Our Photography Accessories
“The canvas cannot stand without a stand”
Photography accessories are as essential as the actual gear. They complement the gear and facilitate the photography process. But with so many options out there in the market, it is imperative to choose only the accessories that fit your needs to keep the setup and the spending minimal. Over the last decade, I’ve used many half and full-frame sensor accessories like tripods, lens filters, flashes, microphones, and other pieces of equipment. Based on my experience, I’ve now narrowed my gear down to a rather minimalistic setup that works for me. So today, I’m going to share my perspective on the photography accessories we’ve been using for the last decade and which one to choose in what scenario. I hope it helps you in making your choice!
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Lowepro Camera Bag BP 300AW
Compact Camera Bag with Quick Access
The first camera accessory that I’m going to talk about is the camera bag. I like camera bags that are compact and light, yet spacious enough to accommodate your camera gear including your tripod, and if needed, your laptop. And I especially like the models that have a quick access zip at the top. Flipside camera bags with a zip at the back are so annoying since every time you need to take out your camera, you need to flip it over, unzip the entire back and then take out your camera. Bags with quick access at the top eliminates this hassle and also enable you to take out the camera fast in urgent circumstances minimizing the probability of missing a shot. The Lowepro BP 300AW is a perfect match for all these requirements.
Manfrotto Tripod MKBFRTA4GT-BH
Sturdy, Lightweight and Affordable Travel Tripod
The only brand that I trust in tripods is the Italian Manfrotto. I’ve been using Manfrotto tripods since years without any complaints. Currently, this is the model I use that is very sturdy but light and affordable. It features a leg angle selector which gives you the flexibility to change the leg angles up to 0 degrees (make it sit flat on the ground) or fold the legs completely upwards to make it compact while carrying, a 496 ball head with independent panorama and freeze control and M-Lock twist lock for faster and more secure installation. It can mount Sony, Nikon, Canon, or any other DSLR or Mirrorless camera. Based on the experience of using several models of tripods in the past and and this one since the last one year, I cannot recommend it enough.
SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Cards
Fast Writing UHS-I Cards
These days with the size of RAW files increasing, you need memory cards with fast writing speeds and substantial memory capacity to store all your images from a three-week holiday. And if you are into video making, you need all the more memory to store your 4K videos. If you have two memory card slots in your camera, I would recommend you to buy two of them for redundancy or backup purposes so that you do not lose your images in case of a memory card failure. I use two 512 GB memory cards in the two slots of my Sony A7 IV that keep me covered for my long road trips. So go for it!
Uni USB-C Memory Card Reader
Ultra Slim, High-Speed, On-the-Go Card Reader
These days with the size of RAW files increasing, you need memory card readers with fast transfer speeds and the ability to connect with your mobile for quick social sharing. The Uni Memory Card Reader connects to the fast USB C or USB 3.0 port of your computer, laptop, iPad or mobile and supports SD/Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC. In my opinion, it is a need of the hour. So, click on one of the links below to buy it on Amazon.nl or Amazon.com!
Screen Protector for Sony Mirrorless Camera
Tempered Glass LCD Screen Protector for Sony Alpha A7 IV
These edge-to-edge, perfectly fitting, ultra-lightweight, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, and easy to install tempered glass screen protectors protect your Sony camera screen from scratches and normal wear and tear with a natural, crystal clear viewing experience. So, get one for your camera by clicking on one of the links below.
Screen Protector for Nikon DSLRs
Tempered Glass LCD Screen Protector for Nikon D3000, D7000, D500, D600, D700, and D800 Series (Packs of 3)
These edge-to-edge, perfectly fitting, ultra-lightweight, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, and easy to install tempered glass screen protectors protect your Nikon camera screen from scratches and normal wear and tear with a natural, crystal clear viewing experience. Get the ones compatible with your camera by clicking on one of the links below.
Screen and Back Camera Lens Protector for Apple iPhone
Tempered Glass LCD Screen and Back Camera Lens Protector for iPhone 15 Pro Max
With a precise speaker cutoff and maximum screen coverage, this screen and back camera lens protector for your Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max protects the entire screen along with the front and back cameras. Your screen and camera lens are shielded from daily scratches and abrasions by tempered glass with a 9H hardness rating (harder than a knife). The camera lens covers with a built-in night circle ensure excellent transmittance, let you utilize the flash in dim light, and won't degrade the image or video quality. The hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the screen ascertains a pleasant viewing and responsive touching experience. So, go get it!
