Too cheap is VERY expensive.

You've heard the term "too good to be true". Well, in many cases, that statement is 100% correct.

Photography, like many other arts, is one of those things not to compromise quality for anything...ever. There are of course budget items and accessories you can get for your photography which do not harm your craft in anyway like purchasing a White Foam Core to use as a reflector, as opposed to spending £20+ pounds on a fancier (and more portable) reflector.

A few weeks back, we blogged about a very good and cheap lens for photographers to buy (read the article HERE). There are well known companies that specialise in providing low-cost solutions as a substitute to your camera's designated make. For example, you can buy a Sigma or Tamron lens to use on a Nikon, Canon, Sony, whatever. These are usually slightly cheaper than those made by Canon, Sony and Nikon themselves and are also usually of near exact quality as the Sonys, Canons etc.

What you should beware of is a Canon lens that YOU know costs over £400+ going for a shockingly attractive and tempting £150 or less. This can happen particularly when buying online. If the price is TOO good even to your own conscience, chances are, that item is not to be touched.
Buying a fake or extremely poor quality lens can seriously harm your work, your wallet AND your self-esteem.

If you do not intend to shop from your manufacturer's websites, always at least browse them and use them as a reference point as well as comparing prices on google of the item you wish to buy. Also, be very attentive of the specs and descriptions provided. For instance, do not mistake a Nikon EF-S Niccor 24-120mm f/6.4 ED RV for a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR.