Your memory card is arguably the most important piece of your photography setup and with a variest of memory card options for your DSLR choosing the right memory card can be overwhelming. In this article I break down my top choices for the best memory cards available for your DSLR or Mirrorless camera.
Read more6 Reason Why The 35mm Lens is BETTER Than The 50mm Lens!
The 35mm lens is a fantastic lens and today I will give you 6 reasons why its better than the 50mm lens.
Read moreHow To Get a $2100 Camera Lens for $64!
“Teach your kids photography, and they won’t have money to buy drugs”
It’s well known that photography is not cheap. Just look at any wedding photographer or sports photographers with several expensive cameras and equally expensive lenses hanging off their shoulders. Then you need speed lights and memory cards, insurance, camera bags, light stands….Ok you get! It’s not cheap to be a professional photographer.
What if you're not a professional photographer and can’t justify the price of top of the line gear? Maybe photography is your hobby or you are just starting out on your journey to become a professional photographer. What do you do about gear then?
Sometimes you need a specific piece camera lens for a job but you can’t afford to buy it.
Why not rent camera gear?
Rent the expensive lens you’ve dreamed of for a fraction of the cost and return it when you don’t need it.
When I started to focus on shooting weddings full time, I had a list of camera lenses I needed to buy that someone mentioned in some youtube video. So I made a list.
16-35mm wide lens
24-70mm standard zoom
70-200mm telephoto zoom
A macro lens
And a fast prime lens (I already owned a 50mm 1.4 so I didn't need that on my list)
On top of that since you only have one shot at a wedding you need… Yes, NEED a backup camera body incase your main camera fails. So I priced it all out.
For ease, let’s assume you have booked 10 weddings for the year at $1000 each. (That’s a great number starting out but if you are nowhere near this number, don’t worry, neither was I my first year.)
To purchase all the gear I needed, brand new it was going to cost me, $8400.
That leaves just $1600 left at the end of the year to feed and house your family.
Next I priced what it would cost to purchase all the same gear but in Used condition and it was going to cost $5740. That’s a pretty good savings over new! But then you are missing out on a warranty if anything goes wrong with the gear, and have you seen those videos of photographers buying an expensive lens on amazon or ebay only to open the box and find a rock? No thanks!
Lastly I priced out the total cost to rent the same gear from CameraLensRentals.com
To rent all the same camera gear it cost just $281 per wedding!
That leaves $7190 at the end of the year, that I can then use to grow my growing photography business. Ding Ding Ding!
Now let’s break this down. If I bought everything new, It would cost me $840 for each $1000 wedding I had booked, just to pay for my gear, and if I rented, it would only cost me just $281.
So if renting camera gear is the smarter option here, why not always rent your gear?
Well I would say the average full time wedding photographer shoots in the neighborhood of 30-35 weddings a year. To rent all that gear for 30 weddings it would cost you $8130.
Here in America, you can depreciate your gear on your business taxes for 5 years. If you were to rent all the gear for 5 years it would cost you $42,150. But only $8400 to purchase it all.
If you are just starting out and don’t have the money to own the gear, rent it if you need it. Rent it until it makes sense to buy it. If you shoot a lot of portraits or families to maybe just buy the 24-70 since you will be using it all the time, and then for weddings rent the rest.
One of the best things that happened to me through renting lenses as my wedding business grew was that I discovered that I don’t really like zoom lenses and prefer prime lenses. If I would have bought all new gear in the beginning when I SWORE I needed the zoom lenses I would have been out a ton of money when I would eventually switch to prime lenses. When renting lenses you can experiment with more creative photography or shooting style which will better prepare you for when you do go to buy!
I know how cool new gear is. I know the feeling of “If I only had this lens I could take such better photos, my clients deserve it!” But honestly clients don’t really care. They care more about the emotion in the photos and how you made them feel. So instead of spending money on buying that 70-200, spend money on building a more personal relationship with your clients. Because they will get you more business, your lens won’t.
This blog is not sponsored by Camera Lens Rentals, I just love using them and want to share them with the world! They rent Canon lenses and camera bodies like the 5D and EOS R, they rent Nikon lenses and camera bodies such as the Nikon D850, as well as rent drones. Thats cool too.