Spigen Liquid Air Armor Case for Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best Protective Case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
This slim, form-fitted, lightweight, and pocket-friendly case with an anti-slip matte surface gives fingerprint resistance and comfort in every grip. It features Mil-Grade protection and Air Cushion Technology for anti-shock protection. So go get one for your iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Extra Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries
Extra Batteries for Sony Alpha Cameras
The Sony NP-FZ100 battery used in Sony Alpha Series mirrorless cameras delivers up to 710 shots on a single charge when using the LCD screen, and 610 shots when using the EVF, according to CIPA ratings. Though in my personal experience it delivers more shots than the official numbers, it is always safe to carry a couple of extra batteries. Remember, a single battery means a single point of failure. So keep a couple of extra batteries in your bag to be technically safe and mentally confident. And yes, buy only the original ones clicking on one of the links provided below and not the third-party ones as they don’t last long.
Extra Nikon EN-EL15a/b/c Batteries
Extra Batteries for D3000, D5000, D7000, D600, D700, D800, Z5, Z6, and Z7 Series Cameras
The Nikon battery used in Z Series mirrorless cameras delivers up to 350 shots on a single charge, according to CIPA ratings. So it is imperative to carry extra batteries if you are a Nikon mirrorless camera. Even if you are using a Nikon DSLR, betting all your money on a single horse may result in disappointment. So, invest in a couple of extra batteries for safety and peace of mind. And again, I would warn you from using counterfeits or local manufacturer’s batteries. I have used them in the past, but trust me, their life reduces drastically within a year and they fail without warning. So go for the original ones clicking on one of the links below.
Sony Fast Battery Charger BCQZ1
Fast Charger for Sony Alpha Camera Batteries
Some Sony mirrorless cameras like the Alpha 7 IV do not come with a fast battery charger. They come with a USB charging cable using which you need to connect your camera (with the battery inside) to your computer’s USB port to charge the battery. It takes approximately 4 hours to charge a fully discharged battery. Honestly, I find that way too long since I keep multiple batteries as backup, and charging all of them in this way will take me a whole night. And doing this in a three-week vacation in hotel rooms is almost impossible. Also, I do not always carry my laptop to my vacation and if I do, I do not like to keep my camera connected to the computer for the whole night for charging. If you have a similar opinion, then I would recommend you to buy the fast charger from Sony which can charge a fully discharged battery in 2 hours, in half the time the normal charging takes. Trust me, you will thank me for this.
Anker USB C Charger 30W for Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Fast Charger for iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 Pro Max models have bigger batteries compared to their predecessors to provide an excellent battery life. But the downside is that they take a longer time to charge with the regular 18-20W chargers that Apple used to provide with their previous models. So if you are still using them and facing the annoying trouble of slow charging, upgrade to this USB-C 30W charger, which will charge your iPhone 15 Pro Max in no time, and will occupy 70% less space than Apple’s original 30W charger!
Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Control
Remote Cable Release for Long Exposure Photography
When you are shooting long exposures, you do not want to press the shutter of your camera with your finger. Even the minutest of shakes can lead to a blurry image. Hence, it is always advisable to connect a remote cable release to fire the shutter button. And I would always advise you to use the original remote cable release from Sony instead of a local make. So I’m hereby sharing the links to the same. Go for it!
And to know more about long exposure photography, please read our article A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Master Long Exposure Photography | Long Exposure Photography Tutorial | 30 Ultimate Tips and Tricks for Long Exposure Photography.
Nikon MC-DC2 Remote Control
Remote Cable Release for Long Exposure Photography
When you are shooting long exposures, you do not want to press the shutter of your camera with your finger. Even the minutest of shakes can lead to a blurry image. Hence, it is always advisable to connect a remote cable release to fire the shutter button. And I would always advise you to use the original remote cable release from Nikon instead of a local make. So I’m hereby sharing the links to the same. Go for it!
And to know more about long exposure photography, please read our article A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Master Long Exposure Photography | Long Exposure Photography Tutorial | 30 Ultimate Tips and Tricks for Long Exposure Photography.
