Agree on the “buy nice” mantra. I got the Peak Design tripod before Ulanzi’s came out, but I use it seldom enough that it’s not worth changing out. For a bag, I finally settled on a Gura Gear Kiboko pack, I love love love that you only open half the bag at a time, this is great if it’s raining. The real estate needed to open it is minimal, the “lid” does not double your footprint - which makes it perfect for in the car. Also I can get into the bag without taking it off at all, great for when you’re in the bush and there’s no place to put it down. Bags are weird though, everyone chooses differently for their own criteria.
I have to agree with you on the chair. People spend $1000+ on a phone, but they don't spend as much on a chair, even though a good chair can save your back. I have an aeron, and it makes total sense to me.
It’s such a crucial item if you work long hours behind a computer - the Embody is one of the best things I’ve ever bought and it’s still as perfect today as it was when I got it new 7 years ago, just built unbelievably well!
A good chair, adjustable height desk, and ergonomic mouse are absolutely essential things for people who spend more than a couple hours a day at a desk
A new subscriber here. Thank you for making this video. Straight to the point and no b.s. looking forward to the next video of the accessories one shouldn't waste their money on.
I just bought a 24-105mm f4 L, it just arrived about 15 minutes ago, which is perfect because I’m on my way to canyonlands national park tomorrow to backpack and take pictures so it may come in handy.
Great list, and difinitely agree with Buy Nice or Buy Twice. A good chair is a must! I got a used Herman Miller Aeron (most used are almost 10 years old) for about $500 CAD, and it's practically brand new and the comfort is insane! Looking forward to next vid.
110% agreed with everything you said. The lowepro bag has lasted my for years and is surprisingly comfortable too when hiking. Also, as a drummer I completely understand that investing in good quality stands is a must.
So far I found that a peak design small insert v2 for my camera and 2 lenses is enough and I can switch it from my backpack to the messenger bag depending where I go, but it might change. Thanks for the nice video! :)
I love the peak design camera cube! I have the medium one which perfectly fits the RZ67 with a spare back which I use for if I travel with it - and you can attach a strap to it and use it as a big sling too which works great haha
I’ve used a Hadley Pro for well over 10y now and you can get replacements for the front leather straps which makes it last forever. The synthetic fibrenyte looks like new. I disagree on the shoulder pad though, for some reason I prefer the bare strap and always had a painful shoulder with the pad so my recommendation is to buy one without first and try the bag.
Yeah the fact you can get replacement front straps is so good! And interesting, I tried the bag without the pad for a few weeks while the pad got delivered and found it really uncomfortable, the strap just dug into my shoulder too much - it’s substantially better with the pad, but yeah best to try it without a pad first and see if you need it or not!
I had actually used the Peak Design everyday backpack in multiple different forms, v1 and v2 of the 20L and the 30L as well, but I felt like while the bag was well made it had some shocking design choices with regards to being used as a camera bag, got the lowepro and realized it was what I had been missing all along!
A very cheap but also very handy accessory are extension tubes for your mount. They are an easy way to focus your favorite lenses a lot closer e.g. for product shots
I know it might be dumb, but cheap uv filters on the lenses might be worth having. I've got scratches in my Fuji's 28mm lens coating from the lens cap popping off when in my backpack.
What I'm about to say might sound dumber but... I get cheap UV filters and remove the glass. It still protects my lenses from damage (dents on front rim or scratches on glass element). My mirrorless lenses stay pristine in comparison to my DSLR ones so I see results, at least personally speaking.
Would also absolutely love to see a little bit of the Thypoch lens on your xpro 1. I know MF with it is a pain, but would still be sick to see a few shots/opinions on that combo :) Loved the video!
I plan on using it with both the X-Pro 1 and the X-T5 for the review! It’s actually not as awful as I initially thought to manually focus on the XP1 with it, maybe because the lens is so smooth and pleasant to use you kinda forget the XP1 has such a garbage EVF haha
I love my mini tripod :) You really dont need to spend loads on a mini tripod. I just use a fluid head + one of those end tripod things from my Gimbals. Works for all my super low to the floor shots. If I needed the height adjustment I would just use a proper tripod. I don't use camera bags. I just use a camel back for water and some small storage. All my cameras are always on belt holsters. I rarely do lens changes so I just keep a camera with the lens I intend to use for the day. If I do bring a lens I just bring some lens pouches and chuck that in the bag or onto my belt.
