Peak Design Photography Articles

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking

photo bysvetikd via iStock

When you head into the mountains, you want to make sure you have a camera backpack for hiking that is both comfortable and protects your gear.

Unfortunately, in today's day and age not all camera backpacks for hiking are created equally. There are hundreds on the market, but many of them are poor quality bags that will put your gear at risk. With that being said, if you know where to look, there are some truly sensational camera backpacks for hiking being made today!  

With endless options available, I know it can be overwhelming and intimidating to find the right one. That’s exactly why I’ve created this guide detailing the best camera backpack for hiking! To help you make the perfect decision, no matter who you are and what type of camera backpack for hiking you are looking for! 

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking for Backpacking 

Mountainsmith Tanuck 40L Camera Backpack

The Mountainsmith Tanuck 40L Camera Backpack was designed hand in hand with Chris Burkard, one of the most legendary outdoor/adventure photographers on the planet today! If that alone doesn’t assure you that this is a great camera backpack for hiking, the well-thought-out features most certainly will! 

At 40 liters, the Mountainsmith Tanuck is large enough to use on multi-day backpacking trips as long as you don’t pack too many unnecessary items. With a padded waist belt and shoulder straps, this pack is extremely comfortable as well, and won’t hurt your shoulders if you are carrying a heavy load.

Mountainsmith Tanuck 40L Camera Backpack 2

The camera compartment is located at the bottom of the bag and is accessed via the front of the pack. Additionally, inside there are a couple of 100% waterproof pockets for storing delicate items you are extra concerned about. You will be able to fit your whole camera kit and much much more in this amazing camera backpack for hiking! 

Check out these other rad features: 

  • Constructed out of water-resistant 5000mm PU fabric for extreme durability
  • Heavy-duty rain cover included
  • Removable top lid that can be converted into a chest mount
  • Side and back mounts for carrying tripods, water bottles, etc.
  • Laptop compartment that can fit up to a 17-inch computer

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking for Day Hikes

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II

The Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II is an updated version of one of Lowepro's best-selling backpacks of all time! This Lowepro camera backpack was designed especially for active and adventurous photographers who need quick access to their camera and lenses. 

The dedicated camera compartment is located on the side of the pack and there’s no need to remove the backpack to access it. It’s a roomy compartment which easily accommodates a DSLR or mirrorless body with an attached lens, plus one or two more lenses.

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II 2

Additionally, it has 14 liters of personal space for carrying food, jackets, headlamps, and anything else you may need while out for the day. If that wasn’t enough, there is a space at the back of the pack for housing a two-liter hydration reservoir. 

A few other features of this awesome camera backpack for hiking include:

  • Made out of water and tear-proof material
  • Built-in all-weather rain protective cover
  • Extremely lightweight at only 2.64 pounds
  • Place to stuff jacket or wet gear on the outside of the pack
  • Cheaper than most other dedicated camera hiking backpacks

Learn More:

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking and The City

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

The ever so stylish Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a great choice for those of you who don’t necessarily want to buy a backpack specifically for the mountains. Don’t get me wrong, it functions spectacularly in the backcountry, but thanks to its sleek design it will turn heads regardless of the setting!  

The inside of this camera backpack for hiking is completely customizable due to the three FlexFold dividers. You can create separate cubbies to store all of your camera gear exactly how you want it! Also, the bag has entry points on the top and both sides, which makes it super simple to access everything inside. 

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 2

Finally, this stunning camera backpack for hiking comes in a handful of sizes and colors. For the size you can choose between 20 or 30 liters depending on your needs, and the color options are black, charcoal, midnight blue, and ash gray.  

Check out these additional stupendous features: 

  • Constructed out of 400D recycled weatherproof material
  • Has a large separate laptop compartment
  • Huge external carry capacity made possible by a versatile tuck-away strap system
  • Expandable side pockets for water bottles or tripods
  • Integrates incredibly with other Peak Design Products!

Best Camera Backpack for Hiking for Drone Enthusiasts

Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250

The Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 is the perfect camera backpack for hiking in order to carry and protect your drone. The Droneguard 250 is designed with smaller, more compact drones in mind such as the DJI Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, or Mavic Mini

Thanks to the removable and adjustable dividers, you can create different areas to store your remote, spare batteries, and all your additional drone gear and gadgets! Or, you could decide to use the extra space to carry your DSLR or mirrorless camera kit! Furthermore, there is a separate pocket designed specifically for a laptop or tablet. 

Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 2

If you have a larger drone such as the DJI Phantom or DJI Inspire, the larger DroneGuard BP 400 or DroneGuard Pro Inspired are superb options! 

Here are some more features of the fantastic camera backpack for hiking:

  • Built with a compression-molded form shell technology to keep your drone safe in even the most rugged situations. 
  • Phone pocket on shoulder strap for quick and easy access
  • Additional space at the top of the camera backpack that is great for carrying food and extra clothes.

A Few Extra Terrific Camera Backpacks for Hiking

iStock 546763430

 photo bypixdeluxe via iStock

If none of the camera backpacks for hiking above are your dream pack, check out these bonus recommendations! 

Learn More:



We Recommend


Best Camera Bags of 2021

best camera bags of 2020

Photo by Chalabala via iStock

Each year, we do a review of some of the very best bags on the market.

I either own or have extensively tested each bag on this list, so I can speak from experience about each bag's specs, features, pros, and cons.

It seems like camera bags are becoming more and more sophisticated. Or maybe I'm just getting older...

Either way, this year's list of the top camera bags is something to behold. Let's get to it!

Best Camera Bags of 2021: HEX Ranger DSLR Sling & Ranger Mini Sling

HEX Ranger Mini in Glacier Camo

If you’re not so much a shoulder bag or backpack kind of person, a sling bag might be right up your alley.

Two of the best sling bags I’ve tested in recent years both come from HEX: the Ranger DSLR Sling and the Ranger Mini Sling. And there’s a host of reasons why this is the case…

HEX Ranger Sling in Black

For starters, the Ranger DSLR and Ranger Mini Sling bags are affordable, priced at $99.95 and $69.95, respectively. Where similar bags can run into the hundreds of dollars, with these bags, you can get a bag that fits your needs while still having money left over to actually buy gear to put in it!

Secondly, these bags are loaded for bear with features. They’re compact and lightweight. Both have collapsible interior dividers for improved packability. And with side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps, you can customize the carrying experience each time you go out to shoot.

HEX Ranger Mini in Camo

Each sling also has a front organizer that you can use to easily access items like your driver’s license, car keys, or phone.

A third feature that’s worth mentioning is the durability of these slings. The Ranger DSLR uses Genuine Cordura® for the ultimate performance while the Ranger Mini uses 900D Poly for excellent water resistance.

HEX Ranger DSLR Sling in Glacier Camo

Both slings also have faux fur-lined pockets (one for a tablet and another for your phone or sunglasses in the Ranger DSLR and one for a phone or sunglasses in the Ranger Mini) that will withstand years of inserting and taking out your delicate electronics or glasses.

Fourth, HEX has integrated smart components that extend the functionality of these bags. Both feature hidden Velcro stash pockets for small items like memory cards you want to keep safe. Both bags also have YKK zippers with metal pulls that are easy to operate and will provide long-lasting performance for years to come.

HEX Ranger Mini in Black

I use the Ranger DSLR to carry my DJI Mavic Pro 2, and it fits perfectly with a couple of extra batteries, the remote, and other necessities. The Ranger Mini is a similarly ideal setup for my DJI Mavic Mini. In both instances, these bags hug my body unlike any sling bag I’ve tested. It really is incredible how small their form factor is without sacrificing space.

Speaking of space, the Ranger DSLR carries up to eight liters of gear. The Ranger Mini clocks in at 2.5 liters.

In either case, you’re getting a high-quality, well-designed, functional bag for your photo and video pursuits. And with various designs to choose from (Camo, Glacier Camo, and Black), you can select the right bag with the right look for you!

Learn more about the HEX Ranger DSLR Sling and Ranger Mini Sling

Best Camera Bags of 2021: The Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

nomatic camera pack 1

Another camera bag that is really impressive is the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon.

This pack was specifically designed for people that need to travel with their camera. Its ingenious design helps you organize your personal gear and your photography gear into a single bag.

As you can see below, there's a clothing side and a camera gear side that are separated by an interior panel.

nomatic camera pack 2

This beautifully designed "ecosystem" means you can travel with a ton of gear without having to rifle through a disorganized bag to find it.

Except...it isn't a single bag. There's a removable day pack inside (called a Cube Pack), that way you can run and gun when you need to. 

nomatic camera pack 3

This backpack can hold up to 42 liters of gear when expanded (35 liters otherwise), so there's no lack of space. And with a full clamshell opening, you can see all the gear you’ve stowed away with ease. 

The moveable interior dividers allow you to customize the space to your specific needs. There’s even a sleeve for your tablet, pockets for your camera accessories, and quick side access for easy retrieval of gear, too.

nomatic camera pack 4 

For your personal belongings, you can use compression cubes for your clothes, compression straps to keep everything where it should be, and pockets for smaller items to keep things organized.

This is my go-to bag. My gear stays in it on a virtually permanent basis. If you pick one up, it'll prove to be just as useful for you!

Learn more about the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

BEST CAMERA BAGS OF 2021: f-stop tilopa

best camera bags of 2020 tilopa

I've been using f-stop bags for years and years, and each time I pick up a new bag from these guys, I'm always surprised at just how well-made and innovative they are.

But I shouldn't be surprised because that's the reputation f-stop has built!

My current f-stop bag is the Tilopa, a 50-liter bag that has replaced my giant 70-liter f-stop Sukha bag as my heavy haul option.

top camera bags of 2020 tilopa

The bag measures 23.5 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 12 inches deep and weighs in at four pounds when it's empty. I told you it's a heavy hauler!

Even when it's loaded for bear, this bag is ultra-comfortable to carry thanks to the beefy, padded shoulder straps and hip belt that have reinforcements to ensure they can accommodate a heavy load.

And unlike some big bags, the Tilopa offers a slew of load adjustment stabilizer straps so you can get the load just right for your optimum comfort. There's even an adjustable sternum strap to give the bag more stability.

Speaking of stabilization, the Tilopa comes with an internal aluminum frame that helps support the weight of your gear without adding a lot more weight to the load.

best camera backpack 2020

On the top is a huge lid where you can carry additional items and have easy access to them. Access to the inside of the bag is easy with a back panel that unzips. There's a zippered front panel, too.

The treated ripstop nylon exterior has TPU laminate that makes the bag weather-resistant. To give it extra weather resistance, f-stop even added Hypalon in some areas. 

f stop icu medium

But my favorite feature of f-stop bags is the internal camera unit (ICU) system.

These ICUs (like the medium one shown above) give you a removable cubby system for keeping your gear organized and protected. They come in various sizes, so you can customize the ICU to your bag and your particular kit.

It's an ingenious design that makes f-stop bags among the top bags for 2021!

Learn more about the f-stop Tilopa. 

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

peak design 3

No best camera bags list would be complete without an entry from Peak Design, which seems to find ways to improve on their already incredible lineup of camera bags year in and year out.

Their Everyday Backpack V2 is certainly one of the best bags of 2021, with features that make it more usable than ever.

Peak Design incorporated MagLatch hardware on the top of the bag so you can open it up and access your gear in a flash.

peak design 2

To expand access further, this pack has two side access panels that are secured by weatherproof UltraZips.

The shell of the bag is comprised of 100-percent recycled 400D weatherproofing so your gear stays nice and dry. There's also a handy tuck-away strap system that enables you to lash gear to the exterior of the bag to expand its carrying capacity.

As impressive as the outside is, the inside of the bag offers lots of goodies.

best camera bags of 2019 peak design

There's dedicated sleeves for up to a 15-inch laptop, numerous internal slip pockets for smaller items, and three configurable FlexFold dividers to help keep your gear organized.

Of course, the FlexFold dividers also help protect your gear by keeping it neatly organized and separated from one another.

The Everyday Bag V2 is available in 20-liter and 30-liter sizes so you can select the right fit for your needs. Both are a great option for urban explorations when you want a backpack with a smaller footprint than the Nomatic bag.

Either way, you'll end up with one of the best bags of 2021!

Learn more about the Everyday Backpack V2 20-Liter or 30-Liter versions.

Best Camera Bags of 2021: LowePro Photo Sport 200AW

The LowePro Photo Sport 200AW

There is no getting around it - I have a lot of camera bags. Yet, there is just one bag that I turn to over and over again for my outdoor adventures, and that’s the LowePro Photo Sport 200AW.

I’ve had this bag for over 10 years and it has gone with me on an untold number of epic adventures. It’s still going strong, so why replace something that’s worked so well all these years?

The LowePro Photo Sport 200AW 2

It’s perfect for adventures like biking because I can fit all my camera gear, a drone, and still have lots of room left for a jacket, snacks, and so forth.

Back in the day when I got this bag, I had a number of requirements:

  • It had to be lightweight, yet durable to stand up to the rigors of outdoor adventures.
  • I wanted a bag with a padded compartment for my photography gear.
  • Side access panels were a must so I could quickly access my gear.

best camera bags of 2020 lowepro

This bag ticked all the boxes back then, and it still ticks all the boxes now.

I would also add that it’s extremely important to have a bag that allows you to rotate it to your chest for quickly getting out your camera. Again, this bag does the job - I just slide one arm out of the shoulder strap, rotate the bag forward, unzip the side access pocket, and grab my gear.

Learn more about the LowePro Photo Sport 200AW.

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag

peak design 1

The Peak Design Everyday Sling bag was my go-to sling bag for a long time. It really is a fantastic bag, but the HEX Ranger just outdoes it!

At any rate, I'd still highly recommend this bag because it is impeccably designed and built.

The weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell keeps things dry while also being a highly durable fabric.

Like the HEX Ranger, this bag also has a low-profile design that keeps it from being obtrusive as you work.

peak design 2

You can easily access your gear via the wide-mouth opening, and if you have small accessories that need to come along for the ride, there's plenty of pockets where you can stash your stuff.

That includes an expandable outer pocket that can accommodate a flash or other small camera accessory.

There's even a side-load option for the main compartment and an external carry system so you can easily carry your tripod.

peak design 3

The best part of this bag, though, are the internal FlexFold dividers.

Inspired by origami, these dividers can be molded into various shapes, including walls, cubbies, and passthroughs, so you get a high level of customization of how the bag works with your gear.

And since they fasten with Velcro, you can take them all out if need be. Heck, the back even folds flat for traveling!

The Everyday Sling is super comfortable, easy to use, and well made. It's definitely deserving of consideration if you want to invest in a new sling bag.

Learn more about the Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag.



We Recommend


Best Camera Sling Bags of 2021

Best Camera Sling Bags of 2021

A camera sling bag is a camera sling bag, right?

I mean, there can’t possibly be a big difference from one camera sling bag to the next…

Or is there?

While there are plenty of choices out there, some camera sling bags are definitely of higher quality, more functional, and more comfortable to carry than others. In the list below, I offer five of the very best examples to help you shop for a bag that will be a pleasure to use for years to come.

Let’s get started!

HEX Brand Ranger Sling V2

best camera sling bags 1

I've been using these bags for three years, and they never disappoint.

These are perfect for day trips or days you want to go lean. I can easily fit my Canon EOS R5 with an RF 15-35mm lens and my RF 70-200mm lens in addition to a Rode VideoMic, filters, and spare batteries.

I can even use the bottom straps to hold my Peak Design Travel Tripod!

In addition to having a sneaky amount of storage space, this bag is super comfortable to carry. Part of that is the design of the shoulder strap, which has excellent padding to keep shoulder pain at bay.

best camera sling bags of 2021 2

Another comfort factor is that the bag hugs your body. As you move, it moves with you rather than banging around against your body like some sling bags. It’s a great design feature and one that you will appreciate as your day out shooting gets longer and longer.

Of course, this bag is also beautifully made. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to the way bags are constructed, and HEX gets top marks for making a bag that’s really well put together. Not only does the quality of construction mean that the bag will be a durable companion for years to come, but it also means that this bag looks like a million bucks!

camera sling bags 3

Looks aren’t the main thing to look for in a bag, but this bag certainly looks awesome!

Here’s a quick list of some of the other features this bag offers:

  • Hideaway rain fly
  • Double buckle strap for a more precise fit
  • Collapsible interior dividers
  • Front access organizer
  • Adjustable load straps
  • Water-resistant genuine Cordura® exterior with Antimicrobial technology

This is the second year HEX Brand takes the number one spot, and they earned it. This year they added a blackout version of this bag and I have to say, it has a swanky design to it, yet still has that urban charm that makes it look incredibly cool.

Learn more about the HEX Brand Ranger Sling V2

Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag

Ask a group of photographers what sling bag they use, and chances are good that at least a couple of them will say Peak Design Everyday Sling.

I had this bag long before my HEX Ranger came along. It was my go-to bag for years and years.

And while HEX has overtaken it as my primary bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is still a fantastic bag.

Not only is it beautifully designed, but it’s built like a tank. It has weatherproof 400D nylon canvas on the outside that keeps your gear dry. It’s also a durable material that will stand up to years and years of use.

From a functionality standpoint, this bag has a wide-mount opening on top so you can easily grab needed gear. It also has loads of pockets for things like memory cards, batteries, and car keys to keep them organized and out of the way. There’s also an exterior pocket that’s expandable for larger items like a flash.

Like the HEX Ranger, this bag has an external carry system so you can lash your tripod to the bag for easier carrying.

Inside, the Peak Design Everyday sling has FlexFold dividers that can be changed into various shapes. This enables you to customize the storage compartment to fit your precise needs. Make walls, cubbies, and pass throughs to accommodate your specific gear. 

Now, I have the original Peak Design Everyday Sling, but the new V2 version is out and is even better than before. Updates include:

  • An updated, more comfortable strap
  • A larger main opening with dual zip pulls for easier access
  • UltraZip external zippers, which are much more durable
  • A new Cord Hook external carry strap system
  • New outer fabric that is 100 percent recycled and Bluesign certified

So whether you opt for the original version like I have or this new-and-improved one, you’ll get a bag that ticks all the boxes for one of the best camera sling bags of 2021!

Learn more about the Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag

Moment 6L Rugged Camera Sling

top camera slings 4

If you’re looking for a smaller sling bag, the 6-liter Rugged Camera Sling from Moment is a great choice.

Obviously, this bag is well designed with a pleasing aesthetic. You can get the back in black, olive, and my personal favorite, Fujifilm Black. But, again, looks aren’t everything...

This bag was designed to be highly durable. Moment used bomber materials to protect the outside while copious amounts of padding protect your gear on the inside.

top camera slings 5 

The bag has a ton of pockets and customizable dividers so you can keep all your gear safe and organized. The modular nature of the dividers gives you all the flexibility you need to adapt the bag to different gear.

From a comfort standpoint, the Rugged Camera Sling has a Stability Strap that keeps the bag tight to your body. This means the bag hugs you - just like the HEX Ranger - as you stand, sit, kneel, and shoot.

top camera slings 6 

Add in a large top opening, a waterproof NPX body material, a padded wingback panel, and an articulated shoulder strap, and you have the makings of one of the best camera slings of 2021! There’s even a lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind.

Learn more about the Moment Rugged Camera Sling

Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0

budget friendly camera sling bag 7

If you’re looking for a bag that gives you the fastest access to your gear, the Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0 might be your best bet…

Unlike the previous bags on this list, this bag is not a cross-body sling that can double as a shoulder bag.

Instead, this bag is designed to rotate from back to front without removing it, thus allowing you to grab your gear without taking the bag off.

budget friendly camera sling bag 6

In addition to this rotating design, this Think Tank bag comes with a stabilizer strap that keeps the bag steady on your bag as you work to get your shot. The contoured design is meant to help the bag conform to your body as you move. And the wide shoulder strap helps keep the bag in place, and does so comfortably with good padding.

While this isn’t the biggest sling bag out there, it’s still large enough to accommodate a small mirrorless kit plus an 8-inch tablet.

budget friendly camera sling bag 8

As a smaller bag, it’s also lightweight, making it an ideal option for photographers that only need their camera and a couple of small prime lenses for a quick outing.

Learn more about the Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0

Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack

top rated camera sling bags 9

For those of you that are on a very tight budget, or that want a backpack-style sling bag, the Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack is a worthy option.

This bag is the least expensive on this list, yet it’s also one of the largest. It’ll accommodate a DSLR body and up to three lenses for those intense photo outings that require more gear.

Keeping all that gear safe is a series of adjustable padded dividers that enable you to customize the space to your specific needs.

top rated camera sling bags 10

You can easily access that gear through a side access door or a positively enormous front door. 

While this bag is fairly large, it’s still a comfortable carrying experience.

There is a padded sling strap that keeps your shoulder comfortable and there is also a stow-away chest strap that gives the back more stability as you get more active.

top rated camera sling bags 11

Like the Think Tank bag discussed above, this one can also easily rotate from the back to the front for easy gear access.

On top, there’s a storage compartment for a flash or extra lenses, and on the exterior there’s a spot for your tripod or monopod. So yeah, you can carry a lot of gear!

Learn more about the Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack



We Recommend


Camera Tripod Buying Guide

Camera Tripod Buying Guide

 photo by0804Creative via iStock

Best Camera Tripod

Is there really such a thing?

Well, that depends on what your budget is, the type of work for which you need a tripod, and various other factors. 

In this article, I’ll break down a few good choices that will guide you in selecting the right tripod for you.

As I’ve said before, it’s a good idea to max out your budget when it comes to buying a tripod. You want something solid and durable that will last you for years and years to come. In that regard, selecting the right tripod can become a great long-term investment.

Table of Contents

Best Camera Tripod Under $100: Dolica Proline Tripod With Ball Head

dolica 1

If you're looking for an inexpensive tripod that's not short on features, the Dolica Proline is a great choice.

Priced under $50, this tripod offers a maximum load capacity of 13.2 pounds and a maximum height of more than 62-inches.

It's super lightweight, too, making it an excellent choice for landscape photographers and travel photographers alike.

dolica 2

At this price point, you don't usually find a tripod with an included ball head. You certainly don't usually find one with a quick-release plate and a bubble level, either.

This tripod has quick-release legs for easy setup and takedown, and they are thick, too, meaning they offer more stability for your shots.

There's a center-column hook for adding ballast when the wind kicks up, a reversible locking center column, non-slip rubber feet, and foam grips on the legs as well.

All this in a package that weighs just 2.9 pounds and folds down to under 23-inches in length!

Learn more about the Dolica Proline Tripod With Ball Head

Best Camera Tripod Under $100 Runner-Up: Benro Slim Tripod Kit With Ball Head

best camera tripod under 100 4 benro 

This tripod Kit from Benro is lightweight, has a slim profile, and folds down to a compact size for easy carrying. 

It features twist leg locks that make deploying its legs a quick process, a grooved center column that prevents twisting, and a center-column hook for adding ballast in windy conditions.

It has a load capacity of 8.8 pounds, three leg positions for uneven terrain, and a removable ball head too.

