Essential Camera Accessories for Every Photographer Tripods Filters and More
10 essential accessories for your new camera
Once you've got your new camera, you may start to wonder what accessories will help you get the most out of your photography or help you take better shots.
Camera shops and online retailers are full of enticing accessories that promise to help with your new hobby, but which do you actually need? Our guide will help you decide what kit to buy.
Essential new camera accessory 1: Camera bag
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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.
Photo backpacks are a great way to carry heavy kit over long distances or uneven terrain, but because you usually have to take them off your back to access your gear, they can slow you down a bit.
Shoulder camera bags give speedy access, but as the weight is carried on one shoulder it can be uncomfortable with heavy loads over long distances.
There are also quite a few 'sling' bags available now which combine the some of the comfort of a backpack with some of the convenience of a shoulder bag.
Deciding which type of camera bag to go for is a matter of personal preference and how much kit you intend to lug around, but think about how you use your gear when considering the options.
Essential new camera accessory 2: 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.
ook for a tripod that extends to near eye-level, yet allows you to shoot close to the ground as well. Clip locks on the legs are good for quick deployment, but twist locks take up less room so are slightly better when you're transporting the tripod.
As a rule aluminium tripods are cheaper than carbon fibre, but they are also heavier to carry.
Essential new camera accessory 3: Tripod head
A tripod head is the bit that goes between the tripod legs and your camera. Many tripods are sold as a kit with a head, but you can also buy them separately, which give you the opportunity to select the head that suits the way you shoot.
Ball heads can be used for any type of photography and are quick to use, but they are especially well suited to still life and macro photography when the camera needs to be held at strange angles.
However, they can be a pain to use for landscapes when you want to tip the camera up or down but keep the horizon level in the frame. This is when three-way tripod heads are useful as the camera can be moved around three planes individually.
Essential new camera accessory 4: Remote release
A remote release allows you to trip the shutter without touching the camera, so it's useful for longer exposures when the camera is on a tripod as it avoids introducing unwanted camera shake.
Many models also act as bulb timers to enable you to take exposures longer than 30 seconds, and intervalometers that enable you to take a series of images at specific timer intervals for a specified duration.
There are two types of remote release, those that connect to the camera via a cable and wireless releases. Wireless releases have the advantage of working from a longer range and as you're not physically linked to the camera, you can't introduce any wobble.
Essential new camera accessory 5: Additional lenses
The chances are that your camera came with a standard zoom lens which covers a focal length range of around 18-55mm on an APS-C format camera, 14-42mm on Micro Four Thirds or perhaps a 24-105mm on a full-frame model.
This is a great starting point, but it won't be long before you find you need something a bit wider for shooting landscapes or interiors, or you need a telephoto lens to allow you to frame action subjects tightly.
You may also want to get closer to small subjects with a macro lens, or get a dedicated portrait lens with a wide aperture to limit depth of field and blur backgrounds.
Essential new camera accessory 6: 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.
Filters come in two varieties; round and square (or rectangular). Round filters screw into the filter thread on the front of a lens and need to be bought in a specific size, whereas square filters slide into a holder that mounts on the end of a lens.
Round filters are quick and easy to use, but you need to buy them in the correct size for every lens you use. Alternatively, buy them in the largest filter thread you need and use stepping rings to fit them to your smaller lenses.
Square filters can be transferred between lenses by using different sized adaptor rings. They're the only real choice when using graduated filters as the graduation needs to be located in exactly the right spot over the scene in the viewfinder.
Essential new camera accessory 7: Lens and sensor cleaners
Naturally it's important to keep your gear clean. A blower is useful for blowing specks and grit off your camera body and lens before giving it a wipe with a soft lens cloth.
It's also advisable to invest in a sensor cleaning kit because, even though compact system cameras and DSLRs have in-built cleaning mechanisms, sticky pollen and the like can still find its way onto a sensor and it can take some shifting.
You don't need to buy anything fancy, just a pack of sensor cleaning swabs and a small bottle of sensor cleaning fluid will do it, but buy decent stock that won't shed fibres.
Essential new camera accessory 8: Reflector
A reflector is a quick and affordable way to brighten up your portraits and still life images, giving your shots a high-end professional look.
They're incredibly versatile - use them indoors (near windows) or outdoors to bounce light back onto your subject and to fill-in unwanted shadows.
Many reflectors come double-sided or with detachable covers, so you get a choice of white, silver and gold reflective surfaces, allowing you to get slightly different results depending on what you're looking to achieve. The white surfaces of reflectors can also double up as diffusers to soften strong direct sunshine.
If you're really strapped for cash, you can make a reflector by simply using a large sheet of white cardboard - which you can also cover with tin foil for a silver effect - and it should still work a treat!
Essential new camera accessory 9: Flashgun
The pop-up flash of your camera (if it has one) is useful for adding a little fill-in light, but you'll get greater power and more flattering results from a flashgun.
This can mount in the camera's hotshoe, or for even better results, be fired remotely via a cable or a wireless connection.
For simplicity, get a flashgun that is compatible with your camera's metering system so exposure control is automatic. But if you want to save a bit of money and really get to grips with flash opt for a fully-manual flashgun instead.
Essential new camera accessory 10: Flash diffuser
While a flashgun is extremely useful for providing extra illumination, filling in shadows and bringing portraits to life, the light from them can be rather harsh.
A humble piece of translucent plastic can make all the difference, softening the light and making it much more flattering.
There are lots and lots of flash diffusers available on the market, with models that are designed to push-fit onto a flashgun, devices that pop-up to create mini softboxes and even strange bulb-shaped affairs. They are easy to use and on the whole very effective.
50 best camera accessories in 2024: essential photography gadgets and add-ons
The best camera accessories allow you to push your photography and your thinking further than just the camera or the lens. Tripods, monopods, bags, filters, memory cards, laptops, software any and all of these things can help you push your image-making further.
No matter whether you're a newbie in photography or someone who's been shooting for years, the sheer wealth of gear out there can be hard to keep track of. Fortunately, we have a team of dedicated reviewers spending most days testing the latest and greatest accessories, and we use their findings to keep this guide bang up to date with everything that's out there.
if you're looking for a flashgun to capture motion, a tripod to support your camera, a head to execute smooth panning movement, a bag to keep it all in, or really, anything else, this guide is where you want to be, as we've compiled the fifty essentials to keep you shooting. And we haven't forgotten about video, with a selection of gimbals for stabilising your footage, and microphones to transform your audio quality.
