Accessories

If you are the proud owner of a digital SLR camera, you will probably find that you need a tripod at some point. Tripods are necessary for a number of different situations: from long exposure to astrophotography, to telephoto lenses and adding yourself to group photos. Getting extreme close ups, shooting in low light conditions, reducing vibration in videos – all of these situations and plenty more demand a tripod.

A cursory search for DSLR tripods will turn up a huge selection of products and wildly different price points. It’s important to note that, as with many DSLR accessories, paying more to get quality products is important. Cheaper tripods might do the trick for less expensive entry-level cameras with kit lenses (which are not very heavy). For more expensive – and, thus, heavier – equipment, a cheap tripod won’t be able to safely hold it, and you could ruin your gear.

In addition to ensuring you get a tripod that can accommodate the weight of your camera body and lenses, you also want to factor in how you’ll be using the tripod. For example, if you do a lot of hiking to shoot landscapes, you need a tripod that isn’t super heavy or bulky – you have enough weight to worry about without a tripod adding a bunch to it.

One of the most important specifications of the tripod you buy is weight rating. Weight rating is the maximum weight that the tripod can hold. Understanding the weight rating you need comes from the weight of the camera body plus the weight of the lens (or lenses) you will use most often.

The weight of the tripod is probably an important factor, too. Tripods can be heavy, and if it’s something you’ll be carrying around for long periods of time or on uneven terrain, you might want a lighter model. Remember that the tripod’s weight will add weight to the gear you’re already carrying.

Lighter weight tripods are either designed with a lower weight rating, or they are made of lightweight, sturdy material. These factors can impact the total cost of the tripod.

Weight rating and the weight of the tripod itself are just two of the aspects that you should consider before buying. Some additional features of tripods include:

• Tripod height: The height of the tripod should match or exceed yours so that you don’t have to bend down to see the viewfinder
• Durability: Depending on what you’ll be putting the tripod through, and based on the climate and location of your shoots, you probably want to consider how durable the tripod is
• Stability: Related to weight rating and durability, the stability of the tripod should be excellent so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your expensive equipment while you’re trying to catch the perfect shot
• Legs: Tripod legs will be tubular or non-tubular. These types will help indicate how they lock. Additionally, legs will have a few segments – more segments often mean less stability, so keep that in mind
• Feet: Tripod feet come in different types and can be useful for certain types of shoots. It’s preferable to have replaceable feet in case you want to switch out to a different style
• Head: The three types of tripod heads are ball head, gimbal head, and pan head.
• Release: How you get the camera on and off the plate and the tripod is important to some photographers. More expensive tripods generally have a much more effective quick release system.

A good tripod will last a long, long time, and it will enable you to get the gorgeous shots you want without a lot of fuss. Our guide will cover some different options for you to consider based on your budget or shooting needs.

Our #1 Recommended Tripod

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB Aluminum

Our top pick offers a weight capacity of 13.2 pounds, and it extends to 68.5 inches. It is a bit heavy itself, meaning it might not be best for backpacking or travel, but it is a good everyday tripod. The Alta Pro is an excellent all-around tripod, featuring a durable ball head that allows single handed positioning. It’s super versatile and has a fantastic range of movement to let you get the perfect shot. It’s a high end tripod without the high end price tag – you can’t get the same features and construction on any other tripod for this price.

Best Budget Tripod

SLIK Sprint Pro II

The SLIK Sprint Pro II is a great bargain for entry-level DSLRs and some mid-ranges, with a max weight capacity of 4.5 pounds. It easily extends up to 64 inches and works well for low shots, too. Because it is lightweight, it’s good for travel. It folds to a small and compact size for easy storage in a backpack or travel bag. However, it doesn’t have a center hook, so users should take care in windy or rocky shooting situations. It’s nicely priced and has great construction and durability for a budget tripod.

Best Travel Tripod

Manfrotto Be Free Compact Aluminum Tripod

Manfrotto is a well-known and highly respected manufacturer of camera tripods. The Be Free compact tripod is our pick for best travel tripod because it is well constructed and lightweight for the price point. At a mere 3.1 pounds, the Be Free holds up to 8.8 pounds and stays sturdy. Its portability does mean that it is not quite as tall as some other tripods – the max height is 56.7”. Nonetheless, the Manfrotto Be Free is a fantastic travel tripod that will go with you anywhere.

Best Professional Tripod

Gitzo GT2543L Mountaineer

The Gitzo GT2543L Mountaineer is a bit of a beast, and it’s definitely more expensive than many of the tripods that we’ve reviewed. But if you have a professional camera and heavier lenses, it’s imperative that you have a well-constructed tripod that can both support the weight and stay sturdy. It supports up to 39 pounds and features a built-in hook and G-Lock legs. Whether you want to extend it to its full height (70.47”) or use it for ground level shots, the versatile and rock solid Mountaineer is for you.