Learn more about the Benro Slim Tripod Kit With Ball Head

Bonus Option Under $100: Octopus.Camera OctoPad

octopad 1

Okay, okay...I know the Octopad isn't a tripod. But this thing is so incredibly useful and works so well that I had to include it on this list.

Its size makes it far more maneuverable than even the smallest travel or tabletop tripods. But don't let its small stature fool you.

Its weighted non-slip mat design offers an incredible amount of stability - far more than more conventional mini tripods or suction cup mounts.

I typically use my OctoPad to stabilize my GoPro. I even sit it on my dashboard in my car and use my GoPro as a dashcam - even offroad!

octopad dashboard

This thing doesn't slip or slide, it doesn't tip over or collapse under the weight of my GoPro, and the ball head clamps securely. Just what you need out of a solid support device for your camera!

Add in a standard 1/4-20 bolt for attaching your own accessories, a cable strap to keep your camera cables organized and out of the way, and a handy clip grommet to secure the OctoPad with a lanyard or carabiner, and you have the makings of a small, portable, functional, and useful stabilization device for your action cam, smartphone, small camera, light...you name it!

And at $26.95, the OctoPad is the least expensive option on this list!

Learn more about the Octopus.Camera OctoPad

Best Camera Tripod Under $250: Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod

best camera tripod under 250 1

This is a big tripod in that it extends up to 65-inches, yet Manfrotto has worked its magic so that it’s lightweight and stable to provide your camera with the support it needs to capture clear, sharp images.

Like the Geekoto tripod described above, this one also offers both tripod and monopod functionalities.

Best Tripod For DSLR

You can enjoy a compact design that’s ideal for traveling, yet still have the support necessary to provide a stable base for a big DSLR with a big lens.

best camera tripod under 250 2

It has three leg angles to give you versatility in the shots you take, a telescoping center column for a little extra height, an aluminum ball head with an independent pan lock, and 5 leg sections with easy twist-lock mechanisms.

It’s also priced well below the $250 threshold - at the time of this writing, you can pick this tripod up for just under $150. That’s a great value for a tripod that can handle 17.6 pounds of gear!

Learn more about the Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $250 Runner-Up: Vanguard VEO 2 264AB 

best camera tripod under 250 3 vanguard

Vanguard tripods have always gotten high marks for their quality of construction and functionality, and the VEO 2 264AB is no exception. 

Not only is this tripod easy to set up, but it also has an innovative central column that enables quick setup of the tripod - just 15 seconds total. That rapid setup is also helped by easy twist-lock leg locks that enable you to extend the four-section legs and lock them in place in mere seconds.

Like many other tripods on this list, this unit also has multiple leg positions and angles, a center column hook for ballast, and a ball head. It’ll support nearly 18 pounds of gear too!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO 2 264AB

Best Camera Tripod Under $500: Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

peak 1

Peak Design is one of the premier tripod companies in the world, and it’s obvious why this is the case when you look at one of their tripods. 

This 5-section aluminum tripod was designed from the ground up to be small, lightweight, and super strong.

When folded down, it’s about the size of a water bottle, making it one of the most portable tripods on this list. Yet, despite its tiny size, this thing can accommodate a whopping 20 pounds.

peak 2

It’s also lightning-quick to setup and takedown, so you don’t have to worry about missing critical shots while you’re getting your gear in place. That’s due to the fast-locking, low-profile leg cams and rapid-deploy legs that extend, rather than flip over, like traditional travel tripod legs.

It has non-slip rubber feet, a center column hook, low and inverted modes for low-angle shots, and an omnidirectional ball head as well. It’s also backed by Peak Designs’ lifetime guarantee. Nice!

Learn more about the Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $500 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian Carbon Fiber 5-Section Travel Tripod

best camera tripod under 500 3 3 legged thing

Like the Peak Design tripod outlined above, this model by 3 Legged Thing is stuffed full of innovations.

Not only can it support up to 30 pounds of gear, but it has a tri-mount plate with hollowed spurs that allow you to use clip-on devices. The D-Ring and Toolz assembling allow for traditional spring hooks as well.

There’s a detachable monopod, multiple accessory options, a precision-engineered leg lock system that offers improved stability and rigidity, and an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate.

Add to that multiple spirit levels, a super ergonomic grip, and ultra-strong carbon fiber legs, and you have the makings of an excellent tripod.

Learn more about the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian Carbon Fiber 5-Section Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $750: Peak Design 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

best camera tripod under 750 1

This tripod is the same as the previous Peak Design tripod I featured above, the only exception being that this one is made of carbon fiber.

You get all the same goodies, including the same 20-pound load capacity, but with the added bonus of having ultra-durable carbon fiber construction.

Learn more about the Peak Design 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $750 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Winston Carbon Fiber Tripod System

best camera tripod under 750 2 3 legged thing 

The Winston model from 3 Legged Thing sports precision-engineered aircraft-grade magnesium alloy construction that supports up to 22 pounds of equipment. In other words, it’s supremely strong and lightweight.

Its modular design means you get the benefit of being able to shoot photos from virtually on the ground up to 73 inches, and with its Paralock System, accidental disassembly is prevented while also adding further stability for the tripod. You get better grip too.

Furthermore, 3 Legged Thing designed this unit with a detachable leg to use as a monopod, a microphone boom, a camera boom, or a selfie stick.

Learn more about the 3 Legged Thing Winston Carbon Fiber Tripod System

Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000: Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542 

best camera tripod under 1000 1

If you have the budget for it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tripod under $1,000 that’s better made than the Gitzo GK2542-82QD.

Sure, it’s name sounds more like an android from Star Wars, but this tripod is no gimmick - it means serious business.

This tripod and ball head kit is specifically designed for shooters that use a DSLR with a long lens (up to 300mm). As such, it is extremely sturdy and well-balanced with carbon fiber legs that offer excellent stiffness.

best camera tripod under 1000 2

As a result of this impeccable build quality, this tripod supports up to 40 pounds of gear.

The included ball head offers ultra-smooth and precise movements so you can get the exact shot you want. It has a quick-release adapter and is designed to work with other plates as well.

Learn more about the Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542

Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000 Runner-Up: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series

best camera tripod under 1000 3 promediagear

ProMediaGear makes some truly incredible tripods, and as a result, they’ve built a reputation as one of the best in the business.

Their Pro-Stix 34 Series tripod was built with professional photographers and videographers in mind. It’s tough, rugged, and can support up to 60 pounds.

The apex plate has a ⅜-16 mounting thread so you can add video heads or ball heads, sliders, or gimbals, just to name a few.

Its carbon fiber legs are constructed from 10 individual layers, meaning they are supremely strong. Add in tension-adjustable leg mechanisms, stainless steel foot spikes, and multi-adjustable leg angles, and you have the makings of a tripod that is strong, durable, and highly adaptable to your needs as well.

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series

Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 4-Section Long Carbon Fiber Tripod

best camera tripod over 1000 1

Like the 34 Series tripod from ProMediaGear I outlined just above, this 4-section carbon fiber tripod was designed and built with professionals in mind.

This particular model is rated up to 125 pounds, so there is ample leeway for adding tons of gear to this rig.

The apex of this tripod has an interchangeable flat plate/bowl mount with several ¼-20 holes to add accessories. There’s even anti-rotation pin slots to add further gear to the tripod.

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The legs are made of carbon fiber for strength and have three adjustable angle positions that lock, that way you can adjust the tripod to suit virtually any shooting situation. Additionally, each leg has ¼-20 threads on the top collar for adding even more accessories.

With stainless steel foot spikes, you can use this tripod on slippery or uneven terrain without worry that it will slide around. That’s the peace of mind you want if you have 125 pounds of gear on it!

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 4-Section Long Carbon Fiber Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000 Runner-Up: Manfrotto 608 Carbon Fiber Tripod With Nitrotech Fluid Video Head 

best camera tripod over 1000 3 manfrotto

If videography is your game, this is the tripod for you.

Specifically designed for video work, the Manfrotto 608 holds nearly 18 pounds of gear and includes a fluid video head for precise control during shooting sequences.

The variable continuous fluid drag system offered by the video head enables ultra-smooth and judder-free pan and tilt movements while filming. The head also has a ⅜-inch easy link system with an anti-rotation system that allows you to add Manfrotto arms for adding accessories to your setup, like an external monitor.

The legs have multiple angle selections and four leg sections so you have good flexibility regarding the shooting angle and height.

This tripod even comes with its own carrying case for easy transport! 

Learn more about the Manfrotto 608 Carbon Fiber Tripod With Nitrotech Fluid Video Head

 



We Recommend


Check Out These Smokin' Black Friday Photography Deals

Check Out These Smokin Black Friday Photography Deals

 photo byGrafikactiva via iStock

I think we can all agree that 2020 has not been the best of years… 

But at least we have what’s looking like an excellent Black Friday for photographers to look forward to.

I’ve put together a quick list of some of the best photography Black Friday deals at the moment. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list and that many retailers have limited stock. In other words, if you see something you like, it’s best to jump on it now rather than later!

Adorama Black Friday Deals

Black friday photography deals

Amazon Black Friday Deals

photography black friday deals

Nikon Black Friday Deals

black friday for photographers

Nikon has a wealth of deals on mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and lenses for both systems. This includes:

  • $250 off Z50 two-lens kit
  • $400 off Z6 24-70mm kit
  • $400 off Z6 body only
  • $300 off Z7 body only
  • $150 off Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
  • $200 off Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S
  • $300 off D7500 18-140mm kit
  • $570 off D500 16-80mm kit
  • $400 off AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
  • $500 off AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 

Nikon is also offering their online courses for free through the end of the year.

Holdfast Gear Black Friday Deals

Our friends over at Holdfast Gear are kicking off Black Friday with an Early Bird Sale that gets you 20% off straps and other accessories.

Holdfast makes all sorts of high-end gear, including bags, single and dual camera straps, and a host of leather accessories like shoes, wallets, and pen holders, just to name a few.

To score the 20% discount, simply use the promo code EARLYBIRD2020 when you check out.

This is a short, time-limited discount, so hurry over to Holdfast Gear to do some early Black Friday shopping!

MPB Black Friday Deals

You can get an extra 10% off select camera bodies, lenses, gimbals, and stabilizers at MPB through November 30th. MPB has also partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a tree each time someone buys, sells, or trades gear at MPB.com as an added bonus!

Additionally, U.S. residents can score 10% off these camera bodies:

  • Nikon D610
  • Canon EOS 70D
  • Sony Alpha A5000
  • Fujifilm X-T1

The sale on these cameras runs from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Head over to MPB to check out these deals and much more!

HEX Brand Black Friday Deals

hex brand black friday deals

Black Friday through Cyber Monday, HEX Brand is offering 20% off, which includes their brand-new Ranger Crossbody Bag shown above.

Like all HEX Brand gear, this new Crossbody bag represents the ideal mix of style and substance.

The exterior of the bag is crafted of Genuine Cordura® and ballistic nylon. Inside is EVA foam padding to protect your camera and accessories. There's also an adjustable padded divider to keep your gear organized.

But don't think that this is a bulky bag. Quite the opposite. Its small form factor hugs your body as you move so it stays out of your way. In fact, it's just 1.3 pounds yet can hold up to 1.5 liters of gear.

Check it out at HEX Brand and see if it's the right bag for you this holiday season!

Other Photography Black Friday Deals

Black Friday Photography Deals 2

There are TONS of other awesome Black Friday deals for photographers. Here’s a few:

  • Up to 46% off at DJI.com
  • Up to 40% off paper prints at Artbeat Studios
  • 25% off Adobe Creative Cloud for individual subscriptions through November 27th (which includes more than 20 apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and InDesign)
  • 70% off Adobe Creative Cloud for students and teachers through November 27th (the discount makes it just $15.99 per month)
  • Up to 20% off on Peak Design gear through December 1st (this includes 20% off on Everyday Bags and 10% off on tripods)
  • 20% off site wide on orders over $50 at Printique (use promo code BLACKFRIDAY20 at checkout)

Like I said earlier, some of these deals might disappear, and other killer deals might pop up, so keep your eyes peeled and your credit card ready!



We Recommend


Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000 - 2020 Edition

Gifts for Photographers Under 1000 2020 Edition

photo bysl-f via iStock

With 2020 not going so well thus far, it’s nice to look ahead to the holiday season and start thinking of things you might want to get for your favorite photographer. 

With a budget of $1,000, there is no end to incredible photography gifts that you can give to the photographer on your holiday shopping list. 

From big, beautiful prints of their best photos to high-capacity memory cards, a nice monitor for editing photos and videos to a killer travel tripod, there are many gifts you can choose from.

Let’s see what photography gear makes our list of the top 10 gifts for photographers under $1,000.

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: CanvasHQ Print

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Holdfast Roamographer

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With a $1,000 holiday budget, you can give the photographer on your list a gift that is impeccably designed, highly functional, and way under budget, too. 

The Holdfast Roamographer bag is one of the finest leather camera bags on the market. It offers gorgeous aesthetics with an American Bison leather exterior that’s beautiful and rugged at the same time.

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Not only will this leather stand up to the elements and age with grace, but it’s also weather resistant so you can be sure the contents of the bag remain safe and dry.

It’s a big bag and can carry lots of gear, but carrying it is a breeze with an adjustable shoulder strap with a shearling-lined shoulder pad for comfort.

Or, if you prefer, you can carry the Roamographer using the Holdfast MoneyMaker for even more functionality and comfort, as seen above.

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The inside of the bag must be mentioned as well. 

The removable camera insert means that no matter how much or how little gear your favorite photographer needs to carry, the Roamographer will help them keep it organized.

The padded insert has cubbies specifically for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories, while there’s interior and exterior pockets for other goodies like a phone, car keys, and a tablet.

The insert is removable, too, so on weekends when they’re not on the job, the photographer on your list can use this as a weekend bag, too. 

That makes the Holdfast Roamographer a beautiful, functional, and multi-purpose bag!

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit

Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit 1

I've tested tons of filters and filter systems over the years.

Some have been spectacularly unimpressive. Most have been just fine. Others have been really, really good.

Since I'm kind of a gear nerd, I picked up a new filter set to play around with - the Haida M10 Enthusiast filter kit.

Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit 2

This kit comes with everything the photographer on your list needs: the Haida M10 filter holder, an 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm adapter rings, and a  drop-in circular polarizer.

The kit also comes with a light barrier, a 100x100mm Red Diamond 3.0 neutral density filter, a 100x150mm Red Diamond medium 0.9 neutral density filter, and a filter bag to top it off.

In other words, in a single gift, you can give your favorite photographer the ability to create long exposures, to manage glare off of water, to boost contrast in the sky, and much more.

Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit 3 

And because the kit comes with several adapter rings, it can be used on a variety of lenses!

Every landscape photographer needs a circular polarizer and a couple of neutral density filters. You can give precisely that (and more!) with the Haida M10 Enthusiast filter kit.

That makes the M10 Enthusiast kit the ideal gift for your favorite photographer. It's a gift that keeps on giving!

Learn more about the Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: ProGrade Digital 650GB CFexpress Type B Memory Card

prograde digital best gifts for photographers

When I bought my Canon EOS R5, I knew I would need to greatly upgrade my memory card situation. I needed something with a huge amount of storage and lightning-fast read and write speeds to accommodate shooting 8K RAW video.

So, I did a little research and decided that ProGrade Digital’s CF Express Type B cards were the way to go. After using these cards, I know I’ve made the right decision, and buying them for yourself or your favorite photographer this holiday season will be a good decision as well!

These cards have read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1500 MB/s. The write speeds are guaranteed not to dip below 1400 MB/s, so you have consistent speed no matter what you’re doing.

That speed is great for 8K video, but also 4K and 6K video (and fast burst shooting too). In any of these cases, these cards help clear the buffer quickly so you don’t miss any action.

If you have a camera with an XQD slot, you can use these cards. ProGrade made these cards backward compatible with XQD devices. All it takes is a quick firmware update and you’ll be ready to rock!

If you’re concerned about durability, that isn’t an issue with ProGrade cards. Not only are they resistant to shock, vibration, and X-rays, but they are also resistant to extreme temperatures. So, no matter if you’re in the Arctic or Death Valley, ProGrade has your back.

Another feature worth mentioning with these cards is that ProGrade has taken measures to ensure their authenticity. Each card has laser-etched serial numbers that help prevent counterfeiting. ProGrade even offers advanced recovery software that prevents your files from being corrupted. Nice!

Over time, memory cards slow down, but ProGrade has developed software that helps keep their cards running at peak performance for the longest possible time. Called Digital Refresh Pro, this software (which is available separately) sanitizes your card to keep it in tip-top shape. The software also lets you check the health of your cards before each shoot, that way you know that the card is primed and ready to record image and video data.

A great memory card is the foundation of creating beautiful images. Don’t let your favorite photographer continue working with subpar memory cards. Get them something durable, reliable, and fast from ProGrade.

Learn more about ProGrade Digital CF Express Memory Cards

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: ViewSonic VP 3881 Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor

ViewSonic VP 3481 shown on top and ViewSonic VP 3881 shown on bottom.

I have this monitor in my home office (along with the 34-inch monitor discussed next), and I can't tell you how impressed I am with it.

As I noted in my first impressions review of this monitor, I was an LG monitor fan for the longest time, but honestly, these ViewSonic monitors are next-level in terms of the color accuracy and sharpness they produce.

ViewSonic VP 3481 shown on top and ViewSonic VP 3881 shown on bottom. 

It has 60Hz SuperClear IPS technology that makes the monitor a joy to look at. The support for 4.39 trillion colors, 14-bit LUT, and 3D LUT capabilities aren't bad, either.

Truly, this is the best monitor I've ever had for photo and video editing - or any other purpose, for that matter. The color accuracy is next-level good. The sharpness is incredible too.

ViewSonic VP 3481 shown on top and ViewSonic VP 3881 shown on bottom. 

I also love the 38-inch ultra widescreen curved design. It’s an immersive viewing experience that would be excellent for gaming, but it’s hugely helpful for editing photos and videos, too.

Add in integrated speakers, 6-axis color enhancement, ViewSplit technology (which allows you to divide the screen into multiple windows), and a three-year limited warranty, and you have the makings of the best ultra widescreen monitor money can buy!

Learn more about the 38-inch ViewSonic VP3881

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: ViewSonic VP 3481 Curved Monitor

ViewSonic VP 3481 shown on top and ViewSonic VP 3881 shown on bottom.

If the photographer on your holiday shopping list needs a new monitor, but one that’s not quite as large as the ViewSonic VP 3881 discussed above, the ViewSonic VP 3481 is a great alternative.

This wide-screen monitor features the same immersive curve with a 21:9 aspect ratio, but is four inches smaller than the VP 3881. Yet, at 34-inches, this monitor still offers a beautifully large viewing experience for editing photos and videos.

ViewSonic VP 3481 shown on top and ViewSonic VP 3881 shown on bottom.

You’ll find the same technology too - 4.39 trillion colors, 14-bit LUT, and 3D LUT capabilities.

Your favorite photographer can also enjoy 6-axis color enhancement, HDR10 support, and ViewSonic’s ViewSplit technology.

The VP 3481 has a frameless design and a wide range of viewing angles that make it easy to see the screen no matter if you’re sitting in front of it or off to the side.

Likewise, the integrated speakers make video editing all the more productive while also saving space on your desk! 

This monitor is about $250 less than the VP 3881, but packs every bit of a punch! 

Learn more about the ViewSonic VP 3481 Curved Monitor

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: DJI Mavic Air 2

DJI Mavic Air 2 1

Personally, I think the DJI Mavic Air 2 is one of the best gifts you can give with a $1,000 budget. In fact, I declared it the best drone money can buy under $1,000 - it’s that good!

Get a load of these specs…

  • 48-megapixel Quad Bayer sensor
  • 34-minute flight time (as compared to about 20 minutes in the original Mavic Air)
  • Multiple hyperlapse modes for time-lapse videos (with 8K recording!)
  • Completely redesigned remote
  • Obstacle avoidance system with front, rear, and downward-facing sensors, and AirSense, which detects other aircraft and warns you when they are nearby
  • 42 MPH top speed

DJI Mavic Air 2 2

Sure, the Mavic Air 2’s sensor is only a ½-inch, but DJI wrests all it can out of that sensor and offers a drone that can capture beautifully detailed images.

You can zoom in for a tighter shot without worrying about a ton of noise. Likewise, when you're processing the images, you can really appreciate the incredible detail, clarity, and colors in the photos.

It also helps that you can take 12-megapixel images or opt for using the full resolution of the camera to take 48-megapixel images when necessary!

DJI Mavic Air 2 3

Video quality is great too, though I will say I’d take the Mavic Pro 2 if video was my priority.

Nonetheless, this drone is loaded for bear for any photographer that wants to upgrade their drone photography experience. 

Learn more about the DJI Mavic Air 2

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

I know most of us aren’t doing a heck of a lot of traveling right now, but if you’re shopping for a photographer that typically travels a lot, I’ve got a great gift idea for you. 

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an incredible bit of design. It’s a full-fledged tripod that’s ultra sturdy and durable, yet when collapsed is about the diameter of a water bottle for super easy packing.

This particular tripod is made of carbon fiber to keep the weight down and has aluminum leg locking cams that allow you to simultaneously release the leg’s 5 sections. This makes setting up the tripod a quick job. 

The tripod extends up to 60 inches with the center column deployed and can get down to just 5.5 inches above the ground for low-angle shots.

You also get a ball head that was completely redesigned and includes no knobs or levers that stick out - which is part of what makes this tripod so packable and easy to travel with. 

Add in a quick-release system that fits Peak Design plates and most Arca-type plates, a 20-pound load capacity, and non-slip shock-absorbing feet (among many other features), and you have the makings of a gift that your favorite photographer will be over the moon for!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300

sony a6300

A great holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list is a Sony camera.

By opting for a pre-owned camera, you can save a ton of money while still giving an awesome gift this holiday season.

The Sony a6300 offers lots of features, including a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and continuous shooting at 11fps.

sony a6300 2

Add to that a spectacular 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, excellent image quality, and a small, lightweight body, and the a6300 is a perfect gift for a photographer that needs a capable yet highly portable camera.

Plus, with the a6300, you give the gift of a small, yet mighty camera with superb photographic and video capabilities, but that can easily slide into a camera bag with loads of room to spare.

There are also many different lenses that work with this camera, so if you wanted to expand the gift-giving, you could potentially find a nice pre-owned E-mount lens to add to the mix.

Whether the photographer on your list photographs people, buildings, landscapes, wildlife, or something in between, this camera will be a welcome addition to their camera bag!

Learn more about the Sony a6300

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards



We Recommend


Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000 - 2022 Edition

gifts for photographers under 1000

Photo by Eugene_EM via iStock

Each year, we publish a series of lists of our favorite photography gear for holiday shopping. This go-round is our list of gear under $1,000.

While a lot of photography gear is far more expensive than a $1,000 budget allows, there's plenty of other gift ideas that are less than a grand, and in many cases, a lot less.

Our 2022 list has some great options for your holiday shopping, so scroll down to get started!

