Top Best DSLR Camera Accessories for Beginners
What’s in your camera backpack? There are many key features when shooting with a DSLR camera. That’s the ultimate reason to own the DSLR, not the point-and-shoot camera. The DSLR offers more flexible options as you develop photography skills and techniques. You shouldn’t buy all the accessories, but start with the best, must-have accessories. All recommended accessories and gears in this buying guide are the essential kits in most photographer’s bag and backpack.
Recommended for photographers: Best Winter Gloves
Some photographers have asked me: What accessories do I buy after buying my first DSLR? Of course, one of the most important accessories is the camera cleaning kit. But, there are some more. Some must-have.
With the best DSLR camera accessories for photography, the technique for better shooting is up to you. Please read my top best DSLR camera accessory kits you should have.
For most beginners, having a DSLR camera with top rated accessories and gears is essential. The digital camera gives us the flexibility to add more gears and kits to meet our growing demand. From Canon to Pentax to Nikon, this list offers all the essential accessories for your better photography.
Most photographers want to get better photography results than ever before. There are a lot of top rated camera accessories you can add to your DSLR cameras to enhance the photography quality. Building a camera kit will take time. Having the must-have accessories is the next best step to get the most out of the powerful features from the camera. When buying new accessories depends on your budget and needs for your photography’s purposes.
For most photographers, the basic needs to power up the camera are the battery pack and the memory card. Go for them. What are some of the must-have accessories for DSLR and mirrorleess cameras?
It depends on how much you want to invest in your photography hobby or professionalism. However, this list of the best accessories for DSLR cameras is the first step to help uncover what are the essential gear you need.
High quality photography work, however, depends on not only the camera in use but also on the accessories and gears that come with it. Every photographer knows that factors like stability and lighting among others are key in any shooting and accessories are required to create the best conditions for the shoot.
What are the best gear for DSLR photographers? Why professionals build their toolkit? What are essential accessories and gear in the camera bag?
The list must be long. But I simplified it by listing down only the must-have accessories.
Browse now
A List of Top Best DSLR Camera Accessories for Beginners
The best memory card: SD and CF Cards
The type of secure digital memory card you use can define the difference in conditions of your camera performance. Mostly when you’re shooting on a burst based function. Professional photographers and videographers prefer SanDisk memory cards. The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC and SDXC UHS-II cards, with write speed up to 95Mbps, is very ideal for DSLR camera. What you need is speed. A must have for most professional photographers for its 4K Ultra HD ready.
An extra memory card can save you from a disaster. Too often, we photographers run into a situation that we lose our control when we’re running out of storage to continue our important photography work. It’s always a good idea to have a backup memory card like this SanDisk CompactFlash card.
Most professionals find the SD card isn’t enough. That’s why this Canon DSLR camera has another slot for the CF Card. The SanDisk CompactFlash card can capture multiple frames per second. Need for speed? This is the world’s fastest SD card you can buy. It’s ideal for recording extreme sports and other fast-action photography without dropping frames. This SanDisk card also comes with data recovery software.
Pro:
- Capacity starting from 32 GB to 128 GB
- cinema-quality 4K Ultra HD
- Very reliable and durable
- temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and x-ray proof
Remote Control Shutter Release
Camera shakes are photographer’s best enemy. A remote shutter release helps in avoiding shaking your camera. By using software such as trigger trap dongles and Io shutter, allows using a personal smartphone to work as remote release. This small remote controller is not expensive, yet durable. It will work like a charm. A wireless remote release control is one the must-have accessories for most professional photographers.
Using a remote shutter release alleviates any shake and vibrations from the camera through the elimination of the need to press the shutter button manually, giving you properly crisp photos.
Photography sometimes involves dangerous subjects like wild animals or sometimes there’s a lot of vibration when trying to shoot something. This accessory uses infrared technology to remotely control the shutter button. It works at a radius of 15 feet. So be sure that your camera is compatible with this remote control before making the buy decision.
You definitely needs a wireless handheld distant control for your camera when you wish to adopt a group picture. With this AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control, you can use it with any Canon Digital SLR cameras.
Key features to look into:
- Remarkable color accuracy
- LED technology
- All digital HDMI connectivity
- Set delay timer, exposure time, interval time, number of shoots, repeat shooting interval time and repeat times
- Range is approximately 16 feet in front of camera
- Two second delay mode
- Slim wireless remote
Recommended DSLR Camera Lenses
That’s the ultimate reason to have a DSLR. Interchangeable. A DSLR camera has standard zoom lenses. These standard lenses have different focal length. What are the best DSLR lenses to have? The answer is that it depends on what photography you specializes in.