We've also done the legwork of finding the best deals on all the products here, so you can be sure you're not overpaying. We've divvied up the article into sections based on the different categories of accessory, so all you need to do is dive straight in as we count off the fifty best camera accessories you can buy.
The best camera accessories in 2024
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Tripods and supports
Every photographer needs a tripod. Not for every shot maybe, but for night shots, time-lapses, long-exposure seascapes, macro shots and more, a tripod will give you pin-sharp shots and a stability you can't get from handheld exposures. A regular tripod will give you good stability at an affordable price, while a travel tripod will pack down small for easy portability.
See also: Best tripods | Best travel tripods
1. Manfrotto 190XPro4
A rigid and sturdy tripod with a rock-solid XPro ball head
Specifications
Material: Aluminum
Leg sections: 4
Max load (legs/head): 10/7kg
Max height (with head): 175cm
Folded height: 57cm
Weight (with head): 2.6kg
Reasons to buy
+Bubble level on centre column
+Rotate freely to capture new angles
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks swing-up legs
-Quite bulky when folded
Every photographer needs a tripod, and this Manfrotto is one of the best all rounders in this price bracket. The four-section Manfrotto 190XPro4 ball head kit (MK190XPro4-BHQ2) is a full-sized tripod that reaches a lofty operating height of 175cm, yet shrinks to a fairly modest folded height of 57cm.
Read more: Best tripods for photographers
Spectacular for both its design and its folded size, but not cheap!
Specifications
Material: Carbon fiber or aluminum alloy
Extended height: 153cm
Folded height: 39cm
Weight: 1.27kg/1.56kg
Feet: Pads (spikes optional extra)
Leg sections: 5
Max load: 9kg
Reasons to buy
+Supremely portable
+Ultra-low-profile ball head
+Phone mount and bag included
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive carbon fiber version
-Not the tallest
-Some hex key fiddling
The Peak Design travel tripod is not exactly cheap, but its design is a revelation. It folds down really small but opens out to provide a good working height and excellent stability. There are clever design touches everywhere, from the ultra-compact ball head to the smartphone clamp tucked away in the center column.
Read more: Peak Design Travel Tripod review
A winning tripod ball head that nails the basics
Specifications
Max load: 10kg
Weight: 520g
QR plate: Arca-compatible
Reasons to buy
+Extremely smooth
+Ergonomic locking levers and friction dial
Reasons to avoid
-Less compact than some rivals
You can buy tripods and heads separately, and if you are looking to upgrade your tripod head, the Manfrotto's XPRO ball head is a great choice. The magnesium construction is rated to support 10kg, with grease-free polymer housing for exceptionally smooth movement, even with a lot of friction applied. The XPRO ball head can be specced with several mounting plate designs, including an Arca-Swiss compatible Top Lock system.
Read more: Best ball heads for tripods
4. Vanguard Alta PH-32
A pan and tilt head that's perfect if travelling light is your top priority
Specifications
Height: 13cm
Weight: 0.68kg
Payload capacity: 5kg
Reasons to buy
+Very competitive price
+Light and compact
Reasons to avoid
-Best for lighter camera setups
-Slightly awkward panning control
Vanguards baby three-way head weighs just 680g. The rated maximum payload is a modest 5kg, with only two locking handles, with a selector that allows you to set the longitudinal tilt handle to lock only the tilt axis, or both tilt and pan simultaneously. Its a neat trick that works well. Up top is a traditional Arca-Swiss style QR system.
Read more: Best 3-way pan and tilt tripod heads
A well made tabletop tripod that nails the basics for a fair price
Specifications
Weight: 190g
Packed length: 18.5cm
Max extended height: 13.5cm
Max payload capacity: 1kg
Reasons to buy
+Lightweight and slim
+Intuitive ball head
Sometimes a mini-tripod is all you need, and they are so easy to pack in any camera bag. Manfrottos Pixi mini tripods have been with us for several years, and this version is one of the most affordable and portable, though with a payload limit of 1kg, it's best for smartphones or very small cameras. The push-button ball head is useful and easy to get to grips with. If you want a tiltable ball head, consider the more advanced Pixi Evo version
Read more: Best mini table top tripods
6. Benro Adventure MAD38C Carbon Fiber Monopod
A high quality monopod, with a unique adjustable rounded foot
Specifications
Material: Carbon fiber
Sections: 4
Max load: 16kg
Extended length: 158.5 cm
Packed length: 52.5cm
Weight: 0.5kg
Reasons to buy
+Stable rubberised foot
+Strong and lightweight build
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive
-Doesnt pack down very small
Monopods are super-useful for supporting heavy telephoto lenses or just for a little added camera support for slower shutter speeds. Made from durable and lightweight carbon fiber, Benros Adventure MAD38C is also equipped with a round, vari-angle, rubberised foot. Quick-flip leg locks for its four leg sections make the monopod fast to deploy and simple to pack down.
Read more: Best monopods
A superb smartphone stabilizer for a bargain price
Specifications
Compatibility: Smartphones up to 3.2-inches wide
Dimensions (folded) L x W x H: 276111.599 mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 18984.544 mm
Bluetooth: Yes
Weight: 340g
Reasons to buy
+Analog focus/zoom wheel
+Improved ActiveTrack subject tracking
+Mode selection from the handle
+Engaging motion timelapse effects
Reasons to avoid
-Not the cheapest
-Phone clip prevents wireless charging
-For smooth run and gun style video with a smartphone, you need a stabilised gimbal. The Osmo Mobile's spring-loaded clamp effortlessly accommodates even the largest phones, and its gimbal arm can rotate through 90 degrees for seamless switching between landscape and portrait orientation. You can choose between modes like Walk and Sport to adjust the intensity of the stabilisation. Theres even an option called Active Track, whereby the gimbal will automatically track a moving subject for you, with customizable tracking sensitivity.
We tested it using the iPhone 14 Pro Max and despite it being one of the heavier smartphones now available it was able to keep up with some aggressive movements from us and still maintain incredibly smooth footage.