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: CanvasPrints.com Canvas Print

canvasprints website

I don’t know about you, but I find that there are two common problems when searching for gifts for my loved ones. First, I have a lot of people in my life that are difficult to shop for. And second, it can be difficult to find gifts that have long-term utility.

I think I’ve found a solution for both problems, though…

This year, I’m giving canvas prints to many of the people on my holiday shopping list. Why? Well, it’s easy! Even the most difficult of people to shop for enjoy a good photo. What’s more, the chances are high that they have wall space to put a printed photo.

On top of that, a canvas print is something that can be enjoyed for years - decades, really - to come. It isn’t a one-and-done gift that offers flash-in-the-pan excitement during the holidays, then finds its way into a closet somewhere. 

Instead, by giving someone a gorgeous photo that’s been hand-crafted just for them, you can give them the gift of time - time to enjoy the print each and every day.

So, the question is, where do you get a good canvas print?

what to look for in a canvas print

Earlier this year, I ordered a canvas print from CanvasPrints.com. It was my first such order, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.

Well, what I got in the mail was a superb canvas print!

As I shared in this post, the canvas I got from CanvasPrints.com ticks all the boxes in terms of quality:

  • The printing process was flawless, with no ink smudges or stains.
  • The high-quality canvas is tightly wrapped around the frame, with no waves or puckering.
  • The frame is well-made with square corners and a center support to ensure it stays square.
  • The canvas is attached to the frame with plenty of staples to further ensure the canvas remains tight.

quality canvas stretched tightly

Additionally, I like that CanvasPrints.com uses a wire hanger on the back rather than the more typical sawtooth hanger. I find that sawtooth hangers are often not attached to the frame in the center (and often aren’t level, either), which obviously complicates hanging the print level. With a wire hanger, there’s no concern there!

canvas print build quality

In other words, my first experience with CanvasPrints.com could not have gone better. As a result of that, they’ve earned my business for additional prints for myself and for my loved ones this holiday season. You should entrust them to create a beautiful print of your images as well!

canvsprints frame support

I should note that the materials used to create these prints are American-made and of the utmost quality to ensure the print that arrives at your door looks incredible. If something goes awry, no worries - CanvasPrints.com offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee with your print.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday shopping done, get a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, and give the gift of a special moment in time with a CanvasPrints.com print!

Learn more about CanvasPrints.com

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

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f-stop makes some really fine bags - there's no doubt about that. And while a camera backpack that's $700 might seem like a crazy price, this is one of those situations in which you really do get what you pay for.

Besides, if you're carrying thousands and thousands of dollars of photography gear, you want it inside a rock-solid protective bag. That's exactly what the f-stop Shinn is!

At 80 liters, this is an absolutely enormous bag. As such, it accommodates a lot of gear.

With that much space, you can carry a large camera setup or cine rig. Alternatively, you could carry multiple DSLR or mirrorless systems at the same time.

api0yoidu 88994

The exterior of the bag is made from f-stop's proprietary DuraDiamond material, which is incredibly strong, super lightweight, and weather resistant.

Carrying so much weight means you'll want a solid system for managing all that weight on your body, and the Shinn does that with BLOOM foam shoulder straps and hip belt. My f-stop Tilopa has this kind of shoulder straps and hip belt, and it's one of the most comfortable setups I've ever experienced.

In addition to the BLOOM foam straps and belt, the Shinn also has an aluminum frame that helps shift the weight of the bag to your hips, which is exactly where you want it. A combination of plastic and T6 aluminum hardware helps strengthen the critical components of the suspension system as well.

apimoxidd 56190

Inside, the bag has loads of organization and storage features to keep small items like cords, memory cards, and batteries neatly tucked away.

To organize your camera gear, you can use a Cine Master Camera Bag Insert or a Pro XL camera insert. These inserts are crucial because they keep your gear neatly tucked away, safely ensconced in a soft cubby to prevent damage. And if you're taking a trip without your camera gear, just remove the inserts and you have a cavernous bag to fit all the adventure gear you need!

apiawerhr 13746

I've had many f-stop bags over the years, with each one seemingly better than the last. These guys know how to put a bag together, from using weather-resistant zippers to providing multiple access points to developing the best carrying system on the market.

If you really want to wow the photographer in your life, the f-stop Shinn is just the gift to do it!

Learn more about the f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk

jaxson 1

Sitting at a desk editing photos all day isn't just uncomfortable. It's also unhealthy. As photographers, we need to get up, move around, and change positions as we work over the course of the day. The iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk can help in that endeavor.

As you'd expect from iMovR, this is a beautifully designed and built desk. It features brushless motor lifting columns for smooth adjustments and advanced 3D-laminated desktops that are both beautiful and durable.

The desk's contoured edges, array of desktop finishes, and warm base colors make this an attractive addition to a home office as well.

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Perhaps the best feature of the Jaxson Standing Desk is the technology it incorporates.

Not only does it have NFC and Bluetooth, but it also has infrared presence sensing so it knows if you're at the desk or not. Likewise, there's a collision detection system to ensure that the desk won't impact other objects as it raises or lowers.

The health coach smartphone app is another top feature that extends the capabilities of this desk and helps you maintain healthy movement throughout the day.

Add in a 15-year warranty and a 100-day satisfaction guarantee to the mix!

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These desks are proudly made in the USA and make a superb holiday gift idea for yourself or the photographer on your shopping list.

With a wide range of finish options and tons of technology to help you have a more comfortable workday, there's no reason not to invest in a Jaxson Standing Desk!

Learn more about the iMovR Jaxson Standing Desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

If you’re shopping for a photographer that typically travels a lot, I’ve got a great gift idea for you. 

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an incredible bit of design. It’s a full-fledged tripod that’s ultra sturdy and durable, yet when collapsed is about the diameter of a water bottle for super easy packing.

This particular tripod is made of carbon fiber to keep the weight down and has aluminum leg locking cams that allow you to simultaneously release the leg’s 5 sections. This makes setting up the tripod a quick job. 

The tripod extends up to 60 inches with the center column deployed and can get down to just 5.5 inches above the ground for low-angle shots.

You also get a ball head that was completely redesigned and includes no knobs or levers that stick out - which is part of what makes this tripod so packable and easy to travel with. 

Add in a quick-release system that fits Peak Design plates and most Arca-type plates, a 20-pound load capacity, and non-slip shock-absorbing feet (among many other features), and you have the makings of a gift that your favorite photographer will be over the moon for!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300 

sony a6300

A great holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list is a Sony camera.

By opting for a pre-owned camera, you can save a ton of money while still giving an awesome gift this holiday season.

The Sony a6300 offers lots of features, including a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and continuous shooting at 11fps.

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Add to that a spectacular 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, excellent image quality, and a small, lightweight body, and the a6300 is a perfect gift for a photographer that needs a capable yet highly portable camera.

Plus, with the a6300, you give the gift of a small, yet mighty camera with superb photographic and video capabilities, but that can easily slide into a camera bag with loads of room to spare.

There are also many different lenses that work with this camera, so if you wanted to expand the gift-giving, you could potentially find a nice pre-owned E-mount lens to add to the mix.

Whether the photographer on your list photographs people, buildings, landscapes, wildlife, or something in between, this camera will be a welcome addition to their camera bag!

Learn more about the Sony a6300Sony a6300

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+

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Yet another ideal gift for the photographer on your list this holiday season is a device that enables quick, secure storage of a ton of files. Tons of files is something every photographer has!

The Synology DiskStation DS1621+ is a great solution for backup and storage with six bays in a compact setup that can be put on top of a desk.

This model has faster performance than the previous model with read speeds up to 174 percent faster and 76 percent faster write speeds. It's also scalable, with the ability to have up to 16 drives with two DX517 expansion units.

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The DS1621+ is also ready for 10GbE with the ability to increase network bandwidth by adding a 10GbE SFP+ or RJ-45 NIC. 

On top of all that, the DS1621+ offers the flexibility to back up data from the cloud, virtual machines, and Windows PCs and servers, along with data on the NAS itself. This can be done with several easy-to-use tools including HyperBackup, Snapshot Replication, and Synology's Active Backup suite.

In other words, Synology makes it as easy as possible to get those all-important files backed up. In a busy day of running a photography business, that's just the kind of peace of mind you need!

Learn more about the Synology 6 Bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Cutco Galley Set With Block

classic cutco

We've been doing this gift guides for years now, and every year, we get requests to add lifestyle items to the mix - things that might not be related to photography, but that photographers (and anyone!) can enjoy. So, this year, we're doing just that.

A good knife set is like a good camera kit - when you buy top-quality products, your ability to work with them and the results you get will be better. Plus, quality gear lasts forever, so making an investment in something that's well-made and durable will benefit you now and long into the future.

One of the lifestyle gift ideas I immediately thought of for this list is this Galley Set with Block from Cutco.

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I have several Cutco products, and I can't rave about them enough. From the quality of the knives to the beauty of the block to the functionality of having a multi-piece set, Cutco gives you everything you need to get cracking in the kitchen.

This particular set includes:

  • A honey finish oak block
  • A medium cutting board
  • A turning fork
  • A spatula spreader
  • A slicer
  • A petite carver
  • A trimmer
  • A 7 5/8-inch chef knife
  • A 2 3/4-inch paring knife
  • Your choice of classic, pearl, or red handles

In other words, you get everything you need to get yourself out of your editing studio and into the kitchen for a relaxing session of cooking. What could be better than cooking with this gorgeous set from Cutco?!

Learn more about the Cutco Galley Set With Block

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Holdfast Roamographer

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With a $1,000 holiday budget, you can give the photographer on your list a gift that is impeccably designed, highly functional, and way under budget, too. 

The Holdfast Roamographer bag is one of the finest leather camera bags on the market. It offers gorgeous aesthetics with an American Bison leather exterior that’s beautiful and rugged at the same time.

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Not only will this leather stand up to the elements and age with grace, but it’s also weather resistant so you can be sure the contents of the bag remain safe and dry.

It’s a big bag and can carry lots of gear, but carrying it is a breeze with an adjustable shoulder strap with a shearling-lined shoulder pad for comfort.

Or, if you prefer, you can carry the Roamographer using the Holdfast MoneyMaker for even more functionality and comfort, as seen above.

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The inside of the bag must be mentioned as well. 

The removable camera insert means that no matter how much or how little gear your favorite photographer needs to carry, the Roamographer will help them keep it organized.

The padded insert has cubbies specifically for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories, while there’s interior and exterior pockets for other goodies like a phone, car keys, and a tablet.

The insert is removable, too, so on weekends when they’re not on the job, the photographer on your list can use this as a weekend bag, too. 

That makes the Holdfast Roamographer a beautiful, functional, and multi-purpose bag!

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Canon EOS RP

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Full frame cameras don't have to be big. They don't have to be expensive, either!

The Canon EOS RP is a perfect gift idea for the holiday season because it offers excellent performance in a small package. Plus, if you buy a pre-owned camera, you can save money to buy additional gifts for the photographer on your list.

The EOS RP is an entry-level full frame camera, but that doesn't mean it lacks features. Instead, this camera is ready to go with:

  • 26.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
  • DIGIC 8 image processor
  • Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus
  • Built-in EVF with 2.36 million dots of resolution and touch capabilities

Since this is a full frame camera, it offers excellent low-light shooting capabilities. And since it's one of the smallest and lightest full frame mirrorless cameras on the market, it doesn't take up a ton of space in your bag, nor is it difficult to carry.

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As I mentioned a moment ago, buying a pre-owned Canon EOS RP gives you flexibility with your budget to get additional items. And while buying used can be a little nerve-wracking, if you shop at MPB, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality used camera.

MPB thoroughly inspects and grades each camera in their inventory and clearly lists the item's condition on the listing page. This enables you to know precisely what to expect when the camera arrives at your door. If, for some reason, you decide you don't want the camera, simply return it during the seven-day return window.

MPB has your back for the long haul, too. Most of their cameras come with a six-month warranty for peace of mind.

Learn more about the Canon EOS RP

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

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Add a little fun to your favorite photographer's photoshoots with the Insta360 ONE RS!

This little camera offers gorgeous 6K 360-degree video capabilities  as well as 21-megapixel 360-degree photos. The camera seamlessly stitches the 360 stills together for a breathtaking view of the subject that's impossible to get with a traditional camera.

These 360-degree images and videos are possible due to the dual one-inch sensors. Both sensors provide unparalleled dynamic range and excellent low-light performance, too.

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Other features include:

  • PureShot HDR for wider dynamic range
  • FlowState Stabilization for beautifully smooth images and videos
  • 360 Horizon lock to ensure images and videos are level

The camera comes with a mounting bracket, a vertical battery case, a lens cap, and more!

Learn more about the Insta360 ONE RS



We Recommend


Great Camera Bags for 2021

best camera bags of 2019

Photo by freemixer via iStock

Best Camera Bag

I'm fortunate to own many different camera bags. I test many, many more each year.

And this year, I think I've had more awesome camera bags in my hands than any year before.

On top of that, the bags that make my best camera bags of 2021 list are more varied in their design than any year before, too.

From slings to backpacks, leather camera bags to duffels, this list has something for everyone.

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Hazard 4® Pillbox™

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The Hazard 4® Pillbox™ Modular Shell pack certainly falls into the impressive category…

To first address the different aesthetic; it’s due to Hazard 4’s legacy users. From special forces recon teams to expedition reporters, these are first designed to endure the world’s harshest jobs and environments. Cameras, accessories and survival gear are protected while patented modularity allows broad mission customization. Thoughtful sizing, organization, ergonomics, and unique functions, with 1000 D Cordura® fabric, YKK zips, and patented hardware result in the tough, futuristic design that now many enthusiasts also choose.

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From a comfort standpoint, the molded back-pad with removable belt is one of the bag’s best features. It’s abrasion resistant without chafing, aerated to ventilate sweat, and conforms to your spine for daylong comfort while padding a <16” MacBook Pro in it’s zip-compartment, that can hang hydration bladders too while the laptop moves to the shell’s other laptop holder!

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In terms of ruggedness, it doesn’t get much better than the lightweight, yet durable molded foam shell and internal 360° moveable gear padding. The shell’s six mounting detents host their patented Hardpoint® system which can be used to attach optional loops, panels, rails, bungees, lights, and other hardware to hold tripods, holsters, helmets, etc. And with military modular webbing (molle) and velcro panels throughout, the pack allows expansion of its functionality by adding i.d. patches and pouches/holsters as needed.

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This bag is also supremely versatile. Carry a laptop, tablet, camera system, and drone in the bottom, with clothes, food and first aid in the shell. Even weapons are retained for those who serve. A large admin organizer keeps your pens, SD cards, and tools neatly organized.

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The professional mil-spec looks make this an eye-catching and unique bag with all the functionality you need to get the hardest field job done in style; like a James Cameron future loadout but in 2021! In three colors from urban to desert, if you want a bag to accommodate lots of gear with carry comfort and patented modularity/security features while looking like a tough, tech trend-setter, this is the one for you.

Learn more about the Hazard4 Pillbox

Best Camera Bags of 2021: The Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

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Another camera bag that really, really impressed me in 2021 is the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon.

This pack was specifically designed for people that need to travel with their camera. It's ingenious design helps you organize your personal gear and your photography gear into a single bag.

As you can see below, there's a clothing side and a camera gear side that are separated by an interior panel.

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This beautifully designed "ecosystem" means you can travel with a ton of gear without having to rifle through a disorganized bag to find it.

Except...it isn't a single bag. There's a removable day pack inside (called a Cube Pack), that way you can run and gun when you need to. 

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This backpack can hold up to 42 liters of gear when expanded (35 liters otherwise), so there's no lack of space. And with a full clamshell opening, you can see all the gear you’ve stowed away with ease. 

The moveable interior dividers allow you to customize the space to your specific needs. There’s even a sleeve for your tablet, pockets for your camera accessories, and quick side access for easy retrieval of gear, too.

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For your personal belongings, you can use compression cubes for your clothes, compression straps to keep everything where it should be, and pockets for smaller items to keep things organized.

The Kickstarter goal for this pack was $100,000. It raised nearly $2.3 million. If that doesn't speak to the innovative features and quality of this bag, I don't know what does!

Learn more about the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffle

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This bag by Wandrd is the only duffel-type bag on this list.

And while I'm not usually a duffel bag kind of guy, Wandrd certainly makes the duffel something to consider.

After all, it's beautifully designed, extremely comfortable to carry, and incredibly functional, too.

It’s tough to beat a great camera bag as a gift for the photographer on your list.

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One of the best features is the enormous clamshell opening on the top of the bag. With an unobstructed view, you can see exactly what gear is where, that way you can grab what you need and get the shots you want.

The three organizational compartments help you keep things tidy, which is supremely important when the bag has a carrying capacity of 45 liters of gear!

Fortunately, despite its massive interior space, this bag is lightweight at 4.9 pounds and has a relatively small form factor at 9"H X 14"W X 22"L.

On the outside of the bag, you'll appreciate the weather-resistant materials, the high-quality zippers, the side camera access, and the removable backpack straps and camera protection.

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The exterior also features waterproof Tarpaulin and 1680D Ballistic Nylon with a WR army coating.

In other words, this bag has tons of capacity, huge functionality, and durability for the long-haul.

Learn more about the Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffle

Best Camera Bags of 2021: f-stop Sukha

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One of the first bags to impress me in 2021 was this bad boy, the f-stop Sukha.

This bag holds an astonishing 70 liters of gear, so needless to say this would be an ideal pack for a very long travel photography outing.

The Sukha is waterproof, so even if you encounter some inclement weather, you can rest assured all your gear and other belongings will stay dry.

And even though this is a monstrous bag, you can still easily find what you need.

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That's because f-stop utilizes Internal Camera Units (ICUs) that enable easy organization of a lot of gear.

As you can see above, even though I have the bag full, it's still perfectly tidy and easy to see what's inside.

In addition to that, this pack has a huge amount of padding that keeps your gear safe.

I also appreciate the fact that this bag has expandable zipper pockets on the side in case I need a little more room for gear.

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On the exterior of the bag are reinforced carry straps that let you add even more gear - like your tripod - to the bag.

And even when fully loaded, this bag is surprisingly comfortable to carry. The internal aluminum frame makes the pack nice and rigid while the EVA-padded Jersey laminate shoulder straps and hip belt help soften the load you're carrying.

The f-stop Sukha is just a well-designed and rugged bag that holds an incredible amount of gear.

Learn more about the f-stop Sukha

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

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No best camera bags list would be complete without an entry from Peak Design, which seems to find ways to improve on their already incredible lineup of camera bags year in and year out.

Their Everyday Backpack V2 is certainly one of the best bags I've gotten my hands on this year, with new and improved features that make it more usable than ever.

Peak Design incorporated MagLatch hardware on the top of the bag so you can open it up and access your gear in a flash.

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To expand access further, this pack has two side access panels that are secured by weatherproof UltraZips.

The shell of the bag is comprised of 100-percent recycled 400D weatherproofing so your gear stays nice and dry. There's also a handy tuck-away strap system that enables you to lash gear to the exterior of the bag to expand its carrying capacity.

As impressive as the outside is, the inside of the bag offers lots of goodies.

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There's dedicated sleeves for up to a 15-inch laptop, numerous internal slip pockets for smaller items, and three configurable FlexFold dividers to help keep your gear organized.

Of course, the FlexFold dividers also help protect your gear by keeping it neatly organized and separated from one another.

The Everyday Bag V2 is available in 20 liter and 30 liter sizes so you can select the right fit for your needs.

Either way, you'll end up with one of the best bags of 2021!

Learn more about the Everyday Backpack V2 20 Liter or 30 Liter versions

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Hazard 4® Freelance™ Sling-Pack

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Rarely do you encounter camera bags described as “tactical,” but in this case, the rank definitely fits the Hazard 4® Freelance™ Photo Sling-Pack.

Hazard 4® designs exceed military specs, so these are trusted by demanding users in the harshest environments - special forces to expedition reporters. Thoughtful sizes, organization, and ergonomics, with 1000 D Cordura® fabric, YKK zips, and patented hardware protect cameras, accessories and survival gear in a futuristic aesthetic that deflects harsh use.

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You can cleverly rotate Freelance™ from back to chest for quick gear access without taking it off. Sized for most mirrorless systems with movable padded dividers to organize lenses and accessories, it’s also made in a Drone Edition with special dividers and “Drone Pilot” patch on its velcro I.D. panel.

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Three exterior pockets fit extra gear. A sweat managing thermo-molded zip back panel cradles 10.5” iPads®. An admin panel organizes pens and SD cards, among other small items. A molded shell fits two Mavic® Pro batteries and has a patented Hard Point® bus for attaching Hazard 4® systems loops and tie-downs or GoPros® via a ¼-20 screw.

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Modular webbing (molle) throughout allows exterior gear expansion. A patented roto-lock buckle prevents drops. Add grab-handles, tripod/compression straps, and more for the makings of one killer camera bag for active photographers!

Learn more about the Hazard 4® Freelance

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Peak Design Travel Backpack

What I like most about the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is that it has a modular design that allows you to customize the bag to fit your specific needs.

There's a zippered panel that divides the bag into two compartments - one for camera gear and one for personal items.

But if you're in need of tons of gear (or tons of personal items), you can unzip the divider and have one large space for storage.

Don't think that having all that storage space means your stuff will be all jumbled up...

peak design travel backpack

Peak Design has a wide range of optional packing tools that extend the functionality of this bag.

You can get packing cubes for your clothes, a was cube for toiletry items, shoe cubes to keep the dirty bottoms of your shoes contained, and, of course, cubes for your camera gear as well.

Furthermore, there's four mesh zippered pockets on the front of the bag and a host of internal pockets to further your organizational abilities.

Another neat feature is that this bag has rigid sidewalls. Not only does that aid in protecting your gear but it also helps the bag retain its shape, even if it's empty.

When it's full of gear (or when you need to load up), you can do so from the access panel on the back of the bag, the top, or from the side access panels.

I love the weatherproof construction (even the zippers are weatherproof), the abundance of exterior handles for easy grabbing, and the ability to expand from 30 liters to 45 liters. With all that, you have the makings of one of the best camera bags of 2021!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack

Best Camera Bags of 2021: HEX Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

I don't often use sling bags, but I can tell you that this bad boy has made me a sling bag fan.

One look at the specs on this thing, and you'll understand why I think so highly of it...

What strikes you immediately is the small form factor of the bag.

It weighs only 1.3 pounds and is 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H. Though it's rated at 8 liters, I could fit everything from my 10L Peak Design bag into the HEX bag, no problem. There is no wasted space in this thing, so the manner in which it was designed gives you the utmost efficiency of space.

Additionally, this bag hugs your body, so it's a carrying experience unlike any other I've ever had with a sling bag - it stays in place and doesn't bounce around or knock into things as some lesser sling bags tend to do.

The outside of the bag features adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps, so I can easily add my Peak Design tripod to the bottom of the bag when need be.

There's a front access organizer for small things like batteries or memory cards and a faux fur lined pocket on the front where you can keep your phone. There are multiple stash pockets too.

Inside, one of the best features is the collapsible interior dividers.

