Whether you’ve ever been to a camera store or are shopping online, there’s a vast variety of camera accessories–everything from bags to tripods to lenses to filters. It all gets a bit overwhelming.
Finding the best camera accessories, either as a gift for a photographer or personal use, can be challenging. On top of that, how are you supposed to identify the well-made camera accessories from the poorly-made knockoffs?
With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best camera accessories on the market. We’ll also answer the question: what accessories do I need for DSLR camera? Let’s dive right in!
What Every Photographer Should Have
There are several critical tools that every photographer should have. In some cases, getting the best professional quality pictures takes more than just a camera. In other instances, certain accessories, like bags, are more for convenience and care for your camera.
That said, here’s a breakdown of what every photographer should have. And don’t worry, we’ll get into more detail and offer our recommendations in a minute.
- Prime lenses
- Tripods
- Lighting
- Remote Shutter Release
- Filters (polarizer, ND, etc.)
- Filter case
- Filter wrenches
- Spare batteries
- Memory cards
- Memory card holder
- External hard drive
- Camera bag
- Gloves
- Leveling accessories
- A powerful computer
Best Camera Accessories for Every Photographer
Whether you’re a freelance photographer or simply wish to take the best possible pictures of your family and friends, there are many mirrorless camera accessories you should consider.
Fast Prime Lenses
For starters, you’re going to need some lenses. A prime lens is a photographic lens with a fixed focal point, rather than a zoom lens. We have the perfect one.
For 50mm full-frame cameras, this lens has an 80mm focal length equivalent. It’s a top-notch lens for general use and works perfectly for action, nighttime photography, and portraits.
Tripods and Supports
Tripods and other supports are essential for taking pictures that require longer exposure. Not only does taking a picture using this method prevent movement of the camera, but it also allows more light to enter.
Dependable and easy to set up, this tripod includes link plugs so that you can plug-in accessories and a rotating bubble level. It also enables various leg angle adjustments for positioning possibilities.
The Vanguard tripod features a central column system that makes setup simple and easy. It’s engineered leg tubes also provide versatility, precise measurements, and prevent camera shake.
Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with Top Lockplate
The Manfrotto XPRO tripod is a camera accessory with a ball head made from magnesium for perfectly precise angling. It also has a quick release plate and locking system for fast setup.
Another tripod worth recommending is the Vanguard Alta PH-32. Not only does it offer precise pan tilting, but it is also designed for all types of cameras, including Canon, Sony, and Nikon.
If you’re looking for something simple and affordable, this product is one of the best mini tripods on the market. It has a built-in ball head and adjustable leg angles.
Benro Adventure MAD38C Carbon Fiber Monopod
For location shooting and studio use, this tripod from Benro Adventure features a classic design and high-quality materials. Plus, it only weighs slightly over a pound and is extendable to 62.4″.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is not a tripod, but it helps stabilize and capture handheld footage. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and holds both smartphones and cameras.
Another handy tool for taking photos using a smartphone is the Adonit Photogrip. It features a Bluetooth shutter remote so that you can set it up and take pictures from up to 10 meters away.
This selfie stick has a removable tripod, making it a versatile choice for taking pictures with your smartphone. It includes a Bluetooth remote controller.
A carbon-fiber tripod with a detachable monopod, this tripod is one of the more straightforward camera accessories. It’s a useful option for photographers.
Manfrotto 3-Section Aluminum Tripod Legs
This Manfrotto tripod is built for strength. Not only is it a durable option, but it has a rotating bubblehead and an easy link connector for adding accessories.
Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head
The Manfrotto 322RC2 is a one-handed camera mount with a ball lock lever. It has a quick-release plate and a built-in bubble leveler.
The DJI Ronin-S is a tripod built for use in all environments, from the field to the studio. It works with most camera types, including Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic.
Manfrotto Pixi Evo Mini Tripod
This mini tripod is perfect for compact cameras. It enables you to shoot at precise angles without having to carry a bulky tripod with you.
Lighting
Any photographer will tell you how important lighting is to capture a quality photograph. It’s one of the best essential accessories of a camera. Here are our top picks.
This flash from Hahnel Modus is powered by a Li-ion battery, making for faster flash times than flashes powered by AA batteries. It includes wireless technology and has a recycle time of 1.5 seconds.
