Enthusiasts and professionals alike need to be adequately prepared for any photography and/or video session, which begins with a backpack and several essential components. From batteries and memory cards to filters and a simple tripod, the difference between excellent images and a lost day can be found in one of those accessories... or in their absence. Today we're going to recommend a series of five items that should not be missing from any kit, and how to get them without burning a hole in your pocket.
They say luck favors the prepared mind, and although some of the best photographs on the planet were the result of chance, those responsible for capturing them were in the right place at the right time... with equipment up to the task. It doesn't matter if you're taking your first steps in the world of photography or if you've already spent years seeing the world through a lens: once we step into the field, the equation comes down to the combination of the photographer's skill and their preferred accessories for the job. Over time, each photographer begins to develop their own arsenal and evaluate multiple parameters. Do we have enough battery power? Will we need a couple of memory cards? Or maybe a filter to give images that extra touch? Enough questions. Open your backpack, here come our recommendations:
Memories, more memories, and cases!
Ugh, space is never enough, right? Once we get home and sit in front of the computer, it's easy to tell which images are useful and which end up in the trash, but while we're out there we want to capture "everything", and the space should "never" run out. Depending on your camera, you'll need SD or CompactFlash cards, and fortunately the variety is huge, with a wide range of prices and capacities. Now... you're not going to just toss the cards into your backpack, are you? That's how things get lost: memories, work, and sanity. To avoid that, there's no better ally than a card case. The folks at Gloxy sell a very robust line, available in several colors, but you'll also find hybrid cases that hold both SD and CompactFlash cards.
Tripod
Granted, it's more complicated than we imagine to fit a tripod in a backpack, but consider this: maybe the weather isn't helping, you're tired, hungry, thirsty, cold or hot, mosquitoes are eating you alive, and the noise is annoying. Now, if on top of that your eyes betray you, guess what? Your hands do too. Relying solely on automatic stabilization isn't always a good idea, and the most effective solution remains a classic tripod. You might not need it in every situation, but it should be there when the time comes. An excellent starting point is the Triopo series, which offers a wide range of specifications and, of course, prices.
If you're looking for a trusted brand, check out Manfrotto tripods.
Batteries
It happens to photographers. It happens to videographers. To YouTubers, streamers, those who depend on GPS, Pokémon GO players... everyone. Energy is never enough, so even with just one camera, you should have some "redundancy" in batteries. Once again we return to Gloxy's territory to explore options. Take an example: Canon LP-E6, a relatively common battery if there ever was one. An extra unit costs just 25 euros. Are you going to miss out on what could be "the" image for your portfolio because you don't have a backup battery? Available models cover other brands besides Canon, and if you want to add a grip, you're in luck.
Filters
Beauty, like truth, is supposedly in the eye of the beholder, but when we walk the paths of photography, the truth is we have a certain power of "manipulation" in the best sense of the word, and among many other tools, we must highlight filters. The plan could be to protect the lens, reduce reflections, modify light levels, or simply experiment. For that you'll need ultraviolet, polarizing, neutral density, and why not, infrared filters. Within that category, the Hoya filter lineup is impressive. You can buy each filter separately, or in very accessible kits. Needless to say, don't forget to consider the size of your lens.
Cleaning kit
The session is over, the work is complete, your cards hold excellent images, and you're probably thinking about what's next, but before that... a little love for your camera wouldn't hurt, right? Preventive care also extends to photography tools, whether you use them daily or they sit stored for months. All this step requires is a cleaning kit. A bit of brush, some air, a cloth, a few cotton swabs, and no harsh chemicals. The idea is to clean, not ruin, and the last thing you want to see is a smudge on the lens or the plastic. How much does something like that cost? Less than 25 euros.
I know many things are left unsaid. Lens hoods, converter lenses, alternative chargers, flashes, diffusers, light meters... I think Christmas and New Year's would pass before I could finish. But that's where all of you who have read this come in. Our readers. Look at your backpack, your "photographic fleet". What can you never do without? The comments are open. Good luck!
