5 Camera Accessories All Nikon Shooters Must Have
I know what you're thinking...
This article is nothing but a bunch of useless accessories that you'll never need.
But trust me, this has nothing to do with spending a bunch of money on unnecessary photography gear.
Instead, this is all about maximizing the use of your Nikon camera with high-quality accessories that expand your creative and technical abilities.
If you want to take better photos, you obviously have to learn basic photography rules of composition, framing, exposure, and the like.
But having the right gear also helps you take better photos.
If you've got a Nikon camera, these five accessories are among the best you can buy.
4V Design Piuma QR Camera Strap
For me, the most underrated camera accessory is the camera strap.
That just doesn't make any sense because an upgraded strap not only means a more secure means of carrying your camera but a more comfortable one as well.
Believe me - I know the difference.
For years, I kept the original Nikon strap on my camera, but only when I upgraded to an aftermarket strap did I realize just how stupid I was not to upgrade sooner.
If you want something that's the height of comfort, choose the Piuma QR Camera Strap by 4V Design, pictured above and below.
The Piuma QR has an ergonomic design that allows you to carry your Nikon for hours on end without feeling the pinch and fatigue that cheap camera straps cause.
What's more, the Piuma QR has a memory foam pad with high grip technology, so not only is it comfortable, but it also conforms to the unique contours of your neck and shoulder for an incredible fit.
Speaking of fit, this strap has two length adjustments, so you can raise and lower the camera to just the right length such that your camera is right at your fingertips.
And for those times when you need to remove your strap quickly and easily, the Piuma QR has a quick-release attachment too.
In other words, this thing is comfortable, helps you securely and safely carry your camera, is versatile, and looks absolutely incredible. What's not to like about that?
Learn more about the Piuma QR Camera Strap.
Alpine Labs Pulse
Having a camera remote for your Nikon opens up all sorts of creative possibilities for your photography.
On the one hand, you can take better selfies and family portraits by being able to fire your shutter remotely.
On the other hand, you can get sharper photos because you can fire the shutter without having to touch your camera, an action that can produce enough vibration to cause blurry photos.
But not all camera remotes are made equal...
If you want to have expanded capabilities for your photography, get Pulse by Alpine Labs.
This little gadget packs a big punch because not only can you fire your shutter remotely, but you can also create gorgeous long exposures and time-lapse videos.
Just attach Pulse to your Nikon's hot-shoe mount, plug it into your camera's USB port, and you have control over the shutter remotely from your smartphone.
You can also control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, get thumbnail previews of the images you take, look at the histograms for your images, and even tackle HDR photography too.
With Bluetooth connectivity, you can operate your camera from up to 100 feet away, and if you need to venture further, just dial in the desired settings and Pulse will take it from there - even if your smartphone is no longer paired with it.
Take awesome real-time videos, time-lapses, long exposures, and still photos, all with one tiny gadget that weighs just 1.5 ounces. That's a lot of bang for your buck!
Learn more about Alpine Labs Pulse.
Formatt-Hitech Master Filter Kit, Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition
Having a good set of filters is a must-have for any shooter, not just those of us with Nikons.
But not all filters are made alike...
Just like you tend to get what you pay for when you buy a lens, cheapo filters tend to get you cheap-looking results.
Instead, I recommend the Master Filter Kit, Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition by Formatt-Hitech.
No matter if you enjoy landscapes, architecture, travel photography, or long exposures, this kit has you covered.
Not only do you get a 3-stop Firecrest neutral density filter, but you also get a Firecrest 6-stop, and 10-stop neutral density filter too.
Also included are two Firecrest Soft Edge graduated neutral density filters of 2-stops and 3-stops, respectively.
Add in an aluminum holder, a 67mm and an 85mm adapter kit, a polarizing ring, and a Firecrest SuperSlim circular polarizer, and you've got a complete filter kit that's ready to work for you. There's even a 100mm version!
Firecrest filters are known for their superior quality that gets you plenty of reduction in visible and non-visible light without impacting the color or detail of your images.
Learn more about the Formatt-Hitech Master Filter Kit, Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition.
A Good Prime Lens
Everyone needs a good prime lens...
Why?
Prime lenses offer great low-light shooting capabilities, tons of versatility for tackling different subject matter, and are usually lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry.
As a Nikon shooter, there are plenty of prime lenses you can choose from, but my bet is on the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX.
This standard lens produces images that closely resemble what we see with our own eyes, giving a familiar look to the images you take.
But with that massive f/1.8 aperture, you can tackle low-light photography, create portraits with beautiful bokeh, get more intimate landscape shots, and even take on things like street photography.
That makes the 35mm lens a versatile option, too.
In fact, you'll likely find that it becomes your default lens, the one that's attached to your camera when you pull it out of your camera bag.
Learn more about the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX.
A Good External Flash
I don't need to tell you that the built-in flash on your Nikon isn't all that. It's not good on any camera!
So, if you're looking for must-have accessories for your Nikon camera, add a solid hot-shoe-mounted flash to your list.
For starters, flashes like the Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1 have a head that can tilt and swivel to adapt to your lighting needs. That tilting and swiveling action also allows you to change the quality and intensity of the light that falls on your subject.
What's more, you can use an external flash to bounce light off a wall or ceiling, for a softer, more even look that's impossible to get with your camera's built-in flash, as seen in the image below.
But there's versatility in how you use a flash like the Metz Macablitz as well...
Take it off your hot-shoe mount and fire it remotely.
Add a radio trigger, and you can get an improved range for remote firing, giving you much more leeway regarding how you light your photos.
Learn more about the Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1 flash.
Wrapping It Up
This is by no means a comprehensive list of every accessory you can get for your Nikon camera, but these are some of the very best, in my humble opinion anyway.
Taking a better photo is all about being prepared, and one way to be prepared is to have a kit that helps you improve composition and exposure, expands your creative boundaries, and makes taking photos an easier and more streamlined experience.
The accessories on this list will help you do just that!