The Rotolight NEO II is an independent freestanding light that can be used continuously or as a flash. It uses LED bulbs that can be adjusted for color.
For portraits and modeling, this freestanding light is a powerful option. It uses a 100w bulb with adjustable controls and a cooling fan for temperature control.
Lastolite ePhotomaker kit – Large
The Lastolite ePhotomaker kit is a folding and collapsible background for producing hi-key images without distractions. It can be propped against a wall or mounted.
Phottix EasyHold 5-in-1 Reflector 107cm
An economical choice, the Phottix Reflector folds into five different-colored reflector panels. It’s handy to have for nature photos, still-lifes, portraits, and close-ups.
Remote Shutter Release
As far as accessories of camera are concerned, a remote shutter release is a must-have. The remote shutter enables the photographer to trigger their camera either wirelessly or through a cable remotely.
The Hahnel Captur Timer Kit is a simple shutter remote that connects via cable and is powered by AA batteries. This shutter remote has a 100m range and offers different timing sequences.
Neewar Shutter Remote for Canon
This shutter remote is an economical choice. This shutter remote is a quality shutter remote and can be used for time-lapse photography for up to 100 hours.
Neewar Shutter Remote for Nikon
Same as above, only for Nikon instead of Canon. In addition, this shutter remote enables you to set various time delays, exposure times, and intervals.
Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller
A wireless remote for Canon digital cameras, this product is simple and easy to use. It has an approximate range of 16 feet and is perfect for those who don’t need anything fancy when it comes to remotes.
Filters
Filters are one of the most useful camera accessories for serious photographers. They are accessories to help to minimize reflections and glare, and enhance colors and the final look of the image.
K&F Concept Natural Night Filter Light Pollution Filter
Taking pictures at night is entirely different than doing the same in the daytime. This night filter blocks the most common waves of light pollution to improve colors and produce crisp images.
Breakthrough X2 Infrared Filter
This lens blocks infrared light for improved picture quality. It’s a versatile and easy to clean choice.
UV Filters
UV filters are accessories used to add a layer of protection against weathering. They block dust particles in the air from coming into contact with your lens and filter out UV light.
For 58mm lenses, this Hoya filter not only protects your lens from scratches and dust but also removes bluish hues from your photographs cause by UV light.
For 67mm lenses, this filter helps to prevent ghosting and flaring. It’s also designed to eliminate vignetting on wide-angle full-frame setups.
For 77mm lenses, this filter does what it says on the tin. It blocks unwanted UltraViolet light and reduces scratches, moisture, and dust from contaminating your lens.
For 82mm lenses, this filter is the same as those above. What’s more, it has a waterproof top coat for easy cleaning and a low-profile aluminum frame.
Polarizer Filter
A polarizer lens is designed as one of the best camera accessories. It’s used to manage reflections, darken skies, and cut back glare.
First up, we have Hoya’s polarizing lens. It’s an ultra-thin filter encased in aluminum and rimmed with black glass to further manage flares and reflections.
B+W 58mm Circular Polarizer Filter
B+W offers an elegant polarizer lens that gets the job done correctly. It’s very thin, so you won’t have to worry about vignetting, and its glass is mounted in a ring of brass to deliver high-quality images.
B+W 67mm Circular Polarizer Filter
This lens filter is the same as above, only for 67mm lenses. It also features the world’s best optical glass.
B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter
Another lens from B+W that’s an ideal polarizing lens filter is this one. In addition, its glass is polished to perfection.
B+W 82mm Circular Polarizer Filter
Lastly, we have an 82mm filter. What else can we say? It’s simple, it works, and is covered by a warranty for United States customers.
ND Filter
Another camera accessory is the ND, neutral density, filter. This filter reduces all wavelength intensity so that the image is presented without color rendition or changes in hue.
LEE Filters 100mm Neutral Density Grad Set
This 100mm ND filter from LEE filters is a great place to start. It’s the perfect tool to prevent glare and ghosting.
Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Z-Pro
The Cokin ND lens blocks visible light under 670nm and UV light. It also has a hydrophobic coating that will cause moisture on the lens to bead so that it can be efficiently cleaning.
This Japanese-designed lens offers adjustable light control. It is encased in an ultra-thin black aluminum frame.