Telephoto Lenses: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Even though most cameras have zoom functions, buying a telephoto zoom lens can be quite a good idea. This kind of type of lens permits you to focus well on distant subjects with your Canon DSLR camera, like birds and wildlife and is great for most scenery shots also. A better option? Of course, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens is simply superlative.
- 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture
- Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast
- Closest focusing distance : 3.94 feet
- Focal length: 70-200mm
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing
- Lightweight build
- Image stabilizer for 4 stops of shake correction
- water and dust-proof construction
Pentax HD D FA 150-450mm f4.5-5.6ED DC AW Super-Telephoto Lens for Pentax KAF Cameras
Professionals who are looking for a pro-quality, all weather Pentax lens, this razor sharp, wide open will give you a good contrast, low chromatic aberration. Its auto-focus is smooth, fast, and silent. Also, it’s very accurate.
- Quick-Shift Focus System for AF and MF control
- High quality photos with outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness
Pentax DA 50mm f1.8 lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras
Unsurprisingly, the Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens performs well in low light situations. Its protective coating is capable of repeling dust, water, grease, and other substances.
Features:
- Compatible with PENTAX K-mount interchangeable-lens digital cameras
- Outstanding performance
- Compact, lightweight design
Pros:
- Great budget prime
- Very sharp, very light and very fast to focus
Cons:
- Fairly sharp with a 16 MP sensor
- Not great with shots that have bright point sources such as headlights or astronomical objects
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
I picked up and recommended this essential lens because I like its sharpness and the quiet auto focus feature.
- Camera Mount Type: Canon EF
- Format Compatibility: 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
- Angle of View: 84° – 34°
Kipon Shift Adapter for Canon EOS EF Mount Lens to Fuji GFX Medium Format Camera
Which adapter is the best for Canon lenses? Get this Kipon Shift Adapter for Canon EOS EF Mount Lens. With this adapter, you can have your Canon EOS mount lenses to be mounted onto Fuji GFX Medium Format camera bodies.
- High quality metal
Lens and Sensor Cleaners
Camera sensors attract dust like opposite poles of a magnet and if not cleaned on a regular basis, dust can build upon them. The effect of this is having spots on your photos which is not desirable to any camera guy. This happens mostly if you change lens regularly during shoots and this accessory helps in maintaining the required cleanliness levels.
DSLR cameras have a cleaning mechanism. However, it is better a cleaning kit that includes swabs, sensor cleaning fluid, and soft lens cloth. Polaroid Original Lenspen Cleaning Kit comes with Lenspen & Mini Pro II for easy and effective cleaning. The pen does a superb job of cleaning the lenses.
Lens Hood Set
A lens hood is a front element of the lens that prevents flare. It may not be included as a package when buying a camera. However, it’s a must-have kit. Make sure it fits well and it does not cause vignetting (corners of photos darkening).
DSLR contact lens hood it is crucial when one is shooting outdoors photos during the day, you certainly desire a contact lens hood. The Waka 3 Stages Collapsible Rubber Lens Hood fits the lens very nicely and it provides good protection from glare. The build quality is great and I like the flexibility to set the hood in a bunch of different configurations. I prefer to do less editing and protect my lenses.
AmazonBasics UV Protection Lens Filter – 67 mm
Lens filters come in a number of shapes, round and square. Round filters fit by having screwed on front of the lens. They are bought for specific sizes of which they are easy to use for particular lens one is using. Square filters use different adapter rings to be attached to lens.
Filters are thin glass pieces that fit on front part of the camera just on front of the lens. Neutral density filters are most common since they have a longer exposure time. This means that you can take photos in hazy cloud or broad daylight.
Lens filters are essential for getting truly crisp, condensed, professional photographs with Nikon cameras or Canon SLR cameras. There are a great number of filters to choose from, so when picking some for the first time, you should probably stick with an UV filter, a round polarizer filter, and/or a graduated neutral density filtration.
UV filters go on the lens for safeguard against scratches and other damages. A circular polarized filter can reduce unwanted reflections and make colors more saturated. This neutral density filter can alleviate over-exposure problems in high-contrast shooting situations. These types of are the real essential filters that can improve any type of taking pictures, the rest are definitely more for creative and artsy purposes.
- Ideal for outdoor photography
- Protects lens from dust, dirt, and scratches
- Helps eliminate bluish cast in images
Best Camera Bag: HEX Raven DSLR Backpack
To protect our camera, gear, and accessories in style, this shoulder bag is all you need. We travel a lot with our cameras, gears, and laptop. The best camera bag makes photographers easier to load the tripod, extra lenses, charging batteries etc.
