If you’re a photographer, then you know that having the best photography accessories can make all the difference in the world. From lens filters to camera tripods, there are a lot of different photography accessories that can help you take better photos.
In this article, we’ll share 20 of the best photography accessories that you should get in 2022. Maybe you’re looking for a new lens filter or want to upgrade your camera tripod. These accessories will help you take great photos no matter what situation you’re in.
With such a diverse collection of photography accessories, it’s hard to pick a top choice. But everyone these days needs more memory. And this portable hard disk drive is a great choice. It’s 1 TB, robustly built, and small enough to fit in your pocket.
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20 Essential Photography Accessories You Need to Have
All the items in our list of essential camera accessories are ideal for any photographer. It doesn’t matter what their skill level is or what type of photography they’re into. These are must-have items for any photographer.
The Basics
These are the basic camera accessories you need if you’re a beginner. And they’re the vital pieces of equipment you’ll need from the first time you pick up your camera.
1. Lens Cleaners
Camera maintenance is one of the less glamorous aspects of being a photographer. But it has to be a top priority. Cameras and lenses are expensive and delicate, so you need to take care of them. And keeping your lens clean is the first part of the process.
Even with a lens cap, the outer glass can attract a lot of dust. Every time you remove the cap, dust particles stick to the lens. This also happens with the glass element at the other end. It can pick up dust every time you detach the lens from the camera body. A microfiber cloth will do the trick.
2. Camera Strap
Not many camera accessories are more essential than a camera strap. No matter what camera you use, you’ll need a camera strap of some kind. It’s impossible to work without one. And it’s much safer because you’re far less likely to drop it.
3. Camera Bag
As you start taking more and more photos, a good camera bag becomes a must-have accessory. There are plenty of different styles of camera bags. So fashion isn’t a problem. But you need to know the bag will protect your camera equipment.
4. Rubber Lens Cap
As a photographer, your camera lens is one of the most important pieces of equipment. Without it, your camera is pretty much useless. And camera lenses aren’t cheap. That’s why you need to protect them. A rubber lens cap is the perfect accessory for protecting your camera and lens. Even if you have a good camera bag, your gear can get knocked about.
5. Sensor Cleaner
Just like your lens, you need to keep the camera sensors clean. Even the tiniest speck of dust can show up on the final photo, ruining the image quality. It is possible to remove dust spots with photo editing software like Luminar Neo. But keeping your sensor clean is the best option. If you have serious problems with your camera sensor, we recommend taking it to a professional. But you can play your part in keeping it in good condition.
We recommend an Air Blaster like this.
Essential Digital Accessories
These camera accessories are necessary items for anyone working with a digital camera. Film photography is very much alive and well. But most photographers have gone digital. And these are the best camera accessories for the digital era.
6. SD Memory Card
Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras don’t have internal storage. So a memory card is an essential camera accessory. And when you’re out shooting, they can fill up fast. That’s especially true when you’re shooting in RAW.
We recommend the SanDisk 128 GB Extreme Pro.
7. Memory Card Case
The more photos you take, the more memory cards you need. And until you can back them up, they hold all your images. There’s nothing worse than losing one. That’s why a memory card case is one of the best camera accessories for photographers.
We recommend the Butterfox Card Case.
8. Memory Card Reader
If you’re using a digital camera, a memory card reader is a must-have camera accessory. You can fill up as many memory cards as you like, but if you can’t transfer the images, they’re pretty much useless.
A good SD card reader will allow you to transfer your photos from the memory card to other devices. You’ll be able to upload the photos to your computer so you can start your post-production in Photoshop or Luminar Neo.
9. External Hard Drive
An external hard drive might not sound like camera equipment. But they’re one of the best camera accessories for digital photographers. Storing your photos on memory cards is too risky, as they are small and easy to lose. You need to back everything up.
We recommend the SanDisk Extreme External SSD.
10. Tethering Cable
A tethering cable is an excellent piece of photography gear if you do a lot of studio photography. It allows you to connect your camera directly to your computer. You can see the photos on the screen as soon as they’re taken.
When you see the photos on the computer screen, you can see the images in more detail. It allows you to identify problems so you can fix them straight away. There’s no need for a re-shoot.
We recommend the TetherPro USB.
