Photo Accessory Reviews

The year-end holidays mark a joyous time for picture taking, photo sharing and gift giving. Here’s a list of photo gift ideas that range from $10 to $49.

Slik introduced the first pistol grip over 25 years ago, heralding an innovative adaptation of the ball socket head. Still in production, that head has not changed, but today there are numerous variations on this basic design. Several are fashioned along the lines of a video game joystick. Two other types included here are the collar lock ball head and what I call the “vice grip” head.

If you’ve ever taken something apart to make it better, or enjoyed building something from Lego bricks, you’re going to love the Platypod Pro. It’s the world’s most compact base for a tripod head, according to its label, but that’s selling it short—it’s really much cooler than that. 

While I’ve found Nikon’s wireless TTL system to be a great asset, I also understand that it has inherent weaknesses when used around obstacles that block the signal, as well as outdoors beyond a few feet or under sunlight. Enter PocketWizard’s ControlTL (Control The Light) TTL-auto radios for Nikon (originally introduced for Canon). These radios are designed to respond in every respect as a dedicated extension of the Nikon CLS/i-TTL system. And they have the potential to do that, provided you keep on top of firmware updates (www.pocketwizard.com/support). I conducted my tests using my Nikon D300 together with the Nikon SB-900 speedlight (verified by PocketWizard as compatible) and briefly an SB-700 (not confirmed at time of testing).

You don't have to earn a living taking pictures to enjoy pro-level product quality. Enhance your photography passion by adding the right gear to your equipment arsenal. Even if you don't currently work as a pro, you can work like a pro.

File this one under “Having fun with photos while temporarily housebound.” reStickity prints your images on durable peel & stick adhesive material that can safely be attached, removed and then reattached to virtually any surface without damaging the wallboard, refrigerator door, corkboard or plaster (etc.) you attach it to. Put an end to crummy tape scum forever.

Wacom, the brand that artists, graphics professionals and photographers everywhere rely on, just introduced the Wacom One 14. It's full of features and fun, and it's amazingly affordable. But don't let the budget price fool you; there's a mountain of horsepower behind the 14-inch screen.