Buying guide: Photography accessories

1. 1.    Lenses: Given that many professionals would vouch that buying a good camera lens is probably more difficult than buying the camera itself, it is no surprise that lenses comprise the most important of all digital camera accessories. This is because not only are there a plethora of different types of lenses available, camera lenses are available in almost all imaginable price ranges, with some even costing more than budget cars. More than anything else, the type of lens that is best suited to you is dependent on the purpose for which you are buying the lens, and this depends on the kinds of subjects you shoot the most. Furthermore, do remember that for every type of lens, there are lenses of varying budgets (largely because of the differences in the brand and/or presence/absence of additional features), and you are advised to chose one that provides the most for your money. Some of the various types of lenses that are available are as follows. First, we have the single convenience lens that is apt for those who are looking for one single lens for their digital camera that provides decent captures in all conditions. While portable (and thus perfect for traveling), easy to use, and rather inexpensive, single convenience lenses do make some compromises in quality because of the large range. Second, we have the standard zoom lens, which is better and faster than a single convenience lens, but is costlier and less portable. Third, we have the telephoto zoom lens that as the name suggests lets you capture distant objects with ease. These are heavy, costly, and of little benefit outside distant zooms. Fourth, we have the ultra wide zoom lens, which allow for capturing of ultra wide shots. These are very expensive and will rarely be used if you are not a professional. Fifth, we have the prime lens, which is most suited for taking portrait pictures or when shooting indoors in low-light conditions and other such tricky conditions. Among the major lens manufacturers are Canon, Nikon, etc.

1. 2.    Tripod: Tripods are another important accessory, and after lenses, are perhaps the costliest. Tripods provide the photographer with additional stability and are particularly handy when clicking sensitive subjects that have zero tolerance towards shakes and blurs. Using a tripod significantly reduces image blur and shake, and comes particularly handy when photographing in low-light conditions and in situations where you need higher exposure times. Note that there are various types of tripods available in the market, with some even boasting of such advanced features as electronic adjustments and the likes.

1. 3.    Bags and cases: Bags and cases are among the more common photography accessories and perhaps rank in importance only after lenses and tripods. Given that digital cameras can be very expensive, it is necessary that utmost care be taken while using them. Among the areas more prone to damage, the screen and the buttons are particularly vulnerable. While the screen faces threats from dust and scratches, the buttons do get affected by dust and small particles that abound, particularly in outdoor environs. A proper bag/case is an effective way of protecting your digital camera. In addition, a good bag/case eases the task of carrying and storing the camera. Digital camera bags/cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Further, while some digital camera bags/cases are roughly the same size as your digital camera, others may be quite elaborate. These elaborate cases may sport additional sections and compartments, which can be used to store other digital camera accessories including lenses, spare batteries, USB cords, cables, etc. These elaborate cases are often designed for ease of transportation and storage.

1. 4.    Batteries: With regard to batteries, people who are heavily into photography and have a habit of taking multiple pictures in a rather shot period of time, often consider carrying additional batteries so that they do not have to run around once their existing batteries run out of charge. In the market, one can find batteries manufactured by both famed manufacturer and small-time manufacturers. While the former are certainly the safer bet and may be expensive, the latter are usually cheap and may work perfectly fine but do carry a certain element of risk. As such, one is advised to think twice before purchasing batteries for small-time manufacturers.

1. 5.    Cords and cables: These are among the more essential accessories for any digital camera. Very often, people tend to loose their cables and cords, or need additional ones for a whole variety of reasons. Additional cords and chargers do come in handy in case one misplaces his/her charger/cord. Further, most manufacturers provide only basic cords and chargers with their products, and peculiar ones need to be purchased separately. Also, note that one can find chargers and cords manufactured by both the original manufacturer and third-party manufacturers. While the former are certainly the safer bet and may be expensive, the latter are usually cheap and may work perfectly fine but do carry a certain element of risk. As such, one is advised to think twice before purchasing third-party accessories. Last, as much as possible, one should stick to renowned manufacturers who have a name to protect in the market.

1. 6.    Storage media: Most modern day digital cameras make use of flash memory storage cards to store the captured images and videos. These cards are cheap and relatively rugged, and as such have a rather long life. This is one of the primary reasons why flash storage memory has replaced optical storage disks (such as DVDs, mini DVDs, etc.). What’s more flash memory devices also do not consume much electricity. While storage media such as memory cards have increased in capacity, this increase is rather insufficient given the increase in image sizes resulting from the higher (and ascending) image resolution and detail. Consequently, if you tend to take multiple shots within a short time period with your SLR, in all likelihood, you would need another flash memory card or a larger memory card to take care of all your storage needs. Also, even if your extra memory card isn’t used all the time, having a spare proves handy if your existing card cashes or develops bugs.

