If you find these recommendations useful you can help support Photography Concentrate and our family by purchasing through the affiliate links on this page.Most products have links to both B&H Photo and Amazon.com (both stores usually have the lowest available price). It costs you nothing extra to purchase through these affiliate links, but it does give us a small commission. Anything you purchase after visiting the links will help earn us a commission. We hope you find this page helpful, and you have our heartfelt thanks for your support!
P.S. If you’re new to photography, and need some help understanding the differences between the types of cameras and lenses, what features are actually essential, which accessories you really need, and more, make sure to check out our very awesome, very comprehensive, Ultimate Guide to Buying a New Camera!
Cameras & Lenses
RECOMMENDED BEGINNER LEVEL CAMERAS
These beginner cameras are an excellent way to get into photography! With these cameras you’ll be creating exceptional images in no time.
Pros:
- Low prices ($400-$900)
- Kit lens is included
- Interchangeable lens mount (able to connect to other lenses)
- Smaller than professional cameras
- Great image quality, able to blur out backgrounds and help your subject stand out
Cons:
- Smaller sized sensor compared to pro cameras
- Slower autofocus compared to pro cameras
- Less control dials for manually adjusting exposure settings
- Included kit lens is a low cost lens not ideal for portraits or low light situations
- Not sealed for weather
- Not suggested for professional use
So who are these cameras best for? We recommend them for beginners who are just starting out with photography, folks who want to take great pictures of their family, and casual photographers!
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSCanon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
This is our top recommendation for a beginner camera.
This is our top recommendation for a beginner camera.
Canon’s Rebel line has been a hugely popular beginner camera. The SL2 is Canon’s smallest DSLR camera. It has an 24 megapixel APS-C sized image sensor. It has a flip out touch screen. This camera also shoots incredible video. It features Canon’s dual pixel autofocus which is probably the best autofocusing system for video on the market. This kit includes a new version of the 18-55mm lens optimized for shooting video that also has optical stabilization (the camera itself also has digital 5-axis image stabilization). The next lens we would recommend for this camera is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 which will be great for portraits.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSNikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens
How does Nikon’s D3300 compare to Canon’s SL2 Rebel? A more comparable model would actually be the D5600 (which also has a flip out screen). The D3300 is a more budget oriented camera with less features compared to the Canon SL2 (no flip out screen, no touch screen, video autofocus isn’t as good as Canon). It’s still going to perform well as a photo camera (and it does have a big 24MP APS-C sensor!). It’s important to point out that you’ll be happy with either camera! Both models will work equally well as beginner cameras. The D3300 has a much lower price point (about $250 cheaper for the camera + lens kit). However, if you want to dabble in video you might want to spring for the Canon SL2. The next lens we would recommend for this camera is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 which will be great for portraits. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
How does Nikon’s D3300 compare to Canon’s SL2 Rebel? A more comparable model would actually be the D5600 (which also has a flip out screen). The D3300 is a more budget oriented camera with less features compared to the Canon SL2 (no flip out screen, no touch screen, video autofocus isn’t as good as Canon). It’s still going to perform well as a photo camera (and it does have a big 24MP APS-C sensor!). It’s important to point out that you’ll be happy with either camera! Both models will work equally well as beginner cameras. The D3300 has a much lower price point (about $250 cheaper for the camera + lens kit). However, if you want to dabble in video you might want to spring for the Canon SL2. The next lens we would recommend for this camera is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 which will be great for portraits. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
CANON DSLR CAMERAS
Canon EOS 5D MK IV
A durable work horse that won’t let you down. This is Canon’s premiere professional full frame DSLR. It’s pricey, but if you’re a professional wedding or portrait photographer who shoots Canon then this will likely be your camera of choice. The autofocus is fantastic and so is the low light performance. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A durable work horse that won’t let you down. This is Canon’s premiere professional full frame DSLR. It’s pricey, but if you’re a professional wedding or portrait photographer who shoots Canon then this will likely be your camera of choice. The autofocus is fantastic and so is the low light performance. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
One of the most affordable full frame DSLRs available. It’s not as feature packed as the 5D MK IV, but it actually offers incredibly value for the price. How does it compare to the 5D4? With the 5D4 you’ll get better autofocus performance, better low light performance, 4K video, more megapixels, and a higher resolution screen. But the 6D2 costs about $1300 less than the 5D4. The 6D2 also has a flip out screen – which makes it better for video work (even though it can only shoot 1080p). If you’re a professional I would recommend the 5D4 as your main camera, but the 6D2 would make an excellent second camera. If you’re a hobbyist or semi-professional then then 6D2 is probably all the camera you’ll need! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
