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Supporting Stars - part 1 of 1 2 3 4 5

Published 01/08/2011

Which bags, lenses and tripods will prove an invaluable sidekick on social photography assignments?

Gavin Stoker solicits recommendations from manufacturers and distributors

As any social, wedding, events or sports photographer knows, having the right equipment to hand on the big day to achieve that winning shot is crucial. But it's not just about the correct lens or even tripod. Something as prosaic as the bag you choose to transport your equipment can tip the balance in your favour, as opposed to tipping precious kit out onto the tarmac.

With this in mind we've canvassed recommendations from lens, bag and tripod manufacturers and distributors to find out which product will be your best fit.

Life through a lens

Speaking for Sigma, product specialist Paul Reynolds flags up its new 85mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lenses, aimed at the social photographer looking for good quality 'classic portrait' primes.

Prices are a respective £829.99 and £449.99. "We do Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax plus our own Sigma mount," Paul divulges. "Prime lenses are very good quality compared to zooms; I know that's historically been the case and it still is, even though zooms are getting really good now. [Primes] also allow the faster aperture for a nice shallow depth of field, which is what a lot of people want with portraits: to get the eyes sharp and the ears out of focus. You can do that with these two lenses."

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