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Photography gear that’s worth the money

Camera with Flash emoji 13 items
By
Jon
Investing in the right photography gear can make a huge difference in your results, but it doesn't have to break the bank. The key is to distinguish between what's a smart, long-term investment and what's a passing fad.
 
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This is a universal recommendation for a reason. For under $200, a 50mm f/1.8 lens offers a wide aperture, which is fantastic for low-light shooting and creating beautiful, blurry backgrounds (bokeh). It's a versatile lens perfect for portraits, stre...
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
 
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While more expensive, this lens is a workhorse for many professional photographers. It covers a wide range of popular focal lengths, making it ideal for everything from landscapes and environmental portraits to event photography. A constant f/2.8 ape...
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
 
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This is the go-to lens for sports, wildlife, and event photography. The long focal length allows you to get close to the action from a distance, while the fast f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful background compressi...
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Lens
 
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A good tripod is an indispensable tool, especially for certain types of photography. Don't skimp on this. A cheap, flimsy tripod is a waste of money and can even risk your expensive camera gear.
Carbon Fiber Tripod
 
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A dedicated external flash is a huge step up from your camera's pop-up flash. It offers more power, is adjustable, and can be bounced off walls and ceilings for softer, more flattering light. Brands like Godox offer excellent value for money.
Canon External Camera Flashes: Speedlite & Ring
 
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A simple, collapsible 5-in-1 reflector kit is a cheap and incredibly effective tool. You can use it to bounce light onto your subject, fill in shadows, and even diffuse harsh sunlight. It's a must-have for portrait and product photographers.
Photography Lighting Equipment Explained: Reflectors
 
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Don't buy the cheapest card you can find. A slow or unreliable card can lead to corrupted files or slow down your camera's burst shooting. Invest in a reputable brand with a high write speed (UHS-II or faster) to keep up with high-resolution photos a...
SD Memory Cards: High Capacity and Fast Transfer Speeds
 
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The worst feeling is having your battery die in the middle of a great shoot. Having at least one or two extra batteries is a no-brainer. Third-party options from brands like Wasabi Power can be much cheaper than native brand batteries and are often j...
Camera Batteries
 
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Protecting your investment is paramount. A well-designed camera bag or backpack will not only protect your gear from bumps and scrapes but will also help you stay organized, so you can easily access your lenses and accessories. Look for one with padd...
Camera Bag
 
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Dust and smudges on your lens can ruin a shot. A simple kit with a rocket blower, a lens pen, and a microfiber cloth is all you need to keep your glass pristine and your images sharp.
Camera Lens Cleaning Kits
 
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Highly protective, customizable rolling case for safe transport and organized storage of cameras, lenses, and accessories.
Nanuk 935
 
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Professional-grade tripod offering robust support, rapid deployment, and excellent stability, particularly valuable for video and heavy camera systems.
Vinten Flowtech 75 GS Carbon Fiber Tripod
 
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All-in-one zoom for Sony full-frame mirrorless with fast f/2.8 aperture at the wide end. Superb value and portability for travel and everyday shooting.
Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens