In this article, we’ll share 20 of the best ones you should get in 2023. 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 your situation. With such a diverse collection, it’s hard to pick a top choice. But everyone these days needs more memory. And this portable SanDisk SSD drive is a great choice. It’s 1 TB, robustly built, and small enough to fit in your pocket. [Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]
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 your skill level or the type of photography you’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 photographer. And they’re the vital pieces of equipment you 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 must 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. When you detach the lens from the camera body, it can pick up dust. A microfiber cloth like the MagicFiber will do the trick. Or you can look at buying a lens cleaning kit.
2. Camera Strap
Not many camera accessories are more essential than a camera strap. No matter what camera you use, it’s best to use a camera strap. It’s almost impossible to work without one. And it’s much safer because you’re far less likely to drop your camera. We recommend the Peak Design Slide Lite, Eorefo camera strap, or Digital NC lanyard.
3. Camera Bag
As you take more and more photos, a good camera bag like the Peak Design backpack becomes a must-have accessory. There are plenty of different styles of camera bags. There are camera bags for men. And there are camera bags for women. So fashion isn’t a problem. But you need to know the bag will protect your camera equipment. Many photographers prefer messenger bags to backpacks. They let you access your camera without taking the bag off. We recommend the LowePro Tactic.
4. Rubber Lens Cap
As a photographer, a camera lens is one of your most vital pieces of equipment. Without it, your camera is pretty much useless. And camera lenses aren’t cheap. This is why you need to protect them. A rubber lens cap like the KURVD is the perfect accessory for protecting your camera and lens. Your gear can get knocked about even if you have a good camera bag.
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 your final photo, ruining the image quality. Removing dust spots with photo editing software like Luminar Neo is possible. 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. Digital sensors are incredibly delicate. So you can’t use a cleaning cloth. We recommend using the Rocket air blaster.
Essential Digital Photography Accessories
These photography 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. It’s especially true when you’re shooting in RAW. Some cameras have dual SD card slots. But if not, you can buy an SD card with more memory. 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. So there’s nothing worse than losing one. This is why a memory card case is one of the best camera accessories for photographers. As the number of SD cards you have builds up, you need a case that can carry many of them. We recommend the Butterfox card case. If you’re an action or outdoor photographer, you need something more durable. We recommend the SKOLOO SD card case.
8. Memory Card Reader
A memory card reader is a must-have camera accessory if you use a digital camera. 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 lets you transfer your photos from the memory card to other devices. You can upload the photos to your computer before you start your post-production in Photoshop or Luminar Neo. We recommend the ProGrade memory card reader. But if you use different memory cards, you can buy the Transcend USB 3.1 card reader. It can read SDXC, SDHC, UHS-1, micro SD, and standard SD cards.
9. External Hard Drive
An external hard drive might not sound like camera equipment. But it’s one of the best camera accessories for digital photographers. Storing your photos on memory cards can be risky. They’re small and easy to lose. So it’s best if you back everything up. We recommend the SanDisk Extreme portable external SSD for photographers on the go. It’s an excellent portable option. It can hold up to 1 TB of data (thousands of photos). And it’s small enough to put in your pocket. Or you can get the Sandisk Professional G-Drive if you need more space.
10. Tethering Cable
A tethering cable is an excellent piece of photography gear if you do a lot of studio photography. It lets you connect your camera directly to your computer. And 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 lets you identify problems so you can fix them straight away. Then there’s no need for a re-shoot. We recommend the TetherPro USB. It’s an excellent piece of camera gear.
Camera Accessories for Photography
These are the best camera accessories for your photo-taking process. They’re pieces of camera equipment that help you capture the best pictures you can. So you get the most out of your camera. And they help you branch out into new areas of photography.
11. Tripod
Tripods are essential camera accessories for many types of photographers. They keep your camera steady to avoid camera shake. Tripods are used in fine art, product, and portrait photography. And landscape photographers can’t work without them. Manfrotto makes excellent camera accessories. And we are big fans of the Manfrotto 290. It’s an excellent option. If you need something smaller, the Joby Gorilla Pod is one of the best tripod options. But a tripod might be too slow to set up for each shot for some photographers like sports photographers or photojournalists. So you may need a monopod instead. And the Benro Adventure 3 is our top pick for monopods.
12. TTL (Through the Lens) Flash
A TTL flash is another essential piece of kit for many areas of photography. They’re useful in portrait, product, and fashion 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. It is one of the best and most affordable flashes on the market. You need to buy the correct one to match your camera. But they have flashes available for Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras.
13. Flash Transmitter
Sometimes one clash isn’t enough. You might want to use several flash units at the same time. And to do so, you need a flash transmitter. It syncs all the off-camera flashes so you can create dynamic lighting effects. We recommend the flash trigger from Godox. It’s well-priced with lots of creative options.
14. Reflectors
Light plays an integral role in taking pictures, no matter what photography genre you work in. And light reflectors are an affordable way to control your lighting conditions. You can use reflectors in the studio or out on location. And they’re great for portrait, fashion, and product photography. You don’t need any electrical plugins or lighting. Plus, you can manipulate the ambient light you have. Neewer has some fabulous camera accessories. And we like this Neewer 5-in-1 reflector. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.
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. The slightest movement can affect image quality if you use a long shutter for night photography or astrophotography. 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. Our top choices are the Nikon ML-L7 camera remote and the wireless remote for Canon cameras. Be sure to check compatibility for your specific camera.
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. Each one gives your photos a different feel. And there are also excellent astrophotography filters. Here’s a color filter 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. So these are the most important camera accessories for video creators.
17. Camera Stabilizer
Getting steady film footage from a handheld DSLR or mirrorless camera is next to impossible. You can use a tripod. But it doesn’t allow any camera movement. A camera stabilizer lets you shoot moving footage and tracking shots while reducing shake. It uses counterweights and a flexible handle to keep your camera steady. So you can shoot video on foot. And you don’t need a dolly! We recommend the Glidecam XR-Pro. It’s one of the best handheld stabilizers in the business. But it isn’t cheap. As an alternative, we also recommend 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. It’s at the top of most lists for camera gimbals. But it’s a bit on the pricey side. DJI also has a smaller gimbal for mobiles if you create movies with your smartphone. We recommend The DJI OM 5. 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. And your rig becomes a cinema creation unit. Have a look at the Filmcity Cage Mount.
20. External Monitor
Shooting video with a DSLR or mirrorless camera can be difficult. Sometimes you don’t know if you’re getting the right shot. This is why an external monitor is one of the most important camera accessories for videographers. A monitor lets you see exactly what you’re shooting when filming. It seriously reduces the number of re-takes and re-shoots you need. It saves you time and money while making filming much easier. We like the Atomos Ninja V monitor. It’s A top-of-the-range monitor with a professional price tag. The FeelWorld FW279 is another great monitor. And it’s a little less painful on your wallet.
Conclusion: Best Photography Accessories
Camera accessories are an essential part of being a photographer. So we have listed some of the best photography accessories to meet most photographers’ needs. Accessories like camera bags and straps are vital. You need them just to get started. But other camera accessories are there to make your life easier and improve your artistic output. Everything on our list would be an excellent addition to your camera bag. But you can prioritize the ones that will help you perform to the best of your abilities! We think the portable SanDisk SSD drive is a good place to start,
