The 10 Best Camera Accessories

Updated:
by David Em

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Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, learn what the best camera accessories are to build your photography system.

Flatlay of cameras, lenses, microphones, and a remote control.

Related: Panasonic Lumix GH5 II review

1. Camera backpack

Camera backpack stuffed with lenses, a camera, tripod, tablet, and water bottle.
Photo courtesy of CADen/Amazon.

You won’t be able to carry multiple lenses, a camera, and other tools without some help. A camera backpack is an excellent and efficient way to carry your gear. The CADeN Camera Backpack has plenty of storage space and is made of high-density waterproof 900D polyester nylon to keep your gear dry.

2. Camera messenger bag

Black waxed canvas messenger bag with brown leather accents.
Photo courtesy of ONA/Amazon.

Camera backpacks are great when you have a lot of gear to carry. However, you may not always need to travel with a ton of gear. If you’re only bringing a camera and a couple of lenses with you, a messenger bag is perfect.

The Bowery Messenger Bag by ONA is a sleek and good-looking choice. It’s made of water-resistant waxed canvas and brown full-grain leather accents. You can carry your gear in style.

3. Additional lenses

Nikon Nikkor DX 35mm lens.
Photo courtesy of Nikon/Amazon.

If you have a camera with a kit lens, you’ll want to purchase a few other lenses. Although the kit lens is a great starting point, you’ll have more creative opportunities with different lenses.

Getting prime lenses with a large maximum aperture will immediately allow you to shoot high-quality photos in low-light situations. You’ll also be able to capture portraits with a shallow depth of field, which gives you a smooth and blurry background.

On the flip side, you can get a super-telephoto lens, which will allow you to capture close-up photos of subjects that are far away.

4. Tripod

Manfrotto 290 X tripod.
Photo courtesy of Manfrotto/Amazon.

If you have shaky hands or are using slow shutter speeds, you’ll get blurry photos due to camera shake. A solid tripod is essential for keeping the camera completely still. The Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum 3-Section Tripod is a sturdy choice that can hold up to 11 pounds.

5. Light stand

Light stand with a softbox on one end and weight bag on the other.
Photo courtesy of StudioFX/Amazon.

Whether you’re taking indoor or outdoor photos, you can benefit from a light stand. Artificial light can dramatically improve your photos, and give you the perfect lighting.

StudioFX offers a lighting kit that has three softboxes, light stands, and bulbs. It’s also a lightweight kit, which means you can easily take it on the go.

6. Camera strap

Peak Design camera strap with attachment pieces.
Photo courtesy of Peak Design/Amazon.

If you’re moving around a lot during a photoshoot, camera straps are helpful. It’ll keep your camera safe because you won’t accidentally drop it, and it allows you to change your lens quickly. Peak Design’s Slide Lite Camera Strap is one of the best on the market because the anchors allow you to attach and remove the camera seamlessly.

7. External flash

Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash.
Photo courtesy of Canon/Amazon.

As you dive deeper into photography, you’ll learn that an external flash is key. It’s beneficial because it gives additional light and helps you get the perfect exposure. The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash is a powerful and compact choice. It can also cover up to 141 feet.

8. Reflector

Neewer light reflectors and bag.
Photo courtesy of Neewer/Amazon.

Reflectors can help take your photos to the next level. A reflector uses existing light to fill shadows. It makes your photos more interesting, balanced, and dramatic.

Many reflectors also have a side to diffuse light, which is great for creating a softer look. Neewer has a 5-in-1 light reflector that works very well and is collapsible, making it easy to travel with it. It also works as a diffuser.

9. Lens cleaner

Box of Zeiss lens wipes.
Photo courtesy of Zeiss/Amazon.

Over time, your lens will get dirty, which affects your image quality. It’s important to clean the glass on your lens regularly. The Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes are gentle on your lens while leaving them spotless. It picks up dust and makes your lens look brand new.

10. External hard drive

Seagate external hard drive.
Photo courtesy of Seagate/Amazon.

Backing up your photos is an important part of your photography workflow. Whether you’re taking photos for clients or out shooting for fun, having a back-up gives you access to them at any time.

Seagate offers a 4TB External Hard Drive, which gives you plenty of space to store your images.

Conclusion

Having the right camera accessories will set you up for success. Whether you do photography for a living, or recently bought your first camera, get the gear you need to improve your photos.

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Featured image courtesy of Pexels.

About David Em

David Em.

David Em is the founder of Portraits Refined. He’s a published portrait photographer dedicated to helping photographers develop skills, capture incredible photos, and build successful businesses.

About Portraits Refined

Portraits Refined (PR) is a media company that publishes the latest expert-backed portrait photography tips, in-depth camera gear reviews, and advice to grow your photography business. Learn more about Portraits Refined