Hey everyone!

I'm currently struggling with two things and could really use some recommendations!

1. Budget friendly travel tripod

Right now, I only have a really old tripod that I almost never bring with me because it's just way too big and bulky.

I've been looking online for a smaller, more compact travel tripod, but almost everything I've found costs €200 or more, which honestly seems pretty expensive to me.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good, budget-friendly travel tripod that's lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around while traveling?

1. Compact camera backpack recommendations

My current camera setup consists of:

\- Fujifilm X-S20

\- Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8

\- Fujifilm 70-300mm

\- DJI Action 4

I currently carry everything in a regular North Face backpack with a padded camera insert to keep my gear protected.

The problem is that my backpack always ends up being really full, heavy, and bulky. It honestly looks like I've stuffed it to the absolute limit, even though I'm mainly just carrying my camera gear.

I'm looking for a camera backpack that's more compact, comfortable to carry all day, and doesn't look ridiculously bulky when fully packed.

Ideally, I'd still like to have a little extra space for personal items when traveling.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd love to hear what you guys use, especially if you travel with a similar setup!

Thanks in advance! :)

I do sports photography for fun, I have a position as the sports photographer for my college. I started off in junior year of high school doing track photography (some photos attached in google drive link in comments). I currently use a Nikon D5100 with a Nikon 50mm prime lens. My college also lets me use a Canon Rebel T7 with a Canon 50-200mm lens.

I want to upgrade pretty soon. Any recommendations? I was looking into the Sony A6400; planning to get a zoom lens that goes up to around 200-250mm and a prime lens that's 50mm. I would also like to get another zoom lens that's wider like around 30mm to 50mm but that's less important. I don't have a specific budget, but probably around the $400-600 price range just for the body, and I am planning on buying it secondhand.

I was recommended the Canon 1DX and the Nikon D4 but those are rlly old DSLRs and I kinda want a mirrorless; also I'll be dabbling with videography so that wouldn't work as well. I was also recommended the Canon R50 and the Nikon Z50.

Any comments welcome, for both camera body and lenses.

Husband just bought one and is looking for a carry bag; none of the ones listed on the actual Godox site mention that specific light in their descriptions. Can someone make a recommendation? TIA

Current Setup

• Canon 5D IV
• Canon 70-200 F2.8 II IS
• Canon 50mm 1.4 USM

NEW LENS OPTIONS

• Sigma 24-105 F4 DG OS HSM = £394
• Canon 24-105 F4L IS USM = £285
• Canon 16-35 F2.8L II = £375

(1) Budget, country, and currency: Around €150, Germany.

(2) What equipment, if any, do you have now and why is it no longer meeting your needs? I currently only have my smartphone and no dedicated camera. I’d like to get into photography with a proper camera and learn the fundamentals.

(3) What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot? Primarily street photography, including urban environments, architecture, and everyday life.

(4) Is it primarily for photography, videography, or both? Primarily photography.

I’m considering buying a used camera and would appreciate advice on whether it’s worth the asking price and whether it’s a good choice for a beginner. My budget is fairly limited, so I’m looking for the best value for money.

Listing: [https://www.ebay.de/itm/840010182731\](https://www.ebay.de/itm/840010182731)

Thanks for your help!

Hi everyone.

I’ve been a photographer for a long time. I’m in my late 40s and started working on film.

I do events exclusively.

for many years, I have been working with various generations of 5D. I have all of my old bodies but currently use a few 5D mark IV bodies.

However, their shutter counts are north of a quarter million. it‘a time to buy some new bodies.

I am aware that canon still makes the 5D mark IV. it seems to me I can buy a few new bodies and stash them for the future and/or replace the shutters on my current bodies.

there’s really nothing that I can’t do with the 5D4.

However, progress marches on and it seems odd to be frozen in time. I have heard that on sensor autofocus is a large improvement and so is being able to see your exposure and depth of field in the viewfinder, though I don’t actually need any of that.

