Our Little Camera Store Blog ~ Focal Point

What is Grey Market Camera Gear?

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:13:12 GMT

What is Grey Market Camera Gear?

(And should you worry about it?)

If you've spent any time shopping for cameras or lenses, you've probably run into the terms "grey market" or "import model" and wondered what they actually mean. It sounds shadier than it is. Here's the straight version.

IT'S NOT A FAKE

Grey market gear, also called an "import model" by some retailers, is authentic manufacturer-made equipment. Same factory, same components, same camera. The difference is where it was sold first.

Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony sell through regional subsidiaries. Canon USA handles the US market. Canon Japan handles Japan. Each subsidiary sets its own pricing and runs its own warranty and service infrastructure.

Grey market gear was originally sold in a different region, usually Japan or another Asian market, and then imported into the US outside the official channel. The importer buys cheaper overseas and passes some of that savings along. That's the whole model.

Real gear. Different origin story.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR NEW GEAR

Our honest take: skip it. When you buy new grey market gear, the main thing you give up is the US manufacturer warranty. If something goes wrong, Canon USA or Nikon USA will check the serial number and decline to help. Even if you're willing to pay for the repair.

Some grey market sellers offer a store-backed warranty to fill that gap, but it's only as good as the store standing behind it. Gear from Japan may also ship with a Japanese power adapter, and grey market status can hurt resale value down the road.

The price difference on new gear rarely justifies the tradeoffs. We sell new gear here at Focal Point and everything we carry is authorized through US channels. Full manufacturer warranty, no asterisks. If you're buying new, that's the way to go.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR USED GEAR

When used gear changes hands, the original manufacturer warranty is voided regardless of whether it's a US model or grey market. That part of the equation drops out entirely.

What's left is the question of future serviceability. If something breaks down the road and you want the manufacturer to fix it, will they? The answer depends on who made it.

NIKON — Will not service grey market gear. Not under warranty, not for a paid repair. Strict policy.

CANON — Generally accepts paid repairs on grey market bodies and lenses. Final call made when they have it in hand.

SONY — Similar to Canon. Typically willing to take on paid repairs.

Third-party repair shops are always an option regardless of market origin. Good independent technicians work on all brands and don't care about serial number origin.

HOW THIS APPLIES TO FOCAL POINT

We've been in Dallas, Oregon since 1983. All of our new gear comes through authorized US dealers. Full warranty, no surprises.

Used gear can occasionally be different story. The vast majority of what we sell was originally purchased in the US, and a good chunk of it was sold new by us to the same customer now trading it back in. We're lucky to have thousands of returning customers. People buy their first camera here, learn on it, and come back when they're ready for the next one. We know the gear because a lot of it started here.

Occasionally a grey market body or lens comes through that process. When we spot it, we say so in the listing and price it with that status in mind. You'll see it noted clearly. A lot of used gear sellers don't disclose this at all. We do, because we think you should have the right information before you buy.

If you're buying a used Canon or Sony and you're fine using a third-party shop for future service, grey market probably isn't a dealbreaker. If you're buying a used Nikon and want the option of factory service down the road, that's worth knowing upfront.

Either way, we test and grade it the same. Our 6-month Focal Point warranty covers it just like any US model we sell. The service question is yours to make. We just make sure you have what you need to make it.

THE SHORT VERSION

- Grey market = authentic gear, originally sold in a different region

- Not a fake, not a knockoff, not a lower grade of product

- For new gear: not recommended. You lose the US manufacturer warranty

- For used gear: warranty is voided on resale anyway. The real question is future serviceability

- Nikon USA will not service grey market gear, even for pay

- Canon and Sony are more flexible on paid repairs

- Third-party repair shops are always an option

- Our new gear is authorized US stock. Grey market only shows up occasionally in used inventory

- When we spot a grey market used item, we flag it in the listing and price it accordingly

Questions about a specific item? Just call the shop at 503-623-6300 or email info@focalpointphoto.com. Happy to talk it through before you buy.

Meet Loki, Our New Shop Dog

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 01:40:03 GMT

Meet Loki, Our New Shop Dog

We’ve been talking for years about getting a shop dog. Someone who could hang out at Focal Point, greet customers, and just be part of the team. We weren’t in a rush, just waiting for the perfect dog to come along.

