Recently we asked our readers on Facebook to tell us their favourite cameras and which lenses they use most often. In our final survey we went on to ask them to tell us what accessory they use most often and what is the next accessory on their shopping list. The results were pretty interesting. Who knew so many of you used intervalometers!
How many of the top 12 do you have, and how many are you hoping to buy in the near future?
Readers’ most used photo accessory
1. Tripod
It’s great to see tripods being mentioned so frequently in the ‘most used accessory’ list because they really are a staple for photographers. A tripod lets you take long exposure images without introducing blur and helps you get top-quality results from your camera and lens. It can also take the weight off when using a heavy camera or long lenses.
It’s great to see tripods being mentioned so frequently in the ‘most used accessory’ list because they really are a staple for photographers. A tripod lets you take long exposure images without introducing blur and helps you get top-quality results from your camera and lens. It can also take the weight off when using a heavy camera or long lenses.
2. Cable release
If you’re shooting a long exposure and have your camera mounted firmly on a tripod, a cable release can give you another step-up in sharpness. It allows you to trip the shutter without actually touching the camera and thus avoids introducing unwanted vibrations. They can also often be used to lock the shutter open for bulb exposures.
If you’re shooting a long exposure and have your camera mounted firmly on a tripod, a cable release can give you another step-up in sharpness. It allows you to trip the shutter without actually touching the camera and thus avoids introducing unwanted vibrations. They can also often be used to lock the shutter open for bulb exposures.
3. Flashgun
Although most interchangeable lens cameras come with a pop-up flash, a flashgun invariably has more power and can produce more flattering and creative results – especially when used off-camera. Dedicated flashguns that are compatible with a camera’s metering system are usually preferred, but more affordable manual-only units are increasing in popularity and are pretty affordable.
Although most interchangeable lens cameras come with a pop-up flash, a flashgun invariably has more power and can produce more flattering and creative results – especially when used off-camera. Dedicated flashguns that are compatible with a camera’s metering system are usually preferred, but more affordable manual-only units are increasing in popularity and are pretty affordable.
4. Intervalometer
We were quiet surprised to see this one appear in the ‘most used’ list, but it can be a great addition to your kit and will help you take sequences of images over long (or short) periods of time and for creating stop-motion animations.
We were quiet surprised to see this one appear in the ‘most used’ list, but it can be a great addition to your kit and will help you take sequences of images over long (or short) periods of time and for creating stop-motion animations.
5. Filters
Graduated neutral density and polarising filters clearly see quite a bit of action amongst our readers. The ND grads are useful for balancing out bright areas of sky with a darker foreground in landscape photography, while a polariser can cut down reflection and boost both contrast and saturation.
Graduated neutral density and polarising filters clearly see quite a bit of action amongst our readers. The ND grads are useful for balancing out bright areas of sky with a darker foreground in landscape photography, while a polariser can cut down reflection and boost both contrast and saturation.
Next photo accessory purchase
1. Dust blower
It’s funny how some of the useful and most affordable items sometimes just get forgotten when you’re buying the ‘big stuff’, so they wind up on your shopping list for next time. A dust blower is useful for getting muck off your camera and lens, and if you buy a good quality bulb blower designed for the purpose, it can also help you keep the sensor clean.
It’s funny how some of the useful and most affordable items sometimes just get forgotten when you’re buying the ‘big stuff’, so they wind up on your shopping list for next time. A dust blower is useful for getting muck off your camera and lens, and if you buy a good quality bulb blower designed for the purpose, it can also help you keep the sensor clean.
2. ND filter
Neutral density filters appeared regularly in the ‘next purchase’ list, probably because they allow you to take more creative shots that can’t be faked in Photoshop and the like. They come in a variety of strengths or densities and are mainly used to extend exposure time to blur movement, but they are also useful when you want to shoot with a very wide aperture to reduce depth of field on a bright sunny day.
Neutral density filters appeared regularly in the ‘next purchase’ list, probably because they allow you to take more creative shots that can’t be faked in Photoshop and the like. They come in a variety of strengths or densities and are mainly used to extend exposure time to blur movement, but they are also useful when you want to shoot with a very wide aperture to reduce depth of field on a bright sunny day.
3. Wireless release
Like a cable release, a wireless release allows you to trip the shutter of your camera without touching it. They are especially useful for bulb exposures when holding a cable release could introduce a little wobble which would spoil the image.
Like a cable release, a wireless release allows you to trip the shutter of your camera without touching it. They are especially useful for bulb exposures when holding a cable release could introduce a little wobble which would spoil the image.
They also allow you to stand further away from the camera than most cable releases, so they’re particularly helpful when shooting timid wildlife. Some wireless releases are also programable so you can use them like an intervalometer to take sequences of shots over time.
4. Studio lights
Studio lights are more affordable than ever before and even portable units that use batteries instead of mains power are within the reach of many enthusiast photographers. Studio lights are more powerful than flashguns and there’s a huge range of modifiers to help you create the perfect light for your subject.
Studio lights are more affordable than ever before and even portable units that use batteries instead of mains power are within the reach of many enthusiast photographers. Studio lights are more powerful than flashguns and there’s a huge range of modifiers to help you create the perfect light for your subject.
5. Ring lighting
Flashguns also appeared in the ‘next buy’ list, but they were more common as a ‘most used’ item. However, ring lights and ring light adapters were exclusive to the ‘next buy’ set. These lights create shadowless illumination which is useful for macro photography and for striking portraits.
Flashguns also appeared in the ‘next buy’ list, but they were more common as a ‘most used’ item. However, ring lights and ring light adapters were exclusive to the ‘next buy’ set. These lights create shadowless illumination which is useful for macro photography and for striking portraits.
6. Travel tripod
While many readers already have a tripod and use it on a frequent basis, quite a few expressed a desire to buy a small tripod that’s specifically designed for use when travelling. Travel tripods don’t usually offer quite the same level of support or rigidity as a standard tripod, but they are easier to fit in a bag to take on holiday.
While many readers already have a tripod and use it on a frequent basis, quite a few expressed a desire to buy a small tripod that’s specifically designed for use when travelling. Travel tripods don’t usually offer quite the same level of support or rigidity as a standard tripod, but they are easier to fit in a bag to take on holiday.
7. Monopod
Sometimes you need something that will take the weight of a long lens but you don’t want the bulk or inconvenience of a tripod. A monopod is ideal, it gives support and reduces the likelihood of camera shake, but is quick and easy to deploy or reposition.
Sometimes you need something that will take the weight of a long lens but you don’t want the bulk or inconvenience of a tripod. A monopod is ideal, it gives support and reduces the likelihood of camera shake, but is quick and easy to deploy or reposition.
If you attach the monopod directly to your camera you’ll probably need a head to allow it to be turned to shoot upright format images.
However, if you attach it via a lens collar, this can be rotated so you can quickly swap between upright and landscape format and back as necessary.
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