Best Lightweight Tripod

Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber

When every ounce counts, you need a lightweight tripod that can still handle your gear. The Sirui T-025X can support up to 13.2 pounds but it only weighs about 2 pounds. It sets up and locks quickly and easily. It features separate knobs to allow for panoramic captures. The leg design enables you to shoot standing or utilize it for a ground level or table top tripod. For hikers and travelers, this is a great lightweight tripod that has quality construction and durability.

Best Video Tripod

Benro S7

Shooting videos with your DSLR requires a good tripod that minimizes shake and can handle your camera. The Benro S7 is designed with videographers in mind, and is well constructed and functional. It also features an S7 Video Head which will give you better control over panning and smoother results. Both the aluminum and carbon fiber versions are fairly heavy, but necessarily so. Videos demand the sturdiest tripods for the best results.

Best Tabletop Tripod

JOBY Gorrilapod SLR Zoom

If tall tripods aren’t your thing, tabletop tripods might be right up your alley. We like the Gorillapod because it’s much more than just a tabletop tripod. It is crazy flexible and can actually be used in a number of different situations. It’s popular for vloggers and for low perspective photography. It is incredibly affordable, so it’s worth checking out even if you don’t think tabletop tripods are for you.

 

Every Digital SLR camera owner knows that there is more to photography than just the camera. Photographers simply need gear and accessories. If you are new to DSLR, you might be a little overwhelmed by all the options. Some accessories are more useful than others, and what you need depends entirely on what kind of photography you do primarily.

There are a few must-have accessories (we’ll cover those first) and plenty of optional gear that you can either pick up now or hold off until much later.

Here is our complete guide to DSLR camera accessories.

Essentials

What we’re calling “essentials” are accessories that you’ll want to pick up right away, though some are more important than others, of course.

Lenses

Your DSLR has limitless potential, but much of that power comes from proper lenses. Your DSLR likely came with a kit lens that will get you by for a while, but you’ll eventually want to start thinking about adding lenses to your repertoire.

Lens buying can be a bit overwhelming itself – there is a huge number of options for every brand. Our guides to lenses for Canon and Nikon cover some of our budget-friendly favorites for both brands.

Our Recommendations:

Check out our DSLR lens guides for Canon and Nikon, featuring our favorite lenses for any occasion.

Bags

A good, sturdy camera bag is an absolute necessity as soon as you start moving around with your camera and lenses. You want a bag or backpack that fits all of your gear comfortably and securely. Most photographers are very particular about their bag – it needs to support the gear that they have plus be comfortable to carry.

There are several types of bags on the market. There are camera/gear cases, backpacks, and messenger bags, to name the most popular styles. Bags come at nearly every price point imaginable, so there are several factors to consider when you start looking. You’ll also want to think about where and how you’ll be using the bag – do you need weatherproofing? Do you want room for other things (laptops, etc.)? Take some time to find the perfect bag for all of your needs. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.

Our Recommendations:

Best Messenger Bag: Think Tank Retrospective 7

We like this bag’s ruggedness and functionality. It might seem a bit pricey, but it should last a long time and work hard. It fits pro cameras plus lenses and other gear, so there’s plenty of room for any photographer.

Best Backpack: Lowepro Fastback BP 250 AW II

Backpacks are great for everyday use, but they are especially great for travel. Our pick for best backpack is the Lowepro Fastback, which is designed for travel. It features great storage options and easy access, in addition to room for extras like a laptop.

Memory Cards

While you may already have some storage, we suggest grabbing a backup early on. It’s incredibly easy to run out of space, and that is the worst kind of frustration when you’re traveling, in the middle of a shoot, or somewhere cool trying to capture some great shots.

It’s easy and cheap to find memory cards, whether you have slots for SD, CF, or both.

Our Recommendations:

SD Cards: 2 Pack SanDisk SDHC Card

CF Cards: SanDisk Ultra 16GB CF

Batteries

Like memory cards, spare batteries are an accessory we recommend picking up sooner rather than later. Many batteries last a long time, so it’s likely that you won’t need the spare every time. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry in this instance.

Our Recommendations:

Grab batteries specific to your camera, and consider battery holders and quick chargers if you have the need.

Tripods

Tripods are necessary for many kinds of shoots. Good tripods can be expensive. But inexpensive tripods can be useless, or even dangerous. It’s worth it to save up for a tripod you’ll actually be able to use rather than making a hasty purchase of a cheap tripod.