Lori Cegon, a longtime friend of the shop and an amazing dog photographer who works with the Salem Humane Society, has been keeping an eye out for us. A few months ago, she texted a photo of a dog named Loki who had just arrived at the shelter and said, “I think I've got the perfect dog for you!"

The moment we saw his face, and those eyes, we knew we had to meet him. That photo sealed the deal. It’s a perfect example of how powerful one image can be.

Now Loki comes to work with me almost every day. He’s settled into the role perfectly. He loves long walks, playing fetch, and more than anything, napping on the couch upstairs. He doesn’t keep a set schedule, but if I’m here, he usually is too. Feel free to ask for him when you stop by, and we’ll wake him up for a visit.

Big thanks to Lori for connecting us with Loki! If you want to check out her photography or support her work with shelter animals, take a look here:

Lori Cegon Photography: https://loricegon.com /
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loricegon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.cegon

Salem Humane Society: https://www.oregonhumane.org

Meet Miles

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 01:39:44 GMT

Meet Miles - Our Summer Used Gear Wizard

Used gear has always been a huge part of Focal Point’s identity. We’ve spent the past year steadily working to grow the shop into the kind of business we know it can be, one that not only serves our local community but also becomes a go-to destination for used photography gear across the country. Earlier this year, we launched a brand-new version of our website to help us take that next step. It’s been great for showcasing our new gear, but the used section has been lagging behind.

Enter Miles.

We first met Miles a few years ago, back during COVID. He was still in high school at the time, but he walked into the shop, whipped out a Sony Mavica from each side of his jacket (yes, the floppy disk cameras from the '90s), and we knew instantly, Miles was our kind of camera nerd.

Fast forward to today: Miles is now studying engineering at OSU, but had the summer free. I brought him to the back room, and asked "how would you like to spend your summer playing with thousands of cameras and lenses?"

In just a few short weeks, Miles has been a game changer. He’s diving deep into our used gear backlog, helping us clean, process, and list equipment both in-store and online. He’s even been figuring out things on the new website that we didn’t know were possible. Thanks to him, fresh used gear is being added to the site nearly every day.

We know we can’t keep him forever, but we’re thrilled to have him on the team this summer, and excited to see just how far he can help take us.

Check out his work on our used gear page!

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners 2024

Thu, 23 May 2024 20:36:33 GMT

Winners have been selected for our 2024 Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest! We want to thank everyone that participated this year. The work you all put into your photos shows, and is so appreciated! We would also like to thank The Grand Hotel in Salem for helping sponsor the prizes and supporting this contest. Below we have featured the top three photos from each category, as well as our overall best of show.

Best of Show

Congratulations to our Best of Show winner, Wade Penner!

Portrait Category

1st Place Portrait – Vicki Woods

2nd Place Portrait – David Lumbert

3rd Place Portrait – Lori Norton

Landscape Category

1st Place Landscape – Wade Penner

2nd Place Landscape – Dilayla Ebel

3rd Place Landscape – Laura Osborne

Macro Category

1st Place Macro – Troy Morris

2nd Place Macro – Tammy Jaquith

3rd Place Macro – Michael K

Miscellaneous Category

1st Place Misc. – Andy Nichols

2nd Place Misc. – Mark Millard

3rd Place Misc. – Cooper Carroll

Junior Photographer Category

1st Place Junior Photographer – Milo Clark

2nd Place Junior Photographer – Henry Tigan

3rd Place Junior Photographer- Daphne Steven

Contest Sponsors

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:36:32 GMT

Join us in celebrating the beauty of Oregon’s cherry blossoms!

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest

Each Spring we look forward to those first blooms of the cherry blossom trees and all the wonderful photo opportunities they create. This year, we have created a photo contest for you to share your best shots of cherry blossoms all over Oregon, and enter for a chance to win a Focal Point Photography gift card. We will be kicking off the contest March 16th at the Cherry Blossom Day Festival in the Oregon State Capitol park. We’d love you to join us for the festival, and snap some pictures of the Capitol’s beautiful cherry blossoms!

Categories & Prizes

There will be five categories for the contest as listed below:

Portrait: main subject of the photo is a person or animal
Landscape: main subject of the photo is the world around us, without specific focus on any one object
Macro: close-up of one specific object
Kids 12 & Under
Miscellaneous

Within each category will will select three winners as follows:

1st Place – $100 Focal Point Gift Card
2nd – $50.00 Focal Point Gift Card
3rd- $25.00 Focal Point Gift Card

We will also select one “Best of Show” to receive a Focal Point Photography insulated water bottle and a metal print of their entered photo up to 16×24.

