Recommended accessories
Best Camera bags 2018
If you've got a small camera body and a single lens like an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera , a bag may not seem essential, but it's a good way to protect them in transport and it keeps rain and dust at bay. And as you build up a collection of lenses and accessories you'll find that you need something to keep it all together and make it easier to carry.
Tripod
A tripod should be an essential part of your camera arsenal because it provides a method of holding your camera at exactly the right angle and keeping it absolutely still, so your images are pin-sharp and full with detail. Don't be tempted to buy a cheap, flimsy tripod though. You want something sturdy that will keep your camera still in a breeze and not wobble like a jelly every time you touch it or the camera.
Filters
Neutral density filters are incredibly popular because they enable you to take long exposure shots in daylight to blur cloud or water movement in landscapes. They also come in handy when you want to shoot with a very wide aperture in bright light. Meanwhile, graduated neutral density filters enable you to balance the exposure of a bright sky with a darker foreground, and polarising filters are useful to cut down on reflections and boost saturation and contrast.
Lens and sensor cleaners
Never underestimate the power of keeping your camera equipment clean. It may seem like the least important accessory, but having good cleaning equipment greatly reduces the chances of malfunction. A lens cleaner is definitely recommended, as is a blower, so you can keep grit off the camera’s body. Additionally, sensor cleaners are a smart investment, especially if you shoot a lot outside, as tiny foreign bodies such as pollen often find their way into the camera.
Flashgun
If you’re serious about portrait photography, a flash gun – or external flash – is a great investment. While your DSLR camera will have a built-in flash, it’s not always sufficient for creating dramatic lighting effects that can really make your photos stand out. Whether you buy a mounted automatic flash or a hand-held, manual flash, it’s an essential.
Spare battery
There’s no worse feeling than spending hours composing the perfect shot, just for your camera to die at the crucial moment. If you’re on a long shoot or travelling, an extra battery is an indispensable accessory. By having one in your bag at all times, you can keep shooting for hours.