The dividers can be folded up or even removed so you can truly customize the bag to suit your needs.

My setup includes a Nikon Z7 with a lens attached, an additional lens, and filters, and there's plenty of room for all of it inside the bag.

The HEX Ranger is just a great looking bag that's well-thought-out and beautifully crafted. If you're in the market for a new sling bag, give this one strong consideration!

Learn more about the HEX Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

Best Camera Bags of 2021: Holdfast Roamographer

One of the best leather bags on the market today is without a doubt the Holdfast Roamographer.

There's a lot of reasons for that, too.

First of all, the Roamographer truly does fit the bill for form and for function.

This bag is stunning to look at, with its handcrafted details and beautiful American Bison leather jumping out at you.

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Even the buckles, straps, handles, and shoulder strap show impeccable design and attention to detail.

Speaking of the straps, you can carry a tripod by lashing them to the bag via the straps, and carrying the bag is a joy considering the strap has a shearling-lined shoulder pad to keep your neck and shoulder as comfortable as possible.

You can even carry a small camera on the Roamographer's shoulder strap so that you don't miss any split-second shots.

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But since I like a utilitarian bag, what impresses me the most about the Roamographer is that it isn't just a pretty face.

Inside, it surprises you with a removable camera insert that's soft and thickly padded to provide your gear the protection it needs. It keeps all your gear nicely organized as well with various sleeves, pockets, and dividers.

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And since the insert is removable, you can use the bag as a weekender full of clothes and personal items when you don't need it to carry your camera gear.

With two large exterior pockets and two interior sleeve pockets, the Roamographer has no lack of storage space. There's even a large and small version for DSLR and mirrorless gear, respectively.

You can carry the Roamographer using Holdfast's excellent Moneymaker Camera Strap for the ultimate in utilitarian function (while looking good too!).

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer Bag

Best Camera Bags of 2021: f-stop Dalston Bag

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If you're in need of a smaller bag that doesn't skimp on high-quality materials and versatility, then look no further than the f-stop Dalston. 

This bag was designed with meeting the demands of the urban jungle in mind.

As a capable everyday bag, it not only offers excellent storage space but also has a sleek silhouette that makes it less bulky, which is ideal for photographing in tight spaces.

The bag is easy to access, too, with side-access pockets for quick grab and go.

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But don’t think that the Dalston is just for quick daytime adventures…

At nearly 19 inches tall and 11.4 inches wide, this bag can hold up to 21 liters of gear. That’s plenty of space for extended photoshoots in which a photographer needs lots of space packed into a sleek bag.

Add in weather-sealed zippers, a removable internal organizer for keeping your gear tidy, a Jersey laminate EVA-padded back panel, and Thermoformed EVA shoulder straps for comfort, and you have the makings of a spectacular bag for photographers of all kinds!

Learn more about the f-stop Dalston

 



We Recommend


Innovative Camera Accessories You Need in Your Bag

Innovative camera accessories

  photo by rdonar via iStock

Let’s face it…

There are more photography gadgets available today to make photography an easier task than at any point in history.

Our cameras do more, our lenses are more capable, heck, even today’s tripods have innovative features that make them more functional than we could have imagined just a decade ago.

It’s like we’re living in the golden age of photography!

Granted, some of the “innovative” products out there aren’t all that great, and are more smoke and mirrors than an actual, functional product. 

But the items listed below are certainly game-changing products that can help you take your photography to the next level.

Let’s take a look at a few innovative camera accessories that are worth picking up today.

Table of Contents

Foolography UNLEASHED

One of the best photography gadgets currently on the market is the Foolography UNLEASHED remote.

I know what you’re thinking...how can a remote be an innovative camera accessory?! 

Trust me, this one is!

Aside from the fact that this thing is tiny (the remote for my Nikon Z7 is about the size of my thumbnail), it has a suite of functionalities that enable much greater creativity with your camera. 

For instance, the remote has a companion app that allows you to control it via your smartphone. That means no more sitting there with your camera, constantly adjusting its settings.

Instead, you can kick back, relax in a comfy chair, and change things like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO using the remote feature. You can even adjust white balance and exposure compensation too.

Want to shoot a timelapse? No problem! The Foolography UNLEASHED enables you to easily make timelapse videos, even with day to night transitions.

Additionally, you can shoot long exposures, start and stop video recording, and geotag your photos in-camera. You can do all that for up to six cameras at once.

That makes Foolography UNLEASHED a next-level remote. This sucker is about way more than simply allowing you to trigger the shutter. Instead, this little Bluetooth wonder and all its incredible features will help you kick your photography game into high gear! 

Learn more about Foolography UNLEASHED

Wiral LITE Cable Cam System

innovative camera accessories wiral lite 

 Another one of my favorite innovative camera accessories is the Wiral LITE Cable Cam system.

Cable cam systems aren’t anything new, but what makes this one so innovative is how small, lightweight, and easy to set up it is.

In fact, it takes about three minutes to get this bad boy ready to roll. And don’t think that because it’s easy to set up that it isn’t just as capable as cable cam systems that take ten times as long to get going.

What makes the Wiral LITE so simple to set up is that there are just three components - the main unit, the remote control, and the quick reel rope system.

The main unit (shown above) is just 1.3 pounds and 10.8 x 3 x 1.7” in size, so it’s super portable. I can slide it into my camera bag and head out the door, no problem!

With a payload of up to 3.3 pounds, you can use all sorts of cameras with it, from an action camera like a GoPro to a DSLR with a standard lens on it. You can even mount your phone to it! 

The truly innovative part is the rope.

You get 164 feet (or you can opt for a 328-foot length) so you can span just about anything you want to shoot.

The thinness of the rope is absolutely incredible - it’s just 0.1 inches thick. It can be that thin because Wiral uses UHMWPE ultra static rope that’s incredibly lightweight without sacrificing payload capacity or safety.

It really is quite a marvel, which you can see in my video above. I think we got some pretty darn good footage myself!

Learn more about the Wiral LITE Cable Cam System

Peak Design Travel Tripod

In the introduction of this article, I mentioned that today’s tripods have more features and functionalities than we could have imagined just a decade ago. 

I say that with one tripod in mind - the Peak Design Travel Tripod.

When Peak Design launched this tripod on Kickstarter, their goal of $500,000 was surpassed in just 50 minutes, and with good reason - this is one of the most innovative camera accessories ever made.

On the one hand, this tripod folds down to about the size of a water bottle, making it about half the size of most traditional tripods in their folded down state. That makes this the most travel-friendly full-sized tripod on the planet.

This is possible because the engineers at Peak Design figured out a way to eliminate wasted space.

If you notice in the photos of the tripod, there is no space between the ball head and the tripod. There’s no knobs that stick out, either. 

As the image above shows, the ball head nests directly into the architecture of the legs. This space-saving design allows the tripod to be so small when it’s packed down.

But if you think that this small tripod has a small load capacity, you’re wrong… 

Not only does the Travel Tripod have a 20-pound weight capacity, but it can extend to 58.5-inches tall with the center column deployed.

Its 5-section legs are weather-resistant and impact-resistant, and give you the ability to drop the camera to as low as 4.5-inches off the ground.

I could go on and on here, but why not just check out my video review above to see this thing in action. It’s truly an innovative camera accessory and one of the best photography gadgets of 2019!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Tripod

Marumi Magnetic Filter System

marumi circular polarizer

Filters are a must for any photographer that spends any amount of time photographing landscapes.

The benefits of having filters like a circular polarizer (shown above), a graduated ND, and a solid ND are just too many not to have them!

A polarizer brings skies to life with more contrast and saturation while a graduated ND helps even out the exposure for a shot that has manageable dynamic range. A solid ND is also a must if you want to capture ethereal scenes with beautifully blurred motion.

And the best filter system for doing all that while you're traveling? The Marumi magnetic system!

marumi m100 holder

The Marumi M100 filter holder and its companion magnetic filters strong and durable, which is just what you want for your travels.

The M100 filter holder, for example, is made of aircraft aluminum, which helps it stand up to the bumps and bruises of travel without adding extra weight.

The gaskets on the front of the holder form a seal around the back of the filter, preventing light leaks from occurring.

marumi solid nd

The magnetic filters (like the solid ND shown above) are made of high-grade Schott 5270 glass, which offers high-definition results.

Each filter also has anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and water and oil-repellent properties to stave off damage, unwanted aberrations, and dirt and grime.

It truly is the ideal travel companion for photographers - a lightweight, easy-to-use, and durable filter system that allows you to improve the quality of your photos whether you're photographing mountains, plains, water, forests, or something in between!

Litra Torch LitraPro 

Again, it might surprise you to see a light on a list of cool photography accessories, but, again, once you get to know the LitraPro, you realize just how incredible this innovative photography gadget really is.

Weighing in at just 6 ounces and measuring 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches, you might not expect much from this light. 

But since Litra works so hard to give us the most innovative camera accessories, this little guy puts out A LOT of light…

In fact, Litra has crammed 60 LEDs into this thing, which put out 1200 lumens of light. 

It’s good light, too - super clean, very crisp, and flicker-free. That’s just what you want in a light for photography!

On top of that, the LitraPro is bi-color and adjustable from 3000K to 6000K so you can customize the color of light to your specific needs. Not bad, right?!

You get excellent coverage thanks to its 70-degree beam angle, and since it’s built to MIL-SPEC 810 specs, you know that it will give you rugged durability for years to come.

It’s even waterproof up to 90 feet!

Add to that 10 hours of battery life (on low output), an OLED display, fully dimmable output, and Bluetooth control, and you have the makings of one of the best photography gadgets you can get your hands on! 

Learn more about the Litra Torch LitraPro

Camera Canopy

camera canopy 1

If you shoot landscapes like I do (or any subject outdoors, for that matter), you know the stress of worrying about the weather.

Will it rain? If it does, do I have time to get my gear out of the elements? If I keep shooting, how hard will it be to reach the buttons and dials to change settings?

These are important questions to ask, and fortunately, with Camera Canopy, those questions are easily answered.

As you can see above, the Camera Canopy simply attaches to your camera’s hot-shoe mount, so it’s incredibly easy to deploy if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

The canopy easily extends or retracts, so you can customize how much protection you need based on the lens you’re using.

What’s more, unlike those awful camera rain bags that restrict your ability to change camera settings or even see the LCD, camera canopy leaves all that real estate open (yet still protected). That means you can quickly and easily change camera settings, access the camera’s menu system, and review images on the LCD. 

Best of all, there are versions for DSLRs and for mirrorless cameras too. I picked one up for my Nikon D850 and then another for my Z7, and in inclement weather, there’s no better companion to have for my camera!

Learn more about Camera Canopy for DSLRs or Camera Canopy for Mirrorless Cameras

Synology DiskStation DS1019+

Okay, so technically this isn't something you'd carry around in your camera bag, but a good backup device is an absolute must-have for photographers, and the DS1019+ is one of the best money can buy.

I had a scare with a hard drive failure last year, and I didn't have a backup at the time. You can imagine how quickly I began researching backups!

I got the DS1019+ for several reasons.

First, Synology has a rock-solid reputation for developing reliable products that have innovative features. These units are easy to use too!

I'm no network storage genius by any means, yet I was able to quickly set up my DiskStation and back up my files.

It has an operating system that's intuitive and simple to use, and adding disk drives (2.5-inch or 3.5-inch) is a breeze as well. In fact, if you use 3.5-inch drives you don't even need any tools to install them - Synology has incorporated tension brackets to make the installation quick and easy. That's just one innovative feature you'll appreciate about the DS1019+.

Second, this unit is small enough to fit on my desk without being obtrusive.

It's 6.5-inches x 9-inches x 8-inches and even with drives installed, it only weighs about 5.5 pounds. Though I don't take it with me when I travel, I suppose you could do so with relative ease!

It also looks great with a sleek black design that looks modern and is a nice addition to my desktop.

On top of all that, it's quiet - something I really appreciate when I need to crank out a lot of work.

Lastly, I appreciate all the features that Synology has crammed into this device.

It has an Intel Celeron J3455 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and read/write speeds of up to 225MB per second.

Add in data encryption, built-in audio and video applications, and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots that don't take up space in the drive bays, and you have the makings of a fully-featured backup system for your photos and videos. It's innovative, feature-rich, and priced right.

Get all the details on this must-have photography accessory by reading my complete Synology DiskStation DS1019+ review.



We Recommend


Mobile by Peak Design Will Make Your Phone a Better Tool

mobile by peak design

If you know much about the photography industry, you probably recognize the name Peak Design.

I frequently talk about Peak Design because I have a number of their products, including the impeccable Travel Tripod.

Well, now Peak Design is entering the mobile market with its new lineup of phone accessories.

As per usual with a Peak Design Kickstarter, the doors have been blown off of it. As of this writing, the campaign has generated just under $888,500. The goal was $100,000.

creator kit

It should be no surprise that this campaign is such a huge success.

Peak Design has a reputation for designing and building high-quality, innovative products. Their Mobile by Peak Design products will follow that trend.

I have the pre-production versions of the Mobile line, and I have to say that I am very impressed.

tripod

The collection includes mounts, cases, accessories, and chargers that help you integrate your phone better into your daily life.

These accessories are compatible with the new MagSafe system on the iPhone 12, but they are also compatible with other phones, including some Androids.

Whether you're hiking, biking, riding a motorcycle, or need to attach your phone to a wall, this collection of accessories has your back.

There's even a kickstand wallet, a Creator Kit, and a tripod in the mix!

kickstand

All these accessories are centered around the Everyday case.

This case is sleek, low-profile, and looks absolutely killer. It hugs your phone rather than adding bulk, yet also has dual-locking mechanisms.

There's a soft lock that uses MagSafe-compatible magnets for light-duty use, like mounting your phone to your car's air vent. There's also a hard lock that has mechanical claws for a heavy-duty connection for rugged use - like riding dirt bikes.

In other words, this slim case and mounting system bring ruggedness, ease of use, a slim profile, and good looks together in one awesome package.

car mount

Each accessory in this collection has auto-aligning magnetic connections for ease of use and is made from premium materials. Each item is also individually serialized and is guaranteed for life. No more buying cheap accessories that fall apart...buying these bad boys is a lifelong investment!

On top of all that, Peak Design's Moblie line is 100 percent carbon neutral, so you can snag some killer phone accessories and help save the planet at the same time.

I could go on and on about these products and how I think they'll change the phone accessory industry. But I think you should see for yourself! Head over to Kickstarter, poke around, read more about Mobile by Peak Design, and join the campaign. Take it from me...as a years-long Peak Design user, you won't regret it!



We Recommend


Peak Design Just Dropped a Game-Changing Camera Bag

peak design travel backpack review

I had the chance to check out Peak Design's new Travel Line 45L bag, and I have to say, this sucker could be a game-changer.

Peak Design rolled out the bag on Kickstarter back in July, and as of this writing, they've gotten more than 6x the pledges that they were looking for. Not bad!

All that support on Kickstarter is no doubt a result of Peak Design consistently putting out top-notch bags that photographers love and appreciate.

And I can tell you right now that that trend will continue with the Travel Backpack 45L.

peak design travel backpack get to konw

As you can see in the graphic above, Peak Design went all-out in the features department.

Not only is this bag weatherproof with waterproof (and pickpocket-resistant!) zippers to keep rain and snow at bay, but its shell is also environmentally friendly.

2 v2 1

The big, padded waistbelt helps distribute the weight of the bag to your hips, but when you don't need it, it's easily stowed out of the way. In fact, the shoulder straps are nice and beefy, too, and they also stow away when they aren't needed.

There's tons of handles, too - on the top, side, and back - for easy pick-up no matter how the bag is laying on the ground. That makes it a perfect carry-on back for photo adventures that take you far from home.

3 v2

When you open the bag, you can see every nook and cranny thanks to the big flap that opens fully.

You can fit a ton of stuff in this bag, which makes it ideal for one-bag travel photography trips.

To keep all your stuff organized, Peak Design has implemented a dedicated organization panel that has plenty of pockets for all your smaller items.

8 v2

The bag can compress to save space when you don't need it, and for longer trips that require more gear, it can easily expand to accommodate.

In fact, with a simple pull of a zipper, you can add 10 liters of additional storage to the bag. That's a lot of extra space!

The bag has a dedicated pocket for a tablet or up to a 15-inch laptop, two expandable side pockets, two hidden exterior pockets, a pocket on the waist belt, and 12 external carry strap attachment points for adding even more storage.

peak design bag review

But don't think that with all that space that you'll have to dig around for what you want...

Peak Design has incorporated side access and full back access points so getting the gear you need is just moments away.

So, in a word, this thing is impressive. In fact, it's so impressive that I'm struggling to come up with ways to tell you just how awesome this bag is.

7 v2

Aside from the bag, you can also opt to include Peak Design's super-smart pouches and cubes with the bag, which make it a complete travel system.

Whether you need a pouch for your toiletries or a cube for your camera, there's a solution for you.

5 v2

The bag can accommodate three cubes in the main compartment, with each cube serving a different purpose if need be.

Put your camera gear in two cubes and your clothes in another, and you're ready to hit the road.

peak design cubes

The camera cubes come in small, medium, and large sizes, which can accommodate an array of gear from a mirrorless body and lens all the way up to a professional kit with multiple lenses. There's even a cube specifically designed for drones.

The cubes also have flexfold dividers that allow you to customize the space, as well as a floating pocket that gives you further ability to make each cube perfectly fit your camera gear.

peak design packing cubes

The thoughtfulness of function and design appears in the other cubes and pouches that go with this bag.

The packing cubes can expand and contract to meet varying needs, and they have a large opening so you can actually see what's inside.

Better still, there's an integrated dirty clothes compartment so don't have to worry about them getting tossed in with your clean clothes.

Add to that available pouches for tech items, shoes, and toiletries, and you've got the makings of a bag system that will help you keep absolutely everything you need on a trip nicely organized and accessible.

9 v2

If it isn't apparent, Peak Design really has thought of everything here.

The bag is comfortable to carry. You can pack tons of stuff in it. There's easy access to your gear.

And with the pouches and cubes described above, the bag has an incredible ability to hold all your gear and keep it organized at the same time.

If you're a travel photographer and you aren't excited about this bag, you might need to check your pulse!

Check out Peak Design's Kickstarter campaign for more details on the Travel Backpack 45L



We Recommend


Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

peak design travel backpack review

Peak Design has a long-established reputation for quality.

In fact, the company has won many awards and accolades for their camera straps and camera bags alike.

The question is, has their tradition of excellence continued with their Travel Backpack 45L?

In this hands-on review, I offer my thoughts, insights, and impressions about Peak Design's big camera bag.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Features and Benefits

travel backpack 45l

I'll come right out and say it - Peak Design engineers have thought of just about everything when it comes to the Travel Backpack 45L.

This bag is stuffed to the gills with features that make it a highly functional product.

I've been using this bag for nearly a year now, and it's a perfect setup for short weekends traveling. I can put all the gear I need to take photos, and still have room left over for clothes and other necessities.

The obvious benefit of that is that I don't have to carry multiple bags - the Travel Backpack 45L can do it all on its own.

peak design travel backpack modular

The modular design of the bag is really its best feature, in my opinion.

There's a zippered dividing panel that separates the bag into two compartments, and if need be, they can be merged into one large compartment.

Peak Design has an array of optional packing tools that extend the functionality of this rig as well.

That includes packing cubes for your clothes, shoe cubes for your kicks, wash cubes for your toiletries, and, of course, camera cubes for your gear.

peak design travel backpack

What's more, this bag meets carry-on size requirements, but can expand to haul 45 liters of gear when necessary.

Even when it isn't expanded, this bag carries 35 liters of gear between the inside compartment, the four zippered mesh pockets on the front, and the array of internal pockets too.

Organization of all that gear is aided by rigid sidewalls that help the bag keep its shape whether it's full or empty. A full-back access panel makes it easy to grab gear out of the bag, as do the top and side access panels.

peak design travel backpack zippers

There are many features related to the construction of the bag that offer you benefits as well.

The zippers are weatherproof to keep the rain and snow out and your gear dry inside.

On top of that, the exterior of the bag is constructed of 100 percent recycled 400D nylon canvas that is also weatherproof.

peak design travel backpack construction

Add in tuck-away should straps and hip belt, unique magnetic catches, and 360-degree grab handles, and you have a bag that can meet any weather situation and any airport.

I've taken this bag all over the country, in urban areas, rural areas, in the car, on trains and planes, and everywhere in between. In a word, it has been a joy carrying this bag.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Dimensions 

peak design travel backpack dimensions

This bag is a big rig at 22-inches tall and 13-inches wide.

In its normal and compressed states, the bag has a maximum depth of 9-inches. However, when it's expanded, the bag has a depth of 11-inches.

As for the interior dimensions, the bag is 21-inches tall, 15-inches wide, and 5.75-inches deep.

peak design travel backpack benefits

All told, the empty bag weighs 4.52-pounds and can carry 30L of gear in its compressed state, 35L of gear in its normal state, and 45L of gear in its expanded state.

Needless to say, my Nikon D850, 70-200mm lens, 14-24mm lens, 28-300mm lens, NiSi 150mm Filter Kit, Sony Alpha a6300, and Andycine 5-inch Field Monitor don't even come close to filling this bag up.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Colors Available

peak design travel backpack blackpeak design travel backpack colors sage green

The Peak Design Travel Backpack comes in two colors: sage green and black.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Price and Worth?

peak design travel backpack

This bag isn't cheap at $299.95. However, you get a lot of bang for your buck at that price.

Not only is this a great bag to use for short weekend trips, but it's also an ideal companion when it's trade show time and you need to haul a bunch of stuff.

As noted earlier, by meeting carry-on guidelines in its 35L state, you don't have to worry about checking your bag with all your expensive gear in it, either.

With a highly functional design that allows you to tailor the bag to your specific needs, high-quality construction, and functionality that's off the charts, this bag is worth every bit of its price tag if you ask me.

Peak Design Travel Backpack: Summarizing This Review

peak design travel backpack review 2019

Does everyone need a big camera back like the Travel Backpack 45L? Definitely not.

But if you do a lot of traveling or need a bag to carry your gear from one photo shoot to the next, I strongly suggest giving this bag a long, hard look.

I appreciate the weatherproof design that keeps my gear dry when I'm out shooting landscapes. I also appreciate how comfortable the bag is to carry, even when I have it loaded for bear with gear.

peak design

All the access points are a Godsend as well - from the front, side, or back, you have easy access to your gear for getting quick shots.

As I said before, Peak Design's engineers really seem to have thought of everything with this bag. It really can be everything to everyone because of its modular design and top-quality construction. If you're in the market for a new bag, check out the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L.



We Recommend


The Best of 2020

best of 2020

Photo by Marcus Millo via iStock

Each year I buy and test a ton of photography gear. And a lot of that gear is really good stuff that impresses me from moment one.

But a small percentage of that gear falls into the "innovative" or "game-changer" category. It's hard to be on the leading edge, yet the companies on this list have managed to plant themselves firmly at the forefront.