Junior Photographer

Children 12 and under are welcome to submit their Oregon cherry blossom photos of any variety to this special category. We ask that an adult help with the submission process and list “Junior Photographer” as the designated category. *

Prizes:

1st Place – Polaroid Now Instant Camera
2nd Place – Kodak Underwater Camera + Focal Point Photography water bottle
3rd Place – Kodak Underwater Camera

How to Enter

Photos may be submitted March 16th – April 30th 2024
Submissions should be emailed to: contest@focalpointphoto.com
Participants may submit up to 1 image per category, for a total of 5 possible entries. Each photo must be unique and be solely the work of the participant.

Your submission must include the following information:

First and Last Name
Photo must be taken in 2024
Contact Phone #:
Designated Categories:
JPEG of photo submission between 1mb-20mb included as an attachment

Official Contest Rules

Your submission indicates you have read and agree to abide by the Official Rules of Contest.
Submissions accepted between March 16th – April 30th 2024, no entries will be accepted after this date.
All photo submissions must feature Oregon cherry blossoms in some way, and must be taken in 2024.
All participants agree to a photo release, & Focal Point is authorized to use any and all photographs and or digital images related to the entry for promotional purposes. By virtue of submission, the entrant certifies the work as their own and grants permission to reproduce any prints for publicity purposes, with credit given.
All articles must be the handiwork of the participant and not be taken from anyone other than the person submitting the photos. All images must be original, and may not include elements produced by anyone else.
Each participant is required to include first name, last name, phone number, email, JPEG of photo submission between 1mb-20mb included as an attachment to the email, and designated category for submission.
One person is limited to five (5) photo entries in total for the whole contest, one (1) photo applicable per category, ex: a macro photo can’t also be a film photo, they have to be two (2) different photos, each one submitted to one (1) category only.
Children 12 and under only are allowed to submit photos to the Junior Photographer category. Those found violating this rule will be disqualified.
No image may be entered more than once. Changing a color image to monochrome, adding a filter or alternate cropping does not create a new image.
Contributors found in violation of rules shall be penalized by forfeiture of awards and/or privileges, and removed from the contest.
Only One prize allowed per person/participant.
All submissions will be judged by Focal Point Staff and judging will be closed to the public.
Paper submissions will not be accepted.
Award winners will be contacted via phone/email and winning photos may be shared on Focal Point Photography social media accounts.

Meet the Sponsors

Focal Point Photography

Since 1983, Focal Point Photography has been a leading source of education, equipment and assistance to photographers of all levels. Locally owned and operated for 40 years, we are a mighty team of photographers passionate about what we do, how we sell, and what we sell. From beginners to pro level, we aspire to Educate, Inspire and Equip you with the tools to get the photos you strive for.

Services we Offer

Buy, Sell, Trade New & Used Photography Equipment

Rental Equipment

Print In-Store & Online

The Grand Hotel in Salem

Located in downtown Salem and featuring 193 beautifully appointed guest rooms and premier suites; The Grand Hotel in Salem offers exceptional guest service to visitors from all over! Headquarters hotel for the Salem Convention Center, and adjoining Bentley’s, we pride ourselves on exceeding each of our guests expectations, every visit.

Plan your next visit here: The Grand Hotel in Salem

Want to know more about the Cherry Blossom Festival?

Check out event details here: Cherry Blossom Day

Holiday Gift Guide

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:36:36 GMT

Focal Point Photography Gift Guide

Picking out the perfect gift this Holiday season doesn’t have to be hard! We have gift ideas for everyone on your list, from the photo enthusiast to professionals.

Gifts for Everyone & Stocking Stuffers

Photogenic Supply Co – We’re so excited to be carrying Photogenic’s line of socks, enamel pins, glassware, stickers,and more in the shop! These all make the coolest gifts and stocking stuffers for photographers of any level.

Grand Trunk Compass 360 Stool – These stools are the ultimate camping and photography accessory! They’re super light weight, pack down to just 11″ x 3″, and feature a 360° swivel seat. These are perfect for shooting outdoors and waiting out those long exposure shots.

Custom Photo Ornaments – Upload a favorite photo to make a beautiful one-of-a-kind ornament.