If you are interested in renting that lens that you have only dreamed of shooting with (my favorite is the canon 135mm f2) head over to CameraLensRentals.com and check them out!
I actually reached out to Camera lens rentals to see if they could give you the (Readers, Listeners, Viewers) a promo code to and they graciously agreed!
Head to CameraLensRentals.com and use the promo code “BeginnerPhotography ” at check out to get 20% off your order!
(That brings the price in my example down from $281 to just $225 saving you over $562 additional dollars over your first year!)
What is your dream lens? Leave a comment below!
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Tenba Roadie Hybrid Roller 21 Review
Tenba Roadie Hybrid Roller 21 next to a Canon 70D for size comparison
Review of the roller camera bag Tenba Roadie Hybrid Roller 21 for travel and wedding photographers
Read more57 Photography Holiday Gift Ideas - 2018
With the holidays fast approaching you may be thinking about gifts for the photographer in your life but with such a technical hobby it can be hard to know what to buy them. We are here to help you! Below is my list of the best 57 gifts for photographers broken down into what their interest is. So no matter if you’re shopping for the photographer who loves to photograph children and families or someone who loves to photograph animals and nature there is sure to be plenty of stuff on this list they would love to receive.
14 Gifts for Every Photographer on Your Holiday List:
Here are some gifts that would apply to any photographer no matter what they specialize in! These are pretty safe bets if you are unsure what to get that photographer in your life!
1: Computer Monitor Calibrator
This tool is essential if you plan on taking photography seriously as it ensures your computer is displaying accurate colors so your edits are correct!
2: Color Chip Chart
This handy card fits perfect in any camera bag. You take a photo of the chart before you start shooting your subject so when you start editing you can ensure your camera recorded accurate colors!
3: A Beautiful Camera Strap
The camera strap that comes with your camera can be kinds boring. Luckily a new camera strap is an easy and cheap upgrade to add some flare and personality to your shooting style.
4: A New Camera Bag
Having the right camera bag can make or break your shooting experience. You want a bag a large enough to carry the gear you want to bring, but not so big its a burden. My favorite camera bag manufacturer is Tenba! I recommend this bags as great for day trips or even vacation and for ladies who want to bring your camera in your purse, check out the Tenba BYOB which lets you turn your favorite purse into a full functioning camera bag!
5: A GoPro Action Camera
GoPro is the gold standard in action cameras. The GoPro Hero 7 Black is no exception. It records beautiful Slow mo 4k footage and its new hyper smooth image stabilization is an absolute game changer when shooting hand held! No more shaky video!
6: A Drone
Drones use to be large, scary, and hard to fly. Not anymore! The DJI Spark is the perfect beginner drone. Small and ultra portable, has a wonderful camera, and with DJIs iPhone and android apps it can practically fly itself! The DJI Spark is hands down the best beginner drone, still in 2019
7: An Instant Photo Printer
There is nothing like having photos printed. To be able to hold them in your hands is incredible. Being able to take a photo with the incredible camera on your phone and then print it 5 seconds later so you can give away to family or a friend, priceless.
8: A Better Memory Card
Beginners typically buy entry level cards that are not made to take the every day use most photographers require. They fail within a year and all the photos on the card disappear. For just a few dollars more that what you can get at walmart you can get not only a reliable card but a fast card that is the industry standard for most pros! It's a must have!
9: Memory Card Wallet
Beginners typically just throw all their memory cards in their bag with no organization. This awesome wallet keeps all your cards in one place and ensures you don't overwrite a card by accident!
10: A Fast Memory Card Reader
The camera is not made to plug into your computer to transfer files. It's slow and constant use of the usb port can potentially damage your camera. A good fast memory card reader gets your photos on your computer quicker so you can go out and keep shooting!
11: Rocket Air Lens Blower
Dust can cover a lens faster than you'd think. When you're switching lenses all day you can even get dust inside your camera. The Rocket air dust blower will keep your camera gear clean and free of any dust that can ruin your shots!
12: A Big External Battery
These external batteries are not just for Cell Phones. These things can charge everything from Drones, to Instant Photo Printers, and now most cameras can be charged with one of these things as well. Its become an essential piece of gear that I use way more than I thought I would when I bought mine!
13: Tons of Storage!