Read more: Best gimbals for smartphones and cameras
8. Adonit Photogrip
This combined smartphone grip and mini-tripod is sheer genius
Specifications
Material: PC+ABS
Extended height: N/A
Folded height: N/A
Weight: 0.064kg
Feet: Flat
Leg sections: 1
Max load (legs, head): N/A
Reasons to buy
+Doubles as a smartphone grip
+Trouser pocket sized tripod
+Integrated Bluetooth remote
Reasons to avoid
-Balance issues with big phones
Smartphones are easy to carry but tricky to grip and support but the Photogrip does both. Its a spring-loaded grip that opens wide enough to fit even a fat smartphone and clamps around it securely, while in the base is a tripod socket for a regular tripod or the tiny pocket tripod included in the kit you can also use this with the legs folded in as a camera grip. In the top is a Bluetooth shutter button thats actually built into a tiny remote you can slide out to fire the shutter remotely!
Read more: Best camera phone tripods and supports
9. Andoer 54-inch selfie stick
This super-long stick has an aluminium build that ensures tensile strength
Specifications
Compatibility: Smartphones, action cameras, small cameras
Extended length: 137.1cm
Retracted length: 18.5cm
Bluetooth: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Huge extended length
+Very broad compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than others
-Quite heavy
Maybe you dont need more than a metre of selfie stick in your life but on the other hand, maybe you do? The Andoer 54-inch selfie stick is quite a whopper when fully extended, but it does retract to a pleasingly short 18.5cm. All this girth makes it one of the heavier selfie sticks you can get, weighing more than half a kilo, but theres a hell of a lot of functionality. Its compatible with smartphones, action cameras and smaller cameras, and theres also a handy Bluetooth remote that comes included. It also converts into a handy mini desktop tripod! Versatility really is the name of the game here.
Read more: Best selfie sticks
Camera bags and straps
You've got all the gear, so now you need something to carry it around with that keeps it protected and accessible all at the same time. Or maybe you prefer a strap to a bag? Here's a selection of camera-carrying options:
A super stylish camera bag you could also use at the office
Specifications
External size: 410170300mm
Weight: 1,210g
Color options: Black, Ash
Laptop size: 13-inch (15-inch version available)
Reasons to buy
+Surprisingly high capacity
+Lots of pockets and cubbyholes
Reasons to avoid
-The lid is the only main closure
-Smaller items can rattle around
The Peak Design Everyday Messenger is a bit of an icon in the world of camera messenger bag design. It looks as smart as a briefcase, but it packs in as much camera gear as any regular shoulder bag. There are so many clever design touches it's hard to take them all in straight away. So is it the best bag ever? Nearly, but not quite, though we gave it plaudits in our review
Read more: Best shoulder/messenger bags for photographers
A versatile, modular backpack thats perfect for airline cabins too
Specifications
Dimensions: 30x18x47cm
Weight: 2.2kg
Lenses: 4
Raincover: Yes
Padded hip belt: Yes
Tripod storage: Yes
Laptop compartment: 13in
Tablet compartment: No
Reasons to buy
+Modular design
+Accepts a drone
Reasons to avoid
-Accessories can look messy
-Accessories are expensive
The Lowepro backpack can be easily modified for all kinds of scenarios. The Velcro dividers inside can be moved to accommodate specific gear (including a drone) or dumped in favour of open space, while the rear-opening lid contains a zipped compartment for a 13-inch laptop. However, as we found in our review, the real genius is the fronts succession of loops that can be used to attach accessories such as a neoprene flash holder, a tripod toe-cup and straps, and a phone case, making this a truly versatile camera backpack.
Read more: Best camera backpacks
12. Think Tank Digital Holster 10 v2.0
Our favorite camera holster and available in seven sizes
Specifications
Internal dimensions (WxDxH): 160x100x152-210mm
Weight: 400g
Alternative sizes: 6
Removable shoulder strap: Yes
Belt loop: Yes
Top handle: Yes
Adjustable divider: Yes
Additional pockets: 3
Reasons to buy
+Expanding height adds versatility
+Extensive feature set and range of sizes
Camera holsters are really handy for carrying a single camera and lens combo, and this Think Tank holster is packed with clever features and comes in no fewer than seven different sizes, to suit everything from a medium-sized CSC right up to a pro-style SLR with a 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom attached. The 10 model here has a removable strap, a grab handle on the top, plus an over-sized belt loop which has a Velcro fastening so its easy to attach to a belt or other strap. A slip-over rain cover is also supplied.
Read more: Best camera holsters
13. Peak Design Slide Strap
A super strap that's slick to use and has some smart design touches
Specifications
Weight: 171g
Maximum length: 145cm
Material: Polyester / Neoprene
Reasons to buy
+Quality strap and fittings
+Efficient attachment loops
Reasons to avoid
-Tight squeeze in the kit bag
A sling, shoulder and neck strap in one, the Slide exudes quality with a seatbelt-style strap and premium fittings, which include clever quick-release buttons to detach the strap. The Peak Design is neither small to pack away nor cheap to buy, but he materials, attachments and adjustments are brilliantly designed.
Read more: Best camera straps
Lighting
Sometimes you need to supplement the ambient light with a little lighting of your own, either for creative effect or just because it's too dark to shoot otherwise. Here are some lighting options for both photographers and videographers, whether you need light that's big and powerful or small and portable.
14. Hahnel Modus 600RT Mk II
Good features, great value and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery
Specifications
Compatible with: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm
Bounce: -7 to 90 degrees
Swivel: 180/180
Zoom range: 20-200mm
Wide-angle diffuser: 14mm
Manual power settings: 1/1 to 1/128
Wireless master/slave: Master/Slave IR/RF
Dimensions: 64 x 76 x 190mm
Reasons to buy
+Performance and wireless functions
+Outstanding value for money
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks any weather-seals
-Additional batteries are expensive
You can buy a dedicated flash from your camera's maker, but the Hhnel Modus 600RT flashgun matches or beats the features of camera manufacturers own-brand flagship models, but at a fraction of the price. Three different options are available, so you can buy the flashgun on its own, or as a wireless kit that includes a hotshoe mounting Viper RF (Radio Frequency) transmitter. Theres also a pro kit that comprises two flashguns and a Viper trigger, enabling the versatility of dual-flash lighting setups and power comes from a lithium-ion cell for high capacity and fast recycle times.
