With the season of giving well and truly behind us all you may be adapting to life with a brand new camera. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the world of photography, the next step after making the initial purchase will likely be to think about the accessories that can improve the overall experience you have with your camera.
This guide will recommend five essential accessories that you should consider purchasing to improve your life as a photographer. These accessories may not always be glamorous, but each will undoubtedly serve to provide you with peace of mind or a new opportunity to which you can improve the quality of the images that you capture.
Camera Carry Bag
Quite possibly the most important accessory you can buy is a carry bag. A camera is a highly expensive, prized object. It is essential that you take care of it in the best way possible, and this can be achieved with a well made carry bag. Carry bags can also be used to store other items, like lenses or memory cards.
A good, affordable choice here is the DURAGADGET Backpack. At a size of 14 inches this shock and water resistant bag can be used to carry all manner of camera types, with room to spare for some of the other essential accessories you will find on this list. The bag contains customisable dividers and a hook system that keeps contents secure.
Memory Cards
With camera technology becoming more and more advanced, file sizes are being pushed higher and factors like data transfer speed become more troublesome. Whether you are taking your camera on holiday or using it at an event, it can also be frustrating when you are suddenly met with a devastating ‘low-space’ message.
Extra memory cards can remedy these issues. The best cards are those that combine lots of space with lightning fast transfer speeds. The format of card you purchase depends on the type of camera you own, but the two biggest formats are SD and Compact Flash.
An ideal SD card option is found in the Sandisk Extreme 128gb SDXC. With it’s roomy 128gb storage space and competitive transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s, the trusted brands card perfectly represents a highly affordable option allowing for 4K video and burst photography.
Sandisk also offer a CompactFlash version of it’s extreme line. The 32gb card represents very good value for money in this segment owing to its high performance offering transfer speeds of up to 120 MB/s and Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) technology.
Tripod
Tripods are highly important accessories not just for professional photographers, but hobbyists as well. Despite some cameras coming with in-built stabilization technology, there is no substitute for a well made tripod. An ideal tripod will consist of solid, hard wearing materials strong enough to survive extensive use and support the camera of choice. Tripods allow the photographer to shoot stable shots handsfree, allowing you more time to change settings and produce sharper images.
The Endurax tripod is suitable for all kinds of camera devices. It is lightweight but sturdy, with solid feet built to withstand rugged outdoor use. The tripod allows for 360 degree panoramic shooting, with a fliplock system that adjusts height and ensures stability.
Lens Cap
The lens of the camera is the most important functional element of the package. When upgrading a camera It is often the most expensive purchase you will make, and thus it is vital that you afford it protection. By preserving the lens from scratches or bumps, you are also preserving resale value. When considering this, the relatively small investment represented by a lens cap begins to make sense.
The HOLACA Universal Lens Cap is an ideal budget option. It is made of a durable silicone that is easily cleaned but resistant to scratches and dirt. The package contains three caps suited to lens sizes between 60 and 110mm.
Grey Cards
Perhaps the least glamorous item on this list, grey cards do however have a vital use in setting exact colour balance. This can be a game changer, enhancing the visual quality of images by reproducing the same colours that are found in the original setting. Adjusting the colour balance may also be desired for creative effect.
The best grey cards are sturdy and portable enough to carry in a pocket. The Kaavie GC-2 provides three cards (grey, black and white) in a pocket size with an attached lanyard. The cards are rigid and easily cared for, with them being simple enough for amateur or professional photographers to operate.