Everyday cameras are getting more megapixels and we are taking more photos than ever, and its not slowing down. It’s easy to see how quickly you can run out of storage on your computer. The Drobo 5D3 is a storage device that can expand with your needs. It holds up to 5 hard drives and keeps your data safe even if 2 hard drives fail! This thing is truly a magic worker and a must have for anyone who wants to take photography seriously and does not want to lose their precious photos. And the best part, it's plug and play. No complicated set up or configuration! I trust my business with this Drobo! And if you need more than the possible 70TB of storage the Drobo 5D3 can handle, check out the new Drobo 8D which can support more than 120TB! Thats about 240 MILLION photos!
14: Inspirational Photo Books
It can be easy to get into a photography rut when you're shooting the same thing day in and day out. Getting a little bit of outside perspective from some great photo books can literally change the course of ones photography journey!
7 Gifts for the Family Photographer
15: Family Photography Posing Guide
Posing one person can be hard enough, posing every member of a family can be a nightmare unless you know what your doing. When you can show up and confidently pose everyone to look great everyone will take your seriously as your work takes off!
16: A Big Beautiful Blanket
Family Photos are usually outdoors in all of natures beauty. Having a nice place to sit or a comfy blanket for the family to wrap themselves up not only provides a comfortable place for the family but shows them you know what youre doing!
17: Camera Belt Spider Holster
Family Sessions can be hectic. Trying to wrangle and pose kids you often need both hands. The Spider Holster Belt lets you keep both hands free and your camera at your hip availible at a moments notice when a kid is finally smiling after 10 mins of posing them.
18: Off Camera Lighting
Having photos with good consistant and even lighting is the mark of someone who takes their work seriously. Luckily getting into off camera lighting is no where as hard as it use to be! With just 2 flashes, a wireless trigger, 2 stands, 2 sandbags so the stands don't fall over in high wind, and a soft box you can really make something incredible and will pay for itself in just one session!
19: Rechargeable Batteries + Battery Charger
Not only are rechargeable batteries better for the environment but they also offer higher energy capacity and faster recharge times of your flash without getting as hot! They will pay for themselves in no times!!
20: Portable External Storage
Photography can take you to places near and far. Keeping our photos safe is essentially our most important job. If our photos get get deleted or go missing so does our work and client relations. For just about $100 you can take a deep breath knowing your protected.
21: Cleaning Supplies
Why is a lint roller and a stain cleaner on this list for photographers. Because it saves them time makes the photographer more valuable to their client. Not only will you not have to photoshop out any minor stains or clone out lint and dust but your clients will thank you for your clear experience and expertise. Mistakes happen, you can fix them!
13 Gifts for the Wedding Photographer
22: Approach to Wedding Photography Book
Wedding photography is not easy. Its 8-10-12 hours on your feet figuring out how you can tell the best story possible through each individual image you take. Its trying to elevate your work above anything that any guest can achieve with their fancy smart phone cameras and point and shoots. This book is a wonderful approach to getting started in this crazy industry we love so much!
23: Wooden Dress Hangers
It Blows my mind that dresses upwards of thousands of dollars still come on the worlds cheapest hangers. When taking a photo of the dress they stand out and look a bit tacky for such an expensive dress. Keeping 2 or 3 wooden hangers in your bag for the brides dress and a bridesmaid dress is inexpensive way to really elevate the quality of your dress photos.
24: A Macro Lens
A Macro lens is one of the most used by wedding photographers to get great close ups of details like the Rings.
25: Tac N'Stick
Taking photos of the rings is not always easy. They dont want to stand up, they like to roll around and imagine how horrible it would be if a ring fell off a table and you lost it! No thanks! Tac N' Stick keeps rings in their place and lets you mold them how you want!
26: Hand Held Reflector
Often when starting out we don't have assistants so the ability to hold onto a reflector with one hand and shoot with the other is a huge help! These can do it all from block light, diffuse light, and of course reflect light!
27: Clamps
Clamps come in handy way more than you might think. From securing a light stand to shaping a dress into a more flattering shape. It never ceases to amaze me how much I use them!