One of the most affordable full frame DSLRs available. It’s not as feature packed as the 5D MK IV, but it actually offers incredibly value for the price. How does it compare to the 5D4? With the 5D4 you’ll get better autofocus performance, better low light performance, 4K video, more megapixels, and a higher resolution screen. But the 6D2 costs about $1300 less than the 5D4. The 6D2 also has a flip out screen – which makes it better for video work (even though it can only shoot 1080p). If you’re a professional I would recommend the 5D4 as your main camera, but the 6D2 would make an excellent second camera. If you’re a hobbyist or semi-professional then then 6D2 is probably all the camera you’ll need! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Canon EOS 80D
We started out with a 10D, an earlier version of this camera, and moved through several subsequent models (20D, 30D, 40D, 70D). These cameras are fantastic and very affordable. They have the ergonomics and controls of the more expensive pro cameras but with a smaller APS-C sized sensor. The flip out touchscreen, and excellent video autofocus make this a fantastic choice as a family camera.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
We started out with a 10D, an earlier version of this camera, and moved through several subsequent models (20D, 30D, 40D, 70D). These cameras are fantastic and very affordable. They have the ergonomics and controls of the more expensive pro cameras but with a smaller APS-C sized sensor. The flip out touchscreen, and excellent video autofocus make this a fantastic choice as a family camera.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
PRIME LENSES FOR CANON
(For beginners: if you don’t know what a prime lens is, learn here)
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS
This is an affordable wide angle prime lens with a fast aperture and optical stabilization. The 35mm focal length is great for street photography and photojournalism. We use our 35mm for wide portrait shots as well. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is an affordable wide angle prime lens with a fast aperture and optical stabilization. The 35mm focal length is great for street photography and photojournalism. We use our 35mm for wide portrait shots as well. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDGREAT FOR BEGINNERS
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
The most affordable lens that will improve your portrait photography. The fast f/1.8 aperture will help you blur your backgrounds and also allow you to shoot in lower light situations. It’s a fantastic all-around beginner lens and definitely our top recommendation to all new photographers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
The most affordable lens that will improve your portrait photography. The fast f/1.8 aperture will help you blur your backgrounds and also allow you to shoot in lower light situations. It’s a fantastic all-around beginner lens and definitely our top recommendation to all new photographers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
IN OUR CAMERA BAGCanon EF 50mm f/1.4
We’ve used this lens professionally for years (we actually have two copies!). It has a larger maximum aperture (f/1.4) compared to the 50mm f/1.8 that makes it even better for portraits and low light shooting. It also features better build quality compared to the f/1.8 version. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
We’ve used this lens professionally for years (we actually have two copies!). It has a larger maximum aperture (f/1.4) compared to the 50mm f/1.8 that makes it even better for portraits and low light shooting. It also features better build quality compared to the f/1.8 version. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
IN OUR CAMERA BAGCanon 85mm f/1.8
An affordable telephoto portrait lens. You’ll love the way your subjects pop out with this lens because of the longer focal length combined with the large f/1.8 aperture. This lens is great for taking very flattering portraits, though you might find that it seems a bit too long sometimes. We personally use our 35mm and 50mm focal lengths more because the angle of view they produce is more similar to human vision, giving more natural looking results. There are more expensive versions of the 85mm, but depending on how often you use it, the 85mm f/1.8 will probably be the best value for you.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
An affordable telephoto portrait lens. You’ll love the way your subjects pop out with this lens because of the longer focal length combined with the large f/1.8 aperture. This lens is great for taking very flattering portraits, though you might find that it seems a bit too long sometimes. We personally use our 35mm and 50mm focal lengths more because the angle of view they produce is more similar to human vision, giving more natural looking results. There are more expensive versions of the 85mm, but depending on how often you use it, the 85mm f/1.8 will probably be the best value for you.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
ZOOM LENSES FOR CANON
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II
A great choice for nature or architectural photography. Canon offers slower wide angle zooms (like the 17-40mm f/4 and 16-35mm f/4), but if you ever need to shoot in low light conditions you’ll be glad you have the 16-35mm f/2.8. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A great choice for nature or architectural photography. Canon offers slower wide angle zooms (like the 17-40mm f/4 and 16-35mm f/4), but if you ever need to shoot in low light conditions you’ll be glad you have the 16-35mm f/2.8. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
IN OUR CAMERA BAGHIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II