Choose from metal, wood, ceramic or a unique glass ornament base that glows with backlighting.

Capturing Couture Camera Strap – Photography equipment can be stylish too! We love all the fun strap designs from Capturing Couture and best of all they’re hand made in the USA.

ProMaster Photo Gloves – Keep them cozy while shooting with these ProMaster gloves. We love how the thumb and index finger fold back to make shooting easy!

Small Gifts for Pros & Beginners

Cleaning Kits – Nothing is more frustrating than getting home and finding every shot has flecks of dust in it. Keep their gear clean with one of our easy to use cleaning kits.

Photography Books – Learn to be a Photoshop Pro, dial in your studio photography, or practice your posing and more with great options from RockyNook books.

Nanlite PavoTube II 6C – Take lighting on the go with this 10″ RGB tube light. These lights make adding a pop of color or a little directional lighting a piece of cake. Shop Nanlite

ProCube2 Charger - These chargers are a game changer for pro photographers. Easily and quickly charge two batteries simultaneously while tracking their charge status on the digital display.

Gifts for Film Photographers

Film Photography Pocket Guide – Perfect for beginners, this little guide fits easily in your bag for quick tips on the go.

Kodak Steel Film Case – Hold up to five 135mm film rolls in this film case from Kodak.

Film – What can a film photographer always use? More film! We have several varieties in stock from Kodak, Lomography, Fujifilm and more.

Gifts for Pros

Nisi Filters – Protect their lenses or give them more creative freedom with filters! We have UV, Circular Polarizers, Neutral Density, and Variable Neutral Density Filters available and great kits from Nisi. Shop Filters

Godox V860III – Godox makes some of our all time favorite flashes. Powerful, high speed, and at an incredible price point, we find these hard to beat! Shop Godox

Tamron 35-150 F/2-2.8 Lens – One of our current favorite lenses for Sony and Nikon Z mounts, this all-in-one zoom is perfect for travel, event photography, and more! Shop Tamron

Mirrorless Cameras – Give them (or youself) the ultimate upgrade with a mirrorless camera body. We’re currently loving the EOS R50 and EOS R8 from Canon, the Sony a6700, and the Nikon Z8. We also have so many more options in the shop!

3 Legged Thing Tripods – Some of our current favorite Tripods are the Patti and Charles 2.0 from 3 legged thing. These are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use, making them great for travel and event photography.

Ona Bags – These luxury bags make shooting stylish as well as practical. Handcrafted in leather or waxed canvas, these bags are a great mix of protection, durability, and design.

Focal Point x Wheeler Bag

Our exclusive camera bag, designed by our own Kristi Reed and Nick Wheeler of Wheeler Bag Co in Astoria, OR. We love these handcrafted bags with a super durable and beautiful waxed canvas finish. Shop Focal Point x Wheeler

Still not sure what to get or don’t have time to shop? We have the perfect thing for that! Focal Point Gift Cards are available in any amount and they’re pretty darn cute too. Shop it Here

Many of these items and more have deals running this holiday season! Click the button below to view some of our current deals.

Focal Point + Wheeler Camera Bag

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:29:07 GMT

Focal Point + Wheeler Camera Bags are here! We are thrilled with our latest collaboration with Wheeler Bag Co. These limited run bags were thoughtfully designed by our own Kristi Reed and Nick Wheeler, and handcrafted in Astoria, Oregon.

A Visit to Wheeler Bag Co .

We made the drive up to Astoria to pick up the finished bags in-person and finally check out Nick’s studio at Shift + Wheeler. We are always blown away by the attention to detail and craftsmanship of Nick’s work, and these bags are no exception! Learn more about Wheeler Bag Co and browse their other products here: Wheeler Bag Co

The Bag

These canvas camera bags are designed to be the perfect everyday carry. With a waxed coating, these bags will help keep your gear dry and also develop a gorgeous patina with wear. The bags feature buckle closures made from Latigo leather with a matching hand strap. They come with an adjustable leather crossbody strap for comfortable carrying. There are two pockets on the exterior perfect for small accessories. The interior is lined in railroad denim, and features a zip closure and dividers to keep your gear secure. There is also a laptop divider that fits devices up to 16 inches.

These camera bags are exclusive to Focal Point Photography and Wheeler Bag Co. We have a limited amount of each colorway, so click the link below to learn more and snag your own before they’re gone!