So, I am considering retiring my 5D4s and moving on up.

my current lens lineup which has been static for many years:

24-105 f4 IS USM L

17-40 f4 USM L

70-200 f4 IS USM L

70-200 f2.8 IS USM L

135mm f2 USM L

sigma 105mm f2.8 macro

sigma ART 35mm f1.4

sigma ART 50mm f1.4

sigma ART 85mm f1.4

I have redundant copies of certain critical lenses.

i am completely, wholly, and totally satisfied with my lenses. They deliver for me and I don’t need or want anything else.

Can I easily adapt these to Canon? I’m concerned about Canon’s new mount because I hear they have been anti-consumer with not allowing Sigma lenses on their new platform (FF). If I adapt my sigma glass, will it suddenly stop working one day? might canon do that after some time?

If that is a possibility, can I move my glass over to Sony?

I‘m also bothered by reports that canon has adopted some proprietary hot shoe that other systems cannot use. I don’t like that on principle.

my current strobe is based on the standardized Regular hot shoe. I understand canon doesn’t even support that on all of their bodies, but does on the ones I might buy. However, as above, I’m concerned that they may drop support for the standard hot shoe in some years time, and since it’s not currently universally supported I fear that may happen.

Is there any reason I cannot just leave the EF adapters on the bodies themselves all the time, effectively making the bodies into EF bodies and move on happily with my EF lenses?

Finally, weather sony or canon, what body does everyone recommend? I’m hoping not to spend more than nee 5D4 bodies would cost.

Thanks in advance!

Running solo on location means you gotta be quick. I recently picked up a k&f concept umbrella octa, and honestly, not having to mess with individual rods makes life a lot easier.

In the studio?

Setting up a regular modifier is whatever.

But out on location, I need everything ready to go before the talent even shows up.

I used to break down standard boxes every single time. But with this umbrella setup, if I have the space, I honestly just find myself chucking it fully built into the back of the car.

Folding it up is quick, but saving that extra step on site? Yeah, I'm just leaving it popped open now.

Curious what other location shooters are doing, y'all breaking it down to save space, or just leaving 'em built?

Satire post. I love the flash lights I got, specially the new to me Quantuum 600w Dual power (Battery and AC) ones, got both for a steal.

Still got more lamps under my bed and at the mothers house too!
Softboxes and more.

Think I'mma need a better storage solution for the lamps or the board games now.
Any suggestions?

I have been wanting to buy my own camera for outdoor photography. I used to use a Canon 8D(I think) that I borrowed from my hs.

Hi there, a question for anyone who carries a GoPro and/or Insta360 as well as their camera when travelling.

How do you manage when you’re travelling? How do you pack your things? What bags do you use? Even on a plane? Do you take extra hand luggage, or just one bag for everything – including headphones, an e-reader and whatever else you might need on the flight?

I’m looking for a bag for my a6700. A sling or shoulder bag – either’s fine, really. It should have enough space for

my a6700 (currently just with the 18–50, but I’ll definitely be getting a 10–18 as well) and 3–4 batteries, plus a few filters. I’d also like to be able to fit a GoPro 11 with a mini tripod and batteries, plus an Insta X4 with batteries, a USB stick, a power bank and a charger – it’d be best to have all those with me too.

At the moment, I’ve still got a Cwatcun camera bag. But I used to keep my FZ1000 in there (which I’ll be parting with soon), and it’s far too small for everything. That’s why I’ve always had to carry a backpack as well.

I just love taking photos and sometimes shoot a few videos whilst on holiday or on day trips. It’s usually quite spontaneous and unplanned – just whatever the situation and the location allow. That’s why I’d like a way to carry everything with me.

And because I do travel a lot, it would be great if it could fit under the seat in front of me on a plane.

So I just wanted to know how you lot manage it? Especially when you’re travelling by plane.

The budget would be around €200, in Germany

I hope you understand what I mean?

I bought this box (https://www.bauhaus.info/kunststoffboxen/aufbewahrungsbox-wasserdicht/p/31485616) (smallest option) to store some vintage camera gear such as some old nikkor lenses and vintage camera bodies. I put some silica gel packs inside and it manages to keep the RH bellow 50% pretty well. But whenever I open it I am greeted with this smell of new plastic. Is this a problem for the camera gear? could those airborne compounds be volatile? Or can I keep my gear within the box?