XS-Pro Digital ND Vario MRC Nano
This ND filter darkens the entire image and offers greater control over exposure settings. It varies from 0.3 to 1.5, which is perfect for long exposure shots.
Filter Case
Of course, if you’re going to have filters, it’s critical to have a case to carry them. Filter cases are one of the camera accessories every photographer should have.
A simple and economical solution, the K&F filter case holds three filters and folds so that it fits in your pocket. It’s excellent for storage and for protecting your lenses from scratches.
A good way to get started with filters is to get a LEE filter holder. Most of the available options come with filters, so be sure you know what you’re getting before making the purchase.
Lens Case
In addition to a case for your filters, you’re going to need a case for your lenses as well. While in some cases, lens and filter cases are interchangeable; this is not always the best way to go.
The Think Tank lens case is made from high-quality material. It is circular to fully enclose each lens for maximum protection.
This case is the same as above, only it’s for DSLR and mirrorless lenses.
Another Think Tank lens case. Each case has a foam lining to protect your lenses in the event of a fall.
Filter Wrenches
A filter wrench is a handy camera accessory that makes removing filters much more straightforward than doing so by hand. They work by wrapping the outside of the lens either with a chain or rubber material, making it so that a simple twist removes the lens.
Neewar Rubber Coated Lens Filter Remover
If you’re having trouble removing your filters, having a filter wrench on hand is the way to go. This one from Neewar is coated in rubber for a tight grip.
Spare Batteries + Battery Case
One of the world’s worst feelings is being in the middle of a shoot or out somewhere when your battery dies, and you miss the shot. Spare batteries are one of the best camera accessories to have.
The Hahnel Pro Cube enables you to charge two batteries at once. There are different models for different kinds of batteries, so be sure to check that you have the right one before you purchase.
You might also want to consider keeping a spare battery around in case you need to switch out a dead one.
AmazonBasics Lithium Battery for Canon
If you have a camera that takes standard batteries, you’re probably going to want rechargeable ones. Keeping some extras on hand is always a good idea.
For Canon cameras, keeping an extra battery in your camera case can be a lifesaver.
Memory Cards
Another small part of your camera to keep in mind is your memory card. Depending on the quality of the pictures you’re taking, it’s easy to use up your memory. In cases like these, it’s good to have another card or, at least, a very large one.
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I
SanDisk is a well-known brand for memory storage, and its products are generally reliable. The SDXC card is perfect for photography and shooting 4K UHD video.
Sony cameras take their kind of memory card. Sony cards are durable and effective.
Memory Card Reader
Having an external memory card reader is another handy tool to have at home. You don’t have to plug your mirrorless camera directly into your computer with a memory card reader and can use the SD card reader instead.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card
This memory card reader fits in the palm of your hand. It’s compatible with all types of SD cards.
The Transcend card reader is very fast. It uses a USB 3.0 interface.
UGREEN’s SD card reader is adaptable for a lot of different types of memory cards. It reads everything from SD cards to Micro SD card and everything in between.
Memory Card Holder
Memory cards are tiny, and it’s easy to drop and lose them. For this reason, one of the best camera accessories is a memory cardholder.
The VKO memory card case holds up to 26 memory cards. It’s built with a slot for all types of cards too.
The TronixPro SD card wallet is compact and folds so that it fits in your pocket. You can get a wallet that holds one SD card, two, or four cards.
Hard drive
When it comes time to store your library of pictures, you may not have enough native space on your computer to do so. That’s when having an extra hard drive comes in handy.
This water and dust resistant hard drive enables you to store a lot of pictures. It’s durable and compatible for both PC and Mac.
Western Digital has been making external hard drives since the beginning. They come in sizes ranging from 1TB to 5TB, and they’re capable of fast transfer with USB 3.0.
SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD
This hard drive is a solid-state drive designed for durability. It performs high-speed transfer of up to 550mb/s, so it’s perfect for photographers with many pictures to process and store.
Seagate offers a standalone external hard drive at up to 8TB. That’s a lot of storage!
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS drive
Of course, if 8TB is not enough for you, then you can get these. This hard drive is a wireless network attached unit that comes at up to 20TB.
Seagate 1TB External Hard Drive
Although not as much storage as some of the hard drives on this list, this Seagate model is one of the most durable. It’s built to be carried with you and can be used to access your picture library from any computer.
