Let's be frank. If you're independently wealthy, you probably don't care how much your next gear purchase is going to cost. For the rest of us, living in the real world, “frugal” is a word we've become very accustomed to. The amount and quality of the photography equipment we carry is all too often dependent on price. That being the case, when a great deal on top-shelf merchandise comes along, there are a lot of us out there ready to pounce on it. If you're a Nikon shooter, here are some that you should go check out right now, because these won't last!

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

That 18mm – 55mm is a nice Nikon prime lens, but it isn't going to get the job done for those wide landscape shots. Here's a chance to break the super-wide barrier and save about $150 on the retail price. This refurbished lens is like new, warrantied for a full 180 days and ready to help you literally expand your horizons.

Get the details and grab one here.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

How about a fast “nifty-fifty” equivalent for your DX camera? Maybe just a nice, inexpensive 35mm for your FX in crop mode? Either way, here's one that'll give you great low-light performance and gorgeous bokeh, one-foot minimum focusing, and fast, silent autofocus with an investment of only $169! It's a refurb, so everything works like new and you get that 180-day guarantee.

Get one while they last.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Micro

Here's a refurbished DX prime lens that's perfect for close-up, nature and portrait photography. It featurse internal focusing, VRII vibration reduction, ED lenses for low CA, even at the ends of the aperture range. How about a .9 foot minimum focusing distance and 1:1 magnification capability? How about a 180-day warranty and a price tag of less than $500?

Get yours here.

AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR

If you've been waiting to “go big” with your FX or DX camera, this might be just exactly what you've been waiting for. Stop imagining those incredible wildlife and astrophotography shots and start getting them! 600mm, VR that you can use with a tripod, SWM autofocus, outstanding CA reduction, reduced ghosting and lens flare, and much more. Since it's refurbished, it comes with everything in the box:

• HK-35 slip-on lens hood
• CT-607 trunk case
• Slip-in filter holder
• 52-mm screw-in NC filter
• Monopod collar

and, yes, you still get that 180-day warranty!

Best of all, you can save as much as $4,000.00 by getting yours here!

All of these incredible buys come from our friends at Used Photo Pro and Roberts Camera. We'll keep sending you updates, but why not just go take a look for yourself and start gearing up instead of waiting?

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Being a photographer is great, but it isn't all fun and games, particularly if you frequently need to haul a lot of equipment to a location. Whether you're packing it around yourself or trusting it to luggage handlers, lugging a lot of gear in the field or to another location is both strenuous and stressful. Not only that, the gear that you need to pack your gear can be pretty darned pricey.

We're going to try to help with that last problem, by pointing you to some great deals on bags and cases designed for big loads and long trips. They're from one of our favorite sources and we think you'll appreciate both the products and the security of buying from a trusted source with a great reputation and an equally awesome guarantee. Note: These are one-of-a-kind items, so you'll want to grab them while they're available:

Tamrac 625 Pro System Shoulder Compartment Camera Bag

Here's one for the serious pro that needs to have both room and ruggedness in a shoulder bag. Tamrac has been a trusted name in the photo industry since the 1970's and if you've been out among pro photographers, you've seen their bags and cases.

This Pro System bag features the same tough construction and smart engineering that made the name famous and because it's used, you can get it for an incredible price. Go get it before someone else does.

Tamrac 660 Rolling Studio Case

If you've got more gear than you want to carry on you shoulder, give this big studio case a go. It's got room for bigger equipment like lighting and plenty of adjustable padding to protect your valuable gear. It's also from Tamrac and as you can see, it's typical of the quality they're know for.

This case is fully tested, rated “Good” and guaranteed to be in retention of 70% to 90% of its new condition. In short, it's solid enough to carry your gear and priced at a fraction of the new cost. Get the details here.

Tenba Air Case Top Load 1022 (1or2 Packs,2 Heads,Umbrellas,Stands,Int.30.5x11x10

If you travel by air or otherwise have a need to stow your gear somewhere that it might get banged around, here's a great solution for protecting a lot of equipment at a bargain price. The Tenba Air Case gives you the advantages of a soft side bag with the security of a hard case.

