Photography accessories you must have

LifestyleIt is not enough to buy an SLR camera, you will also need these 7 accessories to take good photos, from a spare battery to a tripod, these are the essentials.

By Luca Pierattini

Photography accessories make the perfect gift for a photography enthusiast. Although the body of the camera should be a very thoughtful decision by the amateur or professional photographer according to their own tastes, everything that revolves around the camera can become the original and useful gift idea that you are looking for.

Once you've chosen your type of camera - be it DSLR, mirrorless, bridge or whatever - you'll need a number of accessories before you can head out and shoot in complete comfort (and freedom). That is why we have selected the 7 photography accessories that you can give away for Christmas 2021. (If you want to start a new hobby, you can take free courses to learn photography).

The Extra Battery

Something that every photographer should always have in their bag is a spare battery that can come in handy for longer photo shoots. It's true that cameras in recent years have achieved battery life of hundreds of shots, but the ability to stay safe and always have a spare on hand is vital. If you have a Canon camera, one of the best is the Enegon, while if you shoot with Nikon you can opt for the Powerextra which gives you two more for your shots. Find the reference model and check the compatibility.

The SD card

Of course, you also need a memory card that allows you to store as many photos as possible. In this case, look for a model with at least 64 GB of memory and a transfer speed of at least 90 Mb per second so that you can transfer them quickly and comfortably to the laptop where you will store your photos. In this case, a SanDisk Extreme (128 GB) may be the best solution. (If you have to be the practice model, use these tricks to look handsome in the photos you upload to networks).

The portable external memory disk

You can also give away a portable SSD that allows the photographer to have a space to store their shots without taking up space on the computer. The best on the market is the SanDisk Extreme, which allows you to speed up any action. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers a read speed of 1,050 Mb/s and a write speed of 1,000 Mb/s to store your content and creations on a fast drive that's perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.

The Camera Cleaning Kit

Keeping your camera clean is crucial to getting great photos. If you find yourself at the last moment or want to add something extra to your gift, you can find the complete kit on Amazon that includes a lens cleaning brush, lens cleaning fluid, rice paper to clean the lens, and a case.

A new lens

If you know a friend who is starting out in the world of photography, giving them a lens may be the best option to help them grow in their profession/hobby. The first lens to have is a 50mm f1.8 which allows you to take great photos without spending a fortune. The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is an incredibly compact, lightweight and affordable prime lens that offers more of what you need to expand your photographic capabilities. Ideal in low-light conditions, it's also ideal for creative use of depth of field. With new optics and an incredibly quiet STM motor, this modern and versatile 50mm will take your photography to the next level.

As an alternative -changing categories- you can opt for a Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM super-telephoto lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects while preserving all the detail. It offers a powerful 5-stop Image Stabilizer in a compact and lightweight design, for results you never thought you could.

A tripod

The other essential ally in photo shoots is a tripod that provides stability for long exposure shots. If you really want to save money on all the accessories, save some money for the tripod and buy with a lightweight, easy-to-use and versatile Manfrotto Befree Advanced with the guarantee of one of the most popular brands in the world of photography. And if you're still saving up for a professional camera, follow these ultimate tips for taking photos with your smartphone when you buy your camera.

The Case

You need a large bag for your SLR camera, lenses, and other accessories. Regardless of the equipment you use, the removable interior of the backpack should fit an SLR, 2 lenses and other accessories. Adjustable external straps for attaching and carrying a tripod are also important.

Article originally published in GQ Italia.