On 21 July 2016 at 13:37, Stuart Prior stuart.prior@wikimedia.org.uk wrote:
Hello all,
Just a reminder that Wiki Loves Monuments is around the corner, andn coincidently we are looking for input on volunteer equipment. (Specifically photography and AV equipment)
Here is a list of current equipment we have:
https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Equipment_Loan_Procedure#Multimedia
We’d ideally strive for some kind of balance between quality and quantity, but are not averse to a big ticket item if it will facilitate a specific piece of work. But ideas suggested to me by volunteers and other Wikimedians so far have been:
More lapel microphones (to record panel events etc) Shoulder rig Video light box. Filters. Extra batteries and memory cards. A bigger telephoto lens A handy audio recorder A camera drone A selfie stick
We have a budget of £1000. If as part of the suggestions, people could also look at prices and possible good value vendors, that would be helpful too. Please reply all here, or alternatively, with suggestions on the wiki. Looking to firm up decisions over the next couple of weeks.
Thanks
-- Stuart Prior
Hmm the usual rule I have with photographic equipment is don't buy until there is an active need. What are you and volunteers doing?
Looking through the list:
Shoulder rig--some people like these, some don't. Are you doing a lot of mobile video? Video light box.--don't you have a couple of these already? If you have an event where you need more they might be worth renting. Filters--could have sworn you have some. Anyway circular polarisers are pretty useful. Anything else I'd wait for a specific need. Extra batteries and memory cards.--Yup. A bigger telephoto lens--You've got a fair bit of reach with your current setup and there aren't really any cheap ways of doing this. If you really want more than the cheapest decent option would be a second hand Canon 100-400mm L IS MK1 which london camera exchange are currently selling for as low as £650. https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Canon-EF-100-400mm-L-IS-USM_153926.html ebay may be cheaper.
A camera drone--Not really an option within your current budget. Try again next year.
My experience is that stuff wikipedia needs photos of tends to be wide rather than long. Cheapest option would be £270 samyang 14mm Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC or the samyang 10mm at £330. These lenses are manual focus only mind.
http://www.ukdigital.co.uk/samyang-10mm-t31-vdslr-cine-lens-canon.html http://www.ukdigital.co.uk/samyang-10mm-f28-edas-ncs-cs-lens-canon.html
Amazon and ukdigital tend to be level on prices with regards to samyang but ukdigital have given my better customer support.