This top-loading case measures 30.5” x 11” x 10”, is rated in Very Good condition and you can have it for about half the original price. Take a closer look and see if it will suit your needs.

Zero Halliburton ZR21T ZEROLLER 21 inch Silver Aluminum Carry-On Luggage

How about a carry-on case for your photo gear that offers more protection than your camera bag or backpack? This aluminum case includes customize-able foam padding and is rated “Good.” In other words, there's plenty of service life left in it and you can get it today at an incredibly low price here.

These are just a few examples of the quality used and refurbished solutions available from our friends at Used Photo Pro. If you don't see what you're looking for in this article, do yourself a favor and go take a look at their website. All of the cameras, lenses and other gear you'll find are represented accurately, rated fairly and covered by their exclusive 180-day guarantee. Go check out today's selection: UsedPhotoPro.com

 

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Let's face it, fellow shutterbugs; a photographer can never have enough good glass. For those of us on a budget, however, high-end lenses are often far out of reach. There are ways to get top-quality lenses in your bag without spending quite so much, though, and the keys are: 1) knowing what you want and 2) having the right source. You have to determine the answers to the first of those yourself. We're going to get you pointed in the right direction on the second in this article.

We're always on the lookout for great deals for our readers and we consistently find them at one source, where you can find quality tested and honestly rated used equipment at prices that you can actually afford. Thanks to their rating system and actual product photos, you'll know exactly what you're buying and you'll have the added security of their 180-day guarantee. Here are a few of the outstanding buys available today:

Telephoto Zooms

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM

Talk about reach! Whether you're looking to capture wildlife or the moon, this lens has got the power to get you there. What's more, if you're currently shooting with Canon's 70-200mm or 75-300mm kit lens, this is your opportunity to see the difference an L-Series lens can make. As of this writing, there are 5 available, all for less than $900. Take a closer look here.

Nikon Nikkor AF 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 D ED VR

Here's one for the Nikon shooters, with that same reach and the added bonus of an aperture control ring that's awesome for changing the depth of field while you're recording movies. That feature also means you can use it on your older Nikon SLR. The aperture is controllable via your DSLR, of course, by locking the ring at the minimum setting. Choose one of four currently available for around $500. Make your selection here.

Walk-Around Zooms

Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM

It's light, it's fast and it covers a nice range for landscape or street photography. It's also an L-Series lens, so you can expect high-quality images. There's no image stabilization, but with the wide maximum aperture, all you should need is proper camera handing. There are only two available right now, so you'll need to act quickly. Choose yours here.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM

If you're up to speed on Canon's lens designations, you'll know that this great walk-around lens is only for their APS-C sensor cameras. You'll also notice that it's not an L-Series, “pro” lens. On the plus side, it's got an incredible zoom range, for almost any general shooting situation, and it's got image stabilization, too. Best of all, you can take your pick of six of these today for far less than $300! Grab one while you can.

Other 24-70mm f/2.8 Zooms

Here's a mixed bag, just as an example of what a simple search can provide when you're dealing with a good source. This zoom range is thought by many to be ideal for landscape and street shooting and with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, you can expect good low-light performance and even a bit of bokeh when you want it. The selection you'll find at this link includes one Nikon, one Sigma, one Sony and the 2 Canon lenses above, and only two of them break that $1,000 price ceiling just slightly. Take a look at them here.

These incredible buys are just a few of the bargains on quality used photo gear available every day from UsedPhotoPro.com. If you've ever considered the advantages of buying good used equipment, this is your best source. If you haven't, it's high time you took a look at the opportunities. Visit Used Photo Pro today and see for yourself!

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Kit Lenses may be one of the most despised pieces of photography gear among elitists. They're also one of the most prevalent excuses for flawed photos and there are times when they're unjustly accused. Although this “cheap glass” may be inferior to higher-priced lenses in some areas, when you take a serious look, you can't get better value for your dollar and there are actually several good reasons to use them.