Our Recommendations:

Budget Tripod: Slik Sprint Pro II

If you are looking for a budget tripod that is affordable and good for travel, the Slik Sprint Pro is a good bargain for the money. It holds up to 4.5 lbs and can extend to 64 inches.

Best Tripod: Manfrotto Be Free

Manfrotto is *the* name in tripods, and this model is a great one. Though the price might seem a little high to a newcomer to DSLR, it’s actually a very fair price for a good, solid tripod. It supports up to 8.8 lbs and is well constructed for usability.

Cleaning Gadgets

You’ll want to be able to clean your lenses and camera at any time, so it’s good to get cleaning materials right away. There are plenty of options for cleaning kits and gadgets, but the most essential thing you need now is something to easily clean lenses. Our picks are chemical-free cleaners you can carry with you anywhere

Our Recommendations:

LensPen

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster

Less Essential

The second section of this guide covers what we consider to be “less essential;” that is, these are accessories that you probably don’t need right away (though it always depends, of course).

External Hard Drive

Eventually, you’ll need to do something with all those photos. An external hard drive is the best option (unless you’re springing for cloud storage) to keep your pictures organized and not eating up valuable space on your computer. There are tons of options for hard drive, and plenty of storage options, and the price of them has gone down significantly in the past few years.

Our Recommendation:

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable Hard Drive  is a nicely-priced terabyte of storage in a super-portable package.

Filters

There are lots of types of lens filters out there meant to do anything from protecting your lens to providing options for more creative shots. You’ll see UV filters, polarizing filters, neural density filters and more. Polarizing filters are great for landscape shots as they help reduce reflections and darken the sky. UV filters are a must have for protecting your lens from dust and moisture. You may not need filters right away, but they are worth looking into down the road.

Our Recommendation:

Give the Tiffen Circular Polarizer  a try and see how polarizing makes a difference in your shots.

Neck Straps

The neck strap that comes with your DSLR camera might work just fine for you. However, for some, these are very uncomfortable and must be replaced as soon as possible. Or, some photographers want a more attractive one than the stock strap. Whatever the case, there are plenty of options out there for replacement neck straps. There are also wrist straps, cross body straps, and two-way straps if you’re interested in additional ways to wear your camera.

Our Recommendation:

Miggo Two-Way Carrying Strap

External Flash

The built-in flash is not always great, and many cameras don’t even have one. Natural light is great to shoot with, but inevitably you will want some artificial light source. Your best option is a first-party external flash (Nikon and Canon), but there are some good third-party options as well.

Our Recommendations:

Canon 600EX-RX Speedlite Flash

Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash

Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release is an important addition to your tripod, especially if you intend to take long exposures or group photos that include you. Shutter release remotes can be wireless or tethered, and there is a tremendous range of price points for them. They tend to work only for one specific brand, so if you get an off-brand, make sure to check compatibility.

Our Recommendations:

To start out, we recommend this budget-friendly AmazonBasics Wireless Remote, available for both Canon and Nikon.

Optional

Our final accessories category is one we’re calling “optional.” These are accessories that you may or may not need, now or later.

Photo Editing Software

The question of whether to buy photo editing software is a big one. Software can be expensive and complicated to learn. However, serious photographers often decide it is necessary to spend the money and get the best. There are some free photo editing apps and software that you can play around with until you’ve saved up for the more expensive ones, though – GIMP and Photoscape are a few highly rated options.

Our Recommendations:

For paid software, the go-to is of course Photoshop. Choose from Photoshop Elements (for new photo editors and casual photographers) or Photoshop Lightroom (for more complexity and options).

Rain Protectors

If you’ll be out in the elements, having a rain jacket for your DSLR is a smart move. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your equipment. Even cameras with weather sealing can use a little extra protection. There are pretty drastic price differences out there, but we recommend spending a little more on a quality cover is worth it.

Our Recommendation:

We like the Vortex Media Pro Storm Jacket Cover for its reasonable price and intelligent design.

Light Reflectors

Reflectors are a great option when you want to make the most of natural light. This is especially useful in outdoor portraits, where you want to fill in the shadows without using flash. They make a huge difference in portrait photography, so it’s well worth it to pick one up if you do a lot of it. There are also differently colored options out there for when you want to get even more specific with lighting in your shots.

Our Recommendation:

This 5-in-1 collapsible reflector has everything you need.

 

Finding a bag, case, or backpack for your DSLR camera can sometimes be tricky. Many photographers are very particular about their bags, and it’s easy to see why. You need something that will protect all your gear, withstand the environment you are usually in, and be comfortable to wear around.

