Photography on the cheap!
// March 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Photography, Singapore
Surely, I’m not the only one that feels that photography gear are extremely overpriced (in most cases). Even in Singapore where electronic prices are much cheaper than many parts of the world, it is still fairly expensive. Given that the “good” stuff are usually made in Japan, USA and Europe, it is no surprise the pricing is as such. However, we do have the likes of China coming into play these days, which makes the ballgame a little more interesting. The big perception on China made goods are “inferiority”. So yes, China kinda has its fair share of “dodgyness” but recently, I decided to give it a go, to see how bad is bad, and can we actually live with it.
I wouldn’t recommend getting camera bodies and lens from our China friends yet, but I feel the following items would be a good start.
- Filters
- I bought a couple of Tian-Ya filters for a fraction of a price to add to my existing filter collection. I must say that they are very similar in quality and build. Tian-Ya seems a little thicker by 1-2mm though. Do always get the shop owners to compare an equivalent filter from Cokin and Tian-Ya just to make sure that it is at least close to what you want. I realised the ND8 Cokin filters are a little darker than the Tian-Ya’s ND8.
- UV filters, I honestly feel that there are limited or at least no difference at all. Obviously, the purist will choose to differ.
- Softboxes, Umbrellas and Reflectors
- Do you need a Westcott or Elinchrom softbox. Sure you do! If money wasn’t an issue that is. I do not have any of these softboxes and umbrellas but I can dare say, it the results will be 95% similar. I bought myself a unnamed China made umbrella complete with the light stand and mount brackets for 5% of the price of what it would have costs for a Elinchrom setup. Surely, the Elinchroms would have special reflective surfaces and etc, but if you work with the china made goodies, its really finding small workarounds to make it work. I feel that is justified if I’m paying 5% of the price.
- Tripods
- In recent times, I must say that the China brands are really making a stamp in the tripod market. Especially with Benro. I trialed a couple of Benro and Manfrottos on my last shopping trip and I must say they were competitive. The built quality is very close between the two brands, but the Manfrottos were more refined in the finishing. However in terms of features and usability, I seriously think they are on par. However, having used to pay low prices for China made goods, I think Benro is still pretty expensive. Obviously, it is half the price of the Manfrottos and Gitzos, but still we are used to it being priced at 10% of the big boys. Nonetheless, I will go with a Benro any day.