1. You don't have to take out a loan to own one. Let's get the obvious point out of the way first. Most of us that own kit lenses probably acquired them as part of a kit. That means we paid mostly for the camera body and for a few bucks more, we got one or more lenses that cover a wide range of focal lengths. Kits are how many novices get their start.

If you didn't get your lens(es) as part of a kit, you can buy them ridiculously inexpensively. Why would you want to? Well, can you ever really have enough glass?

2. Their zoom ranges are great. When manufacturers create a kit lens, they design it around a range of focal lengths that's going to cover a lot of common shooting situations. Take a look at some of the most common kit zoom ranges. Click the links to see some great examples:

18-55mm: This one is a common kit zoom for all the big brands. It's wide enough for great landscapes and just a little bit higher than the “nifty fifty”, this zoom range is extremely versatile.

55-250mm: Here's a popular one with Nikon kits. How's that for covering the mid-range and high end?

55-300mm: This one was developed by Canon and although it's been discontinued, there are still a few good used ones available and they're extremely affordable.

75-300mm: Want to get a little closer? This one will give you nice street portraits and will handle wildlife and moon photography, too.

3. They'll teach you about sweet spots. Every lens is more prone to distortion and/or aberration at the extreme ends of its zoom range as well as the high and low ends of its aperture settings. Working with a kit lens will challenge you to find the ranges where these anomalies are best canceled out. The shooting habits you'll develop in the process will improve your skills. Meanwhile, most of the flaws can be easily corrected with decent post-processing software.

4. They'll challenge your camera handling skills. One of the biggest disadvantages of a kit lens is usually the maximum aperture size, typically f/4 to f/4.5 for telephoto zooms and f/3.5 for wide to normal zooms. Put simply, they're not as fast as more expensive lenses. What that means is you're going to have to learn how to hold your camera steady, use your ISO setting and make the other adjustments necessary to avoid camera shake. You'll also have to work a little harder to get bokeh, but it's far from impossible.

5. Accidents happen. A misstep when you're hiking in the wilderness or a fumble when you're leaning over the side of the boat to get that great fishing shot can be enough to bring the good times to an abrupt end when you're shooting with a multi-thousand dollar lens. Damage to that kit lens isn't going to be convenient, but it's not the end of the world, either. In fact, you can probably replace it inexpensively at UsedPhotoPro.com with one that's tested and carries a 180-day warranty.

Well, there you have it. I know many readers are going to be sticking to their guns and refusing to stoop to using a cheap lens and that's admirable if you can afford it. On the other hand, if your budget is a little tight, but you need need a “no BS” lens that can give you good range and help you improve your technical skills, give a kit lens a chance.

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Next to more and better lenses, the best investment for many photographers is a second camera body. Grabbing a second camera with a lens attached is much faster than swapping lenses and when that low battery indicator starts to flash, you can just grab the second one and keep shooting while your assistant makes the change or until you can stop and do it yourself. It also gives you a backup when things go wrong.

There are plenty of good reasons to have a second camera body. There's generally only one reason that many photographers don't have one, and that's cost. With a little bit of thought about what you really need in a second body, though, you may find that it's more affordable than you think. Here are a few examples, ready to help you expand your arsenal, listed by brand so you'll know they'll work with your current lenses.

Canon APS-C

EOS Rebel T3: This was a breakthrough model for Canon and at 12.2 megapixels, it's still a very capable crop sensor camera. It starts up incredibly fast, has a nice, big JPEG buffer and a battery life of about 700 shots, along with good low-light performance. There are 5 available here for less than $200 each.

EOS 60D: Step up to 18 megapixel resolution and get a whole lot more, like a top-mounted display, higher-magnification, pentaprism viewfinder , 8 more cross-type AF points, a whopping 15-shot RAW buffer and shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. There's one available for less than $450, here.

Nikon Crop Sensor (DX)

D5300: This one features 24.2 megapixel resolution. That's higher than some of Nikon's full frame models. It has an awesome articulated LCD, built-in Wi-Fi and super-fast autofocus. It also boasts many of the same features as the “big guns”, but you have to access them through the menu. We know where you can get one in mint condition for $425. The one possible drawback? It's red. If you said, “So what?” check it out here.