28: Mini Tripod
I own 3 of these things and take them with me everywhere. They are great for placing a flash on and backlighting a couple, they are great for a quick long exposure without having to pull out a full size tripod, and they are great to put a GoPro or cell phone on and have a compact selfie stick. I love this thing!
29: All In One Travel Bag
For a wedding I always take 2 bags. My go to messenger bag with everything I know Ill need on a wedding day, and my all in one travel bag that holds all my "Might need"s and backups like flashes or camera bodies. Tenba hits another home run with their Roadie Hybrid. Not only is it one of the best rolling carry on camera bags but it also turns into a backpack for when you might be going over more traitorous terrain. This multitasker can also be used for travel and holds a laptop as well for longer trips! This will be the last Rolling carry on camera bag you will ever need to buy!
30: Solid MultiTool
I can't tell you how many times a bride had a loose sting that needed cut or a bridesmaid had a stuck zipper and this thing has come in handy every time! I wouldn't shoot a wedding without it!
31: Tide Pen
I'm not sure what Wizard waved their wand to create these things but they are pure magic. Maybe the groomsmen started drinking a bit early and spilled a drop on their white dress shirt or maybe the flower girl got nervous and threw up on their white dress (I've seen it happen) a tide pen is a godsend that will make you an instant hero to your clients!
32: Comfortable Insoles
Wedding Days can last 8-10-12+ hours on your feet. Staying comfortable is key! A Good pair of insoles can be the difference between getting the sparkler exit and missing it completely!
33: Dude Wipes
Ladies, these arn't just for Dudes! These unsented and 100% biodegradable wipes can be a God send on hot wedding days to cool you down and keep your energy up! Also some wedding venues don't have the best TP in their restrooms these flushable wipes will keep you comfortable!
34: Quality Water Bottle
No matter the time of year you need to stay hydrated to keep you going. This vacuum sealed double lined water bottle keeps your water from reaching boiling hot temperatures in your car.
8 Gifts for the Newborn Photographer
35: Newborn Baby Posing Guide and Business Book
Working with newborns brings a whole new set of challenges from any other focus of photography. Safety and comfort are your number 1 concern with the posing being second. This book will help anyone get a grip on the world of newborn photography.
36: PoseBaby Pro Beanbag
You cant just rest a baby on the floor. Babies are delicate and need additional support and comfort. The PoseBaby Pro ensures you have a comfortable spot for baby to rest for you to photograph.
37: Comfortable Blanket
Babies are soft and delicate. White is timeless. And fluffy is comfortable. This blanket is a great surface to lay over your PoseBaby to keep your baby comfortable and dreaming while you snap away!
38: Compact Space Heater
Babies need to keep warm. Thats why we put them in so many layers but when we photograph them they are typicly more exposed than normal. A Portable space heater will keep them happy so you can keep shooting!
39: Baby Burp Cloths & Extra Wipes
Lets be honest. Babies can have accidents. A few extra burp cloths and baby wipes handy can keep clean up quick!
40: Good Soft Lighting
Babies look beautiful bathed in natural light. But a large window is not always availible to let the light in so you need a great soft light source that you can fly in whenever you need it. These lights provide continuous power and do not flash making them a great choice to not disturb the baby!
41: Large Reflector Disks
Sometimes you just need a little extra light bounced up to make a babies face look more evenly lit. These reflectors over a ton of control and fold up for easy storage and transport.
42: A Fast Portrait Lens
The lens that came with your camera is typically not the best quality. A 50mm portrait lens is a must have addition to your camera bag especially if you are photographing newborns. The fast aperture lets in a ton of natural light and gives you that beautiful out of focus background everyone loves so much!
12 Gifts for the Landscape / Nature Photographer
43: The Art, Science, and Craft of Landscape Photography Book
Landscape photography is easy. Good Landscape photography is unbelievably challenging. From time of day, the weather, the foreground, the color of the trees, the sky, the mountain and waterfall. All of these things need to be taken into consideration when shooting landscapes. This book walks you through the process step by step to change the way you think about a shot and change the way you see the world around you.
44: A Sturdy Tripod
Landscape photography can require longer shutter speeds to keep the iso low, It can require a steady camera position to use longer zoom lenses and also for use when bracketing. A sturdy tripod is worth its weight in gold and should not be skimped on. Its truly something that you can buy once if you buy it right. This would be a welcome addition to any landscape photographers toolkit!
