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
A honeycomb grid set and two Storm 600w flash heads were sold to me by Essential Photos.
According to their customer service, shipment takes 3-4 days. After a week, I received an email saying they were out of stock.
I had enough and demanded a refund.
But I'm confident they were simply not paying attention because I had other difficulties with the 400, including a modeling bulb that shattered after only two minutes of operation and an incorrectly fitted glass dome.
So I returned it and requested a 600 to replace it. They advised I bend the metal components that keep the dome in place.
A month later, no compensation or replacement light.
My services have been the worst this year.
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.