Camera Accessories for Photography
These are the best camera accessories for the photography process. They’re pieces of camera equipment that’ll help you capture the best pictures you can. You’ll get the most out of your camera. And you’ll be able to branch out into new areas of photography.
11. Tripod
Tripods are essential camera accessories for many types of photographers. They keep your camera steady so you can avoid camera shake. Tripods are used in fine art, product, and portrait photography. And landscape photographers can’t work without them.
We are big fans of the Manfrotto 290XTA3-2WUS.
12. TTL Flash
The flash is another essential piece of kit for many areas of photography. They’re useful in portrait, fashion, and product photography. And flashes are also used in food photography and photojournalism. You can use them on location or in the studio.
We recommend the Godox V1-N Flash.
13. Flash Transmitter
Sometimes one flash isn’t enough. You might want to use several flash units at the same time. And to do so, you’ll need a flash transmitter. It will sync all the off-camera flashlights so you can create dynamic lighting effects.
14. Reflectors
Light plays an integral role in taking pictures, no matter what photography genre you work in. Light reflectors are an affordable way of taking control of your lighting conditions. You don’t need any electrical plugins or lighting. You can manipulate the ambient light you have.
We like this Neewer 5-in-1.
15. Shutter Remote
If you like shooting with a slow shutter for long exposures, a remote control for your shutter is an excellent camera accessory.
If you’re using a long shutter for night photography or astrophotography, the slightest movement can affect image quality. Even if you’re using a tripod, clicking the shutter can cause camera shake. Using a shutter remote removes that risk. And they’re great for self-portrait photography too.
Here’s our top choice for Nikon and Canon.
16. Creative Lens Filters
Creative lens filters are one of the best camera accessories to give your photography a new look. Creative filters include UV, ND, and color filters, giving your photos a different feel. There are also excellent astrophotography filters.
Here’s a color set from Neewer we like.
Essential Camera Accessories for Video Makers
Video and multi-media creation have become a massive part of the photography business. Many professionals work with video just as much as they do with stills. And these are the most important camera accessories for video creators.
17. Camera Stabilizer
Getting steady footage from a handheld DSLR or mirrorless camera is next to impossible. You can use a tripod, but that doesn’t allow any camera movement. A camera stabilizer lets you shoot moving footage and tracking shots while reducing shake.
A camera stabilizer uses counterweights and a flexible handle to keep your camera steady. You can shoot tracking shots on foot, so you don’t need a dolly.
We recommend the Glidecam XR-Pro.
As an alternative, we also recommend is the FLYCAM Redking Stabilizer. It has a solid build and provides superb stability when filming.
18. Camera Gimbal
A camera gimbal is another tool for shooting smooth video with your camera. It’s similar to a stabilizer, but it doesn’t use a counterweight. A gimbal counteracts the movement of the holder, so the camera isn’t affected.
Many photographers are moving from stabilizers to gimbals. They don’t use weights, so they’re lighter and easier to work with for long periods. It also means they’re more compact.
We like the DJI Ronin-SC.
DJI also has a smaller gimbal for mobiles if you’re creating movies with your smartphone. The DJI OM 5 also works with 3-axis stabilization, so you’ll get the same excellent results. For more info, check out our DJI OM 5 review!
19. Camera Filming Rig
If you’re on your way to becoming the next Christopher Nolan, a camera rig could be the accessory for you. It provides the stability of a gimbal and stabilizer. And it gives you excellent camera control for capturing video.
With a camera rig, you can add other camera accessories to the setup. You can add lights, microphones, and monitors. Your rig will become a cinema creation unit. Have a look at the Filmcity Cage Mount.
20. External Monitor
Shooting video with a DSLR or
A monitor allows you to see exactly what you’re shooting when filming. It will seriously reduce the number of re-takes and re-shoots you’ll need. They save time and money while making filming much easier. We really like the Sony CLM-V55 LCD.
Conclusion
Camera accessories are an essential part of being a photographer. Accessories like camera bags and straps are totally necessary. You’ll need them just to get started. But other camera accessories are there to make your life easier and improve your artistic output.
Everything on this list would be an excellent addition to your camera bag. We have the best camera accessories that will meet every photographer’s need so they can perform to their best abilities.