If you’ve been shopping around for Canon DSLR digital cameras, you’re already aware of the pretty large price tag on these fine pieces of equipment. Thus if you conclude purchasing one, you should really invest in a good camera bag to protect it. Camera backpacks come in all of the different styles, sizes, and colors, so definitely do some research and locate which one suits your preferences the best. Shoulder bags are the most preferred for an easy access. There are bags that double as a sling bag and as a backpack when convenient.
Lowepro camera bags are our favorite because of the quality and value for the money. This Lowepro Format 160 Camera Bag is no exception. You can also read my review here for the Best Camera Bags & Backpacks (Buying Guide).
Pros:
- Not very expensive
- Durable
- Easy to load your camera and go
What’s the best camera bag should I buy? Please also read my lists of camera backpacks for special photography purposes:
Best Camera Flashgun
Sometimes as a photographer, you may wish to achieve certain lighting effects and there’s not enough light. This is where an external flash comes in handy to provide the needed extra lighting. This is one accessory that almost no photographer can do without.
Most Canon SLR cameras have a built-in flash. If you want more a more powerful display which has a further reach, you should look into an external flash. Also, external flashes reduce red eye issue. Getting the right lighting is challenging. Some cameras do have a popup-flash.
A cable operated or wireless connection flash gun? Manually operated flash guns are also an option if the photographers timing is accurate and money is saved while at it. Altura Photo Studio Pro Flash Kit has two camera flashes. It can be operated wirelessly as well as wired mode.
Vivitar Series 1 DF-372 Power Zoom DSLR Flash
This is the flash for your Canon camera. The built-in slave function allows it to be positioned off-camera. This flash is able to cover ten-position power zoom
- Fully automatic
- AF focus assist beam
- 100 ft range
- Two protective punches
Need to buy the best flashgun this year? Here’s my list of the top 10 best camera flashes.
Flash diffuser
Flash diffusers are great for ensuring more natural lighting in photos. They remove the harsh white light. The SpinLight 360 is the best flash light control system for photographers. As a result, professional wedding photographers can up their game when it comes to low light conditions. What illuminates from the flash gun is important to capture the finest details. However, it can be too bright. So a plastic film-made flash diffuser can regulate amount of light.
The Best Travel Tripod
There are photography situations where stillness is key and a tripod allows for camera stability and steadiness. The best travel tripod is both portable and durable usually made with carbon fiber. A tripod is a key accessory for any serious photographer. Tripods are essential for SLR cameras if you are looking to capture clear photographs at night, long range photography, self-portraits, or group shots that you might want to be included in. Essentially, they’re essential for anything at all that requires you to hold the camera constant for long periods of time.
A carbon fiber-made tripod is the best when you need it for your travel photography. With the weight of most DSLR cameras, gear, and accessories in your backpack, it’s a good idea to save weight with this lightweight tripod. You can also find more from my list of the best travel tripods for most photographers.
A lot of photographers tend to shy away from tripods because they can be kind of a pain to bring, but since you’re looking to do more dynamic digital photography, they are pretty convenient.
Tripod Head
The free movement of the camera is an essential gear for a photographer. The tripod heads does allow this. Tripod heads such as the ball head are used by photographers for large view photos.
- Can be held at tight angles
- Load Capacity: 15lb /6.8kg
- Tripod Mount: 3/8″-16
Manfrotto MKBFRC4-BH Befree
Made from carbon fiber, the compact design of this Manfrotto MKBFRC4-BH Befree is the best tripod for hiking and travel photographers who shoot landscape and wildlife scenes in the mountains.
- Weighs only 1.4 kg (3 lbs), and it’s 40 cm (15.7)
- Compact size, light weight
Takama 66″ 3 Section Tripod with 3 Way Head
As always, a camera tripod is one of the most useful accessories to have. It’s hard for any photographer to operate without it. Takama 66″ 3 Section Tripod with 3 Way Head was well designed for this Canon DSLR camera. Made from lightweight aluminum and poly-carbonate frame, it’s good for most travel photographers.
Pros:
- Light and portable
- 3-tiered extendable leg
- Sturdy
Wallet for CF and SD Cards
This is the smartest way to hold your memory cards securely. Well made, high quality bag. You’re probably planning on getting more than one memory cards for your DSLR. If perhaps so, you should plan on getting a memory space card to keep your treasured files organized and in one place.