45: A Rugged Travel Backpack
Landscape photography can often take you to remote locations. Places where you can't easily bring multiple bags of gear. This Tenba Solstice backpack can carry a lot more than it looks like and will keep it all safe with its extra padded pockets and compartments. Read my full review on it HERE
46: Gnarbox Portable Backup and Editing System
The Gnarbox is for any serious traveler. You can backup your camera on the go to its built in Solid State Storage and then with the accompanying iOS and Android apps you can edit your RAW photos and even 4K video and share right away with the world. No computer required! This is truly a must have for the Traveler in your life!
47: Samsung Gear 360 Camera
Sometimes your camera just cant capture all the beauty of an exotic or remote location no matter how hard you try. Thats where the Samsung Gear 360 comes it. It takes fully immersive 360 degree photos and video that you can share with friends and family as well as on Facebook live. Letting your loved ones join you on your journey letting them look all round for a truly incredible experiance that will be sure to blow them away.
48: A Wide Angle Lens
This one is for the Canon photographer in your life as Nikon offers nothing this wide for this cheap. A good wide angle lens can let in a lot more of your surroundings so you can fill your frame with the beautiful loacation youre photographing. Perfect for those starting out as the investment is low but the quality is great!
49: Microfiber Lens Cloths
Its not surprise how dirty your lens can get outside in the elements. From dust, sand, and even rain keeping your lens clean ensures a sharp crisp photo! These microfiber clothes are great for photographers as they are great quality, inexpensive, and fit just about anywhere!
50: BlackRapid Quick Access Camera Strap
To be prepared for whatever comes your way you want to keep your camera in your hands but sometimes you need both hands and don't want to stop to put your camera back in your bag. The BlackRapid camera strap lets it hand securely while still giving you easy access to grab a quick shot at the drop of a hat! This thing is great for vacations, day trips, events, and adventures with friends and family.
51: Insect Repellant
Being outdoors in beautiful nature can make you feel alive. It can also make you feel like a human buffet to all of natures insects who carry god knows what viruses. This is a cheap investment in your happiness, health, and well being.
52: Hand Warmers
Did you know the best time to get photos of stars and the milky way are in the winter months when there is much less moisture in the air? The thing about winter is that its cold. Freezing even. When you use your hands to zoom, focus, and change the settings on your camera before you even take the photo you will want a way to stay warm. HotHands are a great way to keep warm for hours!
53: A Rubix Cube
How is a Rubix Cube going to help you and your photography? Well for landscape photographers who spend a lot of time outside often with long exposures there can be several minutes where you're just sitting around waiting for your camera to finish. The Rubix cube is a great way to stay mentally alert and active while also completing a fun task. A harmonica might do the trick too!
54: Trail Mix
I think this one is pretty self explanatory. Easy to store packaging and good nutrition for those long hikes to the perfect waterfall or mountian peak.
Last Minute Gifts For Any Photographer On Your Holiday List
Sometimes you just don't know what the photographer your shopping for has or needs. Thats ok. These last 3 gifts are sure to please even the most picky or difficult to shop for photographers!
55: Apple or Android Giftcard
With this age of digital content we rely on our phones more than ever and the technology and photography related apps become better and better its an easy bet to assume the photographer on your list might want a new app to edit or share their favorite snaps!
56: Spotify Gift Card
We photographers take a ton of photos with our phones which takes up a lot of storage. We can't be loading up our phones with music so we just stream it from Spotify!
57: Amazon Gift Card
There are a lot of options here to get the photographer in your life for this holiday season. Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming and you want to let them decide what pick out what they want. Thats where the amazon gift card comes in. No one has ever been mad to get an amazon gift card. It also makes the perfect stocking stuffer!
In the spirit of being transparent affiliate links have been used for some products and the Beginner Photography Podcast gets a small percentage of your purchase.
Best Off Camera Flash Photography Gear for Beginners of Every Budget
Getting into flash photography can seem a bit daunting. It’s especially daunting when you start looking for flash gear online. What do you need to get started and are on a tight budget? What if you need a bit more? Do I need a softbox or an umbrella? Below is three flash kits for 3 different needs and budgets, and they will work for every camera system! It does not matter if you shoot Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, or Olympus, shooting with these manual flashes will work!