Read more: Best external flash/strobe
Great for both stills and video, with good power and controls
Specifications
Color temperature: 3000-10,000K
Output (0.9m): 5,443 Lux (constant), 1032 Lumen
Power: NPF-750 24V Li-ion battery, AC mains (adapter required)
Dimensions: 145 x 50mm (dia x depth)
Weight: 354g
Reasons to buy
+Cutting-edge creative effects
+Compact and lightweight
Reasons to avoid
-Relatively low flash power
-Certain accessories sold separately
Continuous LED lighting has become ever more practical as camera ISOs get higher and lenses get faster, and the Rotolight NEO 3 is the latest and greatest version of one of the best LED lights ever made. Delivering a range of colours in both continuous and flash modes, with full RGBWW options, we reviewed this light and praised it as a brilliant solution for video shooters and anyone else who needs a little constant light. It's available in various kits and options; make sure you check and get the one you want, as you may need a wireless trigger or mains power adapter, and these don't come as standard.
Read more: Best LED lights for photography and video
16. Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 To Go
The best studio flash kit around, a lighting kit with real clout
Specifications
Head power: 400Ws
Power range: 5 stops
Power adjustment: 1/10th f/stops (custom)
Power supply: Mains only
Cooling fan: Auto-sensing
Modelling lamp: 100W
Modelling lamp settings: Prop, full, low, off
Sync socket: 3.5mm jack
Wireless RF trigger: Included
Dedicated TTL/HSS triggering: HSS with C N S P MFT trigger upgrade
Head dimensions: 14x26x19cm
Weight per head: 1,500g
Reasons to buy
+Immaculate build quality throughout
+Superb performance, easy to use
Reasons to avoid
-Pricier than some competitors
-Requires trigger upgrade for HSS flash
Looking for a traditional studio lighting setup that includes everything you will need? The Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 To Go is a range-topping kit that includes a pair of 400Ws flash heads, sturdy stands, a 66cm square softbox, a 56cm octagonal softbox, and a translucent deflector that enables a beauty dish effect. Elegant and intuitive, the push-button control panel offers easy adjustment of power output through a 5-stop range, in 1/10th stop increments. Selecting proportional, full, low and no modelling lamp output is similarly simple, using a conventional 100W bulb. An auto-sensing cooling fan is built into the head.
Read more: Best studio lighting kits
17: Lastolite ePhotomaker kit - Large
Perfect for photographing small objects with 'wraparound' light
Reasons to buy
+Portable, simple assembly
+Good results from a single light source
Reasons to avoid
-Crease-prone backdrop
-Lacksstructural rigidity
If you need to photograph small objects for your online shop or auction sites, a light tent is perfect. The ePhotomaker is acollapsible diffuser panel on one side and a collapsible reflector onthe other, tied at the top and spanned by a white fabric sheet that forms a seamless back/base. The design means you can use just a single light a regular desk lamp is suggested shone through the diffusion side of the tent, with the reflector creating a fill light on the opposite side of your subject.
Read more: Best light tents for photography
18. Phottix EasyHold 5-in-1 Reflector 107cm
Perfect 'bounce' lighting for a typical home studio
Specifications
Size (open): 107cm
Surfaces: diffuser + gold, silver, white, black
Reasons to buy
+Includes all essential color surfaces
+Well priced
Reasons to avoid
-No subtle colors
-Handles could be better
Reflectors are super-simple tools for bouncing light back on to your subject. They are so simple that, for occasional use, its difficult to justify splashing out on a premium product over a budget model. Phottixs keenly-priced EasyHold even has a pair of handles for easier positioning. A double sided, reversible cover gives you a traditional selection of gold, silver, white and black colour options.
Read more: Best reflectors
Filters
Photo editing software has revolutionized the creative effects we can apply to photos on our computers, tablets and smartphones, but there are still some things only a physical camera filter can do, and here are some examples.
Looking for a great quality polarizer? Look no further
Specifications
Thread diameter range: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82mm
Reasons to buy
+Excellent performance
+High light transmittance
+Extremely durable
Polarizers are perfect for intensifying blue skies and subduing reflections off glass, water, painted or glossy surfaces.
This HD nano Mk II filter is a simply superb circular polarizer. Build quality is epic, the glass is toughened and the nano structure coatings are hard as nails. In our tests we found that theres actually less of a darkening effect than usual. Compared with most circular polarizers, this Hoya delivers 25 per cent more light transmission, which equates to about half an f/stop.
Its not only a bonus when using the optical viewfinder of a DSLR, but also when you need to retain speedy shutter speeds under low lighting. Its available in a wide range of popular sizes, overall performance is spectacular and its well worth the investment.
Read more: Best polarizing filters
20. LEE Filters 100mm Neutral Density Grad Set
Cost-effective resin filters perfect for outdoor and landscape photography
Specifications
Available sizes: 75x90mm, 100x150mm, 150x170mm
Included densities: 1, 2 & 3 stops
Available transitions: soft, medium, hard, or extra hard
Reasons to buy
+Excellent optical quality
+Light and resilient construction
Reasons to avoid
-Poor water and oil resistance
-Resin rather than glass
Graduated filters are a standard tool for landscape photographers, who frequently need to reduce the intensity of bright skies. Lees grads are made from polycarbonate resin rather than optical glass, and Lee claims this makes it easier to dye the tinted portion, resulting in a more accurate density across the filter and greater precision when controlling the transition line. This filter set comprises three densities - 1, 2 and 3 stops - so they'll cater for a wide variety of lighting conditions and come with a choice of transitions (soft, medium, hard and extra hard).
Read more: Best ND grad filters
Great budget ND (neutral density) filters for long exposures
Specifications
Available sizes: 84x100mm, 100x100mm, 130x130mm
Available densities: 6-stop ND64, 10-stop ND1024
Reasons to buy
+Flawless colour accuracy
+No sharpness reduction
+Perfect f/stop accuracy
Reasons to avoid
-Cokin's holder quite pricey
ND filters are used to reduce the amount of light passing through the lens, to allow ultra-long exposures which blur water and skies in landscape shots. Cokins Nuances Extreme ND filters come in 6-stop and 10-stop densities, which is an ideal choice for long exposure photography. They can also be had in three sizes: P-size (84x100mm), Z-Pro (100x100mm), and X-Pro (130x130mm).