40th anniversary photo contest

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:36:38 GMT

Join us in celebrating Focal Point Photography’s 40th Anniversary!

Focal Point Photography

Founded in 1983 by Mike Lowery, Focal Point Photography has been a leading source of education, equipment and assistance to photographers in our community.

Since July 2019, Focal Point has been locally owned and operated by Nate and Michelle Woods, who strive to build on the legacy Mike created. This year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate 40 years in business! We wouldn’t be here today without the kindness and support of our customers and community. In celebration of our anniversary and all of you who have helped make the last 40 years possible, we are hosting a photo contest with so many great prizes!

Categories & Prizes:

There will be five categories for the contest as listed below:

Portrait
Landscape
Macro
Miscellaneous
Junior Photographer*

Within each category will will select three winners as follows:

1st Place – $100 Focal Point Gift Card
2nd – $50.00 Focal Point Gift Card
3rd- $25.00 Focal Point Gift Card

We will also select one “Best of Show” to receive a Focal Point Photography insulated water bottle and a metal print of their entered photo up to 16×24.

*Junior Photographer Category

Children 12 and under are welcome to submit their photos of any variety to this special category. We ask that an adult help with the submission process and list “Junior Photographer” as the designated category.

Prizes:

1st Place – Fujifilm Instax Mini 7+ with film + $20.00 Dreamies Creamery Gift Card
2nd Place – Focal Point Water bottle + $15 Dreamies Creamery Gift Card
3rd Place – $15 Dreamies Creamery Gift Card

How to Enter:

Photos may be submitted September 9th- September 30th 2023
Submissions should be emailed to: contest@focalpointphoto.com
Participants may submit up to 1 image per category, for a total of 5 possible entries. Each photo must be unique and be solely the work of the participant.
Your submission must include the following information:
First and Last Name:
Contact Phone #:
Instagram Handle (Not required, but recommended for sharing purposes):
Designated Categories:
JPEG of photo submission between 1mb-20mb included as an attachment

Official Contest Rules:

Your submission indicates you have read and agree to abide by the Official Rules of Contest.
Submissions accepted between September 9th – September 30th 2023, no entries will be accepted after this date.
All participants agree to a photo release, & Focal Point is authorized to use any and all photographs and or digital images related to the entry for promotional purposes. By virtue of submission, the entrant certifies the work as their own and grants permission to reproduce any prints for publicity purposes, with credit given.
All articles must be the handiwork of the participant and not be taken from anyone other than the person submitting the photos. All images must be original, and may not include elements produced by anyone else.
Each participant is required to include first name, last name, phone number, email, JPEG of photo submission between 1mb-20mb included as an attachment to the email, and designated category for submission. Recommended that they include social media handles for re-posting after the contest has ended to announce winners.
One person is limited to five (5) photo entries in total for the whole contest, one (1) photo applicable per category, ex: a macro photo can’t also be a miscellaneous photo, they have to be two (2) different photos, each one submitted to one (1) category only.
Landscape and Portrait Categories refer to the subject of the image, not the orientation of the photo.
Children 12 and under only are allowed to submit photos to the Junior Photographer category. Those found violating this rule will be disqualified.
No image may be entered more than once. Changing a color image to monochrome, adding a filter or alternate cropping does not create a new image.
Contributors found in violation of rules shall be penalized by forfeiture of awards and/or privileges, and removed from the contest.
Only One prize allowed per person/participant.
All submissions will be judged by Focal Point Staff and judging will be closed to the public.
Paper submissions will not be accepted.
Award winners will be contacted via phone/email and winning photos may be shared on Focal Point Photography social media accounts.

Want to know more about our 40th Anniversary Celebration?

Check out event details here: 40th Anniversary Celebration

Services we Offer:

Buy, Sell, Trade New & Used Photography Equipment
Rental Equipment
Print In-Store & Online
Photo Gifts
Passport Photos
Film Developing
Classes & Workshops

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:36:35 GMT

If you’ve only ever shot in the summertime, or are new to photography, then fall can seem like the end of the perfect season to shoot outdoors. Autumn is around the corner, which means no more blissfully sunny days spent taking pictures in the warm afternoon sunshine. Despite the shift in weather, however, you can still learn new tricks and techniques that will make you a better photographer. Learning to work with softer low light, more shadows, and a different color set are all essential tools in a photographer’s skillset. Also, just because summer has come to its eventual end doesn’t mean that people won’t need your services for school photos, autumn weddings, maybe even group events (hopefully).