Note attached to my recommendations are affiliate links to amazon where you can purchase the gear if you would like. Amazon sends me a small commission if you decide to purchase any of the gear which costs you nothing extra, and has not affected my recommendations in the least.
Bare Bones Beginner Flash Kit - $150
This kit is for those who want to get into off camera flash but are on the tightest of budgets. This is the kit I started with. Disclaimer I did later buy a new flash bracket and Umbrella when I started using it more for professional use as they are fine for using around the house and with the kids but ultimately it is cheap for a reason. To get you started. Click here to open the whole list in Amazon!
$76 - Youngnuo 560IV Flash - DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE MANUAL FLASHES AND THEREFORE WORK WITH EVERY CAMERA MANUFACTURER REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE SALES PAGE SAYS!
$39 - Youngnuo 560TX Wireless Flash Trigger - for your camera
$30 - Cowboy Studio Light stand, flash bracket, and Umbrella
Hobbyist Flash Kit - $260
This kit has a little more than the entry level kit. Most notably the 24” softbox and creative gel kit. It also includes Higher quality light stands and umbrella. At its core this this the same kit I bring to a wedding.
$180 - 2 Youngnuo 560IV Flashes and Wireless Trigger - DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE MANUAL FLASHES AND THEREFORE WORK WITH EVERY CAMERA MANUFACTURER REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE SALES PAGE SAYS!
$20 - Westcott 45” Umbrella (The larger the umbrella the softer the light)
$24 - 8 Rechargeable High Capacity AA Batteries AND 8 Bay Charger
Click Here to open all of the Items in Amazon
Complete Home Studio Flash Kit - $720
This kit is focused on quality and performance. From the heavy duty light stands to the all metal construction flash brackets. In this kit is everything you need to create amazing images with flash and it will last for years to come! Aside from the Reflector arm, this is THE kit I use in my portrait and wedding photography every day and can personally recommend every piece of gear in this kit to last!
$320 - 4 Youngnuo 660 Flashes - DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE MANUAL FLASHES AND THEREFORE WORK WITH EVERY CAMERA MANUFACTURER REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE SALES PAGE SAYS!
$24 - 8 Rechargeable High Capacity AA Batteries AND 8 Bay Charger
Click Here to open all of the Items in Amazon
If you want to learn more about off camera flash and how create eye catching images like you see online and in magazines, check out our Flash in a Flash online course! I take you on location and show you how to create stunning images your family and friends will love with EASE!
With Flash, you never have to be afraid of the sun going down!
Without Flash, and With Flash
GEAR REVIEW! Tenba Solstice 20L Camera Backpack
If you have ever been in the market for a camera bag/backpack you know that there is no shortage of options. There are so many camera bags/backpacks on the market that when it comes time to purchase one, you may wonder which camera backpack to buy? It’s important to know what you want out of your camera bag and how you will be using it, to know which bag will be right for you.
Today I am reviewing the Tenba Solstice 20L Camera Backpack. A camera backpack for the adventurer who loves to get outdoors no matter the weather and capture incredible images. Note, Tenba did send me the backpack in exchange for an honest review. I will be giving the bag away to one of our listeners through a photo contest held in our Facebook group. (If you are interested in joining and participating in the group, click this link and you could win cool prizes too!)
*UPDATE! A WINNER WAS CHOSEN!
Specs:
The Tenba Solstice comes in 3 sizes. 12L, 20L, and 24L.
The 12L can fit A Mirrorless or DSLR camera with 2-4 lenses (up to 70-200mm 2.8) as well as a DJI drone like a Mavic Pro/Air or Spark, and an iPad mini.
The Tenba Solstice 20L can fit 1-2 DSLRs with 4-6 lenses (up to attached 70-200mm 2.8) as well as a DJI drone like a Mavic Pro/Air or Spark, and a full size iPad.
The Tenba Solstice 24L can fit 1-2 DSLRs (up to Pro size with grip/booster) with 5-7 lenses (up to attached 70-200mm 2.8) as well as a DJI drone like a Mavic Pro/Air or Spark, and a 13” Laptop.