Camera Bag
Every photographer likes a good camera bag. Not only are they could for carrying around your gear, but a camera bag is also suitable for storage, and a lot of them hold more than just your camera.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2
Although not a mirrorless camera bag per se, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag is an excellent bag to carry many different things, including your camera. This camera bag is also built to hold a 13″ laptop.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II backpack
This bag features three different storage compartments. You can use one for your camera, another for a different device (like an external hard drive), and the last one for other gear.
The Vanguard Alta Sky bag is a top-notch backpack for transporting a variety of camera gear. It has numerous pockets and organizers to house everything from personal essentials to tripods and photography gear.
In addition to a specific slot for a 13″ laptop, this bag has a removable padding insert section for camera gear. It also has a leather bottom, making it robust so you can trust it won’t tear.
Think Tank Digital Holster 10 v2.0
This camera bag is designed to carry any type of compact DSLR or mirrorless camera. In addition, this bag has space for enough for a telephoto lens.
Think Tank Red Whisks are handy rope-like things that cinch around multiple cables to prevent them from becoming tangled. They’re easy to use and remove.
Kattee Professional Canvas SLR DSLR Camera Backpack Laptop Bag Case
This bag has a canvas body and a leather bottom. Not only does it have a removable camera case, but it also has straps for carrying a tripod. Plus, it’s waterproof to protect your gear if the weather goes bad.
The Gracie tote bag can carry a wide-body DSLR camera, extra lenses, and room for some personal items. It has two additional front pockets and features a gray silky cotton interior.
PEAK Design Field Pouch or the ProCase Accessory Bag
For those looking to carry your camera accessories, this pouch is a safe bet. It stores and protects SD cards, battery packs, lens, cords, and more.
Camera Neck, Shoulder Or Wrist Strap
For carrying your camera on the go, you may also want a camera strap. This one is comfortable, durable, adaptable to every kind of camera on the market.
The Peak Design strap is stylish and can hold even the heaviest professional cameras without breaking. Its length is fully adjustable, and it anchors easily.
This strap is a more economical version of the above. Still, it’s durable enough for most cameras, comfortable and minimalistic.
There are times when you may wish you had two cameras, each set up with a different lens or filter. Well, with this double strap, you can do just that.
Mimi Green ‘Shelly’ Designer DSLR Camera Strap
Another stylish and comfortable camera strap. It features some fun designs, and the total length of the strap is up to 60″.
The Movo Shoulder strap is a simple solution. It’s made of neoprene material and is padded for increased comfort.
Techion Braided Camera Wrist Strap
To securely grip your camera and prevent accidentally dropping it, this wrist strap is a lifesaver. It’s braided and adjustable for all wrist sizes.
Altura Photo Camera Hand Strap
This shoulder strap is light and comfortable. It’s universally compatible with every kind of camera and has a metal plate to fasten your camera securely.
Gloves
Depending on the environment or the situation in which you’re taking photographs, you may also want a pair of gloves. Gloves protect your camera from sweat and oil from your fingers and help to maintain a firm grip on your camera.
Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 Photography Glove
These gloves are designed for operating your camera in cold weather. Small, fold-out tips allow your index fingers and thumbs to stick out so that you can still work your camera.
Vallerret W’s Nordic Photography Gloves
For very cold weather, these Nordic gloves are perfect for protecting your hands from the elements while still allowing you to operate your camera.
Video Accessories
Video accessories is a broad category, but when it comes to digital photography, there are a lot of things you can do.
This external directional microphone enables you to capture audio that is clear and crisp. It has a simple design and reduces surrounding sound.
The Olympus LS-P4 is a personal audio recorder. You can use it to dictate notes to yourself or for recording interviews and lectures.
Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 LED Light
This is a mounted LED light. It’s dimmable and has interchangeable filters and a rechargeable battery.
The DJI Ronin is a stabilizer for taking smooth video while moving. It supports a wide range of cameras and is an excellent tool for filmmakers and content creators.
Manfrotto BeFree Live Lever Kit – aluminum
This tripod kit includes a lever for movie and video cameras for tracking shots. It’s built to be sturdy and durable.
The Ninja V is a portable monitor. In addition, it can be used as a recorder. It has its own power supply.
The Rode Wireless Go is a microphone system that can be attached to your camera or used separately. It’s compact and convenient.
