Even in the northern climes, the signs of spring and warmer weather are becoming more evident every day. Whether you and your camera have been hibernating all winter or you've ventured into the winter environment for the special images you can only find during that season of the year, you're undoubtedly itching to head outside and discover and capture new subject matter.
Before you rush into the outdoors, take some time to review your current equipment and determine what you might need to advance your skills and bring home better images during the spring, summer and into the fall. Use the ideas below in 6 different gear categories to prepare yourself for a great warm-weather shooting season. Then, shop for new gear at Roberts Camera, a family-owned business since 1957 and one of the nation’s premier, independent photography equipment retailers; or visit Roberts’ used equipment division, UsedPhotoPro.com, for an excellent selection of photo gear at the best prices.
1. Cameras
As the season of new life begins to bloom, it may be the best time of the year to upgrade to a new DSLR or mirrorless camera. You may also want to consider the value of purchasing a used camera as a backup or to use when you plan to hike into a rugged or wet environment or during family vacations. If a used camera is damaged or stolen, then your loss won’t be as great and you still have your primary camera available.
Roberts Camera
- NEW! Nikon D7200
- NEW! Canon EOS Rebel T6i with 18–55 STM lens
- MARCH INSTANT SAVINGS! Sony a7 with 28–70mm lens
UsedPhotoPro.com
2. Lenses
The bright, green outdoors world is filled with innumerable landscape, nature and travel images to capture, but you need the right lens for total creativity. Consider a fast, wide-angle for landscapes, a macro lens for amazing close-ups and a telephoto zoom for nature and travel.
Roberts Camera
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
- MARCH REBATE! Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
- Tamron 28–300mm f/3.5–6.2 DI VC PZD
UsedPhotoPro.com
3. Tripod
A study, well-made and versatile tripod is absolutely essential for shooting during the low light of dawn, dusk and twilight as well as those nighttime images, such as fireworks, the moon and other astrophotography images. With the precise focusing required for macro photos and the very shallow depth of field, a tripod will help you capture better images. Like to shoot HDR and panoramas? Then, you can’t do without a good tripod.
Roberts Camera
UsedPhotoPro.com
- Manfrotto Compact Advanced
- Manfrotto 058B Aluminum Studio Pro Triaut Tripod (replaces Bogen 3251), very good condition
4. Remote Triggers
Every good tripod set-up needs a remote trigger; otherwise, the mere touch of your finger on the shutter release would move the camera. This is particularly critical for low-light shots, the use of very slow shutter speeds, astrophotography, macrophotography, HDR and panoramas.
Roberts Camera
- Nikon ML-3 Compact Modulite Remote
- SANHO HyperDrive iUSBportCAMERA 2 Wireless Transmitter with 5GHZ 300mbps Wireless USB Adapter
UsedPhotoPro.com
5. Filters
You simply can’t take your camera outdoors without a UV filter to protect the front glass element of any lens. A polarizing filter helps to control reflections and glare and neutral density filters will transform any otherwise dull and uninteresting landscape image into something amazingly magical. Your best value is to purchase a kit that includes all these filters.
Roberts Camera
UsedPhotoPro.com
6. Waterproof and Protective Accessories
With all this new gear, you'll need a top-grade camera bag, if you don’t already have one. Convenience, comfort and durability are what you want for whatever the weather and travel throws at you. Is this the year you join that weeklong photography seminar in the “back of nowhere”? Then, you’ll need an excellent backpack. Even with the right bag or backpack, don’t forget to include a camera cover that will protect you and your camera and lens from wet weather when you’re framing a great shot from a tripod.
Roberts Camera
- Lowepro Pro Messenger 180 AW Shoulder Bag
- ThinkTank Photo Airport Takeoff
- ProMaster Neoprene Camera Protector (Large)
UsedPhotoPro.com
The staff at UsedPhotoPro.com would be happy to provide you with a free quote for any of your used equipment, which you can then apply to the purchase of new gear from Roberts Camera or high quality used equipment from UsedPhotoPro.com.
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