D90: If you don't need all that resolution from your second body and really want to save money, here's a model that will do the job nicely. It shoots at 12.3 megapixels, which is more than high enough for most photographic work. It gives you 11 AF points and 3D focus tracking. It can even track up to 5 faces simultaneously. With all the other standard features you'd expect from a modern crop-sensor DSLR, this is a highly capable second camera. Choose from 2 here ,both priced less than $225.

No doubt, you've noticed that these are all used bodies. Hopefully, you also noticed that each one is clearly marked with an honest rating and that all photos are of the actual items. What you may not have noticed is that each one is also covered by a 180-day guarantee. That's the kind of up-front, straightforward trading you can expect to do with the professionals at UsedPhotoPro.com. If you didn't find what you're looking for above, go search their website to see what kind of bargains you can find.

 

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Let's face it, boys and girls; photography isn't a cheap hobby or an inexpensive career choice. Like most technology-driven pastimes, it can deplete your bank account in a hurry. That's why many of us make statements like, “I wish I had a second camera body,” or “Man, I'd really like to have a better lens.” Particularly for those talented amateurs trying to turn pro, equipment additions and upgrades can really impede progress. Because your friends at PhotographyTalk want to help you make that transition a reality, we're bringing you another list of gear that you can actually afford, from a source we trust.

Second Bodies

A second camera body is a great investment, especially for anyone shooting events, weddings, sports and similar active genres. The kind of investment you're often looking at, however, can be something of a deterrent. For those with a need but not a lot of spare capital, a good used or refurbished camera body is a great choice.

Here are a few Nikon full-frame bodies for less than $1,000 you might want to consider:

Nikon D3 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera Body

Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera Body

Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera Body

Canon shooter? Step up to a full-frame, 50.6 megapixel body for about $1,000 less than retail:

Canon EOS 5DS DSLR Camera Body 50.6MP

Better Lenses

You already know that better glass is almost always the best choice when it comes to upgrading. The problem, again, is the tremendous price tag. Once again, a great solution is buying quality-tested, guaranteed used lenses for hundreds of dollars less:

Canon EF 300mm f4 L IS USM Lens(MINT CONDITION!)

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM Lens

 

Nikon Nikkor AF 70-180mm f4.5-5.6 D ED Micro Lens AF

Nikon Nikkor AF 80-200mm f2.8 D ED Lens w/Tripod Mount

Tripods

We don't have to explain the value of a good tripod, either, so I won't bore you with that. This time, let's take a look how you can outfit yourself with some of the best, by purchasing like-new, refurbished equipment. Have a look at the selections of tripods available with these well-known brand names:

Manfrotto

National Geographic

Promaster

Supplemental Lighting

Whether you're in the studio or out in the woods, there's going to be a time when you're going to need to shed some extra light on your subject. Here's another area where refurbished gear can save you a bundle without sacrificing quality. Here are just a few examples:

Light Modifier Kits

Strobe Lighting

Flashes

 These are just a few examples of how buying used or refurbished photography gear can get you outfitted with what you need at far less cost than retail. The key is to buy from a source that you can trust. That's why we recommend shopping at Used Photo Pro, where you'll find tested, honestly-rated used gear with the best warranty around. For the best in refurbished gear, you can't beat our friends at Roberts Camera. Shop both of these sites, compare and get the gear you need at prices you can afford.

 

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I'm sure that most readers, like me, are working hard to make ends meet these days. Whether you're a full-time professional photographer or a casual hobbyist, the prices of high-end, brand-name photo equipment can be more than a little frightening. That goes for everything from camera bodies and lenses to tripods and bags. So, if you're like me, getting that top-shelf gear for about half price is a good thing.

