Photography Accessories I Really Like!

[@Pengranger]

For charging camera batteries I use the Jupio x Pr1me Tri-Charge for Nikon EN-EL15. Charges 3 batteries, works as a power bank, stores memory cards.

[@KurtisPape]

I'm sold on the QD clamp. I have a blackrapid QD strap which I love when going out handheld, but now I use my monopod more often I find myself resting the whole setup in mud, sand and dirt if I need to do something. It looks like leofoto also sell the clamp with a double ended QD strap as a kit.

[@x4g1706]

Love the QD Monopod system

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank Scott for pointing out the Leofoto Magsafe Phone stand, and the macro focus ring to me. They're very helpful.

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great suggestions. I already use a slide for macro. Very hard to beat and cheap works fine. Since I have both peak design straps, I’m going for the connector. Currently use a flag type strap system, which I like, but it’s always good to try new. Thanks for the info. Hope your neck issue is no longer an issue

[@cameraprepper7938]

Today I only use few Photography Accessories, Novoflex Tripod system, shoulder/sling bag, backpack and cheap blower bulb (ear blower from the pharmacy) for dusting off Camera sensors and Lenses, extra memory cards, extra batteries. It is rare that I use tripod, only for photographing the night sky. From 45 years of experience.

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

Again, I just love your enthusiasm! I have been trying to figure out a way to carry my monopod with gimbal just as you show, without ruining my collar bone. Last year, after a few weeks in Panama I was bruised & sore after the second day & by the end was about in agony but as you likely expect, I carried on. I just can't wait to order the clamps & strap you suggest for my spring trip to Costa Rica & now I can likely take the 180-600 without too much worry. Thanks!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad I can help! You’ll love it!

[@David_Quinn1995]

I think you just sold me on buying a monopod, the sling is a smart idea.

[@GeoffCooper]

Yes!! That QD connector for putting a strap on the monopod and big lens is fantastic - I will definitely be setting something like that up asap! I was literally out yesterday with the 400mm and monopod and was wondering how to get around having to put it down on the wet ground whenever I needed to use my hands for anything else!

[@WildlifeInspired]

It works !!!! And you can pee if no one is around 😂

[@GeoffCooper]

@@WildlifeInspired that's 100% one of the reasons I had tp prop up my 400mm in a bush yesterday lol

[@toddslacum5866]

Great video Scott! As far as the QD connectors, I have used those in the past on my guitar straps. Loved them, but I did have 2 sets fail while touring nightly for a year and they were put to their limits. The ball bearings can wear over time and eventually cause the pin to disconnect unexpectedly. Thankfully in each instance I was able to catch my guitars before they crashed to the ground! I would recommend to just inspect the metal balls every so often for wear. Thanks again!!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Intersting. Guessing you don't have a picture to show the wear and failure but if you do email me. [e-mail]

[@AzMagicSpell]

You may have just solved a dilemma I've been looking for an answer to for over a year! How to carry my R5 with 600 f/4 lens on a monopod when I go on my nature walks. Up until now it was usually handheld with my cross-body strap using QD connection to the lens foot. Any time I tried to carry it mounted to a monopod and "sling" it over my shoulder I would end up with something digging into my shoulder or neck or it would be a pain to lower it off my shoulder when I wanted to take a shot. Seeing your setup with the QD on both the monopod tube and on the lens foot looks perfect! Fortunately, I had all the pieces already and all I had to do was put them together as you described in the video. I'll be trying this out in the field tomorrow. Bravo Scott!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Hoping you like it!!!

[@MarkP-df8ho]

I recently got the Peak Desgin "Capture Lens" so far I really like this product!!

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

Thanks so much Scott, I have the Peak strap, collar and swivels on the way. Like you, I do want to use the Nikon collar because of the strap lugs. I also ordered a Leofoto mini clamp with QD socket that I can clamp onto the Arca foot that I have on the 180-600, there is just enough room when I have it on my Wimberley monopod gimbal.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Sounds like you are going to love it!

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

@@WildlifeInspired Thanks. I sure hope so & goodbye to a ruined collar bone.

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

@@WildlifeInspired Hi Scott, I thought I should update this thread. I got the Peak Slide strap & also had ordered the Leofoto one that comes with the clamp on one end and a full QD setup on the other. I must be bigger than you because with the Peak strap at full extension (your video shows it less than that on you) I'm just able to bring the rig up to shooting position without strangling myself. The Leofoto at full extension is just about 6" shorter than the Peak, & does restrict me in the shooting position. Plus, the Leofoto strap is a fair bit narrower.

[@Pengranger]

Fantastic video. Loads to consider!

[@thebinpustey6497]

Ooh, time to start making my Christmas wish list!

[@WildlifeInspired]

I have a feeling you're going to need a bigger list!

[@mikedavis1110]

Great setup with monopod and I bought clamps for both my of tripods with the basic strap!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Nice, you'll really like it.