A phenomenal lens. If you could only have one lens this would be it. The color, contrast, and sharpness from this lens are unbelievable. It’s a huge improvement from the previous Mark I version. An excellent choice for photojournalism, travel, weddings, portraits, or anything really. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A phenomenal lens. If you could only have one lens this would be it. The color, contrast, and sharpness from this lens are unbelievable. It’s a huge improvement from the previous Mark I version. An excellent choice for photojournalism, travel, weddings, portraits, or anything really. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
IN OUR CAMERA BAGCanon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
When you need to get closer, this is the lens to grab. Wedding photographers will find this lens an absolute necessity during ceremonies and dimly lit receptions (when the optical stabilization becomes quite useful). Wildlife photographers and sports photographers will also find the longer reach of this lens quite valuable.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
When you need to get closer, this is the lens to grab. Wedding photographers will find this lens an absolute necessity during ceremonies and dimly lit receptions (when the optical stabilization becomes quite useful). Wildlife photographers and sports photographers will also find the longer reach of this lens quite valuable.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
NIKON DSLR CAMERAS
Nikon D810
This is Nikon’s flagship professional full frame camera. It shoots a whopping 36 megapixels! Canon doesn’t currently have any cameras that even come close to this much resolution. This camera might be pushing the limits of what’s necessary for a wedding or portrait photographer. If you’re a commercial photographer or serious landscape photographer then this is probably the camera for you. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is Nikon’s flagship professional full frame camera. It shoots a whopping 36 megapixels! Canon doesn’t currently have any cameras that even come close to this much resolution. This camera might be pushing the limits of what’s necessary for a wedding or portrait photographer. If you’re a commercial photographer or serious landscape photographer then this is probably the camera for you. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon D610
This is Nikon’s most affordable full frame DSLR. This could easily be used professionally, and would be an ideal choice for most wedding and portrait photographers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is Nikon’s most affordable full frame DSLR. This could easily be used professionally, and would be an ideal choice for most wedding and portrait photographers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon D7500
Perfect for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals. This has a DX sized sensor, which is smaller than a full frame camera, but it still offers a lot of the features of the more expensive full frame professional cameras. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Perfect for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals. This has a DX sized sensor, which is smaller than a full frame camera, but it still offers a lot of the features of the more expensive full frame professional cameras. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
PRIME LENSES FOR NIKON
Nikon 35mm f/2
This is an affordable wide angle prime lens with a fast aperture. The 35mm focal length is great for street photography and photojournalism. We use our 35mm for wide portrait shots as well. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is an affordable wide angle prime lens with a fast aperture. The 35mm focal length is great for street photography and photojournalism. We use our 35mm for wide portrait shots as well. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDGREAT FOR BEGINNERS
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
The most affordable lens that will improve your portrait photography. The fast f/1.8 aperture will help you blur your backgrounds and also allow you to shoot in lower light situations. It’s a fantastic all-around beginner lens and definitely our top recommendation to all new photographers.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
The most affordable lens that will improve your portrait photography. The fast f/1.8 aperture will help you blur your backgrounds and also allow you to shoot in lower light situations. It’s a fantastic all-around beginner lens and definitely our top recommendation to all new photographers.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon 85mm f/1.8
An affordable telephoto portrait lens. You’ll love the way your subjects pop out with this lens because of the longer focal length combined with the large f/1.8 aperture. This lens is great for taking very flattering portraits, though you might find that it seems a bit too long sometimes. We personally use our 35mm and 50mm focal lengths more because the angle of view they produce is more similar to human vision, giving more natural looking results. There are more expensive versions of the 85mm, but depending on how often you use it, the 85mm f/1.8 will probably be the best value for you.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
An affordable telephoto portrait lens. You’ll love the way your subjects pop out with this lens because of the longer focal length combined with the large f/1.8 aperture. This lens is great for taking very flattering portraits, though you might find that it seems a bit too long sometimes. We personally use our 35mm and 50mm focal lengths more because the angle of view they produce is more similar to human vision, giving more natural looking results. There are more expensive versions of the 85mm, but depending on how often you use it, the 85mm f/1.8 will probably be the best value for you.