No, I'm not talking about one of those weird reward programs or bid-pack online auction sites. I'm talking about something much simpler: buying refurbished equipment. If you're listening to the skeptics out there on the subject all I can say is you're missing out on some incredible deals. Products are refurbished for all kinds of reasons and many are actually upgraded in the process, so as long as you're dealing with a reputable source, there's nothing to fear. Here are a few examples of awesome deals from one of my my favorite refurbished gear dealers:

Manfrotto Adventure 1 Camera Backpack

You can't hang around in photographic circles for long without hearing the Manfrotto name. Their tripods and camera bags are legendary. Here's one of their classiest backpacks, at a price you won't beat anywhere. It'll hold your camera, 2 lenses, a tripod, a 15" laptop and more, securely and in style. You can own it for less than $40. That's less than half what you'll pay anywhere else.

Get the details and get yours here.

Manfrotto Compact Advanced Tripod (Black)

You might as well have a great Manfrotto tripod to strap onto that that awesome backpack. This Advanced Compact comes with a streamlined 3-way head that combines pan and tilt in one lever, with leveling controlled by another. The aluminum tripod goes from a mere 17.32 in / 44cm to 64.96 in / 165 cm extended with the center column raised. The legs have 5 sections for superb adjustability. This compact has a lot to offer and you can save about $40 on these refurbished ones. Take a look at it here.

Manfrotto Compact Monopod (Black)

How about a really sweet monopod for 15 bucks? Yep, it's got the Manfrotto name, too!

It's an aluminum, 5-section gem that performs as good as it looks. It closes to 15.35in / 38.99cm and extends to 57.28in / 145.49cm It supports 3.31lb / 1.5kg while weighing in at just 0.73lb / 0.33kg. It'll look great hanging on that backpack above, too.

Did I mention that it's FIFTEEN BUCKS?

Get it here while you can.

Alright, so you should be getting the idea. Of course, these are only a few examples and you never know what you might find next. Before you buy new, I highly recommend checking with my friends at UsedPhotoPro for their rigorously-tested used and like-new refurbished equipment. Need more convincing? How about a 180 day warranty and free shipping on most items? Go. Shop. Bookmark their site!

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So, you've been working with that entry-level DSLR and your kit lenses for a long time now. You've taken advantage of all the great learning resources here on PhotographyTalk and you're taking spectacular photos. In fact, you've pushed the boundaries of your current gear about as far as you can and it's time to see the difference better lenses can make. Unfortunately, the kids still have to eat, so dishing out the funds for those awesome pro-series lenses isn't easy.

For those talented photographers with tighter budgets, top-shelf gear doesn't have to be completely out of reach. It just takes a little bit of smart shopping with a reputable dealer in used and refurbished gear. As always, we've been doing the legwork for you and we're going to list a few great buys from dealers you can trust. Take a look at these examples:

Canon EF 135mm f2 L USM Lens

This is one of Canon's best rated prime lenses, great for portraits or street photography. It's equivalent to about 215mm on a Canon APS-C DSLR. With a max aperture of f/2, you'll get great low-light performance and awesome bokeh along with smooth, quiet AF. It's less than $800! Take a look here.

Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L II USM Lens

How about an L-series wide-angle zoom? With an equivalent range of 25mm – 55mm on your APS-C camera, great speed at f/2.8, and fast, ultra-quiet AF, this one may just become your favorite walk-around lens. There are 4 available right now, for right around $1,000. Choose one here.

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED IF Lens

Okay Nikon shooters, here's a ED lens that will give you an equivalent focal length of about 25mm to 53mm on your DX format camera. Internal focusing and a 10.8” minimum focusing distance lets you get in nice and tight. This one is complete with a hard case and you can grab it for about 1/3 of what you'd expect to pay. Check it out here.

Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2D

Let's take a look at a refurbished lens. This one's a gorgeous, fast, prime portrait lens with an added feature: a defocus image control lets you control spherical aberration, shifting it toward rear or front elements. It's compatible with both DX and FX format DSLRs, so you can still use it when you go full-frame. It's just like brand-new, but not nearly as pricey. See the details here.