Read more: Best ND filters
22: Marumi DHG Vari ND2-ND400
Great value variable ND filter for videography
Specifications
Sizes available: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72,77, 88,
Exposure increase: +1.5 to +8 stops
Reasons to buy
+The screw-in knob is nice
+Reasonable price
Reasons to avoid
-Slight color cast
-Unevenness at higher settings
Variable ND filters are used mostly by videographers, who need to control the amount of light without changing the shutter speed or altering the lens aperture both will change the 'look' of the footage. With its ND2-ND400 density range, Marumis filter enables between one and eight stops of light reduction.
Read more: Best variable ND filters for video
23: K&F Concept Natural Night Filter Light Pollution Filter
Cuts light pollution in urban areas at night
Specifications
Available sizes: **Available sizes:** 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 77mm, 82mm and 100mm
Reasons to buy
+Scratch and water resistant
+Nano coating for low reflection
Astrophotograhy is difficult near to centers of population because of the light pollution from artificial lighting. This filter aims to deliver more clarity, contrast and natural looking colors when shooting at night in urban areas, this double threaded K&F Concept branded round filter features double-sided nano coating to help stop yellow and orange wavelengths of light from entering the lens.
Read more: Best light pollution filters for astrophotography
One of the best 100mm square filter holders
Specifications
Filter size (width): 100mm
Material: Composite
Pouch included: Yes
Number of filter slots: 2 (up to 3)
Polarizer compatibility: Yes (filter not included)
Adapter rings included: No, sold separately
Reasons to buy
+Quality range of filters
+Locking system works well
+Lightweight design
Reasons to avoid
-Polarizing filters positioned at front
Some filters attach directly to the lens's filter thread, but most are designed to fit square filter holders where they can be used in combination. Filter holders come in different sizes, but 100mm is the most common. The LEE100 Holder is one of the best and features a multi-function locking dial that not only securely locks the holder in place, but also locks the angle of the filter holder to protect your composition.
Read more: Best filter holders
Video accessories
Almost any camera phone or camera can shoot video these days, but to get the best results you need to be using the right accessories. Here are some gadgets and add-ons to take your video to the next level.
A good choice for budget-conscious videographers
Specifications
Transducer type: Condenser
Form: Shotgun
Polar pattern: Supercardioid
Frequency response: 100Hz-16KHz
Power source: None (plug-in power)
Supplied windscreen: Foam
Reasons to buy
+New USB output
+Fuss-free quality
Reasons to avoid
-Needs TRS headphones
-USB cables not included
Video isn't just about video! You need good quality audio too, which almost always means using an external microphone. The RDE VideoMic Go II is arguably the ur-example of a simple, high-quality shotgun mic it's a straightforward directional mic that you point at the thing you want to record. Mount it to your camera's hotshoe, and it'll record the audio from whatever you're filming. Couldn't be simpler. What's more, this updated version has a USB output, making it much more versatile in terms of the devices you can plug it into.
Read more: Best microphones for video
26. Zoom H1n
A great value audio recorder
Specifications
Recording formats: WAV, MP3, BWF
Mics and connections: TRS, 3.5mm
Internal memory: No
Expandable memory: SD Card (up to 32GB)
Battery type: 2 x AA
Weight: 60g
Reasons to buy
+1 line-in
+2 track recording
+Swappable XY mics for ambient sound
+Full sized SD cards to hold files
You don't have to use an external microphone when recording video you can use a separate audio recorder and merge the audio with the video later. The bargain Zoom H1nportable recorder is a great choice, featuring an onboard stereo microphone that lets you easily record two tracks of high-resolution audio in the palm of your hand. Filmmakers will enjoy the H1n's ability to capture clean, distortion-free speech. And like other H-series products by Zoom, you can hold it in your hand, attach it to a mic stand or tripod, and even mount it to a camera via the shoe mount (sold separately).
Read more: Best audio recorders for video
27. Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 LED Light
Great for on-camera lighting with decent power from a small package
Specifications
Color temperature: 5600K
Output: 550 LUX (1m)
Power: Rechargeable L-type li-ion (included)
Dimensions: 28x59x86mm
Weight: 160g
Reasons to buy
+Small and portable for easy transport
+Bluetooth for remote control
+Additional creative filters included
Reasons to avoid
-Limited output for outdoor use
There will be times when transporting a bigger LED light around is simply not an option and in these situations, the Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 could well prove to be your saviour. The tiny light can attach to the hotshoe mount of your camera and can be controlled over Bluetooth by your iOS smartphone. Eight LED lights produce illumination of 550 LUX (at 1 metre), making the Manfrotto unit suitable for vlogs or product videography.
Read more: Best video lights
Lightweight, yet fully featured, and a great gimbal for mirrorless cameras
Specifications
Compatibility: DSLR/mirrorless camera (up to 2kg weight)
Stabilization: Three-axis
Weight: 1.1kg
Dimensions: Unfolded: 370 x 165 x 150mm, Folded: 22020075 mm
Battery life (approx): 11 hours
Reasons to buy
+Great stabilisation out of the box
+11-hour rechargeable battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Can still feel heavy after prolonged use
-Only suitable for lighter mirrorless setups
If you shoot run and gun style video, you will almost certainly need a gimbal. DJI's Ronin-SC has been specifically designed for mirrorless camera setups up to 2kg in total weight. Thats plenty for a camera like a Canon EOS R or Fujifilm X-T3, but its best to steer clear of bulky and heavy lenses, as these can be tough and sometimes impossible to balance properly. Each axis can be individually locked, making initial balancing much easier, and, and the SC folds surprisingly compact. In fact a lot about the DJI Ronin-SC is surprising, as we noted in our review, it's both cheaper and more capable than you first expect.
Read more: Best gimbals for video
A small and light video tripod ideal for travelling or compact cameras
Specifications
Material: Aluminium
Extended height: 151cm
Folded height: 40cm
Weight: 1.75kg
Leg sections: 3
Maximum load: 4kg
Reasons to buy
+Folds into a compact package
+Fast to set up and use
+Light weight
Reasons to avoid
-Only takes a payload of 4kg
-No Pan and tilt drag adjustment
-No counterbalance adjustment
Serious filmmakers will need a bigger tripod, but for vlogging, a smaller tripod like this Manfrotto may be all you need. The BeFree Live Lever-Lock tripod kit uses three-section aluminum legs that are clamped down using lever locks. There is a different version available using twist-lock legs, too. And even a lighter carbon fiber version but that costs significantly more.
