The 5 Best Gear Purchases I've Made

After delving into some of the regrettable gear choices I've made, it's time to shift the focus to the gear that has truly excelled in my toolkit. In this article, I'll share the equipment that brings me joy whenever I use it. Be it a camera, or a light stand, or even a keyboard, it's all in here. 

In no particular order, I'll strive to cover every item that catches my eye as I scan my studio and see the gear that plays the most vital role. Some items will encompass general tools like keyboards, while others will be more specific, and some might even belong to a product lineup.

Apple Magic Keyboard

It seems fitting to begin with this keyboard, as it has been a faithful companion for several years and the only keyboard I've retained. It's the keyboard I rely on for composing most of my articles. While it might not serve gamers well, it excels as a typing keyboard. Seamlessly compatible with Apple computers, it offers a satisfying typing experience with commendable key action, and it remains surprisingly quiet as I type. This noise reduction is particularly crucial, given my tendency to type with vigor due to my background in piano. This keyboard has weathered my moments of frustration, including impassioned emails and numerous tight deadlines when I typed feverishly to meet sunrise. Its sole drawback is the lack of backlight illumination, though it's not an issue when typing without needing to look at the keyboard. The only downside for me is the price tag, as Apple accessories are renowned for their cost, especially their larger keyboards featuring a number pad.

Profoto Light Modifiers

I've said it before, and I'll reiterate it: they're all outstanding. Light modifiers make a significant difference in image quality, and my collection spans various modifiers, each with its own story. Some have seen decades pass, while others are more recent additions. Profoto consistently delivers reliable light shaping tools that perform as expected. The RFi softboxes, even acquired secondhand, have endured countless shoots in diverse conditions without faltering or showing signs of wear. The same level of durability applies to umbrellas and practically every other tool within the lineup. The sole exception might be the OCF Magnum, constructed from thin metal that is easily susceptible to deformation.

Avenger D650 Boom With 111CSU Stand

A solid light stand is a game-changer. My preference for quality stands stems from the hardships I faced initially as a photographer due to subpar options. A dependable boom stand, such as the D650, can be indispensable in small studios where large modifiers need to be positioned above models. Curiously, the D650 remains relatively less known, which perplexes me. Notably, it's one of the few boom arms that extend while accommodating both female and male mounts. I've suspended substantial weights on this boom without a single mishap—a testament to its reliability. Paired with a robust stand like the Manfrotto 111CSU, it transforms into an ultimate, trustworthy boom stand capable of tackling various lighting challenges. The sole enhancement I envision is substituting the 111CSU with a wind-up stand, which would simplify the process of raising lights into elevated positions.

Avenger C-Stands

Continuing the conversation on light stands, the Avenger C-Stand stands out as another excellent option. It's akin to the Ferrari of light stands — costly yet an absolute pleasure to possess. Granted, a Ferrari may not be as utilitarian as an Avenger C-Stand, but the analogy holds. Unlike conventional light stands, a C-stand offers greater durability and can accommodate heavier loads. When equipped with a boom arm, it essentially functions as a boom stand, ideal for holding props, light modifiers, and flags. Just remember to secure it with a sandbag. My only misstep with these stands was opting for the non-removable base. Detaching the main pole from the base facilitates transportation and allows the base to be mounted at lower heights. I resolved this by super-clamping my lights to the base, although it's not the most elegant solution.

Flags

Building on the previous C-Stand discussion, flags deserve dedicated attention. I've noticed many photographers amass an array of lights, modifiers, and quality stands, yet overlook flags entirely. These unassuming black panels wield greater utility than one might envision. Mastery over light manipulation is fundamental to crafting distinctive images, and while light positioning and modifiers play a role, sometimes you need to control light spill, block sunlight, or craft background patterns. This is where flags come into play, enabling effortless execution of such tasks. While they may seem slightly overpriced for their simplicity, keeping a few on hand proves remarkably valuable. I've found the 24x36-inch size to be optimal, although smaller and larger options are available, all mountable on a C-stand.

Canon 5Ds

A mention of a camera is almost obligatory for an article of this nature. For me, the Canon 5Ds takes the spotlight. With its remarkably high resolution, this camera produces stunning stills akin to those from a medium format camera. Picking up this camera invokes a deliberate, thoughtful approach to image creation, urging me to work more deliberately and intentionally. Consequently, I reserve this camera for shoots that carry substantial significance. It possesses a distinct aura, demanding respect and careful consideration to avoid even minor mistakes, which are glaringly apparent in its high-resolution output. Despite having racked up around 180,000 actuations, the camera exhibits no signs of slowing down. I'm curious to see how long it will serve me before encountering any hiccups. It's not that the Canon 5D Mark IV I own is inadequate; it simply doesn't bear the same distinct purpose as the 5Ds. While the 5D Mark IV boasts versatility and impressive features, it lacks the niche specialization of the Canon 5Ds, tailored for exceptional stills.

This wraps up some of the standout gear in my arsenal. Of course, the list continues, and I've barely scratched the surface of my desk setup, let alone my lens collection and other unique studio elements. What gear do you find the most gratifying to work with? Share your favorites in the comments below!