There's much more out there in the way of good used and expertly refurbished lenses and . There's more than enough available for Sony, Olympus and more, as well as great buys on used third-party lenses. As these examples show, a little bit of time invested in shopping can get you working with better glass at a price that fits within your budget. What's more, by shopping with reputable online retailers like Roberts Camera and Used Photo Pro, your satisfaction is guaranteed! There's no need to wait any longer to step up to better lenses.

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Macro lenses for your DSLR or mirrorless camera can be very pricey, especially good ones. That's one of the main reasons that many talented photographers never really delve into looking at the world through the macro perspective and that's a shame. There's a way to nail incredible macro shots without making a huge investment in equipment and it's not only simple, it's fun.

I'm sure most readers have heard of a reversing ring, but for those that haven't, it's a simple device that lets you turn a lens around and mount the front of it to your camera, pointing the inner element at the objects you want to photograph. It's an inexpensive solution and in most cases, will give you much better results than a close-up “filter”. That's because the only thing that's altered in the optical path is the direction the light travels through the lens.

Because the lens is reversed, instead of compressing a big scene into a small circle that fits the camera sensor, it now magnifies a very small area so that it covers the sensor, getting you “up close and personal” with the subject. You'll be amazed at the results, but there are a few things to know before you start:

• Shorter focal lengths will yield higher magnification ratios.
• You'll need to get very close to your subjects with the front of the lens.
• Focusing is done by physically moving the camera back and forth in very small increments.
• Aperture control will be disconnected, so you won't be able to adjust depth of field.*

*There's a way around that last issue that highlights one of the cool things about shooting macro this way. Since you're connecting the lens to the reversing ring via the filter threads, you can use pretty much any lens, even if it's not made for your camera! In fact, one of the best ways is to fit a lens made for a film SLR that has an aperture control ring and “Voila!”, you have depth of field control again.

You can find great quality, used lenses made for older SLRs and often at very low prices. Check out this short list of examples that will work nicely with a reversing ring:

Now, remember, these lenses will work reversed on your DSLR regardless of the manufacturer, because you're mounting it by the filter threads. I recommend choosing and buying the lens first, so you'll know what filter size to specify when buying the reversing ring. I also recommend shopping at Used Photo Pro to find the best deals on rated and warrantied lenses like those above. You'll need to match the ring to your camera mount, so be sure to specify the exact type when you shop. Here's a good place to start.

As you can see, great macro photography doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Go get started!

 

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Believe it or not, the Holdays are almost upon us! Since it's never too early to start shopping for your favorite photographer-type people, we're helping get you off to an early start. As always, we've listend to our members and followed the buying trends to bring you our lists of gifts sure to please any photography or cinematography buffs on your list. Here's the first for this year, with ten great gift ideas under $150.00. Happy shopping!

1. Syrp Variable ND Filter

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is one of the most creative tools you can give a photographer or cinematographer. It enables creative effects by allowing wider apertures and/or slower shutter speeds in bright lighting conditions. The most well-known examples are probably those dreamy, foggy effects created by moving water in stills and elimination of “roll” in videos. This rugged, variable version eliminates the need to carry several ND filters by allowing from 1 to 8.5 stops of exposure reduction with one filter!

Learn more here.

2. Datacolor® Spyder®LENSCAL

SpyderLENSCAL provides a fast, reliable method of measuring the focus performance on your camera and lens combinations. It allows photographers to obtain razor-sharp focusing or check to see that their lenses are working at their peak performance.

Learn More here.

3. WoodSnap

Imagine your favorite photographer's work printed directly on wood! Give him or her a vibrant, 16” x 20” wood print, complete with mounting slots and ready to grace his, her (or your) wall! Each genuine wood print is completely unique. Upload a photo from Facebook, Instagram or your computer, or email it in to get started.

Learn more here.

4. Spider Holster

Conventional camera straps are clumsy, hard on your neck and shoulders and not the fastest way to access your DSLR. The Single Camera System from Spider Pro transfers the weight to your hips and allows an incredibly quick draw of a full-size DSLR with lens when that killer shot comes up. It's revolutionary, rugged and perfect for active photographers.