There are many camera bags on the market, and you can find just about any price point imaginable. We have a roundup of our favorite bags out there to help you narrow down your decision.

We have identified five styles of camera bags: shoulder bags, backpacks, sling bags, messenger bags, and purses.

We recommend considering a number of things before you buy a new camera bag, including:

• Ease of access
• Weatherproofing
• Dedicated pockets or inserts
• Room for gear and extras (laptops, etc.)
• Preferred style

With your wish list in mind, we also recommend buying the best available in your budget. As a general rule, more expensive bags will be better made – they’ll be made from better material and have better stitching and more durability.

Of course, we know that having a bag that’s fashionable is important, too, but tastes vary so widely it all comes down to personal preference. We did keep stylishness in mind in our review, though, and luckily there are plenty of options that look good while being functional.

Without further ado, here are our favorite camera bags.

Best Shoulder Bags

Shoulder bags are not always the most popular camera bags, but they work well for plenty of photographers. These bags sit on one shoulder (and sometimes double as cross-body bags), so it’s important that they have padded shoulders to minimize discomfort.

Shoulder bags generally aren’t as sleek as messenger bags, and they’re not meant for hiking or other outdoorsy activities like backpacks. So, they tend to be a bit bulky, but good ones will have good protection and plenty of pockets and slots for all your gear. Think Tank and Lowepro offer our favorite shoulder bags, and both brands have plenty of options for sizes and colors.

Our picks:

Think Tank Retrospective 30 (Top Pick)

While the Retrospective 30 is the most expensive of the three shoulder bags we picked, it’s well worth the money. It features plenty of storage space – the Retrospective 30 can accommodate a full frame DSLR and extra lenses. The manufacturer calls it “inconspicuous” and a blend of “old school” with new technology.

These descriptions make total sense when you see it, but we’d also go so far as to call it stylish (in a utilitarian sort of way). It’s durable and sturdy with a rugged build and quality materials. Check out the other Retrospective bags for additional sizes if the 30 is more than you need for your gear.

Lowepro Nova 180

The Nova is not as stylish as the Retrospective, but it’s well made and features several options. It’s also less expensive than Think Tank’s. You have options for storage and carrying, as well as several choices of sizes. The Nova 180 is for compact DSLRs, but you can pick up larger sizes for bigger cameras or more gear storage. The Nova is weatherproof and features a flap lid for extra protection from the elements. It’s a bit boxy, but it has fantastic protection and will last a long time.

AmazonBasics DSLR Gadget Bag (Budget Pick)

If you do not want to fork out so many of your hard earned dollars, AmazonBasic’s line of goods has a gadget back that’s seriously budget-friendly. The compartments inside offer plenty of space and options for your gear storage, and are lots of pockets and slots for your extras. It’s not anything spectacular to look at, but it’s well made and functional. And you simply can’t beat the price.

Best Backpacks

DSLR backpacks are awesome for photographers on the move. They are also an absolute necessity for outdoors photographers who need to have their equipment safe and have both hands free. There are an incredible number of camera backpacks on the market, and you can spend hundreds of dollars getting some of the top of the line models. However, spending big is necessary if you need a backpack that can handle the elements and keep your gear safe and sound.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack (Top Pick)

The buzzy and award winning Peak Design has an everything-you-need-and-then-some backpack that pros can’t get enough of. While it’s a little spendy, you’re paying for expert design, well thought out engineering, and weatherproofing you won’t have to think twice about. One of the best things about the Everyday Backpack is how intuitive and functional the storage is. You get easy access to all the things you need. We love this backpack and think you will, too.

Pacsafe Camsafe V17 Anti-Theft Backpack

While this backpack is designed with security in mind, it’s also a functional, well-designed backpack for an affordable price. The anti-theft features of the backpack are super useful for travelers – it is engineered with all the security components you’d need. This includes embedded wire mesh and RFIDsafe Blocking Material to help prevent hacker scanning. It also features a built in rain cover, lots of compartments for all your stuff, and a low profile. It’s perfect for travel or everyday use.

Lowepro Hatchback BP 150 AW II (Budget Pick)

We’re big fans of all of Lowepro’s camera bags. This one isn’t our favorite Lowepro overall, but its budget-friendly price and versatility help it land a spot on our list. The Hatchback BP 150 is designed for compact DSLRs, but it also easily converts to a standard daypack. This makes it even kinder to your wallet, as you’re essentially getting two bags in one. It features an all weather cover to help protect your gear from the elements and from dust. If you want a more comprehensive outdoor backpack, or you have more to spend, we recommend checking out some of Lowepro’s other offerings (the pro-approved Whistler BP  is pretty amazing), but if you’re on a budget, the Hatchback is a fantastic option.