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
ZOOM LENSES FOR NIKON
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
A legendary lens. This is possibly the best wide angle zoom lens in existence and provides incredible image quality. Perfect for landscape and architectural photography. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A legendary lens. This is possibly the best wide angle zoom lens in existence and provides incredible image quality. Perfect for landscape and architectural photography. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
An excellent mid-range zoom. This is a very versatile lens, and a great choice for photojournalism, travel, weddings, portraits, or anything really. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
An excellent mid-range zoom. This is a very versatile lens, and a great choice for photojournalism, travel, weddings, portraits, or anything really. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II
When you need to get closer this is the lens to grab. Wedding photographers will find this lens an absolute necessity during ceremonies and dimly lit receptions (when the optical stabilization becomes quite useful). Wildlife photographers and sports photographers will also find the longer reach of this lens quite valuable. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
When you need to get closer this is the lens to grab. Wedding photographers will find this lens an absolute necessity during ceremonies and dimly lit receptions (when the optical stabilization becomes quite useful). Wildlife photographers and sports photographers will also find the longer reach of this lens quite valuable. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
THIRD PARTY LENSES FOR BOTH CANON AND NIKON
Sigma 35mm f/1.4
An excellent 35mm prime. Produces incredible image quality and much better value than Canon or Nikon equivalents.
For Canon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
An excellent 35mm prime. Produces incredible image quality and much better value than Canon or Nikon equivalents.
For Canon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
For Nikon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Sigma 50mm f/1.4
This lens is the best 50mm autofocus lens available. With this lens you’ll get better sharpness, colour, contrast, and less lens distortion. It’s a big heavy lens that produces outstanding results. Ideal for the professional wedding or portrait photographer.
For Canon: Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This lens is the best 50mm autofocus lens available. With this lens you’ll get better sharpness, colour, contrast, and less lens distortion. It’s a big heavy lens that produces outstanding results. Ideal for the professional wedding or portrait photographer.
For Canon: Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
For Nikon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Sigma 85mm f/1.4
The best currently available 85mm autofocus lens. This lens is perfect for portraits. With this lens you’ll get better sharpness, contrast, and color compared to the Canon and Nikon alternatives. Ideal for the professional wedding or portrait photographer.
The best currently available 85mm autofocus lens. This lens is perfect for portraits. With this lens you’ll get better sharpness, contrast, and color compared to the Canon and Nikon alternatives. Ideal for the professional wedding or portrait photographer.
For Canon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&HFor Nikon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Sigma 12-24mm f/4
A wide angle zoom perfect for landscape and architectural photographers. Rivals the Nikon 14-24mm but with the Sigma you get a slightly wider range, and it’s about $300 cheaper.
A wide angle zoom perfect for landscape and architectural photographers. Rivals the Nikon 14-24mm but with the Sigma you get a slightly wider range, and it’s about $300 cheaper.
For Canon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&HFor Nikon:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 OS
More affordable than both the Nikon and Canon comparable lenses, plus it features image stabilization!
More affordable than both the Nikon and Canon comparable lenses, plus it features image stabilization!
For Canon:
Buy From B&HFor Nikon:
Buy From B&H
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8
This is a much more affordable alternative to Canon’s own 24-70mm f/2.8. Performance is nearly on par with the Canon version, and the Tamron actually has the benefit of image stabilization (a feature not found on Canon’s 24-70). Tamron actually offers quite a few different SP lenses that are both affordable and offer good image quality).
This is a much more affordable alternative to Canon’s own 24-70mm f/2.8. Performance is nearly on par with the Canon version, and the Tamron actually has the benefit of image stabilization (a feature not found on Canon’s 24-70). Tamron actually offers quite a few different SP lenses that are both affordable and offer good image quality).