If you are using small body and lens set up, do consider the even smaller 3.5L version. Once I got the new 3.5L version, I seldom take out the 7L anymore which is a bit heavier
@@yeungnsthat has been a consideration. I have an x-t5 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and the 70-300mm which I love and are my main two lenses. I've also got a small Voitlander 27mm and an anamorphic sirui lens which I I may use from time to time. I've got the Bellroy 3L, which barely fits the camera and kit lens, but from the images of the Wotancraft 3.5L, it looks soo much larger, like almost 1.5x the size of the bellroy. If only bag companies had more detailed bag dimensions and volume ratings.
I've been looking at the Billingham bags for yrs but I don't think they are as functional as a sling because they seem more like a messenger bag which is always bouncing around because of the lack of a quick strap adjustment. On slings you can adjust it to hug your body which makes you feel more mobile which is important for travel when you're moving from train to car to walking.
Oh for sure, the Bellroy is a more functional bag then the Billingham, but the Billingham is a much nicer bag to use - materials, touch points, style - if all you need is pure function then yes get a sling, but that’s why I wanted to cover both options :)
I think it’s quite the opposite, it just looks like a generic satchel - a well made one yes but the LowePro for example is much more “look at me, steal me! vibes - but I still use it because it’s just too practical to compromise on.
Hay Mat, I have my eye on that billlingham bag for a Christmas present to myself. It's a toss up between that olive green one you got or full black one. Is the green as incognito? Does it look like a camera bag full of thousands of pounds of tech in it? Really got my eye on that manly Channel bag I even asked out in turkey if they make fake Bellinghams😂😂😂. Keep up with the vids bud
@@76steps I actually wish I got the classic tan and brown colour, I had the larger Hadley Pro in that colour which I got for a steal off eBay but I ended up selling because even though it was the most beautiful bag I’d ever seen it was just way too uncomfortable with how much weight you were putting on one shoulder - the small doesn’t let you fit that much shit in there to make it uncomfortable! The reason i got that colour was I got a good deal on it used so beggars can’t be choosers haha I’d go for any colour but black, black is just so boring, but I guess if you want to be incongnito then black would be the best bet - but even this olive one just looks like a nice satchel, doesn’t scream that I’ve got thousands of dollars of cameras inside imo
I prefer microfiber cloths > lens pen, but at least the pen has a brush for when u need it. Not sure why the hand straps have become so popular, maybe influencer trends? The shoulder straps get made fun of, but I prefer them as I still get to have both hands free. Peak design anchors (with the base/connectors) are mad expensive, and straps are even more. I just get cheaper brand and it's lasted me 3 years so far (2-3 events per week, travel, sometimes hiking or just walking around, etc.) No sign of breaking. Good Ulanzi tripod, the slimmer the better when it comes to folded. Lowepro bags have the best form and function, at a good price. They seem like they're built with the photographer's needs prioritized.
The Peak anchors are like $20aud for 4, and all of mine have lasted atleast 7+ years of use; given they literally connect my camera to a strap and mean it hopefully doesn’t fall to the ground i dont really want to “cheap” out on them. I just don’t like the feeling of a neck strap around my neck, the wrist strap is good for when I’m walking around because it gives me the security to know if I accidentally let go of the camera it wont fall on the ground, without a giant strap dangling everywhere too - if I’m not using my camera I’ll put it back in its bag - the exception to this is if I’m shooting a wedding or something where I need two cameras on hand, in which case I’ll use the BlackRapid dual harness which works a dream but is overkill for most normal scenarios haha
@@rudermanphoto Smallrig is the alternative I I use for anchors. To each his own, of course. I got used to the neck strap. For street, I wear it loose and crossbody so it's hiding behind me but I can quickly grab it at moment's notice. I try the wrist strap from time to time, it's very good for shooting from various angles, especially low. Dual harness is awesome, only downside is I gotta be be mindful when crouching or sitting down. (also don't forget to tether lol) Good video, thanks for the reply!