Learn more here.

5. Perfectly Clear

Perfectly Clear Complete for Photoshop and Lightroom offers incredibly effective, one-click enhancement of images.  You can use the 40 built-in presets or easily create your own with precise control.   With this bundle, you'll get complete control over exposure, contrast, noise reduction, and color.  Portrait photographers can also quickly enhance the eyes, skin, face, teeth and much more in one easy-to-use package.

Learn More here.

6.Wolverine F2D Mighty

Most photograhers have stacks of negatives and slides just begging to be converted to digital images, and who doesn't have a bunch of old home movies to digitize? The Wolverine Digital Converter makes it easy to create high-resoultion (up to 20MP) digital files from film and positive transparencies. Give the gift of preserved memories.

Learn more here.

7. Promaster Multi-Function IR Timer Remote/Intervalometer

Time-lapse sequences are among the most fun and rewarding things you can do with your DSLR. With this intervalometer, you can control your sequences remotely on most brand-name DSLRs and for those that don't have IR sensors, you can add an optional cable to use it wired. Of course, it also works as a standard remote shutter release with a little extra control, like controlling the number of exposures in continuous mode, all from up to 30 feet away.

Learn more here.

8. Sirui T-004X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head

This aluminum travel tripod from Sirui is compact and weighs in at just 2 pounds. Its legs reverse fold, so its closed size is just 15.7 inches. The adjustable center column can be replaced with the short center column for low angle shooting and three leg angle settings let you keep shooting on uneven terrain. Despite its small size, it can support up to 13.2 pounds and has a maximum height of 58 inches. The tripod even comes with a ball head with safety-lock Arca-type compatible clamp with quick release plate.

Learn more about the Sirui T-004X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head.

9. Aquapac SLR Camera Case with Hard Lens

How awesome would it be to shoot underwater with your DSLR? The Aquapac can make that happen! Not only is it guaranteed to let you shoot under up to 15 feet of water, it will float if you drop your camera overboard, and doubles as a protective “rain suit” to keep out moisture, sand and other contaminants. It also comes with an adjustable neck cord and moisture-detecting desiccant packets. Open up a whole world of new possibilities with this gift.

Learn more here.

Glide Gear DEV 235 Camera Track Slider 23.5"

One of the coolest things you can do with videos and time-lapse sequences is to add smooth, controlled camera motion. This simple slider enables that without a lot of expense, but without sacrificing quality. It mounts to a tripod or can be set up on almost any surface with the adjustable legs and rubber ball feet. It accepts almost any digital camera, camcorder or video camera, so there's no need to worry about what your favorite photographer shoots with!

Learn more here.

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Here at PhotographyTalk, we've been telling you for a long time that a great way to make the transition to better gear is to buy good-quality used equipment. One of the most common questions I hear in response to that is, “How do I tell if the used equipment I'm purchasing is of good quality?” Well, that's a very fair question and in the interest of keeping our readers well-informed, I'm going to list some of the most important things to look for when you're inspecting a used DSLR. (I'll talk about used lenses in a separate article.) Ready? Here we go.

Dirt, Corrosion and Fungus

Nothing tells the tale of camera abuse like fouling. Check all the seams, the sensor area, contacts and mounting surfaces for dirt buildup, rust and corrosion. Open the battery compartment and make sure the contacts are bright and corrosion-free. Some dust is to be expected, but corrosion is a sure sign of impending problems.

Finding a used DSLR with the original box, manual, etc. is rare. Take a look at the one above.

Fungus growth inside the camera is best spotted by taking a few shots and viewing them at high magnification to look for web-like patterns. This can be a catastrophic problem, expensive and difficult to fix. Dust spots may be easy enough to remove with a good cleaning, but don't assume anything.

Shutter Actuations

DSLR shutters have a finite life. While many cameras will live beyond the expected number, a high shutter count means the risk of failure is higher. If the camera is likely to fail soon after you purchase it, it's not a great investment, since shutter repair is costly.