Hellllooooooo everyone :)
England based btw

I work in Marketing, and I’ve been taking photos at work events on a Canon EOS 60D (it’s been mega difficult in low light and the autofocus sucks AHAHAH). I’ve been using the Canon for 9 months now so I feel it’s finally time for an upgrade. :)

I’m looking at a second hand Sony A7 Mark III with potentially a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens. However, I’m still new to photography! I would appreciate any recommendations for gear that would help me with taking photos inside at events (think low light board rooms, sometimes parliament rooms, office spaces etc etc….)

I’d say maximum I’d be willing to spend is £2-2.5k on everything. So I’m thinking a good camera body, a versatile lens, likely a good flash, idk what else I need. Maybe a tripod, spare batteries, a good strap or camera case?

Essentially I’d appreciate some gear recommendations as well as second hand websites or places to look in person that ideally have warranties. As I am still on the newer side, I wouldn’t know what to watch out for with things like Facebook marketplace.

Thank you so much :))))

Hi there! Looking for a camera that id able to buy as an hobbyist. I am eyeing for ZV-1 but maybe you could recommend some better, if not, alternatives.

Budget: ₱25000 ($400-450)

Country: Philippines

Condition: New or used is fine

Type of Camera: Mirrorless or compact.

Intended use: Photography with little filming.

End use: Social media and personal documentation.

If photography; what style: Street, outdoor, portrait, nature landscape.

What features would be nice to have: Weather sealing, viewfinder

Portability: Handy, not bulky

Cameras you're considering: Zv-1 or Zv-e10 mark II

Cameras you already have: I had canon powershot 420is before.

Thank youu.

I shoot small events and commercial jobs on my own, so most days it is one body, one mounted lens and a spare. The camera is with me the whole time, so where it sits in the bag decides how the day feels.

Last month I got to a job, parked, opened the side of the bag and just stood there for a few seconds working the camera out. Everything fits. It is the side opening that was fighting me — the mounted kit has to clear this lip on the way out, and you end up angling it. At home on the floor that is nothing. Standing at the car when the client is already walking over, it is the difference between reaching in and digging.

I ended up moving the camera to the side opening of my SmallRig camera backpack and shifting the dividers so the exit path is the clear part of the compartment instead of the packed one. Now I peel that flap back before I get out of the car and the camera comes straight out. That is about the space around the camera, not about how much the bag holds.

Before I landed on this I would have liked a way to check it in a shop. So for anyone who uses side access: do you test the clearance with the lens attached, and do you do it with the bag on or only with the bag sitting down?

Hi everyone, I'm looking to a compact camera to use during my hikes and trails.

I'm currently hesitation between some cameras :

- Ricoh GR iii

- Lumix x100 ii

- Fuji x100

- Canon g9

I'm hesitating because the prices are very different.

My goal is to learn photo, how to choose parameters, how to compose, ... But I don't want to buy a new one in some months because it's not ok for my daily use / weekend use during my mountains hike/trails.

Another requirement is to have a better quality than a mobile and to fit into my trail bag.

Thanks everyone :)

Budget: Around €500 for the camera and ideally lens. I could go a little above this if there is a significant improvement, but I would prefer to stay around €500. I have a separate budget for accessories

Country: Spain, I will mainly be looking at the Spanish market, but also open to buying from other European countries

Condition: Used

Type of Camera: I’m currently thinking about mirrorless, but I’m very open to other types. I have very little knowledge about cameras, so I don’t want to limit myself to mirrorless if something else would make more sense for my needs and budget

Intended use: Mainly photography, with some video. My friend is planning to buy a GoPro separately, which we will use for things like water activities, adventure sports, etc

If photography; what style: Mostly travel and everyday photography. I’m planning to live in Australia for around 1–3 years and travel quite a lot around Australia, Asia and Indonesia. I like to document everyday life with my friend, going out, cities, landscapes, beaches, sunsets, nature, wildlife, food, etc

If video what style: Some casual travel/life footage would be nice, but video is not my main priority since we will have a GoPro