1. 7.    Miscellaneous accessories: In addition to the above main photography accessories, there are probably dozens of other miscellaneous camera accessories available in the market today. For example, you will find in the market, lens covers that are meant to protect the surface of the lens from dust and other foreign material. This is very essential for a dirty lens is a sure shot way of ruining a picture. While most manufacturers do bundle in lens covers with their lenses or cameras, this may not always be the case. As such, one is advised to have a check before-hand. Also, unless and until using a common locking mechanism, one is advised to stick to lens covers manufactured by the original manufacturer. Any good photographer will probably have multiple different types of lenses to ensure that he/she is able to capture images under varying light conditions. Obviously, this endeavor is expensive and it is vital that each and every one of these lenses be protected. For this purpose, there are available in the market lens carrying cases that protect the lens from dust and damage. These can be real handy when shooting outdoors and/or in rough environments. In addition to the above, one can also find other such photography accessories as straps that can be attached to the camera directly (which is a rather crude approach) or to any case or bag that you must have purchased. These come in a variety of colors and in a variety of lengths. As such, finding a strap that meets your needs shouldn’t be that difficult. Another rather known accessory is the scratch guard, which is used to protect the display screen of your digital camera from scratches, damage, and dust. It is highly recommended that you go in for a scratch guard that has been certified by the manufacturer for a cheap scratch guard may actually end up harming your digital camera. Furthermore, while attaching the scratch guard, care must be taken to ensure that there is no dust on the screen and that there are no air bubbles between the scratch guard and the surface of the display screen of your digital camera. Also popular are networking communication devices that allow you to transfer files and upload them onto the Internet without a PC.

Summary

1. 1.    Obviously, given the amount of time for which cameras have been in the marketplace and the boom seen after the advent of digital cameras, a large market has emerged solely for digital camera accessories.
2. 2.    Needless to say, camera lenses constitute the most important of all digital camera accessories. More than anything else, the type of lens that is best suited to you is dependent on the purpose for which you are buying the lens, and this depends on the kinds of subjects you photograph the most. Among the important characteristics of any lens are focal length, aperture, number of diaphragm blades, and image stabilization. The following are (some of) the different types of lenses: single convenience lens, standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, ultra wide zoom lens, and prime lens. Equally important are tripods, which allow one to take pictures with far more stability. This significantly reduces image blur and shake, and comes particularly handy when photographing in low-light conditions and in situations where you need higher exposure times.
3. 3.    Camera bags and cases are perhaps the most common photography accessory after camera lenses and tripods. This is obvious given that digital cameras cost quite a lot and are a prized possession of their owners, and thus, it is vital that utmost care be taken while using them. A proper bag or case is an effective way of protecting your digital camera. What’s more, a good bag or case also eases the task of carrying and storing your digital camera.
4. 4.    Given that digital cameras (especially SLRs) tend to consume large amounts of power, many users often consider going in for an additional battery so that they can enjoy their sessions without having to scout for batteries and miss out on any photography options. Very often, people tend to loose their cables and chargers, or need additional ones for a whole variety of reasons. These additional cords and chargers do come in handy in case one misplaces his/her charger/cord. Further, as much as possible, one should stick to renowned manufacturers and trusted brands when buying such accessories. That’s not all, though storage media such as memory cards have increased in capacity, they have not kept pace with image sizes that have been increasing steadily over the years. As such, many users also carry multiple memory cards with them.
5. 5.    Besides the above, one can also find in the market, many other photography accessories that come handy in a variety of conditions. These include such items as lens covers, lens carrying cases, LCD screen scratch guards, straps, etc. With regard to lens covers, almost all lenses come with a lens cover that protects the surface of the lens from damage and dust. You can also buy lens covers separately. Similarly, given that a good photographer will have a variety of lenses to get good captures under varying conditions, it is essential that one buys lens carrying cases for each and every lens. Another important accessory is straps, which come in a variety of colors and in a variety of lengths; as such, finding a strap that meets your needs shouldn’t be that difficult. Another popular accessory is the LCD screen scratch guard, which is used to protect the display screen of your digital camera from scratches, damage, and dust. Also popular are networking communication devices that allow you to transfer files and upload them onto the Internet without a PC.

Final word:

The above mentioned are only some of the accessories that are readily available in the market. In all likelihood, there are probably many more different types of accessories, to take care of all you photography needs. Research well to find out all the options available to you as per your need and within your budget range before you decide on the accessories you need for your digital camera.