Welcome to our full roundup of the best accessories for photographers in 2024. While the camera and lens you buy are hugely important of course, accessories can augment and expand your image-making in all sorts of ways. From stable camera supports like tripods that allow you to use longer shutter speeds, to lens filters that can change the nature of your images in ways that are near-impossible to replicate digitally, accessories can unlock many exciting possibilties.

Of course, not all accessories are going to suit all shooters. So, we’ve put together this comprehensive (and we do mean that) guide to all the best types of camera accessories you can buy. You won’t need everything on this list – you may not even want the majority of it. But we’re betting that no matter what types of images you like to shoot, there will be accessories on this list that you’ll find useful. We’ve included tripods, filters, bags, lights, digital editing tools, pouches, cleaners, rain covers and more. We haven’t forgotten about video either, and have included a few accessories that are brilliant for vloggers.

This list was assembled by the AP technical team, who spend every day reviewing and testing the latest photo and video products. For more accessory recommendations, check out our guides to the best tripods, camera bags, and best photography lighting kits.

The best accessories for photographers: quick list

Below, find a quick and easy-to-navigate list of our top photography accessory recommendations, along with links to get the best prices. We haven’t listed absolutely everything here as there simply too many products in the full guide; this list represents the top-line essentials. If you’re starting more or less from scratch when it comes to photography accessories, these are the products we’d recommend looking at first:

  • Best value memory card: Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I 128GB – buy now
  • Best camera strap: 1910 fotografi ‘HCB’ strap – buy now
  • Best filter for photographers: Hoya Ultra-Pro Circular Polariser – buy now
  • Best photography monopod: 3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0 – buy now
  • Best bag for travel photographers: Vanguard Veo City CB29 Cross Body Bag – buy now
  • Best tripod for photographers: MeFoto Roadtrip Pro 6-in-1 travel tripod – buy now
  • Best backpack for photographers: Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader – buy now
  • Best photo-editing accessory: Loupedeck+ – buy now
  • Best tripod for landscape photography: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS kit – buy now
  • Best LED light for photos and video: Rotolight NEO 3 Pro – buy now

Read on for our full list of the best photography and video accessories to buy, including bags, filters tripods, and lights, with options for all budgets starting from as little as $10 / £10.


Best filter cleaner: NiSi Clever Cleaner for square filters

Nisi Clever Cleaner
NiSi Clever Cleaner for square filters

$9 | £7 | www.nisioptics.co.uk

If you’re a regular user of square filters, you’ll know how it easy it is to get them covered in fingerprints from sliding them into the holder and removing them after use. This handy device springs open to reveal a rectangular felt cleaning pad, to help keep their surfaces clean and in perfect condition. Packed up it measures just 8 x 4 x 1.5cm, so it will slip easily into your camera bag.


Best dust blower: VSGO Tumbler air blower

VSGO Tumbler dust blower
VSGO Tumbler air blower

$24 | £19 | www.vsgophoto.com

Bulb air blowers are invaluable for keeping your camera’s sensor clean of dust, which will otherwise leave unsightly blobs on your images. This 10cm tall version is particularly fine example. It filters the air that it draws into the bulb and employs a soft silicone tip that won’t damage your sensor.  A weighted base means that it always stands upright, which also helps keep the tip clean. 


Best analogue photography starter pack: Ilford Simplicity Starter Kit

Ilford Simplicity kit
Ilford Simplicity Starter Kit

$30 | £23 | www.ilfordphoto.com

If you’ve acquired the bug for shooting black & white film, this kit contains all the chemicals you need to start out with home developing. It includes sachets of Ilfosol developer, stop bath, and fixer, each of which dilute to a 600ml solution; sufficient for two rolls of 35mm film, or one of 120. All you need is a developing tank and a measuring jug. The instructions are clear and straightforward, the process is simple and most importantly, the results are impressive. 


Best photo filter holder: Mindshift Gear Filter Nest Mini

Ming Shift Gear Filter set mini
Mindshift Gear Filter Nest Mini phot filter holder

$34 | £27 | www.snapperstuff.com

As a simple but effective means of organising a small number of filters in your bag, this neat little case is difficult to beat. Measuring 10 x 9 x 4cm fully packed, it’ll hold four filters up to 82mm in diameter in colour-coded compartments. A plush-lined interior prevents marking or scratches, while a concertina-style design allows it to squash up slimmer when you’re not using all the slots. The nylon webbing handle also allows it to be clipped to a bag strap for easier access while you’re out taking pictures. 


Best value memory card: Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I 128GB

Sandisk Extreme Pro SD card
Sandisk Extreme Pro SD card

$35 | £28 | westerndigital.com/en-gb

Memory cards are getting ever cheaper, which means you can stock up on capacity without breaking the bank. For many users, Sandisk’s Extreme PRO range should represent a sweet spot of high performance at a sensible price. They offer write speeds of 90MB/s and read speeds up to 200MB/s, and prices ranging from £17 for 64GB to £200 for a massive 1TB. However, if you regularly shoot video or high-speed bursts with one of the latest cameras, you’ll probably benefit from the faster, but more expensive UHS-II version.


Best L bracket: 3 Legged Thing Lexie

3 Legged Thing Lexie universal L-bracket
The 3 Legged Thing Lexie is a universal L-bracket that’ll fit a huge range of cameras. Credit: Andy Westlake

$65 | £59 | www.3leggedthing.com

L-plates allow your camera to be fixed over the top of a tripod head for maximum stability in both portrait and landscape formats. We recently tested out 3 Legged Thing’s Lexie bracket, a universal Arca-Swiss type L-bracket which is made to fit a wide variety of cameras and really does work with pretty much everything — the 3LT website has pictures of it fitting a range of cameras made by Canon, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Nikon, Olympus/OM System, Pentax, Panasonic and Sony. We also tried it out on old Canon digital compacts and Fujifilm film rangefinders, and found it worked there too.


Best camera battery charger: Newell FDL USB-C dual battery charger

Newell USB charger
Newell FDL USB-C dual battery charger

$35 | £30 | gadgetbag.co.uk

These little USB-powered chargers are incredibly useful for keeping your spare batteries topped up. Available for most popular cameras, they’ll accept two batteries at once. Both a short built-in USB-A cable and a USB-C port are included for power input, which means they can be fuelled from a wide variety of sources. For example, you could top up your batteries in the car while driving between locations, or hook one up to a powerbank in your bag while you’re shooting. 


Best camera rain cover: Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover

Think tank rain cover
Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover

£34-£59 | www.thinktankphoto.com

There’s a lot to be said for having a camera cover that you can pull from your bag to protect your gear from a sudden downpour. This example is designed to fit DSLR or mirrorless cameras and is available in three sizes to accommodate a wide range of lenses. The smallest is ideal for a camera body with a 24-70mm lens attached, while the largest will cover a long telephoto lens. It features a large window to view your camera’s screen and controls, while compressing down into a compact carrying pouch for convenience. 


Best photo filter bag: Kase Soft Filter Bag 100mm 

Kase soft filter case
Kase soft filter case

$45 | £37 | www.kasefilters.com

For photographers who regularly use 100