[@noeleb8538]

I've been using the strap and QD connector for my setup for over a year now. It's really helpful for those times where I don't want to hand carry my camera the whole time, but I also want quick access to my camera. I really like the magnetic foldable phone stand that can attach to an arca Swiss. I have a Samsung phone but I have a case with the magnet ring and I use a magnetic mount in my jeep... it has never fallen off the mount so I'm sure it would hold well on this mount too, and it's so little to carry to give that added capability of recording from your phone from many different mount options. I like it.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I like the way you’re thinking!

[@lillebrowning2231]

Thanks for the info - always informative and helpful! Appreciate your reviews very much!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much!! I saw your other comments as well and appreciate.

[@dw.in.michigan]

Great video. I love the Leofoto products. Check out the QS receivers and plates for tripod heads. If you change tripod heads, these are a game changer for quick changeout, and they cut down on the wear and tear of the male and female threads of the tripod and tripod head. It's mostly convenience, but it could make a difference in whether or not you get the shot, since it saves you time in replacing the head.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I'll definitely check those out, thanks!

[@glennn.3464]

Good video on some very useful accessories. Regarding the macro rail, couldn’t you save some money and just put your camera on your small tabletop tripod and just use the focus shift shooting feature in the Nikon bodies? Zooming way in on the rear display while carefully using manual focus should be able to achieve exact focus on a subject or the exact spot for the start of the focus shift sequence. Setting the Focus Ring Rotation Range to a large value with linear focus can provide very precise manual focus which makes the process even easier and no need for a macro rail. I haven’t used my very good Photoseiki MR 101 Macro Focusing Rail (no longer available) since I bought my first Nikon camera with this feature. I find that it's just so much easier and faster.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yes you could use that but my lens is manual focus !

[@Kellysher]

I’m going to check out the PD strap. Today I have the black rapids sling, which works well. One of the things that I’ve been trying to figure out is how to attach my phone to the strap in some way. Or any way really to wear the phone. I like to keep the Merlin app running as I hike. It’s helpful to let me know what I’m hearing, so I can stop and look for anything unusual. It’s also helping me train my ear for different songs.I’m getting better! But carrying the phone in my back pocket, stopping, opening the app, etc, isn’t helpful. Suggestions? I ordered the phone stand. I don’t have a magnetic case, but you said they send you something to put in your case, I believe. I’ll see when it comes. Thanks for sharing. I’ve added a few things to my Christmas wish list!

[@WildlifeInspired]

You could try an armband type thing that runners use? I wonder if there is a clamp that could attach to the strap, I havent tried that but sometimes, I connect the phone the cage I put around my camera body.

[@stevethompson8154]

that macro rail looks decent and is less expensive than others

[@sandrabelitzavazquez7902]

Thanks!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much!!!

[@markbennett7283]

need to get the QD clamp!! i have a Peak Design Strap the only problem is the black rubber melted when it got hot.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I never heard that!

[@VinceMaidens]

Great I want the ps-5 and can't get it today, and SLOWLY I turned...step by step. Thank you. heh

[@Robert-R]

Unfortunately, Leofoto doesn't make QD clamps that fit Gitzo monopods. Top two legs on my monopod are 37 & 33mm. RRS make a 37mm clamp, but at twice the price.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I have to say. I really like this leofoto monopod!

[@krishchandran4125]

Great Video. Great info. Reconsider the black on black . . . on black, for us to see better on KZbin?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yeah, I need to get better at that. It has been noted!

[@Robert-R]

Have you tried charging one vs two batteries in the Llano battery charger? A lot of times these dual battery chargers don't actually charge the batteries in parallel, and will charge one then the other. So, if you were to charge two batteries is it roughly the same time as just charging one? Or is it double the time.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Did not test that but ill try to update and add to the description. !

[@MarkP-df8ho]

Really like the idea of the connectors, will look into them. QUESTION. I l9ve nature photo and using my macro lens and ext. Tubes. I DO NOT focus stack images, would a macro rail be real help to me? I've heard alot of differnet reply to this. Thoughts.... Thanks

[@WildlifeInspired]

If you do indoor work with VERY shallow DOF, yes. I rarely stack images and still use it a lot!

[@chrisfourie9410]

Hi Scott Thx for your informative videos. You mentioned at some time, cannot ,find it in this video, but then it was here, You mentioned a solution for using lenses with Arca Swiss and Video plates, but I cannot put my finger on it. What was your solution for moving between arca Swiss and video lens / camera plates seamlessly? I use a video and arca Swiss style tripod heads, and it ie a real headache switching between the different style plat. Hope to hear from you Chris,

[@WildlifeInspired]

Chris, I use a clamp that is arca compatible and screw it together on a monfrotto plate. I'll send links later

[@WildlifeInspired]

use this plate: bit.ly/40K2qsu and this clamp: amzn.to/4hOwx8w it will work

[@jeffreyferguson9174]

Was very interested in monopod you use (the leofoto mpq-40), but question is I shoot OMD EM1 with 300mm Zuiko lens and occ teleconverter, so is this monopod overkill for the system I use? If so, any other monopod models I should consider?

[@WildlifeInspired]

They make a non waterproof and thinner monopod. Check this link out use my code wildlife20 and the price is really affordable for a good product. bit.ly/3VV1RsH this is a nice diameter and should suffice for under $100 when using the link and code.