For Canon:
Buy From B&HFor Nikon:
Buy From B&HSPECIALTY LENSES
These lenses are fun to experiment with and can give you some really creative results! The recommendations here are very general. You can find these specialty lenses available in different focal lengths and from many different manufactures. Do your research! Try to borrow or rent these lenses before actually purchasing them, you might find them fun for a weekend but they’re probably not the type of lens you’ll use as often as your other prime and zoom lenses. These are also great lenses to search for on the used market.
MACRO LENSES
Macro lenses allow you to do extreme close up photography. These are fun lenses to experiment with. We use them in wedding photography for wedding ring shots.
IN OUR CAMERA BAGCanon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
A newer, more expensive, version of this lens is available that features image stabilization. This older version is still excellent, especially if you can find a good used copy. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A newer, more expensive, version of this lens is available that features image stabilization. This older version is still excellent, especially if you can find a good used copy. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
This is Nikon’s 100mm macro lens, that will let you get really, really close! This lens does feature image stabilization, which helps you keep your shot steady when you need to use slower shutter speeds. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is Nikon’s 100mm macro lens, that will let you get really, really close! This lens does feature image stabilization, which helps you keep your shot steady when you need to use slower shutter speeds. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSExtension Tubes
A more affordable option compared to the macro options above are extension tubes. You attach these tubes to your camera, and then attach any lens to the tube, and you’ll be able to focus much more closely than the lens is normally does. Buy From B&H
A more affordable option compared to the macro options above are extension tubes. You attach these tubes to your camera, and then attach any lens to the tube, and you’ll be able to focus much more closely than the lens is normally does. Buy From B&H
TILT SHIFT LENSES
A tilt shift lens allows you to tilt and/or shift the plane of focus by moving the lens around. This allows you to control depth of field in really special ways. Tilt shift lenses require focusing manually. They also require a lot of patience! To learn how to use a tilt shift lens, check out our introduction post here!
IN OUR CAMERA BAGCanon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt Shift Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
This tilt shift lens for Canon SLR Cameras gives you control of the angle of the plane of focus and the perspective of the photo. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This tilt shift lens for Canon SLR Cameras gives you control of the angle of the plane of focus and the perspective of the photo. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
Nikon calls their tilt shift lenses “Perspective control” (PC). Focal lengths available include: 24mm, 45mm, 85mm.
Buy From B&H
Nikon calls their tilt shift lenses “Perspective control” (PC). Focal lengths available include: 24mm, 45mm, 85mm.
Buy From B&H
Lensbaby
These lenses are kind of like the poor man’s tilt shift. They allow you some control over the plane of focus, not nearly as precise as a real tilt-shift. The image quality that they produce also isn’t as good as a dedicated tilt shift – but sometimes you might want a softer dreamier look. Lots of fun to experiment with and a whole lot cheaper! Buy From B&H
These lenses are kind of like the poor man’s tilt shift. They allow you some control over the plane of focus, not nearly as precise as a real tilt-shift. The image quality that they produce also isn’t as good as a dedicated tilt shift – but sometimes you might want a softer dreamier look. Lots of fun to experiment with and a whole lot cheaper! Buy From B&H
FISHEYE LENSES
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Lens
A fisheye lens allows you to exaggerate perspective giving you an extremely wide angle of view, curving lines that would normally be straight. This Sigma lens produces pretty good results and is one of the more affordable options out there.
A fisheye lens allows you to exaggerate perspective giving you an extremely wide angle of view, curving lines that would normally be straight. This Sigma lens produces pretty good results and is one of the more affordable options out there.
FOR CANON:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&HFOR NIKON:
Buy From Amazon Buy From B&HOTHER
Teleconverters
A teleconverter allows you to extend the focal length of a lens. So for example if you have a 70-200mm lens, once you attach a 2x teleconverter that lens will then become 140-400mm. The downside of using a teleconverter is that is reduces your effective aperture, so f/2.8 would become f/5.6. Teleconverters are available for both Canon and Nikon.
Buy From B&H
A teleconverter allows you to extend the focal length of a lens. So for example if you have a 70-200mm lens, once you attach a 2x teleconverter that lens will then become 140-400mm. The downside of using a teleconverter is that is reduces your effective aperture, so f/2.8 would become f/5.6. Teleconverters are available for both Canon and Nikon.