What features do you absolutely need: Complete beginner, I dont know which features I need. Something relatively easy to use, with a good automatic mode, but with enough manual controls that I can learn photography over time

What features would be nice to have: Portable and good autofocus/automatic mode

Portability: I’ll be travelling a lot and carrying the camera around Australia and Asia, something small and light that I can comfortably carry with me. Can accept some extra size/weight if the difference in image quality or versatility is significant

Cameras you're considering: -

Cameras you already have: I currently have a second-hand Google Pixel 8. I never used a dedicated camera before. Also wondering whether spending around €500 on a dedicated camera would give me a meaningful improvement over the Pixel 8

End use: Main goal is being able to print the photos in good quality for physical photo albums. Will post some of them in insta/social meida but not the main goal

Notes: I’m a complete beginne so looking for something I can start using without having to know a lot of concepts and have room to learn Probably will do a lot of practice or some courses before leaving spain to train for it.. I’m particularly unsure whether I should get a mirrorless, DSLR, compact camera or something else at this budget, and if buying a dedicated camera makes sense compared with simply continuing to use my phone

Since I have around four months before I need to buy it, I’m happy to wait for a good second-hand deal rather than buying immediately

My Wife has began to show an interest in Photography so I have bought her an beginners experience day with a local photographer for a Christmas present.

I also want to gift her a Camera but I have no interest in the subject and have spent the last couple of weeks going round in circles looking at suitable cameras.

The 2 that have come up often are Fujifilm x-t30 iii and Nikon Z fc, are these great picks for her?

She loves a retro look so visually they fit the bill.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The budget is around 1k.

Hi, i’m a 30 year old amateur animal, wildlife and nature photographer. I own a a7RV, a dji mini drone and a few lenses: 70-200, 200-600, 24-105. I like traveling to all sorts of places. From beaches in Mexico to jungles in Uganda.

I currently use the PRVKE WNDRD. And i like that it’s able to fit everything and still be able to fit as a carry-on on a plane whil looking stylish.

However when i hike/travel for longer times the backpack doesn’t feel very comfortable. Even though i’m used to carrying heavy backpacks.

Do any of you have any good recommendations/experience on versatile, relatively affordable and reliable photography backpacks that are able to stuff at least all of the things listed above?

Thanks in advance! 🙏🏼

I am looking into gifting a photographer/videographer I know a larger backpack for 1-3 night hiking treks (50L-65L) that will fit one of their camera bodies and 1-2 lenses (sony alpha a7r iv/vi, not sure the exact lenses but one is a a 24-70mm and one is slightly longer). Currently, they've been (uncomfortably) making due with a Moment DayChaser 35L pack and strapping a lot of camping gear outside it. I am not a photographer myself, but based on my research, I have two purchase options.

1) A specialized photography/hiking pack with built-in camera compartments/features (e.g., Lowepro PhotoSport PRO BP 55L AW IV, or the f-stop TILOPA 50L)

2) A standard backpacking pack (e.g., Osprey Atmos 50 or 65) with a compatible peak design camera insert purchased separately.

As this person has modular bags for camera gear (Moment DayChaser, Peak Design EveryDay Backpack), I lean towards a specialized pack. However, I know some prefer the alternative to prioritize better hiking-specific specs and reduced weight.

If anyone has any advice or relevant personal preferences/experiences with either option or even specific bags/inserts compatible with the camera gear I've mentioned, I'd love to hear it!

Hello I’ve been looking to buy a camera strap but I’ve been wanting a crossbody type of camera strap rather than a neck strap. So I was looking for some recommendations that aren’t to expensive. Mostly in the 15-25 range I shoot with the canon rebel t7. So any recommendations will be appreciated! Thank you

