Thanks to the many advancements in modern camera technology, it's easier than ever for beginners to capture great images and start learning the craft of photography. But there's often more to photography than just pointing and shooting. Having these 5 accessories in your kit will put you in the best position to get the most out of your camera in almost any situation.
1. Lenses
Even the best photographers can't take winning shots without the right lens. The kit lens that came with your camera is perfectly capable for everyday shots and group photos, but anything more specialised will benefit from a dedicated lens.
If your kit lens covers up to around 50mm, the next logical step is a telephoto zoom in the 70–200mm or 70–300mm range — great for portraits, wildlife, and sports. A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) opens up landscape and architecture photography. And a fast prime (35mm or 50mm f/1.8) is one of the best value upgrades you can make for low-light and portrait work.
Browse our full range of camera lenses to find the right one for your style of shooting.
2. Memory cards
Running out of storage mid-shoot is one of the most frustrating experiences in photography — and entirely avoidable. Always carry at least one spare memory card, and make sure your cards have enough capacity and speed for your camera.
For modern mirrorless cameras shooting RAW files or 4K video, we recommend a minimum of 128GB capacity and a write speed of at least 200MB/s (V60 or V90 rated for video). Slower cards can cause your camera to buffer during burst shooting or drop frames during video recording. Cards have come down significantly in price, so there's little reason not to carry a couple of spares.
Browse our range of memory cards online.
3. Tripod
Photographers have a love/hate relationship with tripods — but you don't want to be caught without one. A tripod is essential for long exposures, landscape photography, low-light shooting, and any situation where camera shake would ruin the shot.
If you travel frequently, lightweight carbon fibre options keep the weight down without sacrificing stability. If you really can't justify a full tripod, a monopod adds significant stability for handheld shooting and is far easier to carry. A mini tabletop tripod is another compact option — great for longer exposures and creative angles, and small enough to fit in any bag.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Tripod to find the right option for your needs, or browse our full range of tripods online.
4. Camera bag
A good camera bag is an obvious necessity — you can't carry all your gear and accessories without one. Look for a bag with plenty of padding and dedicated compartments for your camera body, lenses, and accessories, so you're not rummaging through one loaded pocket when you need something quickly.
The right bag depends on how you shoot. A backpack-style bag distributes weight evenly and is ideal for hiking and travel. A shoulder bag or sling gives you faster access to your gear. A hard case offers maximum protection for transport. Visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised advice on the best bag for your kit, or browse our range of camera bags online.
5. Spare batteries
As with spare memory cards, being without a spare battery can quickly turn a photography trip from a dream into a nightmare. Modern mirrorless cameras in particular can be power-hungry — especially when using the electronic viewfinder, shooting video, or working in cold weather. Ideally, carry two or three fully charged spares and make a habit of charging them the night before a shoot.
While branded batteries can be expensive, quality third-party options (such as those from Hahnel) are available for almost every camera at a much more reasonable price point. Browse our range of camera batteries online.
Be prepared like a pro
We can't promise every shot will be a winner — but with these five camera accessories in your bag, you'll be prepared for almost any situation. For more gear advice, check out our guide to the best digital cameras for photography in 2026, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for expert advice from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera accessories should a beginner buy first?
Start with the essentials: a spare battery, a spare memory card, and a basic cleaning kit. These three items prevent the most common frustrations — running out of power, running out of storage, and degraded image quality from a dirty lens. Once you have those covered, a tripod and an additional lens are the next most impactful upgrades.
How many memory cards should I carry?
At minimum, carry two memory cards — one in the camera and one spare. For important shoots (weddings, travel, events), carry three or more. If your camera has dual card slots, use both — set one as a backup to the other for peace of mind. Always format your cards in-camera before a shoot rather than deleting files on a computer.
Do I need an expensive tripod?
Not necessarily. A mid-range tripod from a reputable brand will serve most photographers well. The key specs to check are maximum payload (must exceed the weight of your heaviest camera and lens), maximum height, and folded length. Carbon fibre tripods are lighter but more expensive than aluminium. Read our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Tripod for a full breakdown.
Are third-party camera batteries safe to use?
Quality third-party batteries from reputable brands like Hahnel are generally safe and reliable, and offer significant savings over manufacturer batteries. Avoid very cheap, unbranded batteries — these can be unreliable and in rare cases may cause damage to your camera. Stick to well-known third-party brands and buy from reputable retailers.
What should I look for in a camera bag?
Look for a bag with adequate padding to protect your gear, dedicated compartments for your camera body and lenses, and pockets for accessories and personal items. Consider how you'll be using it — a backpack for hiking and travel, a shoulder bag or sling for street photography and day trips, or a hard case for air travel and maximum protection. Weight and weather resistance are also worth considering.