Buy From B&H
POINT AND SHOOT CAMERAS
Sony RX100 V
An incredibly powerful compact point and shoot camera. Highly recommended. Stand out features include a 1 inch 20MP sensor, the ability to shoot in the raw format (and here’s why you should always shoot in raw), a pop up electronic viewfinder (EVF), flip up screen (for easy selfies), a fast equivalent 24-70mm Zeiss zoom lens, and tons of other features. This is basically the unicorn of point and shoot cameras, and it’s expensive. Buy From Amazon
An incredibly powerful compact point and shoot camera. Highly recommended. Stand out features include a 1 inch 20MP sensor, the ability to shoot in the raw format (and here’s why you should always shoot in raw), a pop up electronic viewfinder (EVF), flip up screen (for easy selfies), a fast equivalent 24-70mm Zeiss zoom lens, and tons of other features. This is basically the unicorn of point and shoot cameras, and it’s expensive. Buy From Amazon
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSCanon G9 X Mark II
Everything you need in a point and shoot. It’s affordable, super compact, has a touch screen, and a nice long fast zoom lens. It’s also capable of shooting in the raw format. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Everything you need in a point and shoot. It’s affordable, super compact, has a touch screen, and a nice long fast zoom lens. It’s also capable of shooting in the raw format. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Accessories
MEMORY CARDS AND READERS
Using a brand name memory card is important (especially for professional use). We’ve always trusted SanDisk memory cards, and the few times we’ve tried off-brand cards they produced a few errors (which means lost photos. Not good.) The main features of memory cards (besides SD vs. Compact Flash) are the capacity of the card and how fast data can be written to, and read from, the card. Larger and faster cards cost more. We recommend getting larger memory cards where possible (click here to find out why).
SanDisk SD Memory Cards
The two main categories of SD cards you’ll run into are SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity). The SDHC cards are basically memory cards up to 32GB, SDXC are memory cards over 32GB. Some newer cameras will only allow you to shoot high quality video when using an SDXC memory card. Check your camera’s manual to see what type of memory card you need. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
The two main categories of SD cards you’ll run into are SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity). The SDHC cards are basically memory cards up to 32GB, SDXC are memory cards over 32GB. Some newer cameras will only allow you to shoot high quality video when using an SDXC memory card. Check your camera’s manual to see what type of memory card you need. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
SanDisk Compact Flash Cards
This is another type of memory card that is used more commonly with professional cameras. They are physically larger and a bit more durable than SD cards. Just like with SD cards, they vary in terms of their capacity and read/write speed. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is another type of memory card that is used more commonly with professional cameras. They are physically larger and a bit more durable than SD cards. Just like with SD cards, they vary in terms of their capacity and read/write speed. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Transcend Memory Card Reader
An affordable, fast, USB 3.0 memory card reader. It reads different types of memory cards, like compact flash, SD and microSD. It’s also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
An affordable, fast, USB 3.0 memory card reader. It reads different types of memory cards, like compact flash, SD and microSD. It’s also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Memory Card Wallet
A safe place to keep your memory cards. Tip: place memory cards in the wallet so that label up means they’re ready to use, and label down means the memory card has been filled. Buy From B&H
A safe place to keep your memory cards. Tip: place memory cards in the wallet so that label up means they’re ready to use, and label down means the memory card has been filled. Buy From B&H
CLEANING
LensPen
Highly recommended. This is one of our most used accessories. It’s a pen shaped tool and one end has a special felt tip that removes smudges from the front of your lens. The other end has a retractable soft brush tip that makes it easy to remove dust and dirt from the lens and camera. We have at least one of these in each of our camera bags. Buy From B&H
Highly recommended. This is one of our most used accessories. It’s a pen shaped tool and one end has a special felt tip that removes smudges from the front of your lens. The other end has a retractable soft brush tip that makes it easy to remove dust and dirt from the lens and camera. We have at least one of these in each of our camera bags. Buy From B&H
LensPen Sensor Klear
This type of Lenspen is useful for removing stubborn spots and dust from your camera sensor. It has a smaller tip, and the head can be angled so you can easily get into those hard-to-reach places to clean. Buy From B&H
This type of Lenspen is useful for removing stubborn spots and dust from your camera sensor. It has a smaller tip, and the head can be angled so you can easily get into those hard-to-reach places to clean. Buy From B&H