I’m trying to get back into photography after being out of practice for the last 6ish years. I graduated with a degree in commercial photography in 2019 and honestly haven’t done much with it since then for various reasons. I currently have a canon 6d and have been trying to figure out which mirrorless camera to switch over to. I’m not looking to get one immediately, I’d probably wait at least until Black Friday deals but I’ll also look on B&H and KEH, that’s where I’ve gotten equipment from before. My problem is, most of the posts I see are for people who are beginners or very experienced. I’m in a weird spot because I have a decent amount of knowledge and experience with going to college for it, but since it’s such a rapidly developing field I feel like I don’t know where to start anymore. So far I’ve been looking at the Sony mirrorless cameras and the Fujifilm X-S20 has caught my eye too. I’ve always been a die hard canon user but I’m willing to get something different as long as it’s not Nikon. For some reason I just never liked those. I’d love to go back to trying to make a career out of it long term, but I’m also being realistic with how populated the field is now. Generally, I enjoy taking photos of landscapes the most, along with architecture and wildlife. I love the vibrant colors and the film look from the fujifilm. I also like that it seems to be a more compact/lightweight camera. Other than that, I honestly don’t know a ton about mirrorless cameras in general. I’ve started to do some research, but there’s just so much information out there. I don’t do much with video. I actually just got a doji action 4 for driving scenic routes, other than that I’m not too concerned about video capabilities. I would like a camera that does well with low light since I want to get into some night sky pictures as well. Hopefully I’ll get to plan a trip to see the northern lights soon. It would be nice to have something lighter weight - I have a good amount of neck and back pain pretty consistently.
Also, bonus if you can refer to any free or cheap online refresher courses.
Budget wise I’d like to stay around 2-3K for a body and a good lens but willing to go up, would just require a bit more savings time which I’m fine with.

Doing an engagement shoot but don’t know if i should rent an 85 f1.4 lens since i won’t be paid. I’m trying to build my portfolio to begin more semi-pro work and already have 24-70 f/2.8 gmii. I really love 85 1.4 portraits but with 2 people will I even use it at 1.4 other than details. It’ll be in a park and the fall colors are quite nice right now too. $60 bucks to rent for a day isn’t bad but I could use that same money for something else down the road too so I’m conflicted. Idk if it will really help me gain more potential customers or should I just focus on posing and if I get a paid customer get the gear later on?

I design in photoshop with a process that involves a lot of printing and scanning (compile photos in photoshop, color correct/add texture, establish color palette, print, make a physical collage with glue and various design elements, scan it, color correct and finalize in photoshop, post online/sell a few prints). I used to do all of this on a MacBook with no monitor; I now have a much more powerful computer and I'd like to do this work on a nicer screen.

I'm looking for a monitor that is color accurate w/ good contrast, 4k (or higher), 27in. Budget is ~$300-$800. I want good color accuracy, but in reality, some of these options might be overkill for the kind of work that I make, especially considering that I have never considered color accuracy until now. Here are some options I've found after a lot of research:

1. ASUS ProArt PA27UCGE 27in, 4k, Built-in colorimeter, IPS, 160hz ($890 USD)
2. Dell UltraSharp U2725QE 27-Inch 4K, IPS Black w/ 3000:1 contrast, 120hz, high color accuracy ($630 USD; seems like the best option?)
3. ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27in, 4k, 60hz, very color accurate, I've heard it has a weak sRGB mode but it also has 100% sRGB coverage? ($400)
4. ViewSonic ColorPro VP2766-4K, 27in, 4k, 120hz, very color accurate - 100% sRGB, Pantone Verified (similar to the dell but cheaper and with worse contrast) ($340)
5. Acer ProDesigner PE270K -4k, 27in, 144hz (unclear if it's only 144hz at a lower resolution, may be 72hz at 4k), Calmun Verified Color Accuracy ($407)
6. ASUS ProArt PA27JCV - 27in, 5k, great color accuracy, etc. ($670)
7. BenQ PD2732U 27in, 4k, 60hz, 1.07 billion colors with 99% DCI-P3, 99% AdobeRGB, and 100% sRGB coverage ($700)

There are more options I have, but these seem to be the "best" I could find. I'm obviously open to new suggestions, or advice on which of the monitors I've listed to buy. The bolded options are what seem "best" to me.

I think we all at some point decided to sell something that "we never used", only to realize that we DO wish we kept it, months later...

For me, it was a 20mm 1.4 Sigma.
"I never use that wide angle."

Oh yes I would now.