Camera accessories can enhance your photography and videography experience, providing you with more creative options, better image quality, and convenience. Here are some must-have camera accessories:
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A camera bag is essential for storing and transporting your camera and accessories safely. Look for a bag with well-padded compartments, adjustable dividers, and durable materials.
Consider your gear’s size and how much you plan to carry, as well as any additional space for personal items like water bottles or a notebook.
If you have a mirrorless camera and two prime lenses, you are not going to need as big a bag as someone with a DLSR and two zoom lens.
I like a simple shoulder bag, it’s got enough space for my Nikon D750, two prime lenses, a battery charger, and an external flash (speedlight) if I need one. Plus room for smaller accessories like an extra battery, cleaning supplies, extra SD cards, and a few other things.
Tripod
A tripod provides stability for your camera, eliminating camera shake and allowing you to take sharp photos, especially in low light or long exposure situations.
Look for one made from sturdy materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. Ensure it has a ball head or pan-and-tilt head that can handle the weight of your camera and lenses.
I used a simple cheap $80 tripod for many years before upgrading to a Peak Design Travel Tripod, and I wouldn’t want to go back. But that budget tripod did me well for what it was. Higher-end tripods are typically lighter weight, easier to set up/break down, and may travel better than an entry-level/budget tripod.
Extra Batteries and Charger
Carrying spare batteries is vital, especially for extended shoots or when traveling.
Ensure the batteries are compatible with your camera model. A dual-battery charger can be convenient for charging multiple batteries simultaneously.
I mainly use batteries produced by the same company as my camera, but third-party batteries are often available and generally cheaper. I have one
Memory Cards
High-quality memory cards with fast read and write speeds ensure smooth and reliable storage of your photos and videos. Choose cards with enough capacity for your needs, and consider having a mix of SD and CF cards if your camera supports both formats.
I have like 10 of these Sandisk memory cards. Mostly 32GB but a few 64GB and 128GB sized cards. I typically do not like to be able to have all my event coverage on one card. I like to break it up in case the worst things happen to one of those cards.
Lens Cleaning Kit
Dust, fingerprints, and smudges can affect image quality, so a lens cleaning kit is essential. A blower is useful for removing loose particles, while cleaning solution and microfiber cloths can clean the lens surface.
For more advanced users, sensor swabs can be used to clean the camera sensor (but be cautious and follow manufacturer guidelines).
I have a decent lens cleaning kit in my main storage bag where I do a decent cleaning of my gear before and after events, but I also have a bunch of lens clothes stashed everywhere. One in my camera shoulder bag, one in my laptop bag, one in my car, one near my computer desk, you get the point lol.
External Flash:
An external flash unit (a speedlight specifically) is beneficial when shooting in low light or when you need to add fill light to your subjects. Look for one with TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering capabilities to simplify the flash exposure.
I cover mostly outside events and tend not to use my external flash a bunch. But I definitely have one for when I need it. Some inside events are a given or even outside events at night. I covered Sportsbackers Tacky Light Run in 2022 and was running around with two cameras, each with a speedlight catching runners throughout the course. It was a blast.
Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release allows you to trigger the camera without touching it, minimizing the risk of camera shake during long exposures, time-lapses, or self-portraits.
These are pretty cheap and can vary by camera brand and type.
Lens Filters
Filters are useful for creative effects and to protect your lenses. UV filters protect against scratches and dust, while circular polarizers reduce reflections and enhance colors.
ND (Neutral Density) filters are essential for controlling exposure in bright conditions and when you want to achieve motion blur in your images.
Gaffer Tape
You never know when gaffer tape will come in handy. I use it to mark places for talent to stand, hold blinds closed to eliminate light spots, and even keep my camera together.
Really, yeah, the rubber grip on one of my Nikon D750s started to come off while I was covering a Nascar race like 6 years ago, so I quickly threw on some gaffer tape to keep it in place and it hasn’t come off yet!
Camera Strap
A comfortable camera strap reduces strain on your neck and shoulders during long shoots. Opt for one with padding and quick-release clips for convenience.
I like all of Peak Designs’ straps. They’re strong, reliable, and can be used pretty interchangeably with each other. They have a bunch of different kinds depending on the type of camera you have.
Lens Hood
Lens hoods block unwanted light from entering the lens, reducing lens flare and improving contrast. They’re particularly useful when shooting in bright light or against the sun.
A lot of lenses come with their own hoods but can be easily picked up if you misplaced yours or maybe bought it secondhand.
Camera Rain Cover
If you frequently shoot outdoors, especially in unpredictable weather, a rain cover protects your camera and lenses from rain, snow, and dust, ensuring they stay dry and functional.
Although I’ll try to avoid the rain if I can, I like to use these sleeves when I can’t. They do a pretty good job of protecting the camera and lens. Just make sure to set it up before the event so you’re not rushing to set it up while shooting. I missed a few shots during a road race because I forgot to attach the rubber eyepiece over top of the little hole in the sleeve, so it kept blocking the viewfinder.
External Microphone
For videographers or anyone interested in recording high-quality audio, an external microphone attached to the camera or used separately can greatly improve the sound of your videos.
Rode microphones are great for these. They have a couple of different microphones at various price points, but the Rode VideoMic GO II is pretty affordable around $100.
Gimbal/Stabilizer:
A gimbal or stabilizer is ideal for creating smooth and steady footage while walking or moving the camera. It helps eliminate jerky movements, providing professional-looking results.
Brands like DJI, Zhiyun, and FeiyuTech are pretty popular. Here’s a list of some of the best gimbals for mirrorless and DSLR.
Portable External Hard Drive:
An external hard drive provides additional storage for your photos and videos. It’s crucial, especially if you shoot in high resolution or RAW format, which can quickly consume your camera’s memory cards.
Once my internal hard drive starts to get full, I offload my older images to my external hard drive. This frees up space on my internal drive so I can keep importing and editing images quickly.
There are a bunch of different options out there now for this, but I prefer mine to be about 4TB. Otherwise, I end up filling them up quickly and have to keep buying new ones.
Lens Pen
A lens pen is a compact and convenient tool for quick lens cleaning on the go. It usually has a brush on one end to remove dust and a microfiber tip on the other for more thorough cleaning.
Wrapping Up
Remember that the specific accessories you need will depend on your photography style and the type of camera you use. Quality and compatibility are key when selecting camera accessories, so invest in trusted brands and products that suit your needs.