Below is my list of the Best of 2020. From bags to cameras, filters to monitors, there is something for everyone on this list.

Let's get to it!

Hex Brand Ranger Sling Bag

hex ranger best of 2020

You might recall that the HEX Ranger Sling Bag was on my Best of 2019 list.

The new-and-improved Version 2 has appeared on this list because, just like its predecessor, it is an absolutely fantastic bag.

I remember when I brought this bag home for the first time just how impressed I was with it in every aspect.

The design of it is spot-on. It's big enough to hold eight liters of gear, but the way it's designed it hugs your body.

So, this means that you get all the room you need for quick photography outings, but in a bag that doesn't flop around or get in the way.

hex ranger open

In fact, I've never owned a bag that conforms to my body as well as this one does. It's perfect for running and gunning, street photography, and trips where long hikes are involved.

Additionally, when you look at the stitching of this bag you really see the attention to detail.

It's thoughtfully constructed - and well-constructed too - which makes it a bag that works well for multiple purposes (and will work well for years to come).

hex ranger collapsible dividers

Another feature of this bag that's truly a home run is the collapsible interior dividers.

Having these dividers means a couple of important things. First, this bag is incredibly packable. It packs completely flat so you can stash it inside your carry on or another bag with ease.

Second, the collapsible dividers (which includes the bottom divider) mean you can completely customize the interior compartment to meet the needs of each individual photography outing. Not bad, right?

hex ranger rain fly

This bag has loads of other features that make it so useful for so many photographers...

There's a hideaway rain fly (shown above) for those drizzly days out shooting and increased padding on the top lid for added protection.

HEX also added more padding to the shoulder pad for added comfort and a double buckle strap that allows for more sizing options.

ranger sling

There are also side adjustable load straps and an adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry your tripod or other gear if need be.

On the inside, you'll find pockets galore to keep your small items like memory cards neatly organized. Add to that a faux fur-lined pocket for your phone, another faux fur-lined pocket for your tablet, and multiple hidden Velcro stash pockets that are perfect for hiding your credit card or cash.

ranger exterior

Back to the exterior, you'll find that it's made of genuine Cordura material for supreme durability. There are genuine YKK zippers with metal pulls as well, so you can rest assured that the bag will withstand years of use.

Between the streamlined design, the impeccable construction, the smart use of space, and the price tag of less than $100, you should be able to understand why this bag took top honors on my Best of 2020 list!

Learn more about the HEX Ranger Sling V2

ViewSonic VP3881 38-Inch Ultra-wide Curved Monitor

I have always used laptops for work simply because I want the mobility of being able to take my work with me when I travel.

So that means I need a larger monitor for my home office, that way I'm not staring at the tiny laptop screen all day.

Earlier this year, I upgraded my home office with a ViewSonic VP3881 38-inch ultra-wide curved monitor, and man, was that ever a good decision!

I had been an LG monitor user for years and years, but I decided to give ViewSonic a try after hearing so many good things about their 38-inch widescreen monitor.

When ViewSonic says the curved widescreen design is an "immersive...curved viewing experience," they aren't kidding.

This thing has impeccable colors, gorgeous detail, and superb sharpness.

The 60Hz SuperClear IPS technology makes the viewing experience incredibly pleasant...even when I'm staring at the monitor all day long.

The monitor has multiple color spaces plus a 4.39-trillion color display. It has 14-bit LUT and 3D LUT capabilities as well. I also appreciate the simple calibration setup, that way I can quickly and easily make sure that the display matches the colors in my images files.

The frameless design means there isn't a huge bezel to look at, which I also appreciate. And with ViewSonic's ViewSplit technology, I can create multiple viewing windows to give my productivity a boost.

Add in U.S-based customer service and a three-year warranty, and you begin to see why I've put this monitor on my Best of 2020 list. It truly is the best monitor I've had the pleasure of using! Get more details about this monitor and how it's impacted my workflow in the video above.

Learn more about the ViewSonic VP3881 38-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor

H&Y REVORING

tools for photographers hy revoring

One of my favorite products to come out in 2020 is definitely H&Y's Revoring.

In short, Revoring is a variable step ring. It eliminates the need to have a pile of step rings in your bag and replaces it with one easy-to-use gadget.

But Revoring is so much more than easy-to-use. It is inexpensive, so you can save money. It also saves weight and space in your camera bag. On top of all that, it will help you improve and streamline your workflow. That's not a bad list of benefits if you ask me!

Using Revoring couldn't be easier...

As you can see in the GIF above, you simply twist the mechanism built into the filter to adjust its size. It then locks into place on your lens, allowing you to use different-sized filters with multiple lenses.

Revoring comes in three different variations:

  • 37-49mm
  • 46-62mm
  • 67-82mm

This means, for example, that you can use the same filters with your lens with a 46mm thread as you do with your lens that has a 52mm thread.

revoring nd polarizer

But that's not all H&Y had up their sleeve...

They developed another Revoring that has a built-in circular polarizer and a built-in variable ND filter.

This Revoring works just like the other one - just twist the housing to adjust it to the size of your lens, lock it in place, and off you go.

Since it has separate controls for the polarizer and the variable ND filter, you get all the precision control you need to create beautiful images.

This is truly one of the most innovative products to come out in 2020 - if not the previous several years. It can totally change your workflow for the better...I know it has for me!

Learn more about the H&Y Revoring

Haida M10 Filter System

haida m10

The Haida M10 Filter System gets a nod on my Best of 2020 list for a wide range of reasons.

For starters, I've tested my fair share of filter systems over the years, and this one is definitely among the very best.

Right out of the box, this filter system demonstrates how committed Haida is to quality.

The M10 holder itself is super lightweight. As you hold it in your hand, you can tell that despite its light weight it is a durably-constructed piece.

haida 100mm

Something else I appreciate about the holder is that it has a felt lining that prevents scratches as you insert and remove filters.

Additionally, there is a quick-release clip for quick and easy removal. Even the clip shows a durability and quality that's above the norm - it has a good degree of tension that prevents you from accidentally knocking it off.

And since this is a drop-in system, it is super functional because you can use round or square filters.

haida m10 filter

Speaking of the filters, the filters in this kit are impressive.

The kit I have has multiple square and circular filters, including graduated NDs, solid NDs, and a circular polarizer.

With two slots, you can mix and match and stack filters as needed.

The kit is well-designed, easy to use, and its matte black finish with red accents looks killer.

haida cpl

The included filters are well built, too.

Since I'm primarily a landscape photographer, the included polarizer is something that caught my eye from moment one.

Its holder has a seal that prevents light leaks for cleaner shots. There's also a dial on the filter that allows you to rotate the filter in its housing without having to move the filter holder.

Needless to say, this is very handy if you have stacked filters along with the polarizer!

This kit is well put together and super functional. I highly recommend it to my fellow filter snobs! 

Learn more about the Haida M10 Filter system

Epson SureColor P900 Printer

SureColor P900 Product 152

A few years ago, I made the switch from Canon printers over to Epson. My first Epson was the SureColor P800.

That printer completely changed how I viewed the quality that a desktop printer could produce.

Don't get me wrong...my Canon printers were reliable, functional, and did a great job. But that should tell you just how impressive that P800 printer was!

Now Epson has a new-and-improved version out, the SureColor P900.

Here's a quick overview of some of its basic specs: 

  • 17-inch printing capability
  • Borderless printing
  • 30-sheet media input tray
  • Calibrated internal light
  • 2.4 and 5 GHz Wireless
  • 4.3-inch touchscreen panel
  • 10-channel print head
  • MicroPiezo AMC Print Head that has an ink-repelling coating that prevents clogs

SureColor P700 P900 Common 04

The P900 also has a larger 4.3-inch touchscreen that I really appreciate. The P800's touchscreen was 2.7-inches, so it wasn't tiny by any means, but the P900's screen is definitely easier to use and read.

SureColor P900 T46 Ink Set

10-channel ink cartridges for the Epson SureColor P900

Second, the 10-channel print head is something to behold.

With 10 channels for printing, you get dedicated Matte Black and Photo Black. This means that you no longer have to swap between these cartridges. That's a very handy feature.

This 10-channel print head also has a new violet channel that gives you much-improved color rendition of violet, purple, and blue tones. In fact, the P900 has a 6 percent wider color gamut than its predecessor, and you can definitely see it when you print your photos!

SureColor P900 Product 07

Additionally, these printers can use different printing medias, so you can adjust your printing process to your specific needs.

For example, you can use the 30-sheet media tray and use traditional photo paper, but you can also use rolls up paper up to 10-feet in length.

Add in high-capacity cartridges, color permanence that's measured in centuries, and updated print drivers, and you begin to see why I've put the Epson SureColor P900 on my list of the best of 2020!

Learn more about the Epson SureColor P900 Printer

PolarPro Shutter Collection for GoPro Hero 9 Black

polarpro shutter collection 1

PolarPro has a long-standing reputation for developing innovative products, and their three-pack of ND filters for the GoPro Hero 9 Black is no exception.

By using these ND filters, you can slow the shutter speed on your GoPro to cinematic levels, giving you the ability to capture gorgeous slow-motion video and long exposures even in the brightest daylight conditions.

The pack includes ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters that are custom-engineered to directly replace the front lens element on the GoPro.

polarpro shutter collection 2

Each filter has CinemaSeries™ Glass, which offers superb durability and protection from impact while you're out adventuring.

Not only that, but the CinemaSeries™ Glass also has 16 layers of coatings that help protect from scratches, fingerprints, and oils. These coatings also minimize flare.

Add in a storage case for the filters, a low price, and PolarPro's Adventure Assurance™ money-back guarantee, and you have the makings of one heck of a photography product for 2020!

Learn more about the PolarPro Shutter Collection

Peak Design Mobile

mobile by peak design

I've been a peak design fan for years and years.

I have a number of their bags. I also have their incredible Travel Tripod.

And now I will be adding their Mobile products to my kit.

creator kit

As usual, Peak Design is launching this product on Kickstarter. Their past campaigns have been hugely successful. This one is no exception.

Peak Design has a reputation for designing and building high-quality, innovative products. Their Mobile by Peak Design products will follow that trend.

I have the pre-production versions of the Mobile line, and I have to say that I am very impressed.

tripod

This isn't just some fancy phone cases...

Instead, the collection includes mounts, chargers, and other accessories that will help you integrate your phone more seamlessly into your life.

There's a kickstand wallet, a tripod, and a Creator Kit with goodies for content creators to maximize the power of their phone.

These accessories are compatible with the new MagSafe system on the iPhone 12, but they are also compatible with other phones, including some Androids.

kickstand

All these accessories are centered around the Everyday Case.

This is a sleek, low-profile case with stunning good looks. Better still, it wraps around your phone rather than adding bulk.

One of the most interesting aspects of this case is its dual-locking mechanisms.

There's a soft lock that uses MagSafe-compatible magnets for light-duty use, like mounting your phone to your car's air vent. There's also a hard lock that has mechanical claws for a heavy-duty connection for rugged use - like riding dirt bikes.

In other words, this slim case and mounting system bring ruggedness, ease of use, a slim profile, and good looks together in one awesome package.

car mount

Each accessory in this collection has auto-aligning magnetic connections for ease of use and is made from premium materials. Each item is also individually serialized and is guaranteed for life. No more buying cheap accessories that fall apart...buying these bad boys is a lifelong investment!

Perhaps most impressive is that the Mobile line from Peak Design is 100 percent carbon neutral. That means you can score some killer gear while helping save the planet. Nice!

Learn more about Peak Design Mobile

Podium

If you run a photography business, you understand how the little tasks of the day can really add up to a significant amount of time.

That's why I'm always looking for ways to streamline my day so I can make more efficient use of the time I have.

One of the most interesting business tools I've come across in recent years helps you do just that. It's called Podium.

If you lament how much time you have to spend responding to emails, contact requests from your website, Facebook messages, and so forth, you can stay up-to-date with all those things (and more!) without leaving the Podium platform. It truly is a one-stop shop!

Rather than having to check all your socials and email and so forth, Podium allows you to text clients and prospective clients and organizes all those messages in a single dashboard, shown above.

Podium is built on the idea that the best way to get leads and turn prospects into customers is timely, genuine communication. This is important in any business, but particularly so in photography, where you're likely to have stiff competition for clients from other photographers in your area.

You want to make it as easy as possible for people to ask you questions or find what they’re looking for, and Podium will do just that!

If you use Podium, it not only saves a lot of time, but it can also help your photography business earn more money by ensuring that you're always the first one to respond to potential clients.

Podium even has a feature that lets you invoice clients right from the app so you can also get paid more quickly. It's these kinds of conveniences that make Podium a solid choice for the Best of 2020!

Learn more about Podium

Razer Blade 15 Studio

razer blade 15 studio

Some of you might recall that I have a 2019 Razer Blade 15 Studio.

It's been an incredible computer, to be sure. The graphics card alone makes it one of the best laptops I've ever had.

But for this list, I want to talk about the 2020 model, which is even better...

It's retained many of the best features of the 2019 version and juiced up many others.

Get a load of these specs:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • 8-core 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with up to 5.1GHz max boost
  • NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 GPU
  • 15.6” OLED touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass 
  • Up to 4TB of SSD storage
  • Up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory
  • Upgraded backlit keyboard

razer blade 15 studio 2020

The biggest news with the 2020 Razer Blade 15 Studio is that it keeps the incredible GPU from the 2019 model - the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000.

When I say that this GPU is high-end, I mean it.

I've had plenty of laptops (and desktops, for that matter) that have claimed to have a "high-end" graphics card, but none have come close to what this NVIDIA card can do. In fact, I'd describe it as having Hollywood studio-level stuff in your laptop at home!

razer blade 15 studio updates

A second very exciting feature on the 2020 Razer Blade 15 Studio is that you can now get one with an 8-core processor.

Combined with the raw power of the NVIDIA GPU, these new 8-core processors make this a true workhorse for intense photo and video editing.

I appreciate the bigger OLED touchscreen that gives you 15.6-inches of real estate to view. The display is even color-calibrated and has a Gorilla Glass panel to beef up its durability.

This laptop has tons of ports, a UHS-III card reader, and a gorgeous anodized aluminum body as well. It is truly a work of art if you ask me!

Learn more about the Razer Blade 15 Studio

f-stop Coffee

f stop coffee 1

Each year, our “best of” list includes photography gear that is innovative, unique, unusual, and above all, highly functional for photographers.

So while coffee might seem like a strange item to have on my list of the best of the best photography gear for 2020, when you think about it, it’s an essential part of the day for many photographers.

Speaking from experience, I just can’t get my brain to work until I’ve gotten my day kickstarted with some coffee.

f stop coffee 2

Now, I fully admit that I’m a huge coffee snob. I’ve tested dozens of coffees over my lifetime, and I know when I get a great cup of coffee and when the coffee simply falls shot.

f-stop Coffee certainly belongs in the former category...it is quite simply a fantastic cup of Joe!

I first tested their f/1.4 Light Roast, and it was so good that I immediately added it to my 2020 list of the best gifts for photographers under $25.

f stop coffee 3

I’ve now had the chance to take their f/11 Medium Roast and f/22 Dark Roast coffees for a test drive and they proved to be equally as tasty.

I’ve prepared f-stop coffee in two ways - in my Chemex coffee maker and in my French press. In both cases, f-stop’s coffee was tantalizingly good and allowed the different flavors and notes of each coffee to come shining through.

f stop coffee 4

I’m a landscape photographer, so there are plenty of early mornings, late nights, and cold climates for me. f-stop Coffee is just what the doctor ordered when I’m out adventuring and need a pick-me-up. The same goes for right here in my office!

When you combine great taste, a full selection of brews, and inspiration from photography, you get the best coffee for photographers...f-stop!

Learn more about f-stop Coffee

ProGrade Digital 650GB CFexpress Type B Memory Card

prograde digital best gifts for photographers

A few months back when I bought my Canon EOS R5, I knew that I would need a big, beefy memory card to handle all the data that the camera recorded, particularly when shooting 4K and 8K video.

I needed a card with a huge amount of storage space as well as one that has quick read and write speeds.

The obvious solution was the ProGrade Digital 650GB CF Express Type B memory card...

This card can read up to 1700MB/s and write at up to 1500MB/s. Not only that, but the write speeds are guaranteed not to fall below 1400MB/s. This gives you the consistent speed you need no matter what kind of data is being written on the card, be that 8K video, 6K or 4K video, or fast burst shooting of still images.

Regardless, this card helps keep your camera's buffer clear so you don't miss any action.

On top of that, ProGrade Digital made this card backward compatible with XQD devices. All you have to do is download a quick firmware update and you're ready to roll.

And since this is a shock-resistant, vibration-resistant, temperature-resistant, and X-ray-resistant card, you don't have to worry about durability. It will give you long-lasting performance for years to come.

Plus, this card has features that many other cards don't...

For example, each card has laser-etched serial numbers to help prevent counterfeiting. ProGrade has advanced recovery software that helps prevent your files from corrupting too. On top of that, ProGrade has software that helps keep your card running at peak performance. Called Digital Refresh Pro, this software (which is offered separately) sanitizes your card to keep it at the top of its game.

In other words, this is a beast of a memory card that is worth every penny!

Learn more about ProGrade Digital CF Express Memory Cards

GoPro Hero 9 Black & Media Mod

hero 9

I've used GoPros for years and years. They have always been innovative little gadgets, but with the Hero 9 Black and Media Mod, these cameras are now becoming a more functional, all-around rig that you can use for much more than crazy adventures.

For those of you like me that had a Hero 8 Black, you'll immediately notice that the Hero 9 Black is bigger. In fact, it's about 10 percent larger.

As a result, some of the mods from the Hero 8 (like the Media Mod) won't fit. That's a bummer, but the trade-off is that the Hero 9 has a larger rear screen and a full-color front-facing screen as well. Having those features is well worth the price of having to buy a new Media Mod.

hero 9 2

Another consequence of the larger size is that GoPro was able to fit a larger sensor inside. The Hero 8 has a 12-megapixel sensor but the Hero 9 has a whopping 23.6-megapixel sensor.

As a result of the larger sensor and added resolution, the Hero 9 can shoot 5K video at up to 30p. And for still images, the sensor allows for 20-megapixel photos that have a higher level of crispness than what you get on the Hero 8.

The list of improvements doesn't stop there, either....

hero 9 3

There's a new longer-lasting battery that has 30 percent more life. You also get built-in horizon leveling, HyperSmooth 3.0, and Hindsight, which records 30 seconds of video before you press the record button.

The Hero 9 also is also compatible with the new Max Lens Mod that gives you various lens options. You can also shoot 2.7K video at 60fps with a 155-degree angle of view.

Speaking of mods, the Media Mod is one of my favorite GoPro accessories...

hero 9 media mod

It has a built-in 3.5mm jack for an external mic as well as two cold-shoe mounts for adding accessories like the Light Mod.

There's a built-in microphone, which is okay, but definitely not up to par with my RODE mics. You also get an HDMI port so you can quickly review the footage you've shot

I like the design of it too - it fits the Hero 9 perfectly and feels like it's part of the camera rather than an add-on. And speaking of add-ons, there are all kinds of third-party accessories you can add to the Media Mod.

Learn more about the GoPro Hero 9 Black and Media Mod

Canon EOS R5

I was a Nikon shooter for my entire career until I sold off all my Nikon stuff and bought a Canon EOS R.

I decided to make the switch for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the RF lineup of lenses. So, really, the EOS R was a placeholder for me until a professional-grade camera came out to take advantage of the RF lenses. That camera is the R5.

To say that the R5 is the best camera I've ever owned is an understatement.

We all know about its game-changing 8K video capabilities...

And we also know about its 5-axis in-body image stabilization.

But I think my favorite feature of this camera is its Dual Pixel AF system with 1,053 AF areas.

This is an incredibly accurate autofocus system whether you're shooting stills or videos. Its ability to acquire and track a person's (or animal's) eyes is truly impressive. In fact, even when the camera can't see the animal's eyes, it can still figure out where the animal's face and body are.

And then there's all the other awesome specs...

  • 45MP full frame sensor
  • DIGIC X Image Processor
  • ISO Range of 100-51200, expandable to 102400
  • 12 fps burst shooting with the mechanical shutter
  • 20fps burst shooting with the electronic shutter
  • Dual card slots
  • 5.76 million dot OLED EVF
  • Vari-angle LCD touchscreen
  • 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth

I mean, the list goes on and on...

I reserve only my top picks for these lists each year. The products I include have to be innovative in some way, and this camera ticks multiple boxes on that front.

I honestly believe that in 10 years we'll look back at the R5 as being the one that changed how mirrorless cameras are made and what they can do.

I guess we'll have to wait a few years to see if I'm right!

Learn more about the Canon EOS R5

DJI Mini 2

dji mini 1

I've had DJI drones for years and years.

My current stable of drones includes the Mavic 2 Pro, the Mavic Air 2, and the original Mini. I recently added the Mini 2 to the fold as well.

Of these drones, my favorite is the Mavic Air 2. I think it's the best drone for the money out there.

However, that doesn't mean that the Mini 2 isn't a really impressive drone...

dji mini 2

For starters, there are plenty of upgrades over the original Mini that makes the Mini 2 a huge leap forward.

And some of those new features are things you wouldn't expect on a drone that's priced under $500.

You get 4K video at 24, 25, and 30p, 2.7K video at 24, 25, and 30p, and 1080 video at up to 60p.

It's equipped with Occusync 2.0, which gives you a much stronger signal than the Wi-Fi transmission system on the original Mini, and you get no interference.

dji mini 3

The Mini 2 has 4x optical zoom to go with its 24mm equivalent lens.

The 12-megapixel sensor can record JPEG and RAW options, and with a 3-axis gimbal, your images will be sharp and your videos will be beautifully smooth.

You get multiple QuickShot modes, including dronie, circle, helix, Cinesmooth, and rocket. And you have time to cycle through those QuickShot modes with a 31-minute flight time.

dji mini 4

There's a new controller as well - the same redesigned one that comes with the Mavic Air 2. The controller has an updated battery too.

Then there's the transmission distance...it's 6.2 miles thanks to the Occusync 2.0 system.

So, you can see why I've counted this little guy as one of the Best of 2020. It has some high-end features while retaining an entry-level price.

If you're considering getting into drone photography and don't want to bust your budget, this is the drone for you!

Learn more about the DJI Mini 2

Holdfast

Holdfast has been one of my favorite photography brands for years.

And it isn't just because they continue to come out with innovative and functional photography gear...

Holdfast also has a high standard of quality that ensures each product is constructed in a way that makes that product reliable, durable, and beautiful too.

I appreciate that the Holdfast team is based in the U.S. and manufactures their goods here as well!

My first experience with Holdfast was with their Roamographer camera bag. 

Not only is this bag big enough to fit my entire kit, but it does so in a way that keeps my gear organized, safe, and keeps me comfortable carrying it.

The Roamographer is impeccably designed, beautifully crafted using the finest materials, and it’s versatile, too.

Just remove the camera insert and you’ve got a gorgeous weekend bag with tons of space for all your clothes and other necessities for a fun few days away from home.

