Fortunately, digital photographers benefit from the help of lots and lots of cool accessories. However, taking the lot is expensive, weighs down your bag, and slows down your workflow. It takes time to learn how to use them properly. Moreover, it’s very easy to overdo it and rely on photo accessories more than you actually need to. So, here is a question all beginner photographers ask: what photo accessories do I have to buy from the beginning? The answer is right here.
UV Filters
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Once you have a camera and lens combo, the first photo accessory you should consider is a UV filter. It’s an affordable, lightweight accessory that protects your lens and prolongs its life. Furthermore, you can keep it mounted on the lens all the time. It doesn’t interfere with any of your photo setup or camera settings.
Its basic feature is to protect the lens from UV rays, which is reason enough to buy it. However, the UV filter mounts on the front of the lens and, indirectly, protects it from scratches, dust, and dirt. With a UV filter on, it’s less likely to have water reaching the lens, too. And, in the unfortunate event of dropping the camera, the filter takes the hit instead of the lens. My favorite filters can be found here.
Large Memory Cards and Photo Transfer Options
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Photographers take more photos than they think. Having spare memory cards and using those with the largest store capacity possible is always a good idea. Furthermore, a memory card may break at some point or malfunction. You need to be prepared with a healthy, empty one just in case.
Especially if you shoot in remote locations, having photo transfer options at hand is the safe way to do it. This means you can transfer your photos from the camera to a laptop or upload them to a cloud or an online storage solution on the spot. The main advantage is keeping your photos safe. Other advantages include emptying the memory card, culling our photos on the spot, and sharing them immediately.
Spare Batteries
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Like memory cards, batteries aren’t something to bargain about. Batteries can run out unexpectedly for a number of reasons: cold weather, malfunction, using large file formats (e.g., RAW), and others. Take at least one spare battery with you wherever you go (even when shooting in your studio). You don’t want to interrupt your photo session and creative flow because of batteries. Also, recharge them any time the occasion arises to have them full before each session.
Camera Straps and a Dedicated Camera Bag
Photo by Rille Camera Strap on Unsplash
These photo accessories are easy to improvise, we know. You can keep the camera in a regular backpack and handhold it. Why do you need dedicated camera straps and bags? Well, you need them because they secure and protect your gear properly.
Camera bags are padded with insulating materials that keep the camera at the right temperature and protect it from hits and scratches. Straps secure the camera and don’t let you drop it. As a result, you are relaxed and focused on photography. Dedicated straps and bags help you carry your camera around more easily, especially when shooting outdoors, in crowded places, or while hiking or biking.
Considering that you only need one camera bag and a couple of straps, paying for these dedicated photo accessories is a small price compared with damaging or losing your camera–lens combo.
Conclusion
Don’t get caught in the photo accessory fever. Invest in the best camera and lens combo you can afford, and buy only a few accessories that get you going. Over time, you may come to the conclusion that you need this or that accessory, but by then, you will know exactly for what purpose you need it. Therefore, you will make an informed decision and purchase something you will actually use and appreciate. Be mindful of your gear and your photography workflow. In this case, less is more.
Cover photo by Mario Calvo on Unsplash