When you purchased your DSLR, the salesperson who sold the camera to you most likely recommended all kinds of accessories to go along with your new camera. You may have bought the “must haves” like a memory card or bag, but there are a few essential accessories that should not be overlooked. Whether you buy these items at the same time as your camera purchase or down the road gradually, these are the “must haves” for any photography enthusiast.

Wireless remote or Cable shutter release: A cable release or wireless remote is a generally inexpensive accessory, but they can help make taking photos a lot easier. There are many practical uses for a remote, but ultimately it gets you out from behind the camera. Once you have composed your photo, you can step back from the camera and use the remote to trigger the shutter. Whether it is to take a portrait of you and some friends, to eliminate camera shake during long exposures, or to avoid bending over to get a low angle photograph, a remote can prove itself to be worth the dollars spent.

Rain Cover: On the West Coast of Canada, it can start to rain in the blink of an eye no matter what the current forecast is. Having a rain cover in your bag will make sure you do not have to pack up and head inside once the rain starts to come down. You can pick up a 2-pack Op-Tech rain covers for under $10.00 to keep in your bag as a “just in case” precaution. Or if you want a re-useable and heavy duty rain cover, Think Tank Photo offers great solutions under their Hydrophobia line.

Filters: There are many different kinds of filters that will create different effects for your photos. However, at the very least, I always recommend that you keep a UV or clear filter on your lens. I have personally seen many DSLR owners come through our doors whose lenses had been the victim of an impact, and the only thing stopping the front element of their lens from being damaged was a filter. If you want a filter that will do more than protect, a circular polarizing filter will help boost the colours and control reflections in your photos while protecting the lens at the same time.

Tripod/Monopod: Having a tripod or monopod at your disposal is a great advantage, especially if your camera equipment weighs more than a few kilograms. It can really help take the stress off your back and shoulders during a long day of shooting. When searching for a tripod, do as much research on the available options before your purchase as possible. Like many things, if you invest in a good sturdy tripod that suits your needs, you should have a tripod that will last you for a long time.

We have many different options for the above accessories at all of our retail locations. Feel free to stop by anytime and talk to our staff about what accessories can help benefit your photography.