You shouldn’t get discouraged if the day you planned to shoot turns out drizzly and lackluster: it’s Oregon, it’s bound to happen. Instead, try to look for something that contrasts with the greys and blues to make a picture pop. Old red barns, late-blooming flowers, a bright yellow raincoat for instance. For new landscape photographers, the forests of the Northwest are a gold mine for unique pictures; the vine maple is stunning to shoot because it’s leaves turn from a soft green to vivid red. Red alders are particularly interesting because of the contrast between their white trunk and dying leaves. Many vineyards throughout the valley welcome the chance to have photographers wander their properties. Willamette Valley Vineyards, for instance, has a fantastic view of rolling hills surrounded by pine trees. Oregon is well known for its foliage during the fall, so take advantage of the chance to learn.

With colder weather comes more moisture. Our advice? Find the fog! Fog photos can be tricky to get right, but are super cool to see post-production. Scout a high-altitude spot and try out your manual focus on this one. Shooting from a hilltop down onto a valley or basin filled with low-lying clouds is something to experiment with. Being able to capture the morning rays of light as they filter through tree trunks engulfed in mist is always a stunning picture as well. Make the picture your own by adding a model into the mix, snapping a picture of fog hovering over a lake, or playing with silhouettes in the murky background.

If there’s one thing to take away from this blog it’s this: white balance, white balance, white balance! Tweaking this can help saturate a fall picture that would otherwise be dull and flat due to the dim light. Shooting on auto or shutter priority when you’re trying to capture the iconic colors of autumn photos is going to be difficult since the camera doesn’t want a warmer tone in the picture. Overcast and rainy days have a stronger blue tone that shows through on auto mode. However, autumn pictures lean more towards a comforting, almost nostalgic feeling that is steeped in yellow, orange, and brown shades. Additionally, scenes of forest settings allow for more noise and grain in order to produce a busier photo. If you spend the time to get to know how your white balance affects your photos, your skills as a photographer will evolve into a whole new level.

Finally, here are a few tips from everyone at the shop to get you ready for the season.

“Get a pumpkin spice latte before you go out. It sets the mood for a productive shoot.” – Jerome Daras

“Autumn is the perfect season for portrait and landscape photography. The wide range of colors and the overcast days are excellent for that.” – Andrew Schafer

Beginner’s Guide to Tripods

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:32:26 GMT

Looking for your first tripod can be overwhelming. There are so many knockoff brands on the market and filtering through the garbage to find a useful piece of equipment can take months of research and loads of dead ends. Luckily, though, Focal Point has you covered. We know that sticking to a budget is important for new photographers, but so is having the gear you need to expand your skillset. New or used, with a massive swing in price depending on what you need, our tripod inventory is fairly comprehensive. We’re also here if you have questions on tripod accessories or brands. Keep in mind that not all types of photography still require a tripod to get great photos. Portrait photographers usually go without in order to freely move around the studio and interact with the models.

If you’re interested in astrophotography, then a tripod is key to great pictures. This type of photography requires long exposures, as little movement as possible from the camera body, and a ton of patience. Your tripod has to be sturdy, able to absorb vibrations, and hold a large lens. You should expect to spend between $250-$400 for a tripod that will do all of those things. It may not be the lightest one of the bunch, but worth it for the stability. Carbon fiber tripods have recently become incredibly popular in the past several years since they’re significantly lighter than older models. However, not every carbon fiber tripod will be hefty enough to support a hobby like astrophotography. In shop, we have a whole bunch of tripods that will work; brands like Benro and Sirui are going to be prime candidates.

For landscape photographers, stability is important, but not as much of a priority as portability; having to lug a chunky piece of equipment through the forest isn’t ideal. Instead, you’ll want to research brands that specialize in lightweight gear. Three Legged Thing and Slik are companies that make tripods for hikers or those constantly on the go. Their designs are crafted to be adjustable, adaptable, and have accessories that make moving from one type of environment to another easier. Look for tripods that have 3-4 leg sections; these have a large height range that you can work with without being too wobbly or unstable. Twist locks are a favorite feature for many of the photographers that visit the shop. They don’t tend to break as easily at clamp locks.

