10 Must Have Accessories For Your DSLR

by Mandy on May 15, 2009 · 17 comments

in Camera Gear

10 Must Have Accessories For Your DSLR - Canon 450D

This is a list of the top 10 items on my digital photography wish list (I have a Canon 450D) and possibly should be on your list too.

Every photographer has a wish list, and the items on the list tend to range from the affordable and practical, to the absolute dream.

I’m a gadget fiend so I love researching and adding to my list (actually writing this post is making me drool). So lets get straight into it, here are the top 10 accessories for your DSLR:

1. Remote Shutter Release Cable

If you are wanting to shoot remotely then there are two solutions. Either a remote shutter release cable for shooting long exposures from behind the camera eg. night photography. Or an infared remote controller for shooting in front of the camera eg. self portraits. I am going for the remote shutter release cable.

2. Sturdy Tripod with a Ballhead

I have a Hama Star 61 that I was given (not going to argue about that!). But on my wishlist I would like a really good sturdy tripod, like a Gitzo tripod or Manfrotto tripod maybe and a Ballhead to give better movement.

3. Canon Speedlite 430EXII

My Canon 450D Camera has an integral pop up flash that will do for now. But I would like to experiment and learn how to use a flash unit properly, I’ve never used one before. That will definitely take my photography to the next level, after all they say lighting is key…

4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens and lens hood is the first prime lens that I want to get, and is definitely the cheapest Canon lens that you can buy. It’s great value for money, and a prime lens that everybody should take a closer look at. Also known as a ‘nifty fifty’.

5. Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens

I’d like to upgrade my kit lens an 18-55mm EF-S IS F/3.5 – 5.6 lens, for a more substantial everyday zoom lens. The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM lens would give me just that and would be a good upgrade from the kit lens. It’s slightly faster with USM and has a nice range, basically a good all round everyday lens.

6. Light Tent/Kit

It’s one thing, and essential to learn how to use natural light effectively when taking photographs, and another to learn the same for artificial lighting. Once I learn how to use a flash properly I can see myself wanting to experiment more with artificial lighting. This is where it can start to get expensive so buying a Light Tent would be a good place to start.

7. Aperture 2 software

I use Photoshop Elements at the moment for post processing and Canon Image Browser to organise my photo library. Which is fine but I really like the look of Aperture, it gives the ability to organise your photos extremely well and also has some powerful editing tools. And reasonably priced as far as photo editing/organising software goes.

8. Macbook Pro

Ok I’m thinking big! But I’d really love one…My poor old iMac 400 is ageing. And although it has done me proud I would really like to retire it soon and bring in some new big guns in the shape of an  Apple MacBook Pro. This would make a huge difference to my photography and workflow. And is a dream that could really do with coming true…

9. Canon Powershot G10

For when one is just not enough…No wishlist would be complete without having another camera on it. If I was going to buy a ‘point and shoot’ camera for those times when a DSLR is a bit bulky, then the Canon Powershot G10 would be it. It has an impressive list of features, including full manual controls and the ability to shoot in RAW to name just two. And a really nice retro design.

10. Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Eventually… Oh I’m dreaming now… The Canon EOS 5D mkII a full frame 21MP DSLR with a High-res 3.0” VGA LCD with Live View and ISO range expandable to 25600. And if that’s not enough it has Full HD (1080, 30fps) movie recording . By the time I could afford this I would have all the lenses I need, so I could just buy the body – what a bargain!!!

I could go on and on (but I wont). And I’m sure your list will change and evolve as you gain more experience in digital photography.

But what’s on the top of your list? What would you like to get your hands on? Let me know by leaving a comment below…

Mandy

P.S. Yes, there are Amazon affiliate links in this article, so you can easily add any of them to your Amazon wish list!

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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Adam May 16, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Nice post.
I like Photography, I don’t do it though, but it is interesting reading about it.

Adam.

2 Mandy May 16, 2009 at 9:09 pm

Thanks Adam,

Glad you liked the post, I love reading about photography too.

3 Tony June 8, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Great post.
I Would ad that you should have more than one flash and use them of camera by triggering them with wireless or optical slave triggers to get better light – if you get more flashes you would need light modiefiers such as softboxes, gobos, grids and many other…

4 Mandy June 9, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Thanks Tony, I had a feeling that lighting was going to make an appearance on my list sooner than later – most likely a large appearance on my list!

5 Alex November 23, 2009 at 11:42 pm

Bit late on this one but, how about back up media, such as hard drives and portable storage.

6 will November 27, 2009 at 12:21 am

5D MarkII? That’s going a little beyond “accessory,” don’t you think? :P

7 Mandy January 9, 2010 at 10:31 pm

I know sorry, just couldn’t help it! There’s nothing wrong in having a spare body though is there?

8 Mandy January 9, 2010 at 10:32 pm

Yeah I completely agree, I was thinking of looking into them a little deeper in another post…

9 Luke Stanton November 26, 2010 at 11:34 am

I’ve been looking into the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens and think I’ve decided that it’s the lens I need to complete my equipment. I’ve been thinking about getting another lens and think this is the one I need. Just need to start saving!

10 Amber December 27, 2010 at 9:57 pm

i was wondering which lense filters do you recommend??

11 Mandy January 11, 2011 at 1:28 pm

@ Amber – I’m using UV filters on my lenses at the moment, the main reason being protection for the lens in case of accidents! It’s cheaper to replace the filter than it is to replace the lens…

12 Photography Fan January 12, 2011 at 6:11 pm

I agree with Mandy. You spend so much money on good lenses and you should protect them. Using a cheap UV filter can prevent you from scratching or breaking your lens.

Good Tip!

Scott

13 mJ March 1, 2011 at 10:24 pm

Are you buying EF lenses instead of EF-S lenses, so you can switch to the FF 5D? I like your joy of photography, and am becoming addicted myself. I have been considering Pentax for a wider variety of affordable lenses (the old ones still work). Canon is great, but pricey! And the low end stuff is plastic.

14 Mandy October 17, 2011 at 7:44 pm

@Scott – Thanks!

@mj – Don’t forget Tamron and Sigma for instance make some good affordable lenses. Also I have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens that is plastic but still a very good little lens…

15 mel December 16, 2011 at 11:18 am

Good list. Well, Macbookpro is my favourite ! (if only I had the cash)
Here is another list of very cheap (under $15) accessories that you may need, some are essential: http://www.dslrpassion.com/blog/59-blog/117-8-must-have-dslr-accessories-under-15.html

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