the book prizes. I’ll be contacting everyone via email or FB messenger.
1. Irene McGinniss
2. Jan van der Maat
3. Bill Merritt
I love my Sony A7iii purchase too. Jumping from the Canon 5dmkiii’s it’s made a great difference in my work. So much sharper too!