Photography Accessories 101: The B&H Photography Podcast

03/31/2022Link3
Record

Except for the new flagship OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera (formerly Olympus), there haven’t been many major camera announcements thus far in 2022, so we thought for this episode of the B&H Photography Podcast we’d start an introductory conversation about photo accessories and the wide range of tools and toys available to improve your photography―or just make it easier.

Along with our guest, B&H Explora writer and photographer Todd Vorenkamp, we made an outline of the most important accessory categories, and we speak about the photo disciplines for which each is used and what is important to understand when purchasing these items for your specific photographic practice. We discuss tripods and camera support, straps, bags, and gear protection, lens filters, lens adapters, remote controls, and more. Because this conversation is primarily concerned with outdoor and natural-light photography, we don’t get much into accessories for the studio, but we do touch on flash photography and light modifiers.

Thanks to the insights of Vorenkamp and our host, Allan Weitz, we also learn ways to avoid unnecessary or inferior accessories and even little hacks to make your accessories perform better. Join us for this informative episode.

Guest: Todd Vorenkamp

Host: Allan Weitz
Senior Creative Producer: John Harris
Senior Producer: Jason Tables
Executive Producer: Shawn C Steiner

3 Comments

Henry S. W.
1 year ago

I have that same Leica table-top tripod and ball head that Todd referred to, except that I bought mine about 45 years ago, when I worked at Baker's Photo Supply in DC.  😲👍  I only have 1 tripod, which is carbon fiber.  I live in an apartment, and I just don't have the room to store more.  The thing that you didn't say, is to make sure you the tripod you buy is tall enough--without the use of the center column--so that you don't have to bend over to use it, which means if you can't try it out physically, you have to do some calculations to determine how tall the tripod and head has to be. 

Peak Design makes the kinds of camera straps you describe.  Todd..how about the word "button" for the attachment point? 😲 I totally agree with being discreet and having a strap that does NOT advertise my camera.  I've gone so far as to put black tape over the manufacturer's name and the model number.

I will say that I started with the Oben 2491 tripod that is mentioned to the right.  Unfortunately I did not have a good time with it--it had "leg problems" and eventually I traded it in on the Gitzo I have now.  The Gitzo I got from the used department--it clearly hadn't been used, but purchased and returned--and so I saved $300 on its price. 👍👍👍

John Harris_22
1 year ago

Thanks for the good tips Henry!

Todd Vorenkamp
1 year ago

Hey Henry,

I think Allan has the Leica tabletop. My dad has one, too. Allan should give me his and I will sell my tabletop Manfrotto on eBay. :)

"Button"...perfect word for the Peak Design attachment system! Thanks!

Thanks for listening to the B&H Podcast!

Best,

Todd