Older model cameras may have high shutter counts and should probably be purchased only from a reputable dealer. The one in the photo above is tested and guaranteed. Take a closer look.

What's high? Well, entry-level DSLRs have an expected lifetime of about 50,000 actuations, mid-level will last for about 100,000 shots and pro-grade DSLRs should handle about 200,000 actuations. Where do you find the count? Well, there's the rub; it isn't available on all cameras. If the camera does offer the information, however, it's usually available in the EXIF data for your images, capture an image, download it and use an EXIF viewer to find “Image Count”, “Shutter Count” or a similar parameter.

Age and Wear

This starts with knowing a little bit about the camera you're considering. If it's an older model or version, you can assume it's seen a lot of use. Wear patterns will give you some visual clues to that, too. Note the scratches and scuffs, labels worn off of buttons and the condition of the mounting surfaces.

The Canon 5D MkII has been replaced by the MkIII. The MkII version, however, is still usd by many pros. Here's a guaranteed one for less than $1,000!

If it's a new model and being sold at a very low price, it's worth considering whether it was stolen. Be cautious of anxious private sellers.

A Warranty

“What?” Right. If you're buying a used camera from an individual and they're offering a warranty, be very skeptical. In virtually all cases, camera warranties are not transferable, so don't be fooled by a seller that says, “It's still under warranty!” For the original purchaser, that's true – but not for you if you buy it used.

There are two ways to get a valid warranty on used cameras. One is to purchase a refurbished unit from the manufacturer or a reputable rebuilder. The other is to deal with a trusted dealer that offers their own warranty. For instance, Used Photo Pro offers a 180-day warranty on their high-rated used gear. That means you can return it for up to almost 6 months if it fails. The bottom line is there's less worry involved in purchasing a used camera from the right source.

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There's an age-old debate about the importance of size. Now, if we can all get our minds out of the gutter for a minute, let's apply that to camera sensors and lenses, ok? Depending on what your preferred area of photography is, you'll get differing opinions about whether bigger is better everywhere you ask. Eventually, though, most photographers will admit that when it comes to sensors and lenses, there's no reasonable substitute for the big guns.

I think the more common problem among most photographers isn't the question of importance, but instead, a matter of affordability. Let's face it; when the price tags start showing 4 or even 5 digits to the left of the decimal, some of us can only shake our heads and wish. Fortunately, bigger and better doesn't really have to be out of reach for those of us in that boat. High-end gear lasts longer than entry-level equipment and buying used is a viable option if you choose the right dealer.

Let's take a look at full-frame DSLRs first. When Canon released the EOS 5D MkIII, hundreds of pros traded in their MkII's. That means there are a lot of 5D MkII's out there that might have developed some “character”, but are still in good working order. That's a full-frame, 21.1MP, Pro-level DSLR and you can pick one up for less than $700 right here.

For the Nikon fans, how about a D700 for about the same price? See how many are available here. Not quite the same resolution as the Canon, but good enough, and it's got that Nikon sensor!

Now, what about lenses? When you really need to reach out, you're going to have to spend a few bucks, but it doesn't have to mean taking out a second mortgage. How about some nice Canon L-Series glass? Check out these deals:

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens 100-400/4.5-5.6

Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens 28-300/3.5-5.6

Canon EF 500mm F4 IS L USM Lens 500/4

Here are a few Nikons:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300mm F4 D ED SWM IF Lens 300/4 AFS

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300mm f2.8 D ED SWM Lens 300/2.8 AFS

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 400mm f2.8 D ED IF SWM Lens 400/2.8 AFS

Compare the prices on the items above with what you'll pay for the new equivalent and you'll see what I'm talking about right away. Best of all, because you'll be buying from my favorite used gear dealer, you'll not only know exactly the condition of your purchases, you'll have a minimum 180-day warranty.

The point is, if you don't have the kind of funds necessary to get the new gear you want, there's no reason not to buy good quality used gear, especially when there's a dealer like UsedPhotoPro around. Check them out today and start getting your hands on some of the equipment you've been dreaming about.

 

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