[@jeffreyferguson9174]

@ Thank you for your help! I ordered new monopod using the Wildlife20 coupon code.

[@lillebrowning2231]

This may be a dumb question, but I have a pop socket on back of my Iphone case - I'm assuming the magnet item you feature won't work for me

[@WildlifeInspired]

I don't think so ! Unless they make some that have the magnet

[@lillebrowning2231]

@ thanks!

[@jaredwatsonphoto]

What do you think of Sirui CT-3204 Explorer Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with CH-20 Gimbal Head? I do 95% stills for wildlife and have primarily been handholding. I have a crappy ball head and tripod, that absolutely does not hold my Sony 200-600

[@bybrent8034]

Where is the link for the battery charger

[@WildlifeInspired]

UPDATED!

[@migueleng7634]

Nice trick with the monopod! I definitly need to try it. If I may ask, what do you think about the reliability of the QD connectors? I would like to try this system but It’s strange how I am confident with the little Peak Design anchors and a bit sceptical with QD 😅 Are all brands equals in quality with QDs?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Get the ones from RRS. I'm pretty sure they are made by another company that makes that makes a ton of them designed for carrying guns. I avoid off brands for this. I feel you concern but mine never failed (Magpul).

[@migueleng7634]

Ok I’ll look at it. Thank you very much :)

[@yippyskippy61]

Hi Scott, I have the same monopod. what size clamp did you put on yours?

[@WildlifeInspired]

I got 40 and 36 for the different legs. If I was doing it again. I'd get just the 40 mm and attach one qd to that and the other to the camera. Take a little to configure it how you like

[@rschellie]

Scott, I enjoy your videos and I know you like to review equipment, so I have a question, is the new Nikon Z50 II APS-C Camera the new D500 replacement?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Not really, it will likely fall just below the Z80/90 which is likely to be released as the true D500 replacement. The Z50 II will be small form factor with 2 limiting options, battery and card slots. For wildife photographers as Z80/90 will likely see a larger form factor that used 2 card slots and the "normal" sized EN-EL15 series battery and likely a few more megapixels (30? on a crop body)

[@rschellie]

@I went over to Nikon Rumors and the Z90 sounds promising. I recently completely destroyed my D850 and a 200-500mm lens. I am waiting for Black Friday to buy a Z8 and 180-600mm lens to replace them.

[@WolfgangWhyte]

Didn't they dedicate an entire season of one of those hoarder shows to photographers? If they didn't, they should! I personally have never thrown away a single piece of kit I've ever bought...

[@WildlifeInspired]

LOL I just look through my bid of "triggers" 5 triggers, a couple remotes missing pieces, and one still new in box 3 years later

[@WolfgangWhyte]

@@WildlifeInspired LoL... yup, the "new in box" stuff with the dust all over it - that's the only thing that still has all the pieces together, I feel your pain ;)

[@David_Quinn1995]

It takes me a year of thinking of why I should use it but if it doesn't move I list it on ebay 😂

[@srpearlful]

Good reviews. I use peak design setup to carry multiple cameras and lenses but only need one strap. Also got the Kirk swivel similar to what you show and works well. Battery charger nice but doesn’t do Z9 bats, correct?

[@WildlifeInspired]

DOES NOT do the larger batteries !

[@gordonmcintosh3159]

Hi Scott, me again. I am searching with no joy to find an Arca plate to put on my 180-600 that has a QD socket on it. Any ideas please?

[@WildlifeInspired]

I don't think you will replace the whole foot (there are a few companies that make that replacement but dont think it includes QD ports). You CAN find just the plate though, I saw some on BH and you can attach a long arca plate with QD ports. There is a less known company, Hejnar, that I have used and they make a plate specifically for that lens and has options for 1 or 2 QD ports. I like them because they seem to offer more QD options www.hejnarphotostore.com/Nikon-NIKKOR-Z-180-600mm-f-5-6-6-3-VR-Lens-Nikon-p/nlp-001-l.htm

[@Robert-R]

Try Kirk Photo. They have a few different lengths and the QD sockets are towards the back of the plate as opposed to the middle so it's less likely to interfere with installing on a monopod or tripod without removing the strap. The 5.25" version (KLP-525) would likely do well for the 180-600mm.

[@Robert-R]

Kirk Photo also makes a replacement collar for the 180-600mm, which has a QD built in. However, the QD is towards the center of the foot, so again, wouldn't work well when clamping on a monopod at the same time. Also, the main thing about it that I don't like is that you lose the two strap eyelets that are built into the Nikon collar. Your easiest solution would be to just put a Peak Design anchor link to the lens at those eyelets, connect one end of your strap to that, and then the other to a QD clamp on the monopod.

[@marklaurendet1861]

I have the NiSi macro rail. I like your addition of the geared head. That may be usefull for the fine adjustments. Will look into those Often find something I could use in your videos

[@Jwitherow1964]

What did I just watch??

[@WildlifeInspired]

A youtube video on photo accessories?

[@srpearlful]

Also thanks for 20% discount on Leofoto accesory 😊

[@WildlifeInspired]

Sweet !!9