Top 10 Must-Have Accessories Every Photographer Can Find at a Photography Shack
Camera accessories are essential to the success of any photographer or videographer. They can improve the quality of your photographs, protect your equipment and make it more efficient anywhere, anytime.
Tripods are one of the most important camera accessories for photographers, especially if you want to take long exposure shots or do steady filming. They also help to eliminate camera shake for a crisper photograph.
1. Tripod
Tripods are a staple for any serious photographer. They can help you create sharp, crystal-clear images by stabilizing your camera. This can be particularly useful for landscapes and architectural photography.
A tripod can also help you perfect your composition. It forces you to think more about the framing of your image, so you can get it right in camera. This is especially helpful if you’re using an advanced technique like focus stacking or high dynamic range imaging, which require multiple images of the same subject.
When selecting a tripod, check whether it has a bubble level built in to the head. This saves space in your bag and ensures that your horizon is straight. You should also look for a quick-release plate with a d-ring. This makes it easier to mount your camera onto the tripod without having to fumble around with a coin or other tool.
2. Lens Hood
The Lens Hood is a lightweight accessory that screws into the front of your lens and acts as a visor to help prevent lens flare and glare from affecting your photos. It also provides protection for the front surface of your lens from bumps, scratches, and fingerprints.
Most lens hoods are designed to easily snap into place on your lens and have markings so you can align them correctly for maximum effectiveness. For the most versatility, you can get cylindrical lens hoods that can be flattened for storage and travel purposes.
Even on sunny days, a Lens Hood can improve contrast in your photos and prevent lens flare that can make them look dull or lackluster. It is an inexpensive and invaluable tool that should be on every photographer’s camera bag. You never know when it will come in handy!
3. Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release allows you to shoot images without touching your camera’s shutter button. This is essential if you are using a tripod for long exposures, to prevent camera shake and blurring in your photographs. It is also useful if you are photographing children, animals or other subjects that may change their behavior if they notice the photographer.
There are two basic types of remote shutter releases – tethered and wireless. The simplest is a wired device that plugs into your camera’s shutter port and has a built-in timer that allows you to trigger the shutter with a full or half press of the button. This type of shutter release is less expensive than a wireless remote and offers the added benefit of being easy to set up. There are also more sophisticated wireless remotes that work with either infrared or radio, depending on the model.
4. Lens Cleaning Kit
A lens cleaning kit is a must-have accessory for keeping your camera and lenses clean. A quality cleaning kit will include a bulb blower and soft brush, as well as microfiber cloths and pre-moistened wipes. Some kits also come with a swab and sensor cleaning solution.
The swab is dual-tipped with one side having precision carbon powder to remove oil, stains, and fingerprints, while the other side has a soft brush to help get into the nooks and crannies of your camera body and sensor. The kit comes in a travel case and is a great addition to any photography bag. It will also work well for cleaning other photo-sensitive electronics.
5. Camera Bag
A quality camera bag will keep all your gear organized while protecting it from the elements. Look for a bag with plenty of padding to prevent the camera and lenses from banging against each other during transport. A padded interior will also protect your equipment from scratches or damage.
Consider a camera backpack that looks more like a normal bag for more flexibility. One example is the MindShift MB-800, which features a variety of pockets and dividers to organize everything from small electronics and audio gear to a DSLR and lens. It even has a removable waist belt to provide additional comfort and stability.
Another option is a holster bag, which can be worn like a satchel and typically has thick padding to protect the camera. Some have a flap that can be zipped open, which allows you to quickly access your camera without opening the bag completely.
6. Filters Wrench
A filter wrench helps you loosen or tighten your lens filters without needing to remove your hands from the camera. They usually look like a socket wrench, with a metal band that wraps around the end of your filter and a handle you can turn to adjust it. Strap wrenches are a more versatile option that can grip the entire circle of a spin-on filter lid but they don’t generate as much pressure as other, sturdier variants.
Sensei offers a set of rubberized 72-82mm wrenches that can work well in tight spaces, and they’re compatible with all major lens filter sizes. However, this type of wrench won’t work on filters with plastic lids or chrome-plated filters that require a separate metal cap to be removed first. A set of filter pliers may be a better choice for these types.
7. Extra Batteries
Modern camera technology requires a lot of power and often drains batteries quickly. Having extra camera batteries is a must-have accessory for photographers to ensure that they don’t run out of battery power and miss any important shots during events or photo shoots. In addition, having extra camera batteries can also be useful in remote locations where access to charging facilities may be limited.
If you’re looking for a new camera bag that will provide plenty of space for your gear, check out the Streetomatic Camera Bag. This bag has a unique design that looks stylish and is a great choice for urban photography. It’s large enough to fit a DSLR and a few lenses or even a mirrorless and has a front area for storing extra batteries and memory cards. It’s also water resistant to help keep your equipment safe in case of rain.
8. Memory Cards
Running out of memory can be a frustrating experience. Especially when you’re shooting in burst mode which can quickly fill up a camera’s storage. That’s why it’s important to bring extra memory cards.
These days you can pick up high capacity SD cards for relatively cheap. You should also get a card reader which will make it faster to transfer images to your computer.
One of the best card brands on the market is SanDisk. Their Extreme Pro cards offer blazing fast read and write speeds. They’re also made to resist water, shocks, x-rays, and extreme temperatures. When shopping for them be sure to only buy from authorized sellers. Otherwise, you could end up with a fake.
9. Flashes
A camera is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to getting professional-grade photos. A photographer needs a wide range of accessories to help improve their images, protect their equipment, and make their shoots efficient anywhere, any time.
Flashes are one of the most important camera accessories to have, no matter what type of photography you do. They can give you more control over your lighting and help you create different types of shots.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and effective speedlight, this model from Yongnuo is a great choice. It doesn’t have as many features as more expensive models, but it does everything you need it to do. This flash has a high-speed shutter synchronization and advanced distance integration technology, making it perfect for low-light situations. It also has a 270-degree, side-to-side swivel for versatile control.
10. Lens Caps
Although they aren’t as glamorous or innovative as other accessories like hoods and automatic lens covers, lens caps serve a vital purpose. They protect the front element of a camera lens from dust and debris when the camera is not in use, keeping it clean for optimal image quality.
Lens caps are available in a variety of sizes to fit a specific lens. Most are sized based on the filter thread diameter located at the front of a lens, and they can be found in plastic and metal materials.
Other accessories that may help protect camera lenses include lens bands and sleeves made of closed-cell neoprene. These are used to prevent zoom creep or unwanted movement of the camera’s lens, and they can also serve as a buffer in the case of accidental bumps during transport.