Many reviewers applaud fast delivery, a wide choice of products, and sharp prices. Several mention a website that’s easy to use and products that are simple to set up. Other reviews describe serious service problems, including incorrect deliveries, refused refunds, and rude staff. A small number report product issues such as missing caps and faulty units.
Examples from available reviews (Dec 2021 – Mar 2026).
Competitive prices, fast efficient deliveries and consistently great service.
“Prices are very competitive and the deliveries are always fast and efficient.”
Company refused to refund within the suggested timeframe.
“Refuses to refund within suggested timeframe”
Received wrong item; staff were rude and communication was very poor.
“Rude and aggressive staff, lies galore and a very poor standard of communication”
C-stand quality was good but it lacked protective end caps.
“it is annoying that the boom arm is supplied with no protective caps for both ends”
A large group of five-star reviews points to knowledgeable staff and fast fulfilment. In contrast, repeated low-star reviews mention returns sent to the wrong address, refunds being refused, and hostile interactions. These complaints come up often enough to stand out as a clear service risk.
Many reviews highlight competitive prices and good value on cameras, lighting, and accessories. Comments about price and range drive this theme. Mentions of poor value appear only rarely.
Customers often describe the site as easy to navigate, with a smooth ordering process. Many also note quick delivery and straightforward setup for studio kits and lighting. Positive usability feedback covers browsing, checkout, and product setup.
Many reviewers say products are genuine, sturdy, and arrive in good condition. Others flag specific faults, including missing protective end caps, defective rebadged units, and a shattered modelling bulb. Complaints are less common than praise but describe clear product failures.
Many reviewers mention helpful staff, live chat that works well, and timely order updates. A smaller number report no updates, missing deliveries, and trouble reaching support for large orders. Reviews include both strong communication and clear breakdowns.
Reviews split between high satisfaction with pricing, delivery, and site ease, and strong dissatisfaction tied to service failures. Positive experiences focus on smooth purchases and quick fulfilment. Negative experiences focus on unresolved service problems that created major inconvenience.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (40) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: March 2026
C-stand quality was good but it lacked protective end caps.
“it is annoying that the boom arm is supplied with no protective caps for both ends”
Company refused to refund within the suggested timeframe.
“Refuses to refund within suggested timeframe”
Repair was returned to wrong address and communication and complaint handling failed.
“They returned it to the wrong address causing me a lot of inconvenience”
Received wrong item; staff were rude and communication was very poor.
“Rude and aggressive staff, lies galore and a very poor standard of communication”
A rebadged unit had defects and repair handling was unsatisfactory.
“the unit proved problematic in more than one way.”
Great prices and products, though stock availability wasn't initially communicated.
“Great prices, excellent products and quik delivery.”
Wide product range, easy website and ultra-fast delivery; reviewer prefers this retailer.
“easy to use website and slick ordering process and ultra fast delivery”
Competitive prices, fast efficient deliveries and consistently great service.
“Prices are very competitive and the deliveries are always fast and efficient.”
Products are genuine and durable; reviewer has been a satisfied customer since 2014.
“Genuine, durable products, I've been a valued customer since 2014.”
Purchases have consistently been efficient in the past.
“I have purchased from Essential Photo and Video in the past and have always found them to be very efficient.”
Customer service was superb and issues were resolved without fuss.
“Superb customer service start to finish.”
Item ordered one day and delivered the next; it was in stock.
“Ordered one day - delivered the next - Item in stock and great service”
Speedy service from ordering through to delivery.
“Excellent speedy service once again from ordering to delivery.”
Products arrived quickly and in perfect condition; customer service was professional.
“everything arrived quickly and in perfect condition.”
Reviewer chooses retailer for studio kit due to price, service and reliability.
“Essential Photo&Video are my first choice go to place for all my studio kit”
Good selection of lighting options and fast delivery impressed the reviewer.
“Great selection of lighting options and fast delivery.”
Website was easy to use and selection extensive; delivery was speedy.
“Great selection and such an easy web site to use.”
Customer service was excellent according to the reviewer.
“Excellent customer service”
Reviewer loves the equipment and gives positive, repeated feedback on service.
“Amazing service!”
Softbox was easy to assemble, arrived quickly, and service was excellent.
“Great softbox, really easy to put up and use.”
Ordering and pickup were smooth and the product was well liked.
“Easy to order and my pick up was smooth.”
Staff were helpful and kept me informed about delayed pre-orders.
“the staff were really helpful when I enquired”
The reviewer did not receive their order and had no updates.
“I didn’t receive my order.”
Delivery was quick and communications were great.
“Quick delivery and great communications”
Staff resolved a mistaken pre-order, refunded and advised a replacement.
“staff were really helpful to resolve and refunded and advised new product”
Product was out of stock but communication and live chat were very helpful.
“Communication has been great Live chat was really helpful”
Delivery was quick and team communication was good; company reliable.
“Quick delivery and good communication from the team.”
Wide product range, easy website, slick ordering and ultra-fast delivery.
“Great range of products, clear and easy to navigate website”
Service directed me to needed items with prompt delivery and updates.
“First class service - directed me to exactly what I needed.”
Purchase was easy, delivery great and product performed well.
“Easy to make purchase, great delivery and an awesome product.”
Some items were pre-ordered but communication was excellent and delivery secure.
“Communication is excellent.”
Team were knowledgeable, informative and willing to help before purchase.
“knowledge and experience between the team that I spoke to was great”
Fast delivery and an easy-to-use website aided finding the item.
“Fast delivery, great website and found my item with ease.”
Great service, wide equipment range and reasonable prices.
“GREAT SERVICE AND WIDE RANGE OF EQUIPMENT FOR REASONABLE PRICES”
Large order had stock delays and customer service feedback was difficult.
“feedback and contacting customer service was difficult and disappointing”
Product range and pricing were excellent with clear stock notices.
“Range of products and price point were excellent.”
Product was excellent value and the purchase process was easy.
“Excellent price for an amazing bit of kit.”
Products were easy to set up and improved the reviewer's photos.
“The lighting kit is brilliant – it’s lightweight, no cables to trip over, and gives a lovely soft light”
Service was excellent and delivery was fast.
“Excellent service and fast delivery.”
Transaction was stress-free and easy.
“Stress free easy transaction.”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarised without changing the content of reviews.
Essential Photo (trading as Essential Photo & Video) is a UK retailer of photo and video gear. It sells cameras, lenses, studio lighting, tripods, softboxes, and accessories for photographers and videographers. The company runs an online store with product specs and stock details. Listings usually show brand names, model information, and accessory compatibility so buyers can compare options. It serves both consumer and professional customers, offering pre-sale advice and order fulfilment through its e-commerce platform.