Carl Zeiss Cleaning Kit
Best Lens and Filter Cleaning Kit for Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras
The Carl Zeiss lens and filter cleaning kit contains everything that you need to clean your optics. It includes an air blower, which removes most small foreign objects without contact, and a dusting brush for finer particles. Finally, you can apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution and wipe with the microfiber cloth that comes with the kit to get a shiny clean, grease-free lens surface. Plus, ten wet cleaning wipes are included for quick on-the-go cleaning. And all this comes in a handy, lightweight bag that you can wear on your belt or store conveniently in your camera bag. A must-have for every photographer. Click on one of the links below to buy it on Amazon.nl or Amazon.com.
Atumtek Selfie-Stick Tripod
Selfie-Stick on Steroids
Gone are the days of having to ask a stranger to take photos for you. with the bestseller super lightweight yet sturdy Atumtek Selfie Stick and integrated tripod you have an easy solution. It comes with a detachable Bluetooth remote control that works up to a distance of 33 feet, which allows you to take photos by yourself or take group photos by turning off the remote control. With the built-in 50mAh rechargeable Lithium battery, you can continuously take 15000 photos after fully charging via the Micro USB charging port of your computer. Thanks to the hidden retractable design, it is only 7.7 inches for folded size and maximum expandable. 31.3 inches. You can put it in pockets or other small bags. And, whenever you want to capture a beautiful moment, it is always there. In addition, you will use it as a desk phone holder, for live internet broadcasting, for watching TV programs, etc.
Seagate Hard Disks
Seagate 2 TB, 5 TB, and 8 TB Expansion Drives to store your photos
It is said that if you do not have a minimum of 3 backups of your photos, then “You don’t own your photos. You are just leasing them from fate!” So get some backups to keep your memories safe. The ones mentioned here are the ones that I personally use. The 2 and 5 TB are portable with just a USB connection to the laptop. The 8 TB one needs external power to run.
Sandisk Ultra Fit Flash Drive
Fast Micro Flash Drive to carry your Photos on the go
Transfer images quickly with 130 MB/s read speed from your computer onto the Sandisk Ultra Fit Flash Drives for carrying your images on the go or as a backup while traveling. Included with the drive is an offer to download RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software. This software makes it easy to recover files that have been accidentally deleted. So don’t wait. Buy one by clicking on one of the links below.
RODE Wireless Go Microphone System
Most Versatile Compact Wireless Microphone System
The RODE Wireless GO system is ideal for content creation, filmmaking, on-stage presentations, vlogging, YouTubing, live streaming, and more. The Wireless GO system transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) automatically couple in less than three seconds upon start. The built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone on the TX that produces audio of the highest quality for broadcast can be clipped directly onto your shirt or used with any lavalier mic via the 3.5mm TRS input, and the RX can be clipped into your camera's cold shoe or your camera strap.
RODE Tripod 2 Handheld/Tabletop Microphone/Mobile/Camera Mount
Best Handheld/Tabletop Tripod for RODE Wireless Go and iPhone 15 Pro Max
A top-notch tripod suited for handheld or tabletop use is the RODE Tripod 2. It comes with a 1/4-inch thread to 3/8-inch thread adaptor for use with microphones and has a 1/4-inch thread for attaching mobiles, cameras, and other accessories. The legs fold together to offer an ergonomic grip for handheld vlogging, and there are two adjustable height settings for the legs to enable for the best orientation and stability on a tabletop. I normally use it coupled with RODE Wireless Go as an interview microphone tabletop stand or as a handheld microphone handle. I also use it coupled with my iPhone 15 Pro Max for long-exposure photography.
Ulanzi ST-06S Mobile Phone Tripod Adapter with 2 Cold Shoes
Best Tripod Adapter with Cold Shoes to Mount Mobile, Microphone, and LED Video Light simultaneously
The Ulanzi ST-06 phone holder is elegant, durable, useful, and comfortable with 2 cold shoes to hold a microphone and an LED video light simultaneously to enhance the quality of your vlog or video. The 360° rotating design accommodates both horizontal and vertical filming angles. I use it for mounting my iPhone 15 Pro Max and Rode Wireless Go.
