Reading mode: Light Dark

Accessories: those you use and those you don't

Go to last post
D

Dan Honemann

Senior Member
Messages
2,160
Reaction score
1
Location
US
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:

-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and faster.

Dan
 
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread. WHY?

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
... it may show some folks what NOT to get!

I use my 500D closeup lens all the time. I use a 77mm circular polarizer (which fits four of my lenses!) frequently.

I rarely use my 50mm f/1.4 lens, my Kenko extension tubes (used mainly with the 50!), my mini-tripod.
Ken
Alan Graves said:
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread. WHY?

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--

Wanted: Beautiful young woman to be my wife. Must be obsessive-compulsive about housekeeping.
http://www.ahomls.com/gallery.htm
 
I use my Kenko tubes quite a bit, especially the 36mm one. I also use the off camera shoe cord and 420EX a lot. I have a Kirk bracket that I use often as well. I make a lot of use of my gray card for setting the WB. I use my micro trekker frequently and also the TC-80N3.

The tripod gets used sometimes along with the spare battery for the 10D. I usually don’t need more than one for a day outing. 500D gets some use also but not as much as the tubes.

Items I hardly ever use are Big ED (sold it off due to lack of use). I don’t know why I bought the thing in the first place. UV and Circ PL filters never see any action. Mini tripod sees no action. IR filter gets about zero use, though it is good for taking pictures of the sun with. Digital wallet has come out of the closet maybe three times since I bought it.

That’s what I can think of at the moment. I am sure I have spent money on other accessories that I don’t ever use but seemed like a good idea at the time.

Greg
 
Only Big-Ed doesn't see any use now, it was continously on my D60 and later the 10D until I got the 1D which is my Work camera and for critical stuff now so the 10D gets used for Hiking, carryabout, Mountainbiking etc and the last thing I want on it is Big-Ed - Rach doesn't want it as it makes the camera too heavy and bulky for her so it hangs around until I need it for a long shoot, but that's unlikely to happen unless the 1D goes in for service , I suppose the only reason I keep it is because there is a slim chance it'll fit the 3D

--
Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist

The No1 Dedicated 1D forum in the UK -------->

http://www.1dforum.co.uk/php/phpBB2/

 
Used often:
  • Big-Ed (rarely ever off my camera, unit feels too small without it)
  • Stofen White Omnibounce (rarely use bare flash)
Occasional used:
  • Off-Shoe Cord #2 (mostly for macro shots but plan to get a flash bracket soon)
  • Remote Release
  • Lumiquest Promax (when I'm not using the Stofen)
Neglected:
  • Expo Disc (keep forgetting to use it)
  • Extension tubes
  • Stofen Gold Omnibounce
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
--
Jim

'cause life is a lesson – you learn it when you’re through' - LB
 
I use everyting I have bought, but the issue is when and how often. I find some of the accesories to not be used often, but they sure come in handy occaisionally.

I always keep my BG ED on the 10D and I have still run out of power once or twice. I don't really consider this an accessory. Besides The hand grip doesn't fit without it.

The most useless accessory I have bought appears to be the 100 foot remote extension cord, but on two occasions I was really glad I had it.

The Angle Finder C only gets used for short models in studio and ground level shots (Save the neck ;-)

The EP-EX15 eyepiece extender only gets used when I have both the angle finder C and the 550EX on the camera. Then it comes in handy to keep my forehead from bumbing the flash.

The most used is the RS-80N3 Remote switch.

I am playing with IR so am using that filter frequently right now.

I use the circular polarizer on an occaisional basis when outdoors and it will make a difference (frequently at the beach).

I think that covers it for now.

--
Quality is in the setup, Quantity ensures one good shot.
 
I tend to get rid of the stuff I don't use. So, there isn't a lot of useless stuff around.

I'm surprised that people don't like using the BG-ED3 grip. It's permanently attached to my camera.

The most used accessories would be the UV filters. They are almost always on all of my lenses. The circular polarizers were never intended for constant use, so they are only used when it's appropriate.

I tend not to use my tripod as often as in the past. Now I use the monopod as often as I can. It's just a lot more convenient and does the job adequately in most circumstances.

I have one bag that holds all of my equipment which is used most of the time. But, if I know that I won't need all of my equipment I'll use one of the smaller bags.

My most used fun accessory at the moment is a Kenko Pro 300 1.4x teleconverter. I use it with my longest lens to see how far out (yes, I grew up in the 60's and 70's) I can get and with my macro lens to see how close I can get.

My least used accessories are the fold up reflectors which are still waiting patiently for that day when it will dawn on me that I need some fill light and that I have just the thing.
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
So, does that mean you want to sell me your battery grip?

Joaquim
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
In contrast with the first poster, I actually use my ST-E2. I find off-camera flash much more pleasing to the eye than on-camera. It's all about the shadows.

