Take it from me-I learned the hard way on this score-don’t buy gear or gadgets for your camera kit until you KNOW you will use it. My closet and basement are full of backdrops, reflectors, props, stands any other sundry items that I purchased on a whim in case I ever needed them. Guess what…some (most) are in their original packaging. What is even worse are the gadgets I have invested significant cash into, just so they could take up space in (and add weight to) my overworked camera bag. That 2x teleconverter? Used twice. The Sekonic Flash meter? Only used for testing-real life situations are too fluid for it to be useful. Light modifiers for the portable flash? Too fiddly, or too bulky to bring along. Seriously, the only piece of gear that I own that I keep close by, although seldom use, is my tripod. I know I should use it more, but frankly, I’m just not into lugging it everywhere.
Now if you are a pro photographer, then you have a set of equipment and gadgets that you know you will use and you keep close at the ready. But hobbyists? Even if you are serious, chances are, most of the gear you are seduced into buying will never be used. And in most cases you can find a DIY replacement that will work just as well.
Want to try a lens or body? Rent it at a fraction of the purchase price, and give it a serious test drive. Then you know your purchase will truly be an investment. Put your money into the stuff that makes the great photo-usually the lenses, and then the external flash and bodies. The rest of the stuff you can probably do without.
Happy Shooting!
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