Who is the Tenba Solstice for:
This Solstice is great for the more advanced photographer with a mirrorless, prosumer, or full frame body and a few lenses or flashes they want to bring on a trip or vacation where they will be outdoors and are worried about unpredictable weather or safety.
Who is the Tenba Solstice not for:
The Solstice would be too much camera bag for someone just getting started growing their kit. And although the quality and construction is professional grade, the Solstice would not be for a traveling photographer who needs to pack more than a days worth of personal supplies in the same bag with their camera. This is a CAMERA bag.
In Use:
This bag does two things very well. Number one, It protects your gear. The Solstice is great at protecting your camera gear from the weather with its durable waterproof material along with its YKK zippers. It also protects your gear from theft with its rear access panel. And number two, the Solstice is incredibly comfortable. The weight distribution, amount of padding and airflow make this one of the most comfortable bags I’ve had to carry for an extended period of time.
Everything I fit in the Tenba 20L Camera Backpack:
2 Fuji X-Pro 2’s
Fuji 23mm f1.4
Fuji 56mm f1.2
Fuji 60mm Macro
Fuji 55-200mm
2 Youngnuo 560IV
Youngnuo 560TX
Pouch with spare camera batteries and AA’s
SD Card Wallet
Powerbank with appropriate charging cables
Gloves
Hand warmers
Multi Tool
Tylenol
Water flavoring packet
Chapstick
Full Sized iPad
What I Like About the Tanba Solstice:
I can’t speak highly enough about the quality and comfort. I like how even if I have to set my bag down in a less than ideal conditions the straps stay off the ground and don’t get dirty. I like the rear access. Taking your cameras on vacation increase the risk of having your gear stolen when your not paying attention but with rear access, having your gear stolen out of your bag is a nonissue. I also like the bags reinforced stitching which allows me to turn the bag around while still wearing it, and using the back as a clean workstation.
What I Don’t Like About the Tenba Solstice:
There is a lack of inner pockets and storage for smaller items like loose batteries, lens cloths, rocket blower, etc. There is one zippered pocket inside the bag but it’s in the upper flap that is not easy to get into while you are accessing your camera equipment. And the zippered pocket felt a touch TOO small as putting in my SD card walled, chapstick, Tylenol, a compact flashlight, and a water flavoring packet had filled it to capacity. If you have another zippered pouch you want to add there is plenty of room to toss it in the top flap.
What Might Matter to You:
I have a small 12” laptop that does not fit in the backpack. A full size 10.5” iPad fits great but for a bag that is made for travel, I would think that space for even a small 13” laptop would be a requirement. However, with the number of amazing photo apps for iPads and the increasing number of cameras with built-in wifi to transfer photos, this might not be a problem for you. Note: The Tenba Solstice 24L does fit a 13” Laptop
In Conclusion:
The Tenba Solstice is a great bag for photographers looking to just take their gear out for the day no matter the weather conditions. Although I would not take this bag on a weeklong camping trip to Yosemite because of the lack of additional storage for personal items and clothing. I would take this bag on a weeklong cruise or trip to Iceland where you would be able to keep a separate bag for clothing and extras in a hotel room. Overall I like the Tenba Solstice a lot! It knows exactly what kind of bag it is and does not try to be everything to everyone.
If you are interested in learning more about the Tenba Solstice Click this link to head over to their website. Or click the Amazon links below to pick one up for yourself!
5 Reasons a 50mm Lens Will Be Your Best Friend This Year
There are very few MUST HAVES when it comes to owning certain gear. Especially when it comes to lenses. The camera equipment you need changes based on your style of photography.
Read moreBeginners Guide: Backing up and Keeping Your Photos Safe
Keeping your photos safe is your number 1 job as a photographer. Today I walk you through why buying a cheap external hard drive is a bad idea and what you can do to prevent data loss.
Read more5 Essential Pieces of Gear Every Beginner Photographer Needs
When starting out in photography it can be hard to know what new gear to buy. What gear is worth it and what is a waste of time and money? That is why I have compiled my list of the 5 Essential Pieces of Gear Every Beginner Needs. Because you can buy it right, or you can buy it twice.
Read more5 Best Cheap Beginner Cameras in 2020. All Under $500
This is the always up to date guide to the best cameras under $500 for beginners!
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