Read more: Best video tripods
A powerful but compact on-camera monitor/recorder
Specifications
Screen size: 5-inch
Screen tech: LCD
Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Recording capabilities: Yes
Batteries: Sony L-Style
Touchscreen: Yes
HDR: Yes
Brightness: 1000 nits
Reasons to buy
+Very compact
+Built-in video recorder
+Feature-packed
For serious video work it's likely you'll need a bigger screen than the monitor on the back of the camera and higher-powered capture and storage capabilities. The Atomos Ninja V is the gold standard in on-the-go external monitors that double up as video recorders, earning the highest possible score in our review for its ability to improve the quality of footage captured. Its particularly suited to videographers, with support for 4K capture at up to 60fps, ProRes HQ, 422, DNxHR to name a few codecs.
Read more: Best on-camera monitors and recorders
Storage
You need a way of storing your digital images and video, both in your camera during capture, on your computer or while you're travelling from one location to another. Here are some of our top recommendations.
31. SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I
A great all-round SD card right, either for burst shooting or 4K video
Specifications
Card type: SDXC
Capacity: Up to 512GB
Read Speed: Up to 90MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 170MB/s
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
Suitable for: Both photography and video (including 4K)
Reasons to buy
+Great rapid-fire performance
+Good for stutter-free video
Reasons to avoid
-Slightly pricey
-There are faster cards at this level
There are A LOT of SD cards on the market, but we think this one offers a great combination of speed, capacity and affordability. This SanDisk comes in capacities ranging from 32GB to a staggering 1TB and an impressive UHS Speed Class 3 rating. However, the most impressive aspect of the Extreme PRO SDXC card is its write speeds of up to 90MB/s, which allows your camera to handle rapid-fire sequential shooting in both JPEG and RAW with ease and also makes it suitable for 4K video capture.
Read more: Best memory cards
One of the first CFexpress cards available
Specifications
Card type: CFexpress
Capacity: Up to 512GB
Read Speed: Up to 1700MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 1400MB/s
Warranty: Not specified
Suitable for: Pro photography
Reasons to buy
+Incredible speeds
+Loads of capacity options
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive
-Limited compatibility (for now)
CFexpress is the latest, best and fastest memory card format, and SanDisk has hit the ground running with its new Extreme Pro CFexpress cards. These offer the kind of transfer speeds up to a frankly astonishing 1700MB/s read and up to 1400 MB/s write. The card format is being rapidly adopted by high-end cameras, such as the Canon EOS-1D X Mk III, Nikon D6, Nikon Z6 and Z7, as well as the Panasonic Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R. We're confident we'll be seeing a lot more of this fantastic format in the future, with prices continuing to fall as a result.
Read more: Best memory cards
33. WD My Passport
An affordable and portable USB-powered hard drive
Specifications
Technology: HDD
Available capacities: 1TB-4TB
Dimensions: 110 x 81.5 x 13.8-21.5mm
Image read/write speeds: 112/112MB/s
Video read/write speeds: 114/114MB/s
Reasons to buy
+High capacity for modest money
+Fairly quick
Reasons to avoid
-Not USB-C
-Average data transfer speeds
Portable hard drives are perfect for storing images and video when you are on the move, and for boosting the often limited capacity of a laptop computer. This latest WD My Passport design comes in black, white, red, blue, orange and yellow colour options. Its about as light and compact as a conventional portable hard drive gets. Value is the My Passports biggest selling point, with the 4TB version being especially enticing thanks to its incredible price per gigabyte.
Read more: Best portable hard drives
A hugely fast yet well-priced portable SSD, plus it's water-resistant!
Specifications
Technology: SSD
Available capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Dimensions: 110.26mm x 57.34mm x 10.22mm
Image read/write speeds: 693/496MB/s
Video read/write speeds: 780/564MB/s
Reasons to buy
+Unparalleled speed
+Small and rugged
+Competitively priced
Reasons to avoid
-Max speed requires very fast computer
-2TB capacity very expensive
Portable SSDs are much more expensive than regular hard drives, but they are also smaller and lighter and WAY faster. This is not SanDisk's top-of-the-range portable SSD - that honor currently goes to the Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2, but this cheaper non-Pro version is still the one to go for. That's because almost no computer currently available can fully exploit the extra speed offered by the Extreme Pro, so in real-world use it's barely faster than this SSD. Capacities come in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB, but it's the 500GB option that makes most sense unless you definitely need more space, as prices pretty much double in line with capacity.
See also The best portable SSDs
35. Seagate Expansion Desktop 8TB
An affordable and easy to use desktop drive in many capacities
Specifications
Capacity: 4-16TB
Interface: USB 3.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
Reasons to buy
+Looks good on a desk
+Loads of capacities, including 16TB
+Super-easy to set up and use
If you just need a backup or storage disk for your desktop computer, you don't need to pay a fortune. Seagate's no-frills desktop hard drive comes in capacities from 4TB to 16TB, with the 6TB and 8TB options currently being best value and spacious enough for around 1.6 million JPEG images. The drive's fast USB 3.0 connection gives you speed as well as easy plug-and-play compatibility with most computers. Just bear in mind the included USB Type-A cable may need a cheap adapter to convert it to a Type-C plug that'll fit a modern MacBook.
Read more: Best external desktop drives
36. WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra NAS drive
NAS storage made simple the perfect choice for photographers
Specifications
Capacity: 4TB, 8TB, 12TB, 16TB
Interface: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0
Features: Remote file access, RAID features, My Cloud OS 3 software
Reasons to buy
+Dual core CPU
+Dual bay for RAID setups
Reasons to avoid
-Operating system is simplistic
-Lack of app support
NAS drives make your images available online via your own private Internet connection. Some NAS drives can be intimidating, but the beauty of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is how easy it is to set up and use, with no unnecessary or confusing initial settings to navigate. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra is already equipped with hard drives, so there are no unpleasant extra costs to be incurred. The deals we've got are for the base 4TB capacity, which is plenty for most users, but you can spec up to 16TB of space if you're a heavy user. The built-in software allows you to use the drive as an FTP server, and the drive can also be set to make automatic backups.
Read more: Best NAS drives
Computing
As photographers and videographers, we spend half as much time in front of our computers as we do behind the camera! Here are some kit suggestions to make this computing time faster, more effective and more efficient.