Hey Matthew, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, currently I'm looking for more works, do you love to have a logo for your channel's branding to have a memorable graphic based monogram logo to help your audience recognise and follow your channel easier? I would love to design a photography themed logo inspired by your direction for you! Let me know if you interested to make it happen! :-)
I'm not sure a blower ending up at over £30 after 15% discount, is NOT expensive. I also don't think it's worth it, when every single other blower costs 50% of the suggested. sometimes you thing before you buy, even if you're just shopping necessities ;) Some items should be a buy-once thing. It's that time you go for well run brands. most of the time.
Wow that is much more than I paid for it! I paid $25aud for mine at full price and it’s currently on sale for $16.95 aud lol I suggested it because I’ve had the cheap crap ones you get thrown in with every “lens cleaning kit” and they have hardly any oomph or power to them, plus the nozzle seems to get dislodged often. Maybe check amazon, it certainly shouldn’t be that expensive!
NEVER use a tripod with the center column up!!! That is the WORST advice! They are VERY unstable especially in the wind! Buy the tallest tripos WITHOUT a center column!
I was merely demonstrating how stable it was even at its maximum height - obviously in strong winds I’d add a weight and not fully extend it - it’s a travel sized tripod so you have to make some compromises and when using it indoors there’s no issues fully extending it either.
You can often find it on sale! I paid $220 aud for mine, I’ve seen them for $199 sometimes too - yes it’s still very expensive and I imagine some of that is due to the Gitzo name, but it is still built impeccably well.
Agree on the “buy nice” mantra. I got the Peak Design tripod before Ulanzi’s came out, but I use it seldom enough that it’s not worth changing out.
For a bag, I finally settled on a Gura Gear Kiboko pack, I love love love that you only open half the bag at a time, this is great if it’s raining. The real estate needed to open it is minimal, the “lid” does not double your footprint - which makes it perfect for in the car. Also I can get into the bag without taking it off at all, great for when you’re in the bush and there’s no place to put it down.
Bags are weird though, everyone chooses differently for their own criteria.
I have to agree with you on the chair. People spend $1000+ on a phone, but they don't spend as much on a chair, even though a good chair can save your back. I have an aeron, and it makes total sense to me.
It’s such a crucial item if you work long hours behind a computer - the Embody is one of the best things I’ve ever bought and it’s still as perfect today as it was when I got it new 7 years ago, just built unbelievably well!
A good chair, adjustable height desk, and ergonomic mouse are absolutely essential things for people who spend more than a couple hours a day at a desk
Agreed. Steelcase Gesture is the tits.
Thanks! Just bought an XT-5 after years away from photography so I am in that stage of figuring out what else I need.
A new subscriber here. Thank you for making this video. Straight to the point and no b.s. looking forward to the next video of the accessories one shouldn't waste their money on.
Thank you for the kind words!
I just bought a 24-105mm f4 L, it just arrived about 15 minutes ago, which is perfect because I’m on my way to canyonlands national park tomorrow to backpack and take pictures so it may come in handy.
Great list, and difinitely agree with Buy Nice or Buy Twice. A good chair is a must! I got a used Herman Miller Aeron (most used are almost 10 years old) for about $500 CAD, and it's practically brand new and the comfort is insane! Looking forward to next vid.
110% agreed with everything you said. The lowepro bag has lasted my for years and is surprisingly comfortable too when hiking. Also, as a drummer I completely understand that investing in good quality stands is a must.
So far I found that a peak design small insert v2 for my camera and 2 lenses is enough and I can switch it from my backpack to the messenger bag depending where I go, but it might change.
Thanks for the nice video! :)
I love the peak design camera cube! I have the medium one which perfectly fits the RZ67 with a spare back which I use for if I travel with it - and you can attach a strap to it and use it as a big sling too which works great haha
Just discovered your channel and i really like the content and your takes on camera gear!
Thank you so much!
I’ve used a Hadley Pro for well over 10y now and you can get replacements for the front leather straps which makes it last forever. The synthetic fibrenyte looks like new. I disagree on the shoulder pad though, for some reason I prefer the bare strap and always had a painful shoulder with the pad so my recommendation is to buy one without first and try the bag.
Yeah the fact you can get replacement front straps is so good!