Rocket Blower
When cleaning our camera’s sensor we use this first to try blasting away loose dust. Do not try blowing a puff of air from your mouth to clean your camera’s sensor. You also should not use canned compressed air to clean your sensor. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
When cleaning our camera’s sensor we use this first to try blasting away loose dust. Do not try blowing a puff of air from your mouth to clean your camera’s sensor. You also should not use canned compressed air to clean your sensor. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
CAMERA FLASHES
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
Canon’s most powerful flash. Useful for professional wedding and event photographers shooting in low light conditions. The flash is weather sealed and also features a wireless triggering function (for using multiple flashes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Canon’s most powerful flash. Useful for professional wedding and event photographers shooting in low light conditions. The flash is weather sealed and also features a wireless triggering function (for using multiple flashes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSCanon 430EX II Speedlite
A good entry-level flash. Perfect for advanced amateurs, or as a backup flash. It does not recycle fast enough for professional use. And when your flash doesn’t fire when you need it to, you’re missing the shot! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A good entry-level flash. Perfect for advanced amateurs, or as a backup flash. It does not recycle fast enough for professional use. And when your flash doesn’t fire when you need it to, you’re missing the shot! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight
This is Nikon’s most powerful flash. It’s useful for professional wedding and event photographers shooting in low light conditions. It features a wireless triggering function (for using multiple flashes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
This is Nikon’s most powerful flash. It’s useful for professional wedding and event photographers shooting in low light conditions. It features a wireless triggering function (for using multiple flashes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
GREAT FOR BEGINNERSNikon SB-700 AF Speedlight
A good light-duty flash. Perfect for advanced amateurs, or as a backup flash. It does not recycle fast enough for professional use. And when your flash doesn’t fire when you need it to, you’re missing the shot! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A good light-duty flash. Perfect for advanced amateurs, or as a backup flash. It does not recycle fast enough for professional use. And when your flash doesn’t fire when you need it to, you’re missing the shot! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon SD-9 Battery Pack
A battery pack is incredibly useful for wedding and event photography. It allows you to connect more batteries to your flash, allowing your flash to recycle much much faster. Only compatible with the SB-910 and older SB-900 flash units (not the SB-500). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A battery pack is incredibly useful for wedding and event photography. It allows you to connect more batteries to your flash, allowing your flash to recycle much much faster. Only compatible with the SB-910 and older SB-900 flash units (not the SB-500). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
DEMB Flash Diffuser Pro
This is the best flash diffuser available and highly recommended if you need to use flash at an event like a wedding. It allows you to easily adjust between from bouncing flash off ceiling and walls, to bouncing off the white card and diffuser. Buy From B&H
This is the best flash diffuser available and highly recommended if you need to use flash at an event like a wedding. It allows you to easily adjust between from bouncing flash off ceiling and walls, to bouncing off the white card and diffuser. Buy From B&H
BATTERIES
Spare Camera Batteries
You can save some money purchasing 3rd party compatible batteries for your cameras. Watson is B&H’s line of batteries compatible with many different makes and models of cameras. In our experience they don’t last as longs the original batteries, but they are much more affordable. You can also find spare or replacement chargers from Watson. Buy From B&H
You can save some money purchasing 3rd party compatible batteries for your cameras. Watson is B&H’s line of batteries compatible with many different makes and models of cameras. In our experience they don’t last as longs the original batteries, but they are much more affordable. You can also find spare or replacement chargers from Watson. Buy From B&H
TRIPODS
IN OUR CAMERA BAGMeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod Kit
Most of the time you don’t need a tripod. A tripod is useful for specific situations that require long exposure times (like star trails, or some landscape photography). Here are the reasons why this tripod and head are great: it’s lightweight, it folds up small, converts to a monopod, holds up to 17lbs (which is fantastic!), has an arca-type quick release, comes with a carrying case, and most important, it’s super affordable for the features it offers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Most of the time you don’t need a tripod. A tripod is useful for specific situations that require long exposure times (like star trails, or some landscape photography). Here are the reasons why this tripod and head are great: it’s lightweight, it folds up small, converts to a monopod, holds up to 17lbs (which is fantastic!), has an arca-type quick release, comes with a carrying case, and most important, it’s super affordable for the features it offers. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Cullmann Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod with CB-2 Mini Ball Head
