So we have all gone out and spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on our digital camera.
Then we have spent hundreds of dollars on tripods, and lenses, and bags. Well here are a few inexpensive items that you
have overlooked that should be in everyones gig bag. They can get you out of trouble in a pinch and they are less
than $10.
The Lens Cleaning Kit from Adorama… $9.99
Love you camera by keeping it clean, it takes just a few minutes and will extend the life of your camera and your
lens. This is a must have for every camera owner (beach sand is a digital camera's worst enemy).
U/V Lens Filter from Sunpak… $9.99
If your lens sports threads and can take filters you owe it your camera/lens to put a UV filter on it. It increases
contrast and color saturation by reducing the amount of ultarviolet light coming into the lens. More importantantly it
protects the lens from scratches (much cheaper to replace than a new lens).
Cap of Pringles or Tennis Ball Can Cap ….$1.29
If you need to custom white balance then keep one of these guys in your camera bag. There are professional products
out there that work great but don't make the less than $10 cut. Just place the cap over the front of your lens, point
at your subject and take a shot. Then follow the instructions for custome white balancing your camera.
Gaffers Tape…about $ 4.29
Gaffers Tape can be purchased at most arts and crafts stores and is a must have if you are a busy shooter. Tape up
reflectors and backgrounds without leaving a sticky residue.
Have any cheap tricks? Let us know.
1. A paper napkin works just as well as pringles (more now that most pringles caps are transparent), if you're REALLY cheap.
Cheap air-blower for the sensor, if you change lenses around a lot. It might not get everything, but it will help and you can do it fairly often without having to worry about screwing things up.
Posted at 6:26AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Ryan