Accessories Every DSLR Owner Should Have

The 2.74 megapixel Nikon D1, released in 1999, was the first digital SLR to displace Kodak's dominance in this market. This camera had basic picture and white balance adjustment features.

DSLRs are fairly popular today, and don't be surprised if you receive one this holiday. Though these cameras are well-equipped with all the essential features, there are some accessories to improve your photography skills. Even if you are an amateur and believe in point and shoot, you would benefit from these add-ons that will help you click a perfect shot.

From lens cleaning kits to protection lenses, here are different options to choose from. Apart from essential hardware, you should also have the latest editing software installed on your PC or laptop, which will further improve your photos. So, without further delay, here are the accessories that every photography enthusiast should possess.

* The accessories are mentioned in no particular order. Each one of these is equally important.

There are many cheap batteries available online; however, be careful while buying such batteries as they can damage your camera. It is advisable to purchase recommended spare batteries from the manufacturer or an authorized outlet.

Your hi-tech advanced DSLR camera will be of no use, if you have a dirty lens or sensor. It is recommended that you always carry a basic cleaning kit that comprises a soft brush, a clean cloth and an air blower. There are special cleaning kits available for the sensor, but most manufacturers do not recommend cleaning it on your own.

The best way to get sharp and clear images, is to use a tripod. Generally, DSLR cameras, today, are on the heavier side, and this can lead to an unsteady hand, thus, hampering your photos. To add stability to your shots, this accessory is a must. Go for a tripod that can withstand 1.5 times the weight of your camera and the heaviest lens.

A tripod that is suitable for your height is recommended and if it comes with an attached head, the tip of the head should align with your jaw. Since you will be carrying the tripod while you travel, opt for a telescopic or collapsible tripod, and check its size once you fold it.

Get yourself a UV or protection filter that not only protects your lens, but also reduces the bluish haze that is cast on your photos. A UV -Haze-2A or UV17 filter cuts out most of the violet light in the image, and also reduces haze.

While clicking water bodies or glass surfaces, reflections are bound to be generated, thus, degrading the quality of the images. To avoid this, you can keep a polarizing filter as a backup.

This filter not only reduces the reflections, but it also increases color saturation of the photos. A DSLR that has Autofocus will need a circular polarizing filter. Consider the diameter of your camera lens while buying a protective filter. There are a few other camera lens filters that prove to be useful for specific type of photography.

This accessory is helpful when the slightest of camera shakes can spoil the entire photo. Some remote releases work on infrared (IR) frequency, while others work on radio frequencies (RF). IR releases are line of sight, which work well only up to a certain distance, while the RF releases work through obstructions (walls, floors, etc.).

Having a backup of your images means, you can retrieve images in case the original drive fails. Plus, you can carry your work everywhere you go, by taking this hard drive along, instead of carrying the entire laptop.

In case a light reflector is too huge to carry, you can opt for a speedlight flash. These compact accessories can help by creating just the right amount of light needed to click a shot. In case of in-built flash, there are limitations to the amount of light generated. With these flashguns, the shortcomings of an in-built flash can be overcome.

Lookout for the GN rating of the flashgun, this gives the maximum range of the device at any given aperture. A flashgun with GN 40 can shoot photos up to 10 meters at an aperture of f/4, and 5 meters with f/8. When buying a speedlight flash, make sure to buy one whose coverage matches or exceeds that of the lenses that you will use with it.

Buy a lens accordingly, instead of rushing for a lens with high optical zoom whose range you will never use to the fullest! Generally, you would have got a 18-55 mm lens with your DSLR, you can go in for a 55-200 mm lens that can capture fast-moving objects.

However, if you don't intend to use your camera for moving objects etc., you can opt for 40-150 mm lens which gives you enough zoom for capturing long shots like clicking a baseball match while siting in the stands.

You can buy these accessories from online stores or visit company outlets. What are you guys waiting for? Go and grab these products to make your photography experience more fun and enriching.