This is a mini tabletop tripod with a ball head. It’s an excellent accessory for point and shoot cameras – small, compact, light, and easy to use. Buy From B&H
This is a mini tabletop tripod with a ball head. It’s an excellent accessory for point and shoot cameras – small, compact, light, and easy to use. Buy From B&H
Gorilla Pod
These funky mini tripods have become hugely popular. You can twist and bend the legs in any direction allowing you to wrap the legs onto different objects. In reality I find we use it mainly as a mini tripod (instead of twisting and bending the legs). I’d recommending getting the version with the aluminum joint sockets as we have broken the plastic only ones. Buy From B&H
These funky mini tripods have become hugely popular. You can twist and bend the legs in any direction allowing you to wrap the legs onto different objects. In reality I find we use it mainly as a mini tripod (instead of twisting and bending the legs). I’d recommending getting the version with the aluminum joint sockets as we have broken the plastic only ones. Buy From B&H
See more tripod recommendations in our article about the best affordable tripods under $100.
MISC GEAR
HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDZeiss T* UV Filters
These Zeiss T* UV filters are the best. They’re basically clear filters that you leave attached to the front of the lens to protect the front lens element from dirt and scratches. It’s important to get a good quality filter, as putting low quality glass in front of the lens is a bad idea! We started out using cheap filters and they quickly get foggy/hazy (and were impossible to keep clean and clear). Buy From B&H
These Zeiss T* UV filters are the best. They’re basically clear filters that you leave attached to the front of the lens to protect the front lens element from dirt and scratches. It’s important to get a good quality filter, as putting low quality glass in front of the lens is a bad idea! We started out using cheap filters and they quickly get foggy/hazy (and were impossible to keep clean and clear). Buy From B&H
Go Pro Hero5
The most recent versions of GoPro’s famous action cameras feature Ultra HD 4K video recording, and has a built-in touch screen. These cameras are fun to use and experiment with, especially if you do a lot of high intensity sports. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
The most recent versions of GoPro’s famous action cameras feature Ultra HD 4K video recording, and has a built-in touch screen. These cameras are fun to use and experiment with, especially if you do a lot of high intensity sports. Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Holga
A cheap plastic “toy” camera that takes medium format film. The Holga is a really popular camera known for the imperfections it produces. Every shot is unique! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
A cheap plastic “toy” camera that takes medium format film. The Holga is a really popular camera known for the imperfections it produces. Every shot is unique! Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Fujifilm Instax 300 Instant Film Camera
Polaroid cameras were awesome. This Instax camera is the next best thing (and much more affordable for film!). It’s a bit of a big, cumbersome camera, but the instant prints it produces are great. One downside is that the film it uses doesn’t work well in really bright sunlight (overexposes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Polaroid cameras were awesome. This Instax camera is the next best thing (and much more affordable for film!). It’s a bit of a big, cumbersome camera, but the instant prints it produces are great. One downside is that the film it uses doesn’t work well in really bright sunlight (overexposes). Buy From Amazon Buy From B&H
Nikon 8×42 Monarch 3 ATB Binocular
Perfect for adventure! One of the reasons these binoculars are so good is that they have really long eye relief, which makes them quite easy to look through. Excellent image quality, and great value! Buy From B&H
Perfect for adventure! One of the reasons these binoculars are so good is that they have really long eye relief, which makes them quite easy to look through. Excellent image quality, and great value! Buy From B&H
CONCLUSION
Well, that brings us to the end! We hope you’ve found this list of recommended gear useful, and want to say a final thank you for choosing to make any of your gear purchases through the Amazon and B&H links on this page. Your support is greatly appreciated, and helps us bring you tons of useful photography resources!
One final recommendation: don’t worry too much about the equipment that you’re using. It isn’t the camera that takes great photos, it’s the person behind the camera. You can make amazing photos with the gear you have right now. New gear can help you, but the way to really improve your photography is to practice and keep learning!
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