Another product I've enjoyed using is their MoneyMaker Solo camera strap. 

Sometimes when you want to go out for a quick shoot, you just need a lean and mean strap for your camera. That's what the MoneyMaker Solo is.

The Solo is a streamlined version of the original MoneyMaker dual-camera strap. In fact, the Solo uses the same leathers and metal materials.

It has a big, contoured shoulder strap that offers you a comfortable carrying experience while the integrated stabilizer strap helps keep the shoulder pad in place. 

The included Belt Anchor adds further stability to the MoneyMaker Solo by keeping your camera locked into place no matter if you’re walking, stooping, kneeling down, or something in between.

Just pull the release tab on the Belt Anchor and your camera is free so you can get the shots you need. A quick one-handed action engages the Belt Anchor again to lock your camera back in place.

The MoneyMaker Solo might be small, but with the ability to add lens pouches or a cell phone pouch, it’s got all the features and functionalities you’d expect from a Holdfast product!

Learn more about Holdfast



We Recommend


The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a Game-Changer

Peak Design Travel Tripod

UPDATE: The Peak Design Travel Tripod Kickstarter campaign sailed past its $500,000 goal in approximately 50 minutes!

I know you don't often see "tripod" and "game-changer" in the same sentence. After all, how much can a tripod be changed or improved upon?

Well, you might say that the folks at Peak Design took that as a challenge, and boy, have they lived up to it!

For eleven years (yeah...ELEVEN!) they've been developing their game-changing Travel Tripod, and all that hard work paid off this morning as the Kickstarter campaign for their latest creation went live.

Peak Design Travel Tripod 2

And I know what you're thinking...a Kickstarter campaign? No thanks, right? Too many Kickstarters start with a bang and fizzle out.

But Peak Design is different in that regard. Get a load of their track record on Kickstarter:

  • 2018 – $5,206,611 (Travel Line)
  • 2017 – $1,330,583 (Capture v3 + Slide v2)
  • 2016 – $6,565,782 (Everyday Line)
  • 2015 – $4,869,472 (Everyday Messenger)
  • 2014 -- $861,164 (Slide & Clutch)
  • 2013 -- $819,108 (Capture V2)
  • 2012 -- $215,721 (Leash & Cuff)
  • 2011 -- $364,698 (the original Capture camera clip)

I've never been good at math, but I think that adds up to $20,233,139.00. That's not a bad track record if you ask me!

If you need any proof that the people at Peak Design know what they're doing, it's in the numbers listed above. I've bought most of the products on that list, and I can attest that they have been kickass product after kickass product. The new Travel Tripod is more of the same.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Specs

Peak Design Travel Tripod 3.1

Let's take a peek at a few of the Peak Design Travel Tripods specs, shall we?

  • 5-section tripod with compact ball head
  • Aluminum alloy or carbon fiber construction
  • 20-pound weight capacity
  • 15.25" x 3.25" collapsed (the diameter of a water bottle!)
  • 58.5-inch maximum height with center column deployed (49.75-inches without center column deployed)
  • 4.5-inch minimum height
  • Weighs 3.44 pounds (aluminum alloy); 2.81 pounds (carbon fiber)
  • Aluminum cam leg locks
  • All components are weather and impact resistant
  • Omnidirectional bubble level
  • Built-in load hanging hook
  • Non-slip, shock absorbing feet
  • Lifetime guarantee

And that's just the start...

Peak Design Travel Tripod 4

The ball head, and load hook are all made of powder coated A380 aluminum while the quick release, adjustment ring, and center column knob are crafted of 6061-T6 aluminum.

The locking ring is a polycarbonate/ABS blend and the feet are comprised of ShoreA60 TPU.

Peak Design Travel Tripod 5.1

The legs are either anodized 6061-T6 aluminum or carbon fiber.

So, basically, this thing is built like a tank with attention to detail and quality materials that will give you years and years of reliable service.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Innovations

peak design kickstarter

Like I said earlier, it's hard to imagine how the design and functionality of a tripod could be changed, let alone improved upon, yet Peak Design has done just that.

This thing is the most packable, portable, and easy-to-use tripod I've ever gotten my hands on.

As I noted above, when this thing is packed down, it's the diameter of a water bottle (or about half the size of a traditional travel tripod), yet it extends to a maximum height of 58.5-inches and has a weight capacity of 20 pounds. This is a truly professional-grade tripod that can handle a load of a big DSLR and a telephoto lens, yet you can slide it into the water bottle pocket of your backpack for easy carrying. Nice!

peak design kickstarter 2

The question is, how was Peak Design able to pack so much stuff into such a small package?

The answer is this: they got rid of needless bulk and wasted space. If you look at the photos of this thing, you'll notice that there are no protruding knobs and there is no space in between the tripod's legs when it's packed down.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Innovations

What's more, the ball head nests into the architecture of the legs to save even more space.

In other words, what was happening over the last eleven years was a redesign of the tripod from the ground up.

Not only is it smaller and more portable than anything I've ever used, but it's also got the load capacity, stability, and height that I demand. No sacrifices were made in performance when this thing was designed.

While they were at it, the mad scientists at Peak Design made the Travel Tripod faster to set up and take down, too.

In fact, you can deploy this thing in a matter of seconds thanks to the non-inverted legs. That is, most travel tripods require you to flip the legs down and then extend them. But with the Peak Design Travel Tripod, you extend the legs as you would on a traditional tripod, and with quick-locking cams, all you need is three swift movements to have the legs fully extended. See what I mean in my Peak Design Travel Tripod Review above.

Moreover, the unique quick-release mechanism on the ball head allows for instant and secure attachment of your camera.

Of course, you can pack the tripod down just as quickly as you can deploy it, so there's no wasted time and no missed shots when you use the Peak Design Travel Tripod.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Innovations 2

Another innovative feature Peak Design has incorporated into this tripod is the intuitive and ergonomic ball head interface.

There is a single adjustment ring - no bulky or confusing knobs - that you use to lock the ball head in place. The ball head is compatible with all PD plates and most Arca-type plates, and there are removable pins so you can mount most Arca-type L-brackets as well. The ball head is also the same diameter - 3.25-inches - as the rest of the tripod, so there's one slim profile from top to bottom.

Peak Design Travel Tripod 6

There's plenty of other innovative features to appreciate as well.

The center column inverts for low-angle shots - as I noted above, the minimum height of this tripod is a mere 4.5-inches.

Peak Design Travel Tripod 7

This rig also has a built-in mobile phone mount (which magnetically stores on the center column), so you don't have to buy any special attachments to use it with your phone.

It's just astounding how thoughtful the design of this tripod really is. Just when you thought all tripods were alike, Peak Design throws a wrench in it all and makes you realize that there was a lot of room for improvement in how tripods are developed. What they have come up with is simply smaller, more functional, and easier to deploy than any other travel tripod out there.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Kickstarter

Peak Design Travel Tripod 8

So, how do you get your hands on one of these bad boys?

Head over to the Peak Design Travel Tripod Kickstarter page and pledge your support. When I began writing this sentence, $125,105 had already been raised by 307 backers. Now that I'm at the end of this sentence, those numbers have increased to $134,527 raised by 330 backers. WOW.

Between Peak Design's track record of success and my hands-on experience with this tripod, I think it's safe to say that this will indeed be a game-changing tripod that will influence future tripods for years to come.



We Recommend


These Products and Services are Innovating Photography as We Know It

innovative photography productsImage Credit: bobakphoto via iStock

To say that photography has changed a lot over the last few years would be a huge understatement.

I mean, I'm not all that old, and not only did I learn photography using a film camera and a dark room, but it wasn't until my senior year of high school that I saw a digital camera in person, let alone used one.

Indeed, photography is a field that's constantly changing, and the innovations that photography companies are making are, in a word, incredible.

That being the case, I thought it would be fun to look at a few companies that have products and services that are thrusting photography into the future.

Excire Search & Excire Search Pro

One aspect of photography that's long-needed some innovation is in the post-processing space, and Excire has led the charge to do so.

Their Search and Search Pro AI Plugins for Lightroom are a breath of fresh air that makes organizing and finding your images a veritable breeze.

Instead of uploading your photos to Lightroom and having to tag all your photos yourself, Excire's plugins do that work for you.

For example, Excire Search has 125 keywords that allow you to organize your photos based on common subjects, like "mountain" as well as common features, like the predominant color in the shot.

That means that if you want to search your archives for a photo that has predominantly orange tones that also has a mountain in it, Excire Search will find it. Talk about innovative!

Excire Search Pro steps things up a bit further with over 500 keywords (and counting!) that can be added to your Lightroom catalog.

That means that your jaw-dropping photo of a sunset at the beach will automatically be tagged with "sunset," "beach," "orange," and so forth. Just think of all the time you'll save not having to manually tag all of those things!

Excire Search Pro also gives you the power to transfer keywords to photos already in your library, so those thousands of old images you have can be organized and easily searched.

On top of it all, the folks at Excire want to pay it forward, which is why they set aside a portion of the sales from Excire Search Pro to support non-profit organizations in the U.S. Not bad, right?

As if that's not enough, Excire was just named the Best Software Plugin by the Lucie Technical Awards. If that's not a great endorsement of this innovative product, I don't know what is!

Learn More:

Nikon Z7

Nikon might've been late to the full frame mirrorless party, but it seems to me that they more than made up for it with the Z7.

Introduced earlier this year, the Z7 finally brings Nikon into the mirrorless war in a meaningful way.

Just check out these specs:

  • Backside-illuminated 45.7-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED 6 image processing
  • 9fps continuous shooting speed
  • ISO range of 64-25600; expandable to 32-102400
  • 493-point autofocus system
  • 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization
  • 3.2-inch tilting, touch-enabled LCD with 2.1 million dots
  • OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million dots and 0.80x magnification

As if those flagship specs aren't enough, the fact that all of that is crammed into a small, lightweight (and beautiful) mirrorless body is just a bonus.

Additionally, if this is what Nikon put out on its first mirrorless camera, then just imagine what the future holds. Talk about exciting!

For more details about the Nikon Z7, read this in-depth review.

Formatt-Hitech 100mm Firecrest Ultra Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Filter Kit

hitech ken kaminesky 1

Formatt-Hitech makes some of the most capable lens filters on the market, but their Firecrest Ultra filters are next-level good.

And what's so great about these filters is that you can get them in kits specifically designed for certain types of photography.

Take the Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Filter Kit as a prime example...

Not only do you get three neutral density filters (a 3-stip, 6-stop, and 10-stop), but you also get two soft-edge ND grads (a 2-stop and a 3-stop).

hitech ken kaminesky

That means that no matter if you prefer to shoot traditional landscapes or long exposures, architecture or cityscapes, you'll have the filters you need to get the job done.

What's more, since these filters are crafted to have the utmost clarity and the lowest possible reflectivity, you get superb results each time.

That's thanks to Formatt-Hitech's innovative secondary lap and polish process that ensures flatness and consistency for improved image quality.

This particular kit also comes with a filter holder, adapter or step rings, and a polarizing filter as well. It's the complete package for photographers that want to step up their game to produce the best-quality images possible.

Learn More:

SIRUI SR-Series Tripods

There's a ton of great tripods out there for photographers of all types, but if you're a professional photographer, SIRUI's new SR-Series of tripods is certainly worth a look.

I've used Sirui tripods for years now, and I can say that they are among the best I've ever had.

Their SR-Series is no exception, with eye-popping features to back up the legendary SIRUI name.

Consider these specifications:

  • 55-pound weight capacity
  • Maximum height of 80 inches with optional 2-stage center column
  • 1/2-turn twist leg lock system
  • 3-position leg angle mechanism
  • Flat top plate with 3/8-inch mounting screw
  • Integrated 75mm bowl

And that's just the start!

There are three models in the SR-series, each seemingly better than the last.

The SR-3204 is a particular favorite of mine because it's made of lightweight carbon fiber, has four leg sections, an integrated bubble level, anti-slip warmers, and rubber and stainless steel spiked feet.

This tripod also compacts down to 21.4-inches, that way you can carry it more easily.

SIRUI has really thought of everything with these tripods, and the price is certainly worth admission!

Read an in-depth review of the SIRUI SR-Series tripods.

Acratech GP Ball Head

acratech gp 1

Of course, a great tripod needs a great ball head, and if you ask me, Acratech makes the best ball heads in the business.

One of the reasons why Acratech is so popular is because they manage to keep innovating their products as the years go by.

The GP Ball Head is no exception...

This rig is incredibly versatile, with the capability of being used as a gimbal, a leveler, and for smooth panning shots, too.

acratech gp 2

The GP will hold a whopping 25 pounds, so even if you've got a big DSLR and a big lens, you needn't worry about the GP's ability to give you the best performance.

There's an integrated bullseye level for helping you remain parallel with the horizon, a double-speed knob, and a quick-release clamp for when time is of the essence.

Acratech has also included a detent pin to keep the plate and your camera in one place.

All that in a package that weighs just one pound!

Learn More:

Click Props Backdrops

You might be wondering how photography backdrops can be updated or innovated, but you might be surprised.

These are heavy duty, wrinkle free, matte finish, walk-on with Stiletto heels, get ‘em dirty (like REALLY DIRTY), wipe-down, mop-up, light weight, take ‘em anywhere VINYL Backdrops!

click props heels

In the right hands, plain old backdrops can be turned into an innovative and exciting segment of the photography industry, and that's exactly what Click Props Backdrops is doing.

For starters, they have an incredible array of designs - hundreds in fact - so no matter the look you're trying to achieve, they've got a backdrop for you.

And don't think that the only advantage of buying a Click Props Backdrop is in the selection...

Instead, Click Props Backdrops has managed to meet high-quality standards while keeping their prices low.

That means that you can get a high-quality, realistic-looking backdrop that's durable, hangs beautifully, and is easy to clean, all without breaking the bank.

The 550gsm vinyl will hold up against the daily uses and abuses of portrait photography while the 12 reinforced grommets that line the top of the backdrop ensure that it hangs flat. Not into grommets? Use your clamps, put them on a roller or try their easy to use magnet system, Magnefix!

Is making great products innovative? Not necessarily. But if you want to be on the forefront of portrait photography, you better take a good, hard look at Click Props Backdrops!

Learn more about Click Props Backdrops.

Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo

Photo by Brandon Burk

Not a lot of photography products can claim that they can completely change how you approach taking photos, but the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo sure can.

I've had a Holdfast MoneyMaker Dual Camera Harness for several years now, and it is a fantastic product. My only complaint is that it can't be used with just one camera.

Well, Holdfast solved that problem in their usual fine-crafted way with the single-camera MoneyMaker Solo.

Not only is this thing gorgeously made out of a single full-grain leather hide, but it's also incredibly functional, too.

Photo by Brandon Burk

The stabilizer strap keeps the Solo right where you want it, while the big, contoured shoulder pad keeps fatigue at bay.

The best part of this strap, though, is the innovative Belt Anchor, which keeps your camera in the same position next to your body no matter if you're standing, sitting, stooping, or running around like a wild person.

Even better, the Belt Anchor can be detached and reattached with one hand, so you can keep your camera safe without worrying about missing a shot.

That's not a bad combination of features if you ask me!

Learn More:

Peak Design Travel Line 45L Camera Bag

The Travel Line 45L Camera Bag is not any old camera bag. In fact, I'm not sure if calling it a camera bag will suffice. It's more of a complete travel system.

I mean, one look at the graphic above, and you begin to get a feel for how photographers will carry their gear in the future.

Peak Design has thought of everything, from the pickpocket-resistant zippers to the weatherproofing from top to bottom. The shell was even made in an environmentally friendly manner. Nice!

There's tons of handles on this thing, that way you can pick it up no matter which end is up.

The shoulder straps and waist belt are all nicely padded, and they all stow away in case you're checking your bag. After all, you don't want your straps getting torn off!

Inside is a photographer's dream with a wide-mouth opening so you can actually see everything inside the bag.

There's a dedicated organization panel to keep all your gear nice and neat, too.

Add in an expansion zipper that adds 10 liters of extra space, dual side-access panels for easy gear retrieval, and a variety of pouches and cubes to keep your gear safe and organized, and you have the makings for a bag that seems like it's from 3018, not 2018!

Get all the specs on the Peak Design Travel Line 45L here.

CanvasHQ 

canvashq 1

When I think of ways to upgrade one's photography experience, I immediately think of CanvasHQ.

I've been a customer of these guys for a good, long while now, and that's because they have proven to be a reliable source of high-quality canvas prints.

What I appreciate the most about CanvasHQ is their commitment to the process of printing and finding ways to improve upon it.

And if you ask me, they have certainly done so.

canvashq 2

CanvasHQ uses only the highest-quality materials, from commercial-grade inks to high-end fine-art canvas to kiln-dried, handmade frames. I mean, have a look at my most recent purchase from these guys and tell me that the quality isn't top-notch!

Apart from the quality, you can't dismiss the fact that the CanvasHQ crew has excellent customer service. If you have a question, a real-life human will answer the phone. If you aren't in love with your print, CanvasHQ will make it again or refund your money within 30 days of purchase.

On top of that, they have lightning-fast turnaround times - I often get my prints within three days of my order.

If that's not bringing innovation to photography, I don't know what is!

Learn More:

iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk

When talking about innovation in the photography industry, that discussion cannot be complete without mentioning iMovR.

This is a company that's reinventing how photographers, other creatives, and all workers in general can get their daily tasks done.

I have their Lander Treadmill Desk, and I can tell you with the utmost confidence that getting that desk has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

The fact that it allows me to tackle my daily activities while sitting, standing or walking on a treadmill has allowed me to stave off negative effects like lower back pain while also getting in a little exercise over the course of the day.

Aside from the health benefits you get from being able to work in various positions, iMovR offers a multitude of choices that allows you to customize your desk.

Choose from 16 different colors for the desktop, three different colors for the base, and various widths that range from 41-inches to 83-inches.

The desk comes equipped with a smooth electric lift that raises and lowers the desk, and you can program four favorite heights into the control paddle for ease of use. You can even raise or lower the desk using a smartphone app!

It even comes with a health coach to remind you when it's time to change position.

In a word, this desk is incredible. Click here for a detailed review of my experience with the iMovR Lander Treadmill Desk.



We Recommend


This Five-Day Kickstarter for Camera Gear Has Already Made Almost $1 Million

peakdesign

Well, that was fast...

If you're not familiar with Peak Design and the impeccable camera gear they might, it might surprise you that their latest Kickstarter campaign has made nearly $1 million in just three days.

But for those of you that know what kind of gear these guys pump out, that figure probably isn't all that shocking.

What's remarkable, though, is that this five-day campaign's goal was just $100,000, so they've more than exceeded it, that's for sure!

peakdesigncapturev3

The campaign is for Peak Design's latest gadgetry, the Capture V3, Slide, and Slide Light.

The v3, shown above, is a metal clip that keeps your camera rigidly in place on any strap, bag, or belt.

capturev3

Not only that, but it makes your camera so much more easily accessible in a place that's right at your fingertips.

This new version is gorgeously made, machined from anodized aluminum. That also makes is smaller, lighter, and more durable at the same time.

It works with any camera too, thanks to its easy-to-install camera plate, and is compatible with Arca style tripods.

slideandslidelight min

As for the Slide and Slide Light, well, they're just about the best camera straps that money can buy.

They offer a stable carrying experience - which is certainly something you want from a high-end camera strap.

But beyond that, these straps are comfortable, allowing you to carry your gear for longer periods of time with less fatigue, and they're both quick-connecting as well, that way you can attach and detach your strap as needed without fumbling around trying to do it.

The Slide strap is ideal for DSLRs and the Slide Light is perfect for mirrorless cameras.

Whichever way you need to go, these straps are gorgeous, durable, and offer improved operation.

As you can see in the .gif above, shifting the camera from its carry position to a shooting position is quick and seamless, that way you don't miss a single shot.

Its dual adjusters make it a breeze to adapt to any body size and type, and with integrated grips on one side, you can flip the strap over for those occasions when you're on the move but don't want your camera moving around.

capturev3

Peak Design's five-day Kickstarter ends on November 11, 2017, so if you haven't already, be sure to head over to their page, check out these awesome products, and throw your support their way.



We Recommend


Top 10 Gifts for Photographers Under $500 - 2020 Edition

top 10 gifts for photographers under 250

Photo by Pekic via iStock

With a budget of $500, you can buy some really awesome photography gifts for your loved one this year.

From an awesome large-format canvas print to a drone, a high-quality camera harness to a fantastic tripod, there is no shortage of photography gear you can consider with a $500 budget.

Below, I've listed some of my favorite under-$500 gift ideas for photographers that should be on your list this holiday season!

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: CanvasHQ Print 

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Holdfast Sightseer Camera and Lens Modular System

holdfast sightseer exterior

One of the things that gets in the way of taking great photos is not being able to carry all the gear that you need in comfort. Additionally, problems arise when you aren’t able to easily access your gear when you need it.

The Holdfast Sightseer solves both of those problems for the photography lover on your shopping list this holiday season.

The Sightseer holds a crazy amount of gear for a small bag. That includes up to a 13-inch laptop, a camera with lens attached, two additional lenses, and all the needed accessories inside the bag.

But because it’s a modular system, you can add even more gear by adding Lens Pouches that attach to the exterior of the bag (or you can carry them on the Holdfast MoneyMaker or even on your own belt). That means that the big zoom lens that won’t fit in the bag can be carried safely in a padded Lens Pouch attached to the outside.

holdfast sightseer lens pouch small

Since the Sightseer is a truly modular system, you can mix and match lens pouches as you need to carry as much or as little gear as the situation calls for. What’s more, this system can grow with you as you get more gear - start out lean and mean with just the Sightseer bag, and as more lenses are accumulated, add Lens Pouches as needed.

Better still, because your gear is easily accessible, you don’t have to worry about missing a shot.

It’s easy to carry, too. Just use the two sets of carrying handles, the shoulder strap, or attach it to the Holdfast MoneyMaker dual camera strap for a super easy way to get your gear from point A to point B.

These bags look amazing, too, with a waxed canvas and American Bison leather exterior and an Aztec flannel fleece interior. In other words, the Sightseer is the complete package!

Learn more about the Holdfast Sightseer

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: DJI Mavic Mini

gifts for photographers under 500 dji mavic mini

I'll be the first to say that the Mavic Mini can't compete with the Mavic Air 2 or the Mavic 2 Pro. But the Mini wasn't designed to compete with its larger and more capable cousins.

Instead, the Mini is the perfect gift idea for photographers that are just getting into drone photography. It's small, lightweight, and super portable, so it's easy to take on photography trips without taking up a ton of room in a photographer's bag.

Likewise, the Mavic Mini is incredibly easy to fly, and is a superb option for someone that needs to learn how to fly a drone.

photography gift ideas dji mavic mini

For photography purposes, the Mini can take 12-megapixel photos and shoots 2.7K Quad HD videos.

There's a 3-axis gimbal to provide the camera stability while shooting, in-app creator templates that speeds up the process of creating epic videos, and a flight time of 30 minutes as well.

