Reviews show a pattern of generally positive customer experiences: fast delivery, clear website navigation and knowledgeable, helpful staff are frequently mentioned. Communication and live chat are often praised, especially around pre‑orders and stock updates. However, some customers report delayed or missing deliveries and at least one report describes a faulty product and unsatisfactory follow‑up. If you are purchasing items that may be on pre‑order, check stock status and tracked delivery options; consider using available guarantees or contacting support before and after purchase.
Examples from available reviews (Dec 2021 – Feb 2026).
Seller delayed shipment, sold faulty lights, and failed to refund or replace.
“a modeling bulb that shattered after only two minutes of operation”
The reviewer did not receive their order and had no updates.
“I didn’t receive my order.”
Wide product range, easy website, slick ordering and ultra-fast delivery.
“Great range of products, clear and easy to navigate website”
Some items were pre-ordered but communication was excellent and delivery secure.
“Communication is excellent.”
Most reviewers describe prompt delivery and helpful staff; a minority report difficult order handling, delayed refunds and disappointing service follow‑up.
Several customers mention good or competitive pricing and reasonable value; mentions are limited so the evidence base is small and cautious interpretation advised.
Customers frequently report an easy online experience, clear website navigation, smooth pick‑up and straightforward transactions; some also note delays when items are out of stock.
Most product comments are positive, citing solid build, good packaging and reliable performance; one review flagged a broken modelling bulb and a misfitted dome.
Many reviewers praise clear, timely communications and helpful live chat; a smaller group report poor updates or long waits for order status information.
Overall impressions are largely positive with repeat buyers recommending the shop; several customers however report late or missing deliveries affecting their experience.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (40) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 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 is a specialised retailer of photographic and video equipment, focussing on lighting, studio accessories and camera support. The company supplies both individual items and multi‑item kits and operates an online ordering system alongside customer support channels. Consumers researching Essential Photo commonly look for product range, delivery reliability, warranty coverage and staff expertise.