Most used:

Op/Tech neoprene wrist strap
Lens hoods (for all of my lenses!)
ST-E2 with 420EX as a slave

Not used often:

Eyepiece cover (fell off, and Calumet didn't have one in stock)

Filters of any sort, bar the odd polarized shot when going for that deep blue sky

Tripod. I much prefer shooting handheld, and mine is a bit unstable when the camera is keeled over into portrait orientation (Bogen 3001). I suppose I will have to use it if I get more into macro shooting.

Just purchased, but hope to use often:

Image Tank G2, since I am going on a month long trip without access to a laptop



(D30, Sigma 180mm macro, f16, 1/200 handheld, off camera flash via ST-E2/420EX)
 
Bought one, used it once - collecting dust somewhere these days.

As with most things, if you are going to do it - do it good, pay good money for a tripod (monopod doesn't cut it with me, too shakey!). So, as you may guess, tripod used a LOT, mostly with joystick ballhead.

Slightly more usefull than a mini tripod - bounce disks. At least small and light enough to still find a home in my bag.

ND grads get space in the bag - and the timer remote is a repeat offender.

Occasional use of polarizers.

More often than not use Sekonic 508 light meter (I shoot mostly nasty light conditions)

oh, and I think it is a good topic - certainly beats the hell out of most of the posts recently.

Jules.
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
One of you guys who doesn't want theirs let me know. Is this an illegal discussion?

Duke
Adam-T said:
Only Big-Ed doesn't see any use now, it was continously on my D60
and later the 10D until I got the 1D which is my Work camera and
for critical stuff now so the 10D gets used for Hiking, carryabout,
Mountainbiking etc and the last thing I want on it is Big-Ed - Rach
doesn't want it as it makes the camera too heavy and bulky for her
so it hangs around until I need it for a long shoot, but that's
unlikely to happen unless the 1D goes in for service , I suppose
the only reason I keep it is because there is a slim chance it'll
fit the 3D

--
Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist

The No1 Dedicated 1D forum in the UK -------->

http://www.1dforum.co.uk/php/phpBB2/

Click to expand...
--
Duke
 
Used often:
Stroboframe Press-T flash bracket (does the job nicely)

Stroboframe Quick Release System (indespensible for getting the camera off the Press-T in a jiffy to change the battery or just to get the camera off the bracket. I also use a QRS on my ballhead)
550EX (always with me)
Wallace Expo/Disc (never shoot without it!)

Not used often:
Nothing. I use everything I buy, because I buy what I know I need.
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
plus timer/remote cable release (expensive!!!!!), 550EX bigGun, Hoya s-hmc UV and cir.pol filters, lens Hoods

What I don't use much anymore-- My studio equipment (but I am planning to set it up again soon ).
Grey cards for WB-- I can adjust in ACR, works just great.
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
'No Limitation is Limitation'
and I still can't spell worth a dang!
 
Same here, Big Ed and UVs always! I like the extra heft of the BG-ED3, it allows me to hold the camera steadier at slower shutter speeds.

Julie,

I have been considering the E1 strap. Do you use it in lieu of the neck strap or do you use both? What do you find to be its main advantage?

Thanks
Jack
Juli Valley said:
BG-ED3, UVs, 550EX, 220EX, monopod, op-tech strap, E1 handstrap.
Click to expand...
 
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
--
billtoo
http://www.pbase.com/billtoo
 
Interesting how divided we are on the BG-ED3. I'm hesitant to sell mine for now, because I keep a (Really Right Stuff) quick-release plate attached to it for those times (rare, but it happens) when I use my tripod or monopod. I find it easier to attach and shoot with the battery grip rather than taking the QR plate on and off (and it only fits the grip, anyway).

Others have mentioned some indispensible (for me) accessories that I'd forgotten: lens hoods (always use them) and the Stofen Omni-ounce. I do use the 550-EX, but typically for fill-flash rather than as a primary light source (the 10D is too good at higher ISO's to bother much with flash unless shooting in near complete darkness).

Glad to see others have discovered the Op/Tech neoprene wrist strap. I drilled a hold in the base plate of mine so I could move it further away from the battery door of the 10D--allowing me to switch batteries without having to swing it out of the way. I leave it on all the time, even when using (an Op/Tech classic) neckstrap.

Dan
 
too big and heavy.

Always use hoods, UV filters and omnibounce.

Sold all the lenses that I don't use.

Rich
Dan Honemann said:
Thought this might be an interesting thread.

Used often:
-- Optech wrist strap (virtually all the time now)
-- Hoya Pro HMC polarizers
-- Tripper portable HD

Neglected:
-- I thought I'd use the BG-ED but in fact never do--it adds too
much weight for my liking.
-- The ST-E2 transmitter also languishes in my closet.
-- I rarely use my tripod or monopod.
-- Wallace expo/disc: I find using a gray card to be easier and
faster.

Dan
Click to expand...
 
I have both on my camera which is a neat trick. I finally got a circular gadget like a small key ring to connect the handstrap to the camera. It's hard to feed both straps in the same opening. Sometimes I carry it by the handstrap, sometimes I hang the camera over my neck or shoulder, so I use both. The instructions for installing the E1 is on the BG-ED3 sheet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top