- Removable tether clip attaches to belt, bag, or clothing
- For 6 CF & 3 SD memory cards
Peak Design Black Slide Camera Strap SL-BK-3
You can use this as your camera sling strap, shoulder strap or neck strap. The best 3 in 1 DSLR strap. Peak Design? By far the best strap on the market. You must have it.
- Comfortable and functional
- Durable aluminum quick adjuster handles
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3
This accessory is ideal for more stable while hiking, biking, or moving around your studio. It’s best for lightweight camera.
- Allow for fast & easy lens changes
- Quick-release lock withstands over 200 lbs. of force
Flashpoint XPLOR 600PRO R2 TTL Battery-Powered Monolight Kit
A must-have gear for professional photographers achieving great results. Top rated monolight on Adorama and Amazon, the Flashpoint XPLOR is currently the best monolight all photographers should own.
- Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- Very reliable
- Built-in 2.4GHz Wireless R2 Remote System
- Quality, ease of use, and great bundle
CamFi Pro Next Generation Wireless Camera Controller
Whether you do studio photography or shoot wedding photos, this wireless camera controller is essential to have. What’s the function and why you need it? With the CamFi Pro connected and setup, you get auto transmit photos as shooting.
Video Cables
Video cables are useful when you, the photographer, would like to view your images and videos on your TV screen. There are different cables suitable for different models of the cameras and it is, therefore, necessary to ensure you buy the right cable for your model. If unsure of the right cable for your model, store attendants usually help with identification.
Body Mount Cover
This is an indispensable accessory as it protects the sensor by preventing dirt and dust particles from entering if the camera is left stored in a dusty place. Dust can affect the quality of the photographs produced by your camera and all care should be taken to avoid this.
Pros:
- Solid value replacement body caps and rear lens caps
Cons:
- Not universal compatible with others like Canon and Sony
Eyecup
In order to improve detail when taking photos, you need this accessory as it prevents unwanted light from entering the viewfinder and messing the contrast. It is mostly designed using rubber to make it less straining and comfortable using the viewfinder.
Grip Kit
This helps improve the comfort of your shooting experience by enabling customization of the grip on your camera. It comes in different sizes from small, medium to large where suitability depends on your camera model. It attaches to the camera via a mounting screw constructed in a secure manner so you don’t have to worry about damage.
GPS Module
This is one cool accessory especially if you’re a travel photographer and want to tag your photos. Some modules even record altitude, latitude, and longitudes! It can’t get cooler than that, can it? Again compatibility is key for the various Pentax cameras and you should buy one that’s compatible with your model. However, more than the camera, the above mentioned accessories will help making your photography work much easier and enjoyable.
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
Batteries, unfortunately, don’t last that long and they sometimes die when you need them the most. It’s therefore advisable that you have an extra pair or two, especially when shooting on location just for safety.
Canon – LP-E19 Battery Pack (2750mAh)
Battery pack is typically the most basic need for all digital cameras on the planet. Having an additional battery pack is a must-have accessory. This Canon LP-E19 will give you the peace of mind you need when shooting outdoor or during your travel.
Surprisingly, this battery also works nearly as good as the original Canon batteries.
Pros:
- Fast charge and reliable
- 1-year warranty
Top to Bottom Battery Proper Grip Holder
This can act as both a vertical camera grasp and extra battery holder to double to DSLR’s battery pack capacity. It supports features such as AE lock and FE lock.
Although the battery grip is quite optional, but you’d be better to have extra power to operate and not to miss the best moments. It’s compatible with Canon 5D Mark IV and it works with LP-E6N Battery.
Pros
- Great design for Canon camera
- Best battery grip for price
SanDisk ImageMate USB 3.0 Card Reader/Writer
It’s more expensive than the Transcend USB 3.0 Super Speed Multi-Card Reader. It supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, miniSD, microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC. You can find some of the best memory card readers here.
- USB 3.0 interface
- Data transfer rates up to 500 Mbps
Foto&Tech Professional Hand Wrist Strap Grip
This hand wrist strap grip helps increase stability & accuracy when holding the camera.
Pros
- Genuine Leather
- Very comfortable
- Stable & accuracy
Green Extreme Dual Smart Charger
This is one of the best charger to have. With its great price, you can own a truly universal charger that is capable to charge phones, tablets, power packs, and other USB powered devices simultaneously. AC/DC Travel Charger kit is useful for most photographers. This kit allows you to power your camera from an AC outlet.
Pros:
- Universal AC/DC input and USB output
- Input voltage is AC 100~240V 1.5A 50~60Hz
Screen Protector for DSLR Camera
The best scratch the protector every photographer should have.
- 0.3mm thickness
- 9H Hardness
- Scratch-proof, water-proof, oil resistance