Additionally, your favorite photographer will love the fact that the Mini comes with the DJI Fly app that gives them an easy-to-understand user interface. There's also a feature called Flight Tutorial to help them get started piloting their drone.

Learn more about the DJI Mavic Mini

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition

insta360 one r under 500 gift guide

I just picked one of these things up and have been so impressed with it that I had to include it on this list of gifts for photographers under $500.

Essentially, the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is two cameras in one.

First, you have a 360-degree dual-lens camera that enables you to create those immersive 360-degree videos you see on the internet.

And second, you get a more traditional action cam lens that allows you to use the camera to shoot wide-angle photos and videos.

This is possible because the camera is modular.

There's a "brain" on the bottom, and then you add different components to it as you need.

insta360 one r gifts for photographers under 500

On top of the cool factor that the modularity provides, you also get top-notch performance...

The camera shoots super 5.7K video in 360-degree mode, 4K wide-angle video in action cam mode, offers FlowState image stabilization, and is waterproof up to five meters.

Additionally, this camera offers hyperlapse and slow-motion modes, an invisible selfie stick, and voice control, among many other features.

If the photographer on your list loves adventures and needs a versatile camera to join them, give the Insta360 ONE R strong consideration.

Learn more about the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: ViewSonic TD1655 Portable Touchscreen Monitor

viewsonic touchscreen portable monitor

This 15.6-inch touchscreen monitor is the perfect companion for a photographer that's constantly on the go.

Weighing just two pounds and measuring .6-inches thick, this lightweight monitor can be easily added to a camera bag for quick transport.

The in-cell capacitive touchscreen gives you a smooth and responsive experience whether you're tapping, swiping, or pinching on the screen. The photographer on your list will enjoy the blue light filter to minimize eye strain, as well as the flicker-free full HD viewing experience.

The monitor comes with a stand and a magnetic cover, so it's an all-in-one tool for on-the-go photographers.

The monitor works with laptops, PCs, and Macs, and comes with a three-year warranty as well.

Learn more about the ViewSonic TD1655 Portable Touchscreen Monitor

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

peak design 3

This under-$500 photography gift list wouldn't be complete without an entry from Peak Design, which seems to find ways to improve on their already incredible lineup of camera bags year in and year out.

Their Everyday Backpack V2 is certainly one of the best camera bags of 2020, with features that make it more usable than ever.

Peak Design incorporated MagLatch hardware on the top of the bag so you can open it up and access your gear in a flash.

peak design 2

To expand access further, this pack has two side access panels that are secured by weatherproof UltraZips.

The shell of the bag is comprised of 100-percent recycled 400D weatherproofing so your gear stays nice and dry. There's also a handy tuck-away strap system that enables you to lash gear to the exterior of the bag to expand its carrying capacity.

As impressive as the outside is, the inside of the bag offers lots of goodies.

best camera bags of 2019 peak design

There's dedicated sleeves for up to a 15-inch laptop, numerous internal slip pockets for smaller items, and three configurable FlexFold dividers to help keep your gear organized.

Of course, the FlexFold dividers also help protect your gear by keeping it neatly organized and separated from one another.

The Everyday Bag V2 is available in 20-liter and 30-liter sizes so you can select the right fit for your needs. Both are a great option for urban explorations when you want a backpack with a smaller footprint than the Nomatic bag.

Either way, you'll end up with one of the best bags of 2020!

Learn more about the Everyday Backpack V2 20-Liter or 30-Liter versions.

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: E-Image EK610 Tripod

ek610 3

Every photographer needs a reliable tripod in their camera bag, and the E-Image EK610 fits the bill.

Billed as a video tripod, the EK610 provides photographers and videographers alike with exceptional stability thanks to its strong two-stage aluminum legs.

Making adjustments to the tripod is quick and simple thanks to ergonomic leg adjustment knobs and a mid-level spreader that enhances stability.

ek610 2

There's a fixed counterbalance to enhance stability even further, and the included fluid head makes for ultra-smooth panning.

The head can support up to 6.6 pounds, so it's ideal for use with a mirrorless camera, DSLR, or small video camera.

There's even a handy carrying case for the tripod, spreader, and head, so the photographer on your list can easily transport it from one shoot location to the next.

Best of all, this tripod is WAY under the $500 budget mark, so you can give an awesome gift and save some cash at the same time.

Learn more about the E-Image EK610 Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress Type B Memory Card

prograde 325 gb cf express

One of the best gifts you can buy for yourself or another photographer this year is a high-powered memory card that can accommodate the huge amounts of data that modern cameras record.

For my money, ProGrade Digital CF Express cards are the perfect option. In fact, I have three of these cards for my Canon EOS R5!

CF Express cards are far faster than UHS-II SD cards, so you can capture 4K, 6K, and in the case of the EOS R5, 8K video with ease thanks to the 1500 MB/s write speed. That lightning-fast write speed is also beneficial for fast burst shooting, that way your buffer clears and you don’t miss any shots.

These cards are backward compatible with XQD devices, too, so after a quick firmware update, you can use these cards on your XQD-enabled camera without issue.

Aside from the huge storage capacity and fast write speeds, these ProGrade cards offer security features that you simply don’t find on all memory cards. They come with laser-etched serial numbers to help prevent counterfeiting. What’s more, ProGrade includes advanced recovery pro software that prevents your photos and videos from being lost to corruption.

ProGrade also offers Digital Refresh Pro software (which is available separately) that refreshes and sanitizes your card to help it maintain peak performance. Open the Digital Refresh Pro software, check the health of your cards before your next shoot, and shoot with confidence knowing that your images and videos are safe and secure on your ProGrade card.

Add in read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s, a minimum write speed of 1400 MB/s, and resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and X-rays, and you have the makings of one heck of a memory card.

There are few holiday gifts this small that pack this much punch! If you really want to impress the photographer on your list, give them the gift of a ProGrade CF Express card this year!

Learn more about ProGrade Digital CF Express Memory Cards

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Podium

This is one of my favorite under-$500 gift ideas because it is a gift that not only keeps on giving, but it could help your favorite photographer elevate their business to the next level.

Podium is a platform that helps you streamline communication with clients. So the photographer in your life that laments how much time they have to spend responding to emails, contact requests from their website, Facebook messages, and so forth, can stay up-to-date with all those things (and more!) without leaving their platform.

Rather than haphazardly staying in touch with clients, Podium allows you to text clients and prospective clients and organizes all those messages in a single dashboard, shown above.

Podium is built on the idea that the best way to get leads and turn prospects into customers is timely, genuine communication. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to ask you questions or find what they’re looking for, and Podium will do just that for the photographer on your list.

I use Podium, and it not only saves me a lot of time, but it saves my photography business a lot of money by ensuring I’m always the first one to respond to potential clients.

Podium even has a feature that lets me invoice clients right from the app so I’m also getting paid more quickly. Not bad, right?!

Learn more about Podium

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: GoPro Hero 8 Black

GoPro is synonymous with adventure photography, and their Hero 8 Black is their best action cam to date.

It can shoot 4K video at 60fps or 1080p at at 240fps for some super slow-motion video.

Its HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization is absolutely killer, and will allow the photographer on your list to take the most stable videos they've ever shot.

GoPro added a slew of other upgrades as well:

  • Upgraded TimeWarp features with an auto mode that uses sensors to detect motion and adjust the recording speed
  • Digital lenses offer multiple field of view settings (SuperView, Linear, Wide, and Narrow)
  • Capture presets for popular types of recording with the ability to create and save your own
  • LiveBurst photo mode takes 1.5-second images before and after the shutter button is depressed (think Live Photos on iPhones)
  • SuperPhoto, GoPro's version of HDR, gets improved image quality
  • Face detection, smile detection, and blink detection
  • Built-in GPS and motion sensors
  • Livestreaming at 1080p

On top of all that, the Hero 8 Black offers many different mods that extend its functionality and flexibility for all sorts of shooting situations.

GoPro also incorporated built-in mounting pins, which negates the need for a frame to connect the camera to accessories.

Plus, the Hero 8 Black is under $350 now, so you can get this for the photographer on your list and not even come close to your $500 budget!

Learn more about the GoPro Hero 8 Black

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Razer Core X Chroma eGPU

If the photographer on your list already has a laptop that they love but that's lacking in the graphics card department, you might consider giving them the gift of the Razer Core X Chroma eGPU.

This bad boy helps put a supercharge into a laptop's video card, that way you get a true desktop-grade video experience.

It comes with plug-and-play support for a wide range of graphics cards on PCs and Macs.

Though this gadget is intended to give gaming systems a power boost, I've found it to be incredibly helpful for my video editing work. If the photographer you're shopping for does a lot of video work, this eGPU will be a fantastic gift that will help them speed up their video processing workflow.

Learn more about the Razer Core X Chroma eGPU

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards



We Recommend


Top 5 Camera Sling Bags

top 5 camera sling bags

I'm a big fan of sling bags because they fit my run-and-gun style of photography so well.

I like that I can quickly access my gear - much more quickly than with a backpack - and I like having a back that isn't overly huge and obtrusive.

And while some people will say that sling bags fatigue your shoulder, modern sling bags have comfortable shoulder camera straps that help distribute the weight of the bag over a larger area.

I've used sling bags for years, and some of the very best ones I've found to date are listed below.

HEX Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

I only picked up this bag about three weeks ago, and I can tell you that it's already my favorite sling bag of all time.

That's saying a lot because I've used the Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag for a long time, and it's one of the best bags on the market. That says a lot about HEX given that it's dethroned Peak Design as my favorite sling bag.

One look at the specs on this thing, and you'll understand why I think so highly of it...

What strikes you immediately is the small form factor of the bag.

It weighs only 1.3 pounds and is 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H. Though it's rated at 8 liters, I could fit everything from my 10L Peak Design bag into the HEX bag, no problem. There is no wasted space in this thing, so the manner in which it was designed gives you the utmost efficiency of space.

Additionally, this bag hugs your body, so it's a carrying experience unlike any other I've ever had with a sling bag - it stays in place and doesn't bounce around or knock into things as some lesser sling bags tend to do.

The outside of the bag features adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps, so I can easily add my Peak Design tripod to the bottom of the bag when need be.

There's a front access organizer for small things like batteries or memory cards and a faux fur lined pocket on the front where you can keep your phone. There are multiple stash pockets too.

Inside, one of the best features is the collapsible interior dividers.

The dividers can be folded up or even removed so you can truly customize the bag to suit your needs.

My setup includes a Nikon Z7 with a lens attached, an additional lens, and filters, and there's plenty of room for all of it inside the bag.

The HEX Ranger is just a great looking bag that's well-thought-out and beautifully crafted. If you're in the market for a new sling bag, give this one strong consideration!

Learn more about the HEX Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag

peak design 1

As I noted earlier, this was my go-to sling bag for a long time. It really is a fantastic bag, but the HEX Ranger just outdoes it!

At any rate, I'd still highly recommend this bag because it is impeccably designed and built.

The weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell keeps things dry while also being a highly durable fabric.

Like the HEX Ranger, this bag also has a low-profile design that keeps it from being obtrusive as you work.

peak design 2

You can easily access your gear via the wide-mouth opening, and if you have small accessories that need to come along for the ride, there's plenty of pockets where you can stash your stuff.

That includes an expandable outer pocket that can accommodate a flash or other small camera accessory.

There's even a side-load option for the main compartment and an external carry system so you can easily carry your tripod.

peak design 3

The best part of this bag, though, are the internal FlexFold dividers.

Inspired by origami, these dividers can be molded into various shapes, including walls, cubbies, and passthroughs, so you get a high level of customization of how the bag works with your gear.

And since they fasten with Velcro, you can take them all out if need be. Heck, the back even folds flat for traveling!

The Everyday Sling is super comfortable, easy to use, and well made. It's definitely deserving of consideration if you want to invest in a new sling bag.

Learn more about the Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag

Timbuk2 Camera Sling Bag

timbuk2 1

Weighing in at just .66 pounds and with a carrying capacity of 7.39 liters, the Timbuk2 Camera Sling Bag is the smallest on this list, making it an ideal choice for mirrorless shooters.

But just because it's small doesn't mean it lacks functionality or features.

In fact, this bag has a modular, scratch-resistant interior that allows you to customize the interior compartment to your specific needs.

The removable camera insert is heavily padded and has two removable dividers as well.

timbuk2 sling bag

To keep your smaller items like memory cards and batteries nicely organized, there's a small mesh zip pocket that gives you an easy view of what's inside.

The cross-body strap is highly adjustable and fits virtually any body shape and size. And with the grab handle, it's easy to pick the bag up off the ground and get underway.

You can get this bag in a number of colors, and there's a lifetime warranty on the bag too!

Learn more about the Timbuk2 Camera Sling Bag

Domke F-2 Shoulder Bag

I know what you're thinking...this is a shoulder bag, not a sling.

But with a nice, highly-adjustable strap, this bad boy can be worn as a sling bag!

The Domke F-2 doesn't sacrifice quality or carrying capacity.

In fact, you can carry two cameras, several lenses up to 300mm in length, a flash, and a tablet.

Inside, there are 12 compartments and pockets to keep things organized.

The compartment insert system is even removable so that you can use the bag to carry things other than photography gear.

The non-slip strap stays put on your shoulder and gives you a comfortable carrying experience.

The durable waxed cotton canvas exterior of this bag will also hold up nicely. Domke even throws in a tin of wax!

Learn more about the Domke D-2 Shoulder Bag

Copper River Bag Company Lewis & Clark Bag

While this leather messenger-style bag isn't technically a sling bag, if lots of space is what you need, you might consider the Copper River Bag Company Lewis & Clark Bag.

The 14-inch version of this bag can hold a great deal of gear, including a 14-inch laptop, a camera body, a lens, and various accessories like a flash.

It's got a wide-mouth compartment that makes it easy to see what's inside and grab what you need quickly.

The interior features two cargo pockets, ideal for small items like your smartphone or keys, as well as a padded and adjustable camera insert that keeps your gear safe and organized.

Outside, the bag is crafted of 100% full grain leather that's water-resistant and ages beautifully over time.

The solid brass hardware with nickel finish is tough as nails, offering you safety and performance for years to come.

These bags are even custom made when you place your order!

Plus, this thing just looks like a million bucks, doesn't it?!

Learn more about the Copper River Bag Company Lewis & Clark Bag

 



We Recommend


Top Backpacks for Photographers

top backpacks for photographersPhoto by Aravind Kumar on Unsplash 

When you have a ton of gear to carry, there's nothing better than a backpack.

The dual shoulder straps help stabilize a big load for a more comfortable carrying experience, and many backpacks have sternum straps and hip belts to provide further stabilization.

But the problem with some photography backpacks is that it can be difficult to organize all that gear. Not so with the rigs I've outlined below...

Here's my picks for the top backpacks for photographers.

Top Backpacks for Photographers: f-stop Sukha Waterproof Camera Backpack

top backpacks for photographers f stop 3

I field tested the f-stop Sukha a few weeks ago (and I have it with me on a trip to Mammoth, California right now) and to say that it's an impressive bag is an understatement.

For starters, the f-stop Sukha is a waterproof backpack, so even if it's raining or snowing, you can rest assured that the gear inside is nice and dry.

Speaking of gear, this bag will hold 70 liters of stuff. That means you can probably bring your entire collection of gear and still have room left over!

And as mentioned above, when using a lesser bag, it can be difficult to find what you need inside the bag.

top backpacks for photographers f stop 2

But f-stop's ingenious Internal Camera Units (ICUs) take care of that problem.

The ICU keeps all your gear neatly organized, as you can see above.

Not only that, it's got tons of padding to prevent your gear from banging around against each other as you walk or hike around.

I also appreciate the fact that this bag has expandable zipper pockets on the side in case I need a little more room for gear.

There's carry strap (which are reinforced!) on the exterior of the bag as well, which are great for lashing your tripod to the bag.

top backpacks for photographers f stop 1

To top it all off, this bag is supremely comfortable to carry.

The internal aluminum frame gives it solid rigidity that makes it easier to carry while the enhanced EVA-padded Jersey laminate shoulder straps and hip belt offer a nice softness for supreme comfort.

This is just a fantastic, rugged, BIG bag that is ideal for landscape photographers, travel photographers, wildlife photographers, and others who need to carry a ton of gear.

Learn more about the f-stop Sukha

Top Backpacks for Photographers: Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack

best camera backpacks atlas 1

If you're a traveler or an adventurer and you need to carry a lot of gear, but maybe don't need the 70 liter capacity of the f-stop Sukha, a great alternative is the Atlas Packs Athlete Camera Backpack.

This bag is designed for on-the-go photographers that need it to go anywhere and do anything.

It's got a maximum 40-liter capacity that's wrapped in ripstop with a double-coated water repellant shell.

Theres a handy camera access panel on the back of the bag that makes it easy for you to grab your gear, but hard for others to steal it.

best camea backpacks atlas 2

The zippers on this thing are next-level, and have the smoothest gliding action of any bag I've tested in recent months.

The big side pockets give you a place to keep water bottles or other necessities without having to take the bag off to access them.

The waistbelt is worth mentioning as well. It's designed to be flexible and customizable to your specific body type. It's also got tons of padding for comfort so you can stabilize even the heaviest loads without sacrificing your comfort level. It's removable, too, just in case you don't need or want it.

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You can access your gear through a wide-mouth opening on the top of the bag that seals with a drawstring.

The top lid has three different-sized pockets to keep smaller items, and inside the bag you'll find a handy sleeve for up to a 15-inch laptop.

The best feature is the patent-pending origami camera core, which allows the camera section to be reconfigured to meet your specific needs.

I took this bag to Mt. Whitney and Yosemite last year, and it was awesome to carry. Like I said before, if you need to carry a good amount of gear but don't need a giant bag, this is the bag for you!

Learn more about the Atlas Packs Athlete Camera Backpack

TOP BACKPACKS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: HOLDFAST SIGHTSEER BACKPACK MODULAR SYSTEM

If your photography adventures are more along the lines of urban exploration with a smaller kit, the Holdfast Sightseer Backpack is a good bet for you.

Holdfast designed this bag to carry everything you need while allowing easy access to your camera on the fly.

That's accomplished thanks to the integrated camera slider (this is the only backpack in the world that has such a thing...) that keeps your camera on the bag's exterior for quick shots.

The outside of the bag is made of waxed canvas with either bridle leather or American Bison accents for a waterproof exterior. This bag has waterproof zippers as well, so you can be sure your gear will be dry even in a downpour.

There are a series of loops on the front of the bag where you can attach Sightseer components like lens pouches or a cell phone pouch. This gives you the ability to tailor the bag to your needs and expand its capability and capacity for carrying gear.

Inside, you'll find a gorgeous Aztec flannel fleece lining that's nice and soft to protect your gear from scratches.

The interior dividers help keep your gear nicely organized, and with all that padding, your gear won't be clanking around as you move from one shot to the next.

True to Holdfast form, this bag is impeccably designed and built, so you get a durable, beautiful, comfortable backpack to get your gear from Point A to Point B.

Learn more about the Holdfast Sightseer Backpack Modular System   

Top Backpacks for Photographers: Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L

What I like most about the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is that it has a modular design that allows you to customize the bag to fit your specific needs.

There's a zippered panel that divides the bag into two compartments - one for camera gear and one for personal items.

But if you're in need of tons of gear (or tons of personal items), you can unzip the divider and have one large space for storage.

Don't think that having all that storage space means your stuff will be all jumbled up...

peak design travel backpack

Peak Design has a wide range of optional packing tools that extend the functionality of this bag.

You can get packing cubes for your clothes, a was cube for toiletry items, shoe cubes to keep the dirty bottoms of your shoes contained, and, of course, cubes for your camera gear as well.

Furthermore, there's four mesh zippered pockets on the front of the bag and a host of internal pockets to further your organizational abilities.

Another neat feature is that this bag has rigid sidewalls. Not only does that aid in protecting your gear but it also helps the bag retain its shape, even if it's empty.

When it's full of gear (or when you need to load up), you can do so from the access panel on the back of the bag, the top, or from the side access panels.

You'll love the weatherproof construction (even the zippers are weatherproof), the abundance of exterior handles for easy grabbing, and the ability to expand from 30 liters to 45 liters, and you have the makings of an ideal travel photography companion!

Learn more about the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L

Top Backpacks for Photographers: LowePro Whistler 450 AW II Backpack

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For adventure photographers that need something that's as heavy-duty as it gets, a good option is the LowePro Whistler 450 AW II Backpack.

Made of nylon, the exterior of this bag is made to be highly durable to stand up to even the roughest of photography pursuits outdoors. That includes weather-resistant construction with a seam-sealed cover that keeps even the heaviest of rains out of the bag.

Like the previous two bags on this list, the LowePro Whistler has adjustable, heavily padded shoulder straps as well as an adjustable waist belt to help transfer the weight of a heavy load to your hips. There's also a sternum strap to keep the back centered on your body.

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The bag has integrated side compression straps on the sides and the front of the bag, each of which can hold a tripod, monopod, or other gear, like trekking poles.

The way these straps have been integrated into the bag means they can hold up to 220 pounds of gear. That means you can carry your snowboard, ski, or other bulky items without worry that they'll pull the straps away from the bag.

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Inside, you'll find a spacious compartment with an adjustable partition system that can accommodate DSLR or mirrorless gear.

In fact, you can carry a DSLR with a 70-200mm lens attached in addition to eight other lenses and a flash. If you have a mirrorless setup, you can carry up to ten lenses.

There's a zippered panel that hides a memory card pocket and two zippered pockets for hard drives, batteries, filters, and other small items. You can also slide a 15-inch laptop in the laptop sleeve so you can edit your photos on the go.

On the front of the bag, separated from the main compartment by a waterproof barrier, is an expandable front pocket with a drain hole that's ideal for stowing wet gear like a drenched climbing helmet. This truly is a bag for the adventurous photographer!

Learn more about the LowePro Whistler 450 AW II Backpack

Top Backpacks for Photographers: ThinkTank Urban Approach Backpack

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For trips that require a smaller, yet super durable backpack, you might have a look at the ThinkTank Urban Approach 15.

This lightweight, slim bag is a smaller load to carry than the other bags mentioned above, but you can still carry tons of gear in it.

In fact, it's designed to carry two mirrorless cameras, up to eight lenses, a tablet, and a 15-inch laptop.

You can carry a tripod on the side of the bag and put your smartphone in the front pocket (which is lined to prevent scratches!).

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There are also stretchy side pockets for a flash, a small umbrella, or a water bottle.

The shoulder harness is big and beefy, and has an adjustable sternum strap to help you carry the load of the bag more confidently and comfortably.

Speaking of comfort, you'll enjoy the contoured back panel that hugs your body with tons of padding.

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Inside, there's organizer pockets that give you quick access to small items like memory cards, filters, and batteries.

There's lots of padding and dividers, too, so all your gear will be neatly organized and protected from bumps and bruises along the way.

Add in a seam-sealed rain cover, lockable zippers, and trolley passthrough straps, and you have the makings of a bag that can go with you through the airport or through the jungle!