Best Messenger Bags

Messenger bags are a popular choice for photographers who want a stylish, comfortable bag that’s easy to access. The best messenger bags for cameras have pockets or inserts for your gear and for anything else you want to carry with you, like laptops or tablets, or keys and a wallet.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag (Top Pick)

Peak Design makes their second appearance on our list with this smart, high-quality messenger bag. It’s a bit pricey, much like their backpack, but it’s well worth saving up for. Peak Design worked with photographer Trey Ratcliff to create a functional bag that considers photographers’ needs. There are so many things to love about this bag – from its construction and usability, to its incredible attention to detail in organization configuration. Plus, its weatherproofing, comfortable strap, and rugged good looks, it’s a bag that will quickly become many photographer’s favorite.

Tenba Messenger DNA

The Tenba Messenger DNA comes in several sizes so that you can find the perfect fit. The exterior is all-weather and rugged, making it a great choice for everyday use. The interior pays attention to the care and space you need for your camera and gear. The Messenger DNA also features an additional security strap so that you can wear it on your bike without the bag sliding around. The top has a quick access feature that makes it simple to grab your camera without opening the whole top. Price-wise, the Messenger DNA is priced well for an all-weather bag with inventive and useful features.

Ape Case Large DSLR Bag (Budget Pick)

Like our other budget picks, the Ape Case is best for a compact DSLR. Though the name says large, it’s really more of a medium-sized (or even a small medium) messenger. However, it’s very affordable and has a fun, functional look about it. It’s lightweight and contours to the body well, making it a good option if you want a bag that doesn’t call attention to the gear you have in it. It’s nicely priced, so if  you are on a budget, this is worth checking out.

Best Sling Bags

Sling bags are not the most popular style of DSLR bag, but they are well loved by photographers who want a more compact way to carry their camera around. These are ideal for short hikes or day trips where you don’t need all of your gear and don’t want a bunch of extra weight on your back or side. Most sling bags are inexpensive; in fact, most are available for under $100, making them a good option for a backup bag.

Think Tank Turnstyle 20 (Top Pick)

Think Tank makes it to the top of another category with this sling bag called the Turnstyle. It’s the most expensive sling bag we selected (though still under $100), but it’s worth the money for Think Tank’s smart design and sturdy construction. The Turnstyle features an option to be worn as a belt pack in addition to a sling, making it a versatile choice for active photographers. Either way you wear it, you can get to your gear quickly and efficiently. It also has water-resistant fabric and a removable rain cover.

Lowepro Slingshot Edge

The Lowepro Slingshot is a smartly designed sling that makes getting what you need super easy. There is a small front pocket, for example, that has a space for your phone, plus separate space for other small essentials. All of the other access points are well thought out, and the Slingshot makes an excellent choice for travelers with compact DSLRs. You can quickly access the side pocket without taking the bag off, and the zipper placement makes it easy to get in and out of while also deterring theft. Lowepro is a fantastic brand for camera bags, and their Slingshot is no exception.

Ruggard Triumph 35 Sling Bag

You’ll notice we don’t have a budget pick for sling bags, and that’s because the Lowepro sling and this Ruggard sling are pretty darn close in price. The Triumph has a bit more room than the Slingshot, but it too has smart access points to quickly get in and out of the bag. The Triumph as a compact tripod holder and plenty of compartment options, making it an excellent option for traveling and keeping everything together.

Best Purses

There are far fewer options for camera purses than any other bag type. This is probably because they aren’t practical for every photographer, nor are they very useful for many situations beyond walking around town. There is still some demand for them, though, so there are a few possibilities for a stylish purse that is designed to hold DSLR equipment. One thing to note, however, is that there aren’t many budget options, so you can expect to pay over $100 for a DSLR purse.

Jo Totes Gracie Camera Bag (Top Pick)

The Gracie purse is a super cute option that has plenty of room for your camera and gear. There’s room enough for your camera body and a few lenses or other gear, plus pockets for other things. The Gracie bag is fantastic for travel – it doesn’t look like a gear bag and it conforms to your body rather than being bulky. The access points are easy to get into, and there are lots of options for storage. It’s also the least expensive option in this category.

Kailo Chic Camera and Laptop Tote

This tote doesn’t have great padding for the camera compartments, but it’s a real winner in the looks department. It features comfortable straps and lots of compartments, so it will work well for a stylish photographer who is on the go. It is practical and sturdy, so if you are looking for a bag that will function as more than just a camera bag, this is a fantastic option. There are several print options, too, so there’s sure to be one that matches your personality.