Cheap Gear, Pricey Consequences: One of the Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned

I have learned many lessons in my years as a professional photographer, but if there is one that really sticks out it is that every time I have gone for the cheaper option is has cost far more than I have saved in the long run.

Let me give you some examples:

• Purchased generic batteries rather than Nikon originals for my D700 saving £30.
  Net result – Even though it was showing as fully charged the battery died half way through a wedding ceremony. Luckily I had spares in my bag but I lost key shots while changing it.
• Purchased bulk Duracell AA’s for my flash from eBay saving £2-3 per pack.
  Net result – Batteries were fakes and leaked in my flash. Cost of a new SB910 £318.89. Not covered on insurance as it is ‘contamination’.
• Purchased 3rd party grip for my D700 saving £200.
  Net Result – The cheaper grip was not properly regulated and fried my camera mid wedding. Cost of repair £400 as it invalidated my warranty.
• Purchased a 3rd party battery pack for my SB910 saving £120.
  Net result – this ALSO wasn’t properly regulated and fried my flash. Net cost another £318.89 (although my insurance did pay for this minus my excess).
• Purchased a D700 from a supplier that were the cheapest locally saving £50.
  Net result – Turns out it was a grey import and had no UK warranty. When it developed a fault on the hot shoe I had to cover the repair. Cost £150.

In total I am nearly £700 down through trying to save a few pennies. Sure, you could just say I was unlucky. Repeatedly. Each purchase was well researched and the items had plenty of positive reviews but as a result of these problems I now only buy Nikon original gear, I only buy direct from Amazon (NOT resellers on their site) and I don’t touch eBay with a barge pole. It turns out that I can’t afford to be cheap.

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Image creditsPenny Pincher by theilr.