Leveler
Levelers help to keep your shots steady. They’re useful for both photographers and filmmakers.
The Camera Bubble is a leveler in the shape of a cube. It enables you to level on three axises and mounts in your camera’s hot shoe, making it the perfect addition to your camera accessories.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Another thing to think about is how you are going to care for your camera. Keeping your camera clean is essential for longevity and picture quality, and you’re going to need a few things for your camera accessories.
These are swabs for cleaning your sensors and lenses. It also includes a clear cleaning liquid.
Another way to clean your lenses is with wipes. However, it’s crucial never to use regular wipes and only ones designed for cleaning camera lenses to prevent scratches.
The last thing you want to do is touch your lens with your fingers. To remove dust, the Rocket Blaster is the way to go.
This solution is for cleaning sensors. Sensors are the most important and delicate part of your camera, and this solution evaporates without leaving any residue.
TORRO Premium Microfibre Cloth
For general cleaning, it’s recommended you use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching your camera.
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
These microfiber cleaning cloths are soft and safe to use on almost any surface. They’re very high quality for dust, oil, fingerprints, and more.
External Flash
For taking pictures in a low-lighting situation, you’re going to want to get this one out of your camera accessories: a flash for your camera. An external flash will brighten your photos for higher quality images.
The Profoto A1X is an external flash for your camera explicitly designed for Canon cameras.
This is an excellent flash kit. It enables you to modify lighting quality and produces clean and consistent images.
This is a freestanding flash for covering large areas in light. It’s LED and powerful.
The Speedlite is compatible with most cameras and enables you to adjust your flash to a variety of different settings. Plus, it’s wireless.
For Canon cameras, this is a simple, easy to install flash. It offers full flash control and is built to last.
Powerbank
Powerbanks are another camera accessory to consider. They are portable batteries that you can plug your devices into to charge them up while away from a power source.
Camera Clip
We’ve already discussed a few camera clips in this article, but it’s worth mentioning how important they are for your camera accessories. Organization is the key to a successful shoot.
Grey Card
Grey cards are cards used for making white balance adjustments. They are color calibrated, and you can get plastic ones that hang on your belt, making them another helpful tool to add to your collection of camera accessories.
Photo Software
These days, photo software is nearly as essential as your camera accessories. Digital technology enables you to modify and manipulate your pictures however you choose.
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard in photo editing software. You can use it for image editing, such as touching pictures up, adjusting contrast, and light balance.
Adobe Premiere is the equivalent of Photoshop for video editing. Premiere Elements is a less expensive, cut-back version that enables you to do basic video editing.
Pro Camera is an app that supports video editing on a mobile device. You can use it to shoot short videos, in addition to time-lapse and long exposures shots.
Computing
Lastly, we come to computers and the tech that goes with them. Having a powerful computer to run the software you wish to have is just as important as your other camera accessories.
The MacBook Pro is a powerful laptop computer with a large 16″ screen. It has a large storage capacity for your photo library and can run Photoshop, Premiere, and any other software you might want.
This Acer computer has an Intel i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card. It’s built for displaying and editing images.
The BenQ is a monitor precisely calibrated to reproduce accurate color. It displays images sharp, bright, and shows every detail.
Dell UltraSharp PremierColor U3219Q
The Dell UltraSharp is an LED-backlit monitor. It produces four times more detail than Full HD.
This handy tool enables you to calibrate your monitor for color precision in the easiest way possible. It only takes a minute or two, and it’s very accurate.
The Logitech MX Master 3 is one of the most powerful computer mouses on the market. It’s comfortable and provides precision control.
Digital drawing is another part of image editing, and the Wacom One enables you to do this. It feels like a real pen, and you’re free to sketch or paint right on the screen.
In addition to cameras, Canon also makes printers designed for printing digital photographs. The Canon Pixma Pro produces images at 4800 by 2400 dots per square inch.
The Plustek OpticFilm is a digital scanner for digitizing photos. It can also process any negatives you have from a film camera and turn them into digital images on the screen.
Here’s another factory-calibrated monitor with top of the line aqcolor technology. It’s designed for accurate color performance, perfect for photographers.
Accessories Camera
When considering accessories for your camera, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for. We hope we’ve helped you to explore the various camera accessories available so that you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to shop.
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