Learn more about the ThinkTank Urban Approach Backpack



We Recommend


Update: A Month in, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is More Impressive Than Ever

update peak design travel tripod 

In case you've been under a giant rock the last few weeks, Peak Design unleashed their absolutely incredible Travel Tripod last month, and it has been met with widespread acclaim, including from yours truly.

When I wrote my initial Peak Design Travel Tripod review, I'd only had it for a few days. Now, it's time for an update...

Peak Design Travel Tripod Specs

peak design travel tripod specs

Just as a refresher, here's the primary specs for this bad boy:

  • 5-section tripod with compact ball head
  • Aluminum alloy or carbon fiber construction
  • 20-pound weight capacity
  • 15.25" x 3.25" collapsed (the diameter of a water bottle!)
  • 58.5-inch maximum height with center column deployed (49.75-inches without center column deployed)
  • 4.5-inch minimum height
  • Weighs 3.44 pounds (aluminum alloy); 2.81 pounds (carbon fiber)
  • Aluminum cam leg locks
  • All components are weather and impact resistant
  • Omnidirectional bubble level
  • Built-in load hanging hook
  • Non-slip, shock absorbing feet
  • Lifetime guarantee

I have the carbon fiber version, so just keep that in mind as you read along.

Peak Design Travel Tripod: My Favorite Features

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Man, this is a tough one.

Sometimes it's a struggle to find more than a couple of things I like about the gear I review. I have the opposite problem here.

I think my favorite feature thus far is the Travel Tripod's packed-down size - which is equivalent to the size of a water bottle.

I like to pack light so I can run and gun on occasion, and this thing is perfect for that kind of photography.

It doesn't weigh you down or take up a ton of space, but it also doesn't skimp on the important stuff like, you know, giving your camera rock-solid support.

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Another of my favorite features has to be the speed with which this tripod can be deployed.

It's literally a couple of seconds and this rig goes from its tiny packed size to full-blown tripod. Honestly, I've never owned a tripod that is so quick and easy to deploy.

The leg locking mechanisms require just three quick movements to extend the legs to their fullest extent. Add to that the quick-release mechanism on the integrated ball head, and you have the makings of a tripod that lets you securely attach your camera and get ready for the shot in a matter of seconds.

Coming in third on my list of favorite features on this tripod is the adjustment ring on the ball head.

I have to admit - I was skeptical of an adjustment ring at first. I think I'm just old-school in that regard and so used to having multiple knobs to lock down the ball head.

But in practice, the adjustment ring is phenomenal. It's so easy to use! It's got removable pins as well, which I especially appreciate because I have an L-bracket attached to my camera.

I could go on and on and on about other features that I've found to be, well, badass, but I digress...

Peak Design Travel Tripod Kickstarter

peak design travel tripod kickstarter

When I published my initial article reviewing the Peak Design Travel Tripod, their Kickstarter campaign was just over $500,000 (which was accomplished in less than an hour!).

Today, as of this writing not a month later, the campaign sits at more than $6.5 million with nearly 15,000 backers. That's not bad!

I know that backing photography gear without actually getting to touch it, feel it, and use it first can be a little scary, but I'm here to tell you that this thing is absolutely well worth the price of admission.

If you've been looking for an ideal tripod to add to your kit, I think it's safe to say that the Peak Design Travel Tripod should be at the very top of your list.

Check it out on Kickstarter and reserve your Peak Design Travel Tripod today.



We Recommend


What is the Best Travel Camera Bag?

What is the Best Travel Camera Bag

photo byGaudiLab via iStock

One of the best things you can do as a photographer is invest in a high-quality travel camera bag. It will give you some much-needed peace of mind when traveling, and at the end of the day, a good bag can often mean the difference between a functioning camera and a damaged one. 

Important things to keep in mind when shopping for a new travel camera bag are size, material, how you carry them, and how protective they are.  

Now, what is the best travel camera bag? The exact answer to that question depends on you and your needs, but here are a few terrific options to help you start your search!

Table of Contents

All-Around Best Travel Camera Bag

All Around Best Travel Camera Bag

The Holdfast Sightseer Backpack is a truly one-of-a-kind travel camera bag perfect for wherever the road may take you. 

Constructed out of Waxed Canvas, American Bison, or Bridle Leather and lined with a beautiful Aztec flannel fleece, this backpack is designed not only to protect your gear but to make you look good while doing it.

Holdfast Sightseer Backpack 1

Thanks to removable velcro dividers, the spacious camera compartment is completely customizable and can be arranged specifically to meet your needs.

The main compartment also features a separate top section ideal for holding items like food or a jacket. Additionally, there’s a built-in sleeve that can fit up to a 15” laptop or tablet and a zippered pocket where you can safely store small and delicate items. 

Holdfast Sightseer Backpack 2

Another fantastic travel feature you’re sure to love is the integrated camera slider. It allows you to conveniently and comfortably keep your camera outside the pack and ready to shoot at all times.

My favorite characteristic, though, and what makes this without a doubt the best camera bag for travel, is the compatibility with Holdfast’s other amazing products.

Sightseer pouches

For example, the entire line of Sightseer pouches can be attached directly to the backpack whenever you want easier access to specific items or need to carry more gear. 

No other bag on the market today can match the comfort, durability, protectiveness, and stylish design of the Holdfast Sightseer backpack! So, if you’re looking for the overall best travel camera bag, look no further!

Best Travel Camera Bag for the City

Best Travel Camera Bag for the City

Peak DesignPeak Design is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking photography companies in the world, and their excellent line-up of camera bags confirms that. While all their bags are incredible, the one I want to highlight here is the Peak Design Everyday Sling 

It comes in three different sizes: 3 liters, 6 liters, and 10 liters. The 3-liter bag is designed to hold a mirrorless camera with an attached lens, the 6-liter bag is for DSLRs, and the 10-liter bag works for both while also providing plenty of additional space for lenses and gear. 

Peak Design Everyday Sling

It’s an extremely portable and lightweight bag that's comfortable to wear and comes in three stylish colors: black, ash, and midnight. Furthermore, the cross-body strap has a quick-adjust feature that can be tightened when doing vigorous activities like walking or biking and loosened when you need to get in and out of the bag. 

Another great travel feature is that the dividers can be completely removed if needed, which transforms the bag into a spacious and useful day or computer bag whenever you want to leave the camera behind. If you mainly travel to cities, this is the best travel camera bag for you! 

Learn More: 

Best Travel Camera Bag for Adventure

Best Travel Camera Bag for Adventure

Are you an adventure lover who travels more to the mountains than to cities? If that’s a resounding yes, the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 is certainly the best travel camera bag for you. 

It’s an extraordinarily comfy 15-liter backpack built to be worn for extended periods of time when hiking, walking, skiing, or biking. It uses patented ActiveZone suspension technology, along with a vented back panel and a sturdy hip belt, to distribute the weight evenly and ensure maximum comfort even when doing extreme sports. 

Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350

Inside the pack, you’ll find a large camera compartment that is accessed via the back of the bag, as well as a separate top section for storing all your other outdoor essentials. This design lets you best maximize the space while simultaneously keeping everything organized and protected.

The coolest thing about this camera bag for travel, though, is that you can access the camera compartment without removing the backpack entirely. With the hip belt securely fastened, spin the bag to your front and it will balance perfectly at waist level and give you instant access to everything inside. This is super useful when you need to change lenses quickly and don’t have a lot of time.

Best Travel Camera Bag for Budget Travelers

Best Travel Camera Bag for Budget Travelers

If you’re on a budget and are looking for a lightweight bag to protect your camera, the Manfrotto Holster XS Plus is the perfect small camera bag for travel. This holster bag has a unique compact design, is made out of durable water repellent nylon, and holds way more than you would think.

The main compartment is made for small mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha A6000 or A6500 and fits the camera with an attached lens. In the same space, you’ll notice there’s a separate pocket for storing spare memory cards.  

What makes it stand out from other travel holster bags, though, is the separate lens pouch at the bottom of the bag. It allows you to safely carry an extra lens when traveling and gives you more freedom as a photographer. An example of two great travel lenses you could fit in this bag are the Sony Vario-Tessar TE 16-70mm F4 and the Sony 35mm F1.8.

Additional things you will love about this small camera bag for travel are the reverse opening which provides easy access, the detachable shoulder strap, and the two large side pockets. This is for sure the best travel camera bag if you are on a budget and looking for a steal.

Best Travel Camera Bag for Professionals

Best Travel Camera Bag for Professionals 1

The Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II is built for professionals with large kits, and it’s an unrivaled DSLR camera bag for travel. 

It can hold a camera with an attached lens, another camera body, 4-5 additional lenses, a laptop or tablet, a professional tripod, and incredibly still has space for more accessories. With adjustable dividers and tons of pockets, you have the ability to create the perfect setup for you and your gear.

Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II

As a convertible bag, it has comfortable padded shoulder straps, which allow it to be worn as a backpack, but it also has wheels and can be rolled like a suitcase. This versatility is unbelievably useful and means you can travel comfortably through the airport but also reach the most remote destinations with the same bag.

When traveling by plane, the shoulder straps and waist belt can be tucked away into the bag, and it will meet all carry-on requirements. A few more perks of this DSLR camera bag for travel include a built-in AW cover, water bottle pockets, and lots of exterior straps for attaching gear. 

More Marvelous Travel Camera Bags

best DSLR camera bag for travel

photo byDusan Ilic via iStock

I’ve shared some fantastic options with you so far, but if you want to continue researching, here are some more of the best travel camera bags money can buy: 

Learn More: 



We Recommend


Your Guide to PhotoPlus 2018

photoplus 2018Image Credit: Eloi_Omella via iStock

I love this time of year because fall is a great time for photography and I get to plan my annual trip to PhotoPlus in New York City.

If you've never been to PhotoPlus, it's a smorgasbord of photography classes, seminars, photo walks, and keynote speakers. Plan to be there October 25-27, 2018!

It's a great opportunity to rub elbows with other photographers, learn about where the industry is headed, and scope out awesome photography products from some of the top photography companies in the world.

I always enjoy the expo at PhotoPlus because it's nice to see old friends and make new ones (and it's fun playing with all the products on display!).

Here's a few fine folks I'm excited to see at this year's PhotoPlus.

Sirui

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What I appreciate about Sirui is that they listen to photographers and put out gear that has the features and the versatility that we want. 

This is evident in all of the products they produce, but particularly with their tripods.

I’ve been rocking a Sirui W-2204 waterproof carbon fiber tripod for years now, and it is hands-down the best tripod I’ve ever owned.

In fact, I love this tripod so much that I honestly didn’t think that Sirui could ever really top it. I was wrong.

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Earlier this year, Sirui unveiled a brand-new line of professional tripods that take the meaning of “great tripod” to another level entirely.

Dubbed the “SR Series,” these tripods have some impressive statistics: they can hold up to 55 pounds of gear, reach a height of 80-inches with the optional two-stage center column, and have rock-solid twist-lock leg mechanisms that make for quick and easy setup.

1531758361000 IMG 1027578 

Speaking of easy setup, the SR Series tripods have three-position leg angles that further allow you to position the tripod just right to get the shots you want. 

Add in an integrated bubble level to keep your horizons straight, a removable flat top plate for converting from photography to videography, and an integrated ¼-inch socket on the spider for attaching accessories, and you have the makings of a tripod that can handle anything you throw at it.

And on top of all that, the SR Series is just one of many tripod families by Sirui. They have dozens of other tripods that are packed with features for photographers of all skill levels. 

Sirui will be manning Booth 1054 at PhotoPlus 2018. Stop by and see the impeccable quality of their SR Series tripods and other products for yourself! 

Learn more about Sirui

Holdfast

I’ve owned a lot of photography gear over the years - plenty of it perfectly good, some of it really bad, and even less of it that I’d put in the “spectacular” category.

Well, solidly in that spectacular category is my gear from Holdfast.

These guys crank out some of the best photography straps and camera bags on the market today. I’ve used their products for years now, and I can personally attest to the quality, the functionality, and the aesthetics of their MoneyMaker Dual Camera Strap and their Roamographer Camera Bag. 

But Holdfast embodies something else that I appreciate beyond their ability to craft amazing photography gear - they’re constantly working to improve their products and deliver innovative gear that makes our jobs as photographers easier.

New for 2018, Holdfast recently unveiled their MoneyMaker Solo - a single camera version of the original MoneyMaker.

The Solo solves the one “problem” of the original MoneyMaker in that it’s specifically designed for single-camera shooters. Photographers asked for a “lite” version of the MoneyMaker to address this issue, and Holdfast has obliged in beautiful fashion.

Where my original MoneyMaker can accommodate up to three cameras, the Solo gives you a comfortable and functional way to carry one camera such that it’s out of your way, yet right at your fingertips for quick shooting at the same time. That’s thanks in large part to the included belt anchor that keeps your gear locked in without moving, right at your side, yet easily releases it when you need to take a shot. 

Made using the same gorgeous leathers and hardware as the original MoneyMaker, the Solo also has the same versatility of the original MoneyMaker because you can add Holdfast’s cell phone pouch and lens pouches to carry even more gear. 

If you’re new to the Holdfast environment, I strongly suggest you find your way to Booth 651 at PhotoPlus 2018 and scope out the MoneyMaker Solo and their other products firsthand. You won’t be disappointed! 

Learn more about Holdfast

MyCaseBuilder

I go to PhotoPlus every year and spend a ton of time on the Expo floor checking out all the incredible photography gear that companies are putting out. 

Over the last two or three years, I’ve run into the folks from MyCaseBuilder, and each time I visit their booth, I’m totally blown away by the online program at MyCaseBuilder.com. It is so easy-to-use and each custom insert is unique, created with incredible attention to detail and overall quality.

MyCaseBuilder elevates the process of designing and manufacturing their inserts with an engineer’s precision and an artist’s impeccable touch. 

On top of that, the MyCaseBuilder team is simply a collection of rock stars that are dedicated to creating products that not only protect valuable gear from damage, but also help all us photographers actually do our jobs better. 

Since you can completely customize your MyCaseBuilder foam insert, you can determine what case the insert is for as well as the kit it will be used with. Whether you’ve got a Nikon D850 with ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses for landscape photography or a Sony A7R III with a slew of prime lenses for portraiture, or something in between, these custom foam inserts will accommodate whatever gear you’ve got.

Better still, since you get to determine where each piece of kit goes in your insert, you can customize how your gear is stored in your case to suit your specific needs. Now that’s what I call perfecting your workflow!

I don’t travel as much as I once did, but I can tell you this - if I’m ever on the road with my photography gear as much as I used to be, the very first thing I’m going to do is design a MyCaseBuilder custom foam insert to protect my camera, lenses, and other gear. 

If you’re headed to PhotoPlus 2018, be sure you drop by Booth 162 and see what MyCaseBuilder has to offer. Take it from me...you’ll be impressed!

Learn more about MyCaseBuilder

Click Props Backdrops

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One of the newest companies on my must-see list at PhotoPlus is Click Props Backdrops. 

It’s been about a year since I first laid eyes on my first backdrop from these guys at PhotoPlus 2017. And man, was I ever impressed!

Those positive impressions have stayed with me since, and I’m excited to see what Click Props Backdrops has in store for PhotoPlus 2018.

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From my point of view, there are two things that make this company one of the most exciting in the photography industry today. 

First, they simply make some of the best backdrops on the market. If it’s quality you’re after, you needn’t look any further.

Not only are these backdrops beautifully made, but they’re also durable, too.

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If you’ve spent any time in a portrait studio, you know that no matter how hard you try, dust and dirt always find their way onto your backdrops. 

But since Click Props Backdrops use 550gsm vinyl, they’re super easy to clean between shoots. What’s more, the vinyl is thick, so it doesn’t easily tear or puncture. That’s durability you can count on! 

Click Props 4x6 postcards back RGB

The second thing that makes this company stand out is the sheer enthusiasm that Kat Armendariz, operator of Click Props Backdrops, and her team have for photography and helping other photographers create top-notch images.

They aren’t in it just to make a quick buck. Instead, Kat and the Click Props Backdrops family strive to offer the best-quality backdrops, floorgrounds, and combo sets. 

But don’t take my word for it - Click Props Backdrops is a three-time winner of the Best Professional Studio Accessory award. 

If you’re at PhotoPlus this year, don’t miss out on seeing the best backdrops on the market. Visit Kat and her team at Booth 462.

Learn more about Click Props Backdrops

MPB

mpb photoplus 2018

Whether you're in it for fun or as an occupation, photography is expensive.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on photography gear and get more bang for your buck.

MPB is a great option for photographers that way to buy or sell used gear.

Their secure online platform makes it easy to find what you need for a price that doesn't break the bank. And if selling old gear is on your mind, MPB makes getting rid of your old stuff a breeze as well. You can even trade in your old gear to finance newer gear!

If you're a buyer, MPB has an unrivaled collection of cameras, lenses, and other gear you can choose from.

Once you find something you like, you simply place your secure order, wait for your gear to arrive, and enjoy a six-month warranty on your purchase.

If you're a seller, MPB offers competitive pricing for your gear, that way you get the most out of your old camera or lens. MPB even offers free pickup to make the process of selling your old gear easier.

I can speak to the ease of using MPB because I've bought and sold gear with them a number of times.

If you're looking to save money on new-to-you gear or have a camera or lens you want to get rid of, MPB is the place to do it.

Drop by Booth 265 at PhotoPlus 2018 to say hi to the MPB team!

Learn more about MPB

Skylum

aurorahdr

Skylum is a leading photography software company whose mission is to make editing your photos as simple and user-friendly as possible.

Their Aurora HDR software is the best HDR software in the business, and helps you create flawless HDR images in a matter of seconds. That's thanks to revolutionary tone mapping with a Quantum HDR Engine that instantly merges bracketed images into perfectly balanced HDR photos.

No bracketed images? No problem! You can even create HDR images from a single source photo.

luminar

Skylum's Luminar software is no slouch, either, with an innovative suite of tools and high-end proprietary technology that gives you the power to create images that are truly breathtaking. Seriously, for my money, Luminar is every bit as good as the big boys - Photoshop and Lightroom.

That's due in large part to the fact that it's got 45 intelligent filters to enhance your photos, 67 smart presets that make editing a breeze, and an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that facilitates quick photo editing.

Luminar is also available for a one-time fee, so there's no endlessly repeating charges to use the software like other companies.

If I summed up Skylum in one word, it would be innovation. These guys are the tip of the spear in photo editing software. There's a reason why they've won so many awards!

Swing by Booth 155 to check out the latest from Skylum.

Learn more about Skylum

Peak Design

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If you ask me, Peak Design is one of the top camera bag companies right now.

Not only do their bags look like a million bucks, but they're also highly functional and affordable, too.

Better yet, Peak Design understands that every photographer has different needs, and their line of bags seeks to give each of us just what we need for our specific workflow.

Whether you have a ton of professional gear you need to carry in a big bag, a small mirrorless system for weekend fun, a bag to carry your drone and the associated accessories, or something in between, Peak Design has just what you need.

They also have a host of innovative camera straps and a new travel line (detailed in the video above), complete with an organization system to keep everything from your dirty clothes and shoes to your camera and lenses nice and tidy in your bag.

For people like me that are a little on the unorganized side, their travel backpack is a total lifesaver.

These guys really do think of everything, but if you need more convincing, a few minutes at Booth 1131 will make you a Peak Design enthusiast!

Learn more about Peak Design

Kate Backdrop

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A new company that's on my radar is Kate Backdrop.

I stumbled upon these guys when I was looking for backdrops to recommend for a friend that's a portrait photographer.

To say that I've been impressed with what I've found from Kate Backdrop is an understatement.

For starters, the sheer size of the selection of backdrops is amazing. We're talking hundreds and hundreds of designs for all kinds of portraits, from holiday themes to abstract textures, birthday party backdrops to sports backdrops.

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What's more, not only are these backdrops premium quality, but they're also budget friendly. Talk about a win-win!

You can get custom-painted backdrops, custom sizing, rubber floor mats, complete studio sets, and more.

I, for one, will be spending a good deal of time at Booth 367 because I want to see just how incredible these backdrops look up close!

Learn more about Kate Backdrop

Focus Camera

focus camera

If you've got a need for a new camera, lens, or other accessory, do yourself a favor and make Focus Camera your go-to resource for new photography gear.

I've worked with Focus Camera for years now, and I can tell you first-hand that every time I order something, I'm blown away by the customer service experience.

Not only that, they do a great job getting your gear to you in a timely fashion, which as an incredibly impatient person, I really appreciate.

Their selection of products is second-to-none as well.

That includes photography and videography gear, scopes and optics, TVs, computers, and even musical instruments.

Something else that I appreciate about Focus Camera is that they have competitive pricing.

There's no big markups here, no outrageous fees, either.

Instead, when you buy something from Focus Camera, you know that you're getting a fair price on top-notch products, and that you'll have a team of professionals that will have your back after the sale, too.

Seriously, if you have a problem, a concern, or a question, you'll quickly discover just how great the team at Focus Camera really is!

Stop by Booth 164 to see the Focus Camera difference!

Learn more about Focus Camera

Epson

I fully admit that I was a Canon printer guy for a really long time.

But when my Canon printer was on its last legs, I decided to give Epson a try. That was a great decision.

I have Epson's SureColor P800 printer, and it has quickly demonstrated itself to be the best printer I've ever owned.

It's clear that Epson is at the forefront of printing technology based on the results I've gotten with this printer.

Not only is the color absolutely incredible, but the printer can accommodate making prints up to 17-inches wide. You can even make borderless prints!

The giant 80ml ink cartridges are nice, too, because I print a lot of images, and nothing is worse than getting those low ink warnings when you're in the middle of printing an important photo.

Whether you need a small print or a large one, a color print or a black and white, Epson has you covered!

See what new products they have in store by visiting Booth 707 at PhotoPlus 2018.

Learn more about Epson

Spider Holster

spider holster

Years ago, I picked up a Spider Holster SpiderLight hand strap for my Sony a6000, and I instantly became a huge Spider Holster fan.

Since then, I've picked up a strap for my Nikon D850 as well as a new hand strap for my Sony a6300.

To say that these straps are intuitively designed is an understatement.

Not only are they crafted using materials that are durable and comfortable, but the design of these hand straps makes shooting a much more comfortable endeavor.

The strap hugs your hand - not strangle it - so you get the comfortable carrying experience you want while knowing that your camera won't slip off your hand, either.

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But don't think that Spider Holster is only about hand straps...

Their holster system is one of the best in the business.

From single and dual-camera systems for big, professional gear to holsters, straps, and other accessories for small point-and-shoot cameras, Spider Holster has you covered.

No matter what kind of holster you have, you'll find that the speed with which you can work is increased.

What's more, you'll know your expensive gear is safe and sound with Spider Holster's unique ball-joint system that keeps your camera and lens securely attached to the holster, yet allows your gear freedom of movement, that way it can move with you, not against you.

Seriously, if you've never experienced the joy of carrying your gear in a Spider Holster rig, you need to give it a try at Booth 1025!

Learn more about Spider Holster



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