5 Camera Accessories Every Photographer Needs

Thanks to the many advancements in modern technology, it is easier than ever for even amateurs to capture amazing images and start learning the craft of photography.

Despite all of this, there is often more to photography than just pointing and shooting. Having these 5 accessories in your kit will assure that you are in the best position to get the most out of your camera in almost any situation.

Even the best photographers can’t take winning shots without the right lens in their kit. The standard lens that came with your DSLR will be suitable for everyday snaps or group shots, but anything more complicated will require additional lenses.

Generally speaking, your standard lens probably has a zoom that goes up to around 50mm, meaning the next logical step would be a lens that zooms up from 50mm, such as something in the 70-200mm, or 70-300mm range.

There are loads of options that are better suited for specific types of photography, but if you don’t have too much money to spend and you want a good all-around kit, this is a good place to start.

With the demise of film, many of us rejoiced at not having to carry around loads and loads of canisters everywhere we go, in case we have to reload but that doesn't mean we get off scot-free.

We need to store our photos somewhere and if you run out of space on the card that is in your camera, you are really in trouble if you are not carrying a spare. Cards have decreased in price considerably in recent times, so you should consider carrying a few spares with a decent capacity (32GB or more).

It is also a good idea to make sure your cards have a high speed (at least 90mb/s), particularly if you are utilising the burst shooting or video modes of your camera.

Photographers have a love/hate relationship with tripods but you don’t want to be caught without one.

If you travel around a lot, there are lightweight options available that cut down a bit on the weight they add to your overall kit. If you really can’t justify carrying a tripod in your kit, you could consider a monopod, which won’t be able to hold a camera unaided in the way that a tripod can but is good for adding extra stability on the fly and can help you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without blur.

You can also consider purchasing a mini tripod, which you won’t be able to maneuver like a full-sized version, but can facilitate longer exposures and shooting from intricate angles, while fitting snugly in your backpack.

An obvious necessity, you can’t carry all of your gear and accessories around without the help of a good quality camera bag.

Ideally, you want a camera with plenty of space and padding that is also lightweight. As well as space for your camera and lenses, make sure your bag has dedicated pockets for accessories, to save you searching through one loaded compartment when you need to find something.

Not sure which camera bag is best for your camera gear?  Be sure to check out our handy guide.

As with spare memory cards, being without a spare battery can quickly turn your photography trip from a dream to a nightmare. Ideally, you want to have a handful of spares, regularly ensuring they are a fully charged and ready to save the day.

While branded batteries can be quite pricy, third party options (like Hahnel) are available for almost every camera, at a much more reasonable price point.

We can’t promise your shots will all be of a professional standard but with these camera accessories onboard, you will at least be prepared like a pro.