Photo by Free To Use Sounds on Unsplash
I think the most overwhelming part of my photography career was trying to figure out what beginner camera accessories I needed and what beginner camera accessories I could do without.
With all of the constant upgrades being pushed by each company, the search for DSLR camera accessories can be a constant hassle.
To help, we’ve put together a camera accessories list of 5 must-haves for your foray into photography.
Beginner Camera Accessories: A Better Strap
As much as you don’t want to admit it, your current strap sucks. It digs into your shoulders, it’s fraying on the edges and it catches your camera at the perfect picture moment.
The MoneyMaker Solo, our go-to “better strap,” fixes all of these issues. It’s made with high-quality leather and hardware and it comes with a shoulder pad that makes lifting even the heaviest of cameras much more comfortable. Oh, and there’s a little thing called a belt anchor that’s a Godsend...
The belt anchor keeps your camera in place on your body, so it doesn’t bounce around as you walk. Then, with a simple tug, your camera is released so you can raise your camera to your eye for the perfect shot. Best of all, you only need a single hand to re-hook the camera back into the anchor.
We all think it’s about time you treat yourself to some photography accessories as basic as this solid strap by Holdfast.
Not convinced? Check out our Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Solo review to see all the features this strap has to offer.
An Awesome, Rugged (and Tiny) Light
I'm a new videographer, so I wanted to include a beginner videography accessory on this list.
Truth be told, the LitraTorch 2.0 isn't just for video, but that's what I bought it for.
This thing is like having a big studio light, but one that fits in your pocket and is waterproof.
This sucker puts out up to 800 lumens of ultra-wide-angle, flicker-free light despite being a scant 1.5-inches square.
With multiple mounting options, it's ideal for video work because space can be at a premium sometimes. You can use one of the two 1/4"-20 camera mounts of the built-in magnet to place it right where you need it. There's even a cold-shoe mount and a GoPro mount for you action-oriented folks out there.
I appreciate how much battery life this little guy has - about 4 hours of continuous use ain't bad at all!
And since I've been known to be a bit of a clutz, the fact that it's made with 810G military spec in mind gives me peace of mind that if I drop it, it'll keep on working just fine.
In other words, Litra thought of everything when they updated the LitraTorch with the 2.0 version.
As good as the original was, this rig is even better and should definitely be on your must-purchase list of gear!
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A Nifty Fifty Lens
Photo by Thomas AE on Unsplash
If you’ve been a long-time member of PhotographyTalk then you know how often we talk about nifty fifties. A 50mm lens is an essential part of your photography accessories kit.
We have two favorites, one Canon and one Nikon. I’ll start with the Canon.
This Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is pretty inexpensive for such a consequential lens at only $125.
It can cover an 80mm field of view with the right camera, comes with rounded aperture blades to get that famous Canon bokeh, and is a fan favorite amongst low-light photographers.
This Canon lens is also the most compact of all the Canon 50mm lenses. It’s quiet. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty.
The Nikon nifty-fifty, its 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR lens to be exact, is a little pricier at $176. It’s also silent and allows you to switch between manual and automatic focus. This is a great feature when you’re finally making that step from amateur to professional photographer.
It’s a little bit bigger than the Canon lens, but also extremely durable.
This Nikon lens also comes with a 5-year warranty.
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A Solid Tripod
My must-have camera accessories of 2019 list definitely includes a new tripod. I’ve talked about it before and I’ll talk about it again, my go-to tripod maker is Manfrotto. And they have a new aluminum tripod kit I’ve got my eye on.
The Manfrotto Xtra Aluminum Tripod Kit comes with a way pan and tilt head. It has a nearly perfect score on Adorama, with one person mentioning that the “three way head adjusts all three ways,” and that the “legs all touch the ground.”
It’s pretty easy to see based on this review alone that just about nobody owns a tripod that works the way it’s supposed to work… the way this one works.
It’s the largest in the Manfrotto 290 range, but don’t let that deter you because it also comes with its own carrying case.
The quick release plate works just like it should, it’s quick. Finally, it’s truly sturdy for a good price.
Camera Cleaning Kit
There’s no way you can get around this one because our favorite camera cleaning kit is $7. Bower’s 6-in-1 camera cleaning kit comes with:
- A universal screen protector
- A microfiber cleaning cloth
- LCD screen solution
- A blower brush
- Cotton swabs
- Lens tissues
The screen solution doesn’t streak, like the one you currently use probably does. It’s small enough to barely take up any room in your carrying case; plus, you will never again forget to pick up cotton swabs at the supermarket on your way.
And did we mention it’s $7?