Architecture and product photography are two other styles that usually need tripods. Used mainly in tandem with lighting equipment, these styles require crystal clear staged photos meant to highlight a unique aspect of the subject or several different angles. Wide-angle lenses are common for these styles as well. Stability and portability are essential.

Beginner’s Guide to Tripods Given all of that information, it can be tempting to buy the first tripod you see in a shop or online just to get the process over with and avoid the stress. Maybe it works out, maybe it doesn’t; but, you know what you do & don’t want in a tripod, right? Please don’t do this. Any seasoned photographer will tell you that doing so would be a mistake; it has the potential to cause you loads of trouble while also being a waste of money and time. You may also end up in a situation where you’ll desperately need all of your gear, tripod included, to function correctly. Gambling on a cheap plastic piece of junk isn’t something we’d recommend.

Some common traits of cheap tripods include being so lightweight that they simply aren’t stable regardless of the environment in which you’re using it. Whereas Benro, Manfrotto, and MeFOTO offer lightweight options that are usually made of carbon fiber and are meant for a wide range of camera setups, knockoff brands will cut corners in order to claim the “lightweight” title. Their tripod won’t usually be as tall as quality brands, the legs may have supports that make the build clunky and inconvenient, or the head won’t function in the way you want. While most tripod heads can be adjusted quickly & precisely, the budget head may move when you try to tighten it up instead of remaining steady. For photographers with telephoto lenses where the weight distribution isn’t equal over the tripod head, this is a major drawback as it makes shooting difficult. Plastic screws, cheap rubber (or none at all) on the feet, and an abysmal load capacity will make shooting on this tripod extremely frustrating.

All in all, what we at Focal Point want most is for you to walk out the door with a tripod that will last for a long time. Replacement feet are something we keep in stock. If you need a new tripod plate, we have tons. Those are easy things to replace with little consideration. If it takes several trips to the store to try out a variety of tripods, then we are all in to help! Feel free to ask questions, test out the gear with your camera, and talk to other people in the Focal Point community to get an idea of the brand and type of tripod you want. Whatever you decide on, and even if you don’t, we’re always here to lend a helping hand!

Here are a few tripod tips from the guys at the shop:

“The MeFOTO Roadtrip is a good blend of being affordable, is lightweight, and is compact. It’s a great beginner tripod that will last quite a few years.” – Andrew

“When you’re ready to step up to a professional tripod, consider a carbon fiber one. Extremely lightweight, sturdy, and durable. Benro Mach3 is a favorite.” – Nate

Beginner Tips for Autumn Photography

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 20:32:26 GMT

Finally, here are a few tips from everyone at the shop to get you ready for the season.

“Get a pumpkin spice latte before you go out. It sets the mood for a productive shoot.” – Jerome Daras

“Autumn is the perfect season for portrait and landscape photography. The wide range of colors and the overcast days are excellent for that.” – Andrew Schafer

Our Little Camera Store Blog ~ Focal Point

What is Grey Market Camera Gear?

What is Grey Market Camera Gear? ﻿

(And should you worry about it?)

Meet Loki, Our New Shop Dog

Meet Loki, Our New Shop Dog

Meet Miles

Meet Miles - Our Summer Used Gear Wizard

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners 2024

Best of Show

Portrait Category

Landscape Category

Macro Category

Miscellaneous Category

Junior Photographer Category

Contest Sponsors

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest

Join us in celebrating the beauty of Oregon’s cherry blossoms!

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest

Categories & Prizes

Junior Photographer

Prizes:

How to Enter

Official Contest Rules

Meet the Sponsors

Focal Point Photography

Services we Offer

The Grand Hotel in Salem

Holiday Gift Guide

Focal Point Photography Gift Guide

Gifts for Everyone & Stocking Stuffers

Small Gifts for Pros & Beginners

Gifts for Film Photographers

Gifts for Pros

Focal Point x Wheeler Bag

Focal Point + Wheeler Camera Bag

A Visit to Wheeler Bag Co .

The Bag

40th anniversary photo contest

Focal Point Photography

Categories & Prizes:

*Junior Photographer Category

How to Enter:

Official Contest Rules:

Want to know more about our 40th Anniversary Celebration?

Check out event details here: 40th Anniversary Celebration ﻿

Services we Offer:

Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners

Beginner’s Guide to Tripods

Beginner Tips for Autumn Photography

What is Grey Market Camera Gear?

Check out event details here: 40th Anniversary Celebration