And interesting, I tried the bag without the pad for a few weeks while the pad got delivered and found it really uncomfortable, the strap just dug into my shoulder too much - it’s substantially better with the pad, but yeah best to try it without a pad first and see if you need it or not!
I agree with you on Lowepro packs,I’ve been using them for years and they work well and last.Mine have seen much rugged use and always served me well.
I had actually used the Peak Design everyday backpack in multiple different forms, v1 and v2 of the 20L and the 30L as well, but I felt like while the bag was well made it had some shocking design choices with regards to being used as a camera bag, got the lowepro and realized it was what I had been missing all along!
A very cheap but also very handy accessory are extension tubes for your mount. They are an easy way to focus your favorite lenses a lot closer e.g. for product shots
Good video, agree with all recommendations, own all of them apart from the mini tripod.
I know it might be dumb, but cheap uv filters on the lenses might be worth having. I've got scratches in my Fuji's 28mm lens coating from the lens cap popping off when in my backpack.
What I'm about to say might sound dumber but... I get cheap UV filters and remove the glass. It still protects my lenses from damage (dents on front rim or scratches on glass element). My mirrorless lenses stay pristine in comparison to my DSLR ones so I see results, at least personally speaking.
Would also absolutely love to see a little bit of the Thypoch lens on your xpro 1. I know MF with it is a pain, but would still be sick to see a few shots/opinions on that combo :)
Loved the video!
I plan on using it with both the X-Pro 1 and the X-T5 for the review! It’s actually not as awful as I initially thought to manually focus on the XP1 with it, maybe because the lens is so smooth and pleasant to use you kinda forget the XP1 has such a garbage EVF haha
@@rudermanphoto hahah, sick to hear, really looking forward to the video! :)
I love my mini tripod :)
You really dont need to spend loads on a mini tripod. I just use a fluid head + one of those end tripod things from my Gimbals. Works for all my super low to the floor shots.
If I needed the height adjustment I would just use a proper tripod.
I don't use camera bags. I just use a camel back for water and some small storage. All my cameras are always on belt holsters. I rarely do lens changes so I just keep a camera with the lens I intend to use for the day. If I do bring a lens I just bring some lens pouches and chuck that in the bag or onto my belt.
I love the look for the wotancraft pilot bags and will probably end up getting the 7 or 10L for my fuji camera setup
These look great, very military inspired which I rate highly
If you are using small body and lens set up, do consider the even smaller 3.5L version. Once I got the new 3.5L version, I seldom take out the 7L anymore which is a bit heavier
@@yeungnsthat has been a consideration. I have an x-t5 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and the 70-300mm which I love and are my main two lenses. I've also got a small Voitlander 27mm and an anamorphic sirui lens which I I may use from time to time.
I've got the Bellroy 3L, which barely fits the camera and kit lens, but from the images of the Wotancraft 3.5L, it looks soo much larger, like almost 1.5x the size of the bellroy.
If only bag companies had more detailed bag dimensions and volume ratings.
I've been looking at the Billingham bags for yrs but I don't think they are as functional as a sling because they seem more like a messenger bag which is always bouncing around because of the lack of a quick strap adjustment. On slings you can adjust it to hug your body which makes you feel more mobile which is important for travel when you're moving from train to car to walking.
Oh for sure, the Bellroy is a more functional bag then the Billingham, but the Billingham is a much nicer bag to use - materials, touch points, style - if all you need is pure function then yes get a sling, but that’s why I wanted to cover both options :)
Um, the problem with the Billingham is that it screams, "steal me, very expensive camera gear inside!"
So there is that.
I think it’s quite the opposite, it just looks like a generic satchel - a well made one yes but the LowePro for example is much more “look at me, steal me! vibes - but I still use it because it’s just too practical to compromise on.
Hay Mat, I have my eye on that billlingham bag for a Christmas present to myself. It's a toss up between that olive green one you got or full black one. Is the green as incognito? Does it look like a camera bag full of thousands of pounds of tech in it? Really got my eye on that manly Channel bag I even asked out in turkey if they make fake Bellinghams😂😂😂. Keep up with the vids bud
@@76steps I actually wish I got the classic tan and brown colour, I had the larger Hadley Pro in that colour which I got for a steal off eBay but I ended up selling because even though it was the most beautiful bag I’d ever seen it was just way too uncomfortable with how much weight you were putting on one shoulder - the small doesn’t let you fit that much shit in there to make it uncomfortable!
