If you are new to photography, taking a leap from the basic point-and-shoot camera to a full-blown professional-grade DSLR is not easy. Of course, buying the camera is just a small part of the equation. There are several other gears that you need to invest in to jumpstart your photography career.
But you do not necessarily need to buy all of the stuff right away. Since you are still starting in photography, you only need to invest in a few essential photography gears. And once you have built up your photography skills, that’s when you can invest in more photography equipment.
So, which gears should newbie photographers keep on hand? Check out this list.
Camera
If you are really keen on pursuing your passion for photography, then you need to invest in a good camera. But given the wide range of camera models out there, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. So which camera should you choose?
You can choose between an entry-level DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera. DSLR cameras have internal mirrors which reflect light from the lens into an optical viewfinder, allowing you to view exactly what the lens is seeing. On the other hand, mirrorless cameras do not have this feature, which is why they are lighter ad smaller. Depending on the brand, entry-level DSLR or mirrorless cameras should cost around $300 to $700. This does not include the cost of the lens and other accessories.
Tripod
The tripod can help make it easier for you to get started with photography. This accessory is very versatile and something that every photographer should have, most especially beginners. Whether you are into portrait, landscape, street, or wedding photography, the tripod will certainly come in handy.
Tripods are very useful during low-light settings since the stability of the tripod allows you to take shots without the risk of a camera shake. This stability is also very important during night sky photography and nighttime selfies. As a newbie, you do not need to invest in the most expensive tripod out there. You can buy the cheapest model you can find, something that you can mess around with and not worry about it getting damaged.
Prime Lenses
If you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, then you need to have a lens. As you pursue photography, you will come across different types of lenses that will allow you to capture different kinds of shots. But since you are still starting, you might as well opt for a single prime lens. This is the type of lens that does not zoom.
So why should you choose a lens that doesn’t zoom? Because of the lens’s inability to zoom, it will be easier for you to learn proper composition techniques. If you will get a fixed camera lens, you will need to think through your shots more, which stretches your skills even further and helps you to improve even faster.
If you prefer the Nikon or Canon brand, the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens would be the cheapest of all their lenses, so it’s great for newbies. But if you are using a camera that has a crop sensor, which is usually the case for entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the 35mm prime lens is highly recommended. It might cost more, but it’s generally more flexible.
Memory Cards
Memory cards are used for storing the photos you have taken with your camera. You can also use memory cards to transfer photos from your camera to your computer. Therefore, memory cards are among the most important accessories that every photographer should have. Some cameras would come with free memory cards. But these should not cost a lot to buy.
When buying memory cards, think about the storage. Choose the card that’s capable of saving several photos, ideally, more than a thousand photos, if not more. You should choose something with at least 16 gigabytes, preferably 32 GB, 64 GB, and so on. Another important factor to consider is speed. Choose those with faster speed or those that can save your photos faster. Getting a faster memory card is especially important for sports and wildlife photographers.
Reflector
Reflectors are not only useful for beginners but professional photographers as well. It’s very useful in the field and the studio as well. It works by bringing in supplementary light to get better shots. Reflectors are mainly used for redirecting existing light to achieve a more diffused and natural image.
There are several different types of reflectors that you can find in the market, with each having different surfaces capable of absorbing or bouncing light away in varying degrees. For instance, the shiny silver reflector can help to significantly brighten shadows and highlights, while a white reflector is capable of producing softer and more subtle light.
Batteries and a Charger
Once you begin using external flash units, you will be using a lot of batteries, and that’s why you need to invest in rechargeable batteries if you are really want to pursue photography. And don’t forget to buy a battery charger too.
Although you will usually get extra batteries with the camera you purchase, these may not be enough. This especially true for wildlife photographers who may need to go on long hikes under the cold weather, where batteries tend to die very quickly. So have at least one backup battery, or more, if you find that two is not enough.
Cleaning Kit
Cameras are prone to dust, dirt, and moisture. This is especially the case if you’re into outdoor photography. These particles could get into the lenses and some other parts of your camera. If you neglect cleaning your camera, this can lead to permanent damage.
The best way to protect your camera from these particles is to have a camera cleaning kit. You should be able to find camera cleaning kits online. These kits come with a microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, air blower, and other things that can help keep your camera clean.