ReeXpose iPhone App
Best iPhone App for Mobile Long Exposure Photography
ReeXpose is the best specialized long-exposure photography app available on the iPhone App Store. ReeXpose, which was created by pros for professionals, bridges the gap between your iPhone and a conventional DSLR/Mirrorless camera by enabling you to take RAW long-exposure pictures driven by the most cutting-edge computational technologies. All of this without the requirement for extra ND filters!
So make people disappear, blur the motion of clouds, or give running water a distinctive silky effect by using the ‘motion blur’ mode, or create beautiful star trails or turn moving vehicles into beautiful rivers of light using the ‘light trails’ mode. Make use of the greater dynamic range and versatility of full manual settings provided by RAW files. Along with that, you get full manual control on your iPhone, just as on a typical DSLR/Mirrorless camera, allowing users to fine-tune shutter speed, ISO, focus, and white balance to capture the ideal image in any situation and lighting. So go get it!
Click here to try ReeXpose App
RODE NT USB+ Microphone
Best USB Microphone for Voiceovers
The NT-USB+ is a professional USB microphone that makes it incredibly easy to record studio-caliber sound for a wide range of applications, from voiceover, music recording, podcasting, and streaming. The NT-USB+ will have you sounding like a pro in no time because of its unmatched ease of use, superior features, and ability to deliver crystal-clear audio quality. It has high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion and USB-C connectivity functions flawlessly with PCs, cellphones, and tablets (iOS and Android) with zero-latency monitoring and flexible controls. It is also compatible with audio processing applications from Rode like RODE Connect, RODE Central, and RODE Reporter. The box includes a desktop stand and a detachable pop filter. I use it for voiceovers on our videos.
RODE PSA1+ Studio Boom Arm
Best Studio Boom Arm for RODE NT USB+ Microphone
The PSA1+ is the ideal studio boom arm for Youtubers, podcasters, and live streamers. While its fully damped internal springs and neoprene arm cover prevent mechanical noise for entirely silent operation, its novel parallelogram spring design provides ultra-smooth movement and perfect microphone placement in any position. Its long reach and full 360-degree rotation make it simple to put your microphone precisely where it needs to be, and integrated cable management guarantees that your setup is neat. I use it for mounting my RODE NT USB+ microphone for voiceovers on our videos.
RODE NTH-100 Headphones
Best Headphones for Audio Monitoring/Editing
The RODE NTH-100 professional over-ear headphones provide great comfort and exceptional audio performance. They are perfect for all types of content creation, including music production, mixing, and audio editing, podcasting, streaming, and location recording. They feature custom-matched drivers that deliver an incredibly accurate frequency response and ultra-low distortion, as well as a precision-engineered acoustic design optimized for exceptional detail and clarity.
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-54 Gaming Laptop
Best Laptop for Photo/Video Processing
With an Octa-Core Intel Core i7-11800H processor (up to 4.6GHz), 43.9 cm (17.3 inch) Full HD 16:9 matte display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX3060 Graphics (6144 MB), Windows 11 Home 64 bit, and battery life up to 8 hours, this is the laptop you need for heavy photo/processing in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Da Vinci Resolve.
SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 32-inch Gaming Monitor
Best Ultra HD/4K Monitor
With a 1000R panel that matches the curvature of the human eye for maximum immersion and minimal eye strain, 240hz refresh rate, 1ms response times, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, and Infinity Core lighting, the Odyssey G7 is the perfect choice for those who are into gaming or photo processing as Odyssey’s HDR 600 brings incredible depth to reveal the smallest hidden details so you don’t miss a thing!
GTRacing Gaming Chair
Best Budget Gaming Chair
This 360 degree rotatable, height, armrests, and adjustable backrest (between 90 and 180 degrees) gaming chair allows you to spend hours of concentrated gaming/photo processing with the right posture. It comes with two removable and adjustable cushions for optimal comfort. The robust frame of this PC gaming chair supports up to 150 kg and is best suited for users with a length between 155 and 195 cm.
Epilogue
So that was the list of all the photography accessories that we are currently using or have previously used that we recommend to you based on our personal experience. Please let us know in the comments below if our article has helped you in making your decision. Until then, merry traveling and happy shooting!
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