The reason i got that colour was I got a good deal on it used so beggars can’t be choosers haha
I’d go for any colour but black, black is just so boring, but I guess if you want to be incongnito then black would be the best bet - but even this olive one just looks like a nice satchel, doesn’t scream that I’ve got thousands of dollars of cameras inside imo
If you don’t want to skimp out on a good tripod but also not spend an arm and a leg Smallrig AP-10 is amazing for little around $140
I think I only paid a little over $200 USD for the regular Hadley Pro of the last generation.
I was fortunate enough to get mine used but in great condition for $300 aud, but I had to buy the shoulder pad separately sadly
I prefer microfiber cloths > lens pen, but at least the pen has a brush for when u need it.
Not sure why the hand straps have become so popular, maybe influencer trends? The shoulder straps get made fun of, but I prefer them as I still get to have both hands free.
Peak design anchors (with the base/connectors) are mad expensive, and straps are even more. I just get cheaper brand and it's lasted me 3 years so far (2-3 events per week, travel, sometimes hiking or just walking around, etc.) No sign of breaking.
Good Ulanzi tripod, the slimmer the better when it comes to folded.
Lowepro bags have the best form and function, at a good price. They seem like they're built with the photographer's needs prioritized.
The Peak anchors are like $20aud for 4, and all of mine have lasted atleast 7+ years of use; given they literally connect my camera to a strap and mean it hopefully doesn’t fall to the ground i dont really want to “cheap” out on them.
I just don’t like the feeling of a neck strap around my neck, the wrist strap is good for when I’m walking around because it gives me the security to know if I accidentally let go of the camera it wont fall on the ground, without a giant strap dangling everywhere too - if I’m not using my camera I’ll put it back in its bag - the exception to this is if I’m shooting a wedding or something where I need two cameras on hand, in which case I’ll use the BlackRapid dual harness which works a dream but is overkill for most normal scenarios haha
@@rudermanphoto Smallrig is the alternative I I use for anchors.
To each his own, of course. I got used to the neck strap. For street, I wear it loose and crossbody so it's hiding behind me but I can quickly grab it at moment's notice.
I try the wrist strap from time to time, it's very good for shooting from various angles, especially low.
Dual harness is awesome, only downside is I gotta be be mindful when crouching or sitting down. (also don't forget to tether lol)
Good video, thanks for the reply!
9:35 at this moment he realized he ****ed up 😅
the purrific bag is a ziploc bag
Hey Matthew, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, currently I'm looking for more works, do you love to have a logo for your channel's branding to have a memorable graphic based monogram logo to help your audience recognise and follow your channel easier? I would love to design a photography themed logo inspired by your direction for you! Let me know if you interested to make it happen! :-)
I'm not sure a blower ending up at over £30 after 15% discount, is NOT expensive. I also don't think it's worth it, when every single other blower costs 50% of the suggested. sometimes you thing before you buy, even if you're just shopping necessities ;) Some items should be a buy-once thing. It's that time you go for well run brands. most of the time.
Wow that is much more than I paid for it!
I paid $25aud for mine at full price and it’s currently on sale for $16.95 aud lol
I suggested it because I’ve had the cheap crap ones you get thrown in with every “lens cleaning kit” and they have hardly any oomph or power to them, plus the nozzle seems to get dislodged often.
Maybe check amazon, it certainly shouldn’t be that expensive!
Good thing I don't have any money to fall into that useless accessories trap...
NEVER use a tripod with the center column up!!! That is the WORST advice! They are VERY unstable especially in the wind! Buy the tallest tripos WITHOUT a center column!
I was merely demonstrating how stable it was even at its maximum height - obviously in strong winds I’d add a weight and not fully extend it - it’s a travel sized tripod so you have to make some compromises and when using it indoors there’s no issues fully extending it either.
My goodness that $300+ tiny tripod is straight up robbery. Sure it does what it needs but that's $90 max. prd.
You can often find it on sale! I paid $220 aud for mine, I’ve seen them for $199 sometimes too - yes it’s still very expensive and I imagine some of that is due to the Gitzo name, but it is still built impeccably well.