37. Dell XPS 15
A superb laptop for photo or video editing
Specifications
Processor: Up to 11th-gen Intel Core i9-11990H (8 cores, 4.9GHz boost)
RAM: 8-64GB
Storage: 512GB-2TB SSD
Screen: Up to 15.6-inch IPS LCD, 3840x2400, touchscreen
Reasons to buy
+Decent display
+Fast performance
+Good selection of ports, with SD slot
Reasons to avoid
-Very expensive
-Battery life not the best
The Dell XPS 15 range is huge, but we reckon the best config for photographers is one which includes Dells best 4K+ (3840 x 2400) 16:10 screen, which boasts 500-nit brightness and touch sensitivity. The only issue with that is few XPS 15 configs come with this display, and they're inevitably at the pricier end of the range.
The extra cash does also buy you plenty of performance courtesy of a 11th-gen, 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, and you can choose from 16GB right up to a whopping 64GB of RAM, though we'd only recommend the latter if you'll be editing high res video as well as images. 16GB or 32GB should be ample amounts of RAM for image editing.
The selection of ports is also pretty good, with Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, plus adapters for USB-A and HDMI. There's even a built-in full-size SD slot; something thats sadly becoming a rarity in premium laptops.
Read more: Best laptops for photo editing
An outstanding, unique laptop for digital retouching... but at a price
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H (8-core) (11th gen CPUs available)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080
RAM: 16GB (up to 32GB available)
Screen: 15.6-inch, 4K, IPS, 400 nits
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (up to 2TB available)
SD card reader: Yes
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Clever, dual-hinged design
+Excellent 4K display
Reasons to avoid
-Very expensive
-Some last-gen components
If you haven't already fainted at the price, you'll find a lot to like about the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel Pro laptop. Its clever dual-hinged design is more than a gimmick; it provides a host of positioning options that allow you to be really flexible with your working setup. As we noted in our review, it synergies well with the supplied Wacom EMR pen, making this a great options for those who like to use a stylus to touch up their images. That 4K display is pretty excellent too.
Read more: Best laptops for video editing
A monitor that's hard to fault, and our go-to screen for photo editing
Specifications
Size: 27in
Ratio: 16x9
Resolution: 3840x2160
Brightness: 300 nits
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
sRGB gamut (claimed): 100%
Adobe RGB gamut (claimed): 99%
Reasons to buy
+Exceptional colour accuracy
+Connectivity options
Reasons to avoid
-High cost
-And there are cheaper rivals
Your monitor is how you judge the color, contrast and sharpness of your images as you edit them, so it has to be good. The BenQ PhotoVue SW271C screen has a 27-inch panel size with a 4K UHD native resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. As the name implies, it's designed for viewing and editing photos, and as such it also boasts the usual 10-bit colour depth, equivalent to more than a billion colours. In our review, we praised the colour accuracy and quality the only sticking point is the price.
Read more: Best monitors for photo editing
The ideal monitor to compliment a MacBook or Mac mini
Specifications
Size: 27-inch
Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 5120 x 2880
Brightness: 600cd/m2
Contrast ratio:
sRGB gamut (claimed): 100%
Adobe RGB gamut (claimed):
Reasons to buy
+Competitive price point
+Much improved multimedia capabilities
+Built-in reference modes for media
+Non-reflective nano-texture glass option
Reasons to avoid
-Fixed height with the default stand
-Camera falls a little short of competition
-Cleaning nano-texture coating a challenge
For many, the Apple Studio Display seen as a long-awaited replacement to the previous 27 Apple Cinema Display. To some, its the perfect partner to their latest Apple Mac Studio or M1 Mini purchase. For others, its a way of extending the desktop of their new MacBook Pro setup. Whichever way you look at it, the latest 27 5k Apple Studio Display is a well designed product, at a competitive price-point (given its professional specifications). Its multimedia features make it an ideal primary display for most creatives, while true and consistent color and brightness across the entire panel mean in some ways the Studio Display is on a par with that of Apple's Pro Display XDR. Its a little frustrating that the ability to raise or lower the display comes at an additional cost and that the built-in camera isnt quite so ground-breaking. But as a companion to any recent Mac, the Studio Display is hard to beat.
Read more: Best monitors for video editing
41. Datacolor SpyderX Pro
A great value monitor calibration tool that has every feature you need
Reasons to buy
+Much quicker than previous Spyder5
+Great overall accuracy
+Good value
Reasons to avoid
-Interface could be more friendly
-No budget Spyder X 'Express' version
The best monitors come with their own calibration systems, but for other monitors you might need a separate calibration tool. SpyderX is the successor to Datacolors popular Spyder5 monitor calibrator series and uses a brand new lens-based sensor system rather than the old honeycomb baffle on the Spyder5. The result is a claimed increase in calibration accuracy, especially in the lightest and darkest image regions, and a sub-2-minute calibration time, making this the fastest Spyder calibrator ever.
Read more: Best monitor calibration tools
42. Logitech MX Master 3
Simply the best mouse for photo editing
Specifications
Buttons: 7
Sensor precision: 4000dpi
Connection: Wireless (Bluetooth & 2.4GHz)
Ergonomic: Right-handed
Features: Easy switch to connect to different devices, USB-C quick charging, gesture button
Reasons to buy
+Super high quality
+Packed with features and controls
+Very ergonomic
Reasons to avoid
-Right-handed use only
-Pricey
Every computer needs a mouse (unless you are happy with your laptop's trackpad), so you might as well make it a good one! The MX Master is the flagship of Logitech's office mouse range, with a highly ergonomic sculpted shape and twin thumb buttons placed directly beneath a secondary thumb-operated scroll wheel. The primary scroll wheel uses Logitech's clever MagSpeed Electromagnetic scrolling to provide precision when rotated slowly, or hyper-fast scrolling when flicked at speed. A 4000DPI laser sensor gives supreme pointer precision.
Read more: Best mouse for photo and video editing
The best graphics tablet for performance and price
Specifications
Dimensions: 225 x 357 x 14.6mm (8.9 x 14.1 x 0.6in)
Built-in screen resolution: n/a
Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels
Connections: USB-C, HDMI
OS: Windows, macOS or Android
Reasons to buy
+Portable design
+Affordability
+Display area is almost A4/Letter sized
If a mouse seems an unnatural way to paint selections and strokes, consider using a graphics tablet instead. The Wacom One was launched right at the start of 2020, and is the best all-round entry-level graphics tablet that Wacom has ever produced. With a 13-inch surface area, it is a long way for being the biggest graphics tablet you can get but that does mean that this is an peripheral you can take along with your laptop when away from the home or office. Built-in feet allow you to place the surface at a slight angle, if you don't want it flat on your desk.
Read more: Best drawing tablets
Our favorite 13"/A3+ printer
Specifications
Max Print Size: 13x19 inch / A3+
Print resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
Print speed (6x4; std quality): 33 seconds
Interfaces: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Scanner: No
Dimensions: 25.2 x 15.0 x 7.9in / 639x379x200mm
Weight: 14.4kg
Reasons to buy
+Superb output quality
+Printer uses 10 pigment inks
+Front or rear feed
As a photographer, you can rely on online print services, or you can make your own prints yourself with a photo printer like this one. The Pro-200 uses dye rather than pigment inks, aiming for exceptionally smooth output on glossy paper. The Pro-200 is well suited to creating black & white photo prints as well as color output, with the inclusion of grey and light grey cartridges.
Read more: Best photo printers
45. Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE
A high quality film scanner with infrared dust and scratch removal
Specifications
Maximum scanning resolution: 7200 dpi
Requires computer: Yes
Supported film types/sizes: 35mm color and mono negatives; 35mm slide positives
Dimensions: 120 x 272 x 119mm
Reasons to buy
+Class-leading scanning quality
+Easy to use
+Automatically removes dust & scratches
Reasons to avoid
-Pricier than OpticFilm 8100
-Slow at max scanning res
If you still like to shoot film, or you've got drawers full of old slides and negatives, you'll need a film scanner that can do them justice. The OpticFilm 8200i SE costs more than the company's 8100 model but has in infra red scanning channel for dust removal highly recommended! There is also a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai available, a flagship model that adds color calibration software into the package, that is useful for color transparency scanning - albeit at a higher cost.
Read more: Best film scanners
Software
We all know when we need to upgrade our kit, but what about our software? You may already have what you need, but if you're still trying to find the perfect program, here are some ideas.
Photoshop is still the world's best-known photo editor
Specifications
PC: Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 processor 2 GHz, 2GB RAM (8GB recommended), Windows 7 to 10
Mac: Multicore Intel 64-bit, 2GB RAM (8GB recommended), OS X 10.11 or later
Hard drive: 4GB
Minimum screen resolution: 1024x768 pixels
Reasons to buy
+Immensely powerful
+Clean, intuitive interface
Reasons to avoid
-Subscription-based
-Needs Lightroom or Bridge for organizing
Adobes decision to make Photoshop CC a subscription-only product remains controversial, but for just $9.99 per month you get access to both Photoshop and Lightroom, and you can cancel your subscription if you change your mind. Photoshop is slick, powerful and constantly improving, and despite its reputation for complexity, Photoshop actually offers a very clean, slick interface.
Read more: Best photo editing software
An easy to use video editor for beginners and no subscription!
Specifications
Platform: Mac and Windows
Ease of use: Beginner
4K support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Affordable
+Comprehensive features
+User friendly
Reasons to avoid
-No 360 video support yet
Professional videographers will use a program like Adobe Premiere Pro, but for amateurs or those just starting out, Premiere Elements is much cheaper and simpler and doesn't come with a subscription. Premier Elements can be bought as a standalone product or bundled with Adobe Photoshop Elements as a twin pack. Its Guided Mode can even teach you the basics of video editing and act as a personal instructor, but you can switch between Guided Mode and Expert Mode at any time.
Read more: Best video editing software
48. Pro Camera by Moment
DSLR-like camera controls and raw file shooting on a smartphone
Specifications
Platform: iOS and Android
Price: $4.99/4.99 iOS $3.99/3.59 Android
Camera controls: shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, focus
Effects: traditional camera effects
Reasons to buy
+Range of exposure and focus controls
+Slow shutter and time lapse add-ons
+Focus peaking, histogram, clipping views
Reasons to avoid
-*Android version no longer developed
Designed to complement Moments range of smartphone lenses, Pro Camera by Moment offers control over aspects such as shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, focusing and white balance, which you won't get with your phone's default camera app.
Read more: Best camera apps for smartphones and tablets
Cleaning and maintenance
It's not the most glamorous side of photography, but camera kit does need periodic cleaning and maintenance, and here are some bits and bobs to make this easier.
49. VisibleDust EZ SwabLight Kit
It's not the cheapest sensor cleaner, but the SwabLight does a great job
Specifications
Included items: 4x cleaning swabs, cleaning liquid, LED light
Cleans: Loose dust, smudges, oils
Reasons to buy
+Unrivaled cleaning performance
+Shifts almost any contaminants
+Useful SwabLight illumination
Reasons to avoid
-High price per clean
-Extra consumables arent cheap
-No loupe included
Sensor spots are the downside of interchangeable lens cameras, and sometimes you have to resort to manual sensor cleaning. There isnt much to this kit; just 4 swabs, a tiny 1.15ml phial of cleaning liquid, and the SwabLight itself. This is a tiny torch that slots on to the top end of a swab and shines downward, so wherever you clean, the light always follows. Plus, the SwabLights grippy casing is much easier to hold than a spindly swab handle.
Read more: Best camera sensor cleaning tools
50. Zeiss Lens Cleaning Wipes
Unparalleled lens cleaning quality and convenience... and they're cheap!
Specifications
Cleaning type: wet
Quantity: 200 wipes
Reasons to buy
+Super-convenient
+Gives a spotless clean
+Cost-effective when purchased in bulk
Reasons to avoid
-Streaks can take a little while to fade
-Wipes dry out quickly when opened
You could clean your lenses with the tried and tested combo of a microfibre cloth and specialist cleaning spray, but theres a risk the cloth will pick up dirt in your kit bag, while the spray takes up valuable space. These pre-moistened lens wipes, on the other hand, are extremely handy. Each wipe comes in a small 5cm-square sealed sachet and unfolds to 15x12cm just the right size for cleaning a front or rear lens element.
Read more: Best camera lens cleaners
How we test camera accessories
At DCW, we test camera accessories of all types. Our team of expert photographers and videographers look at how photo gear performs out in the field, as well as in controlled lab setting where applicable, and measure how well the product's performance measures up to the manufacturers' claims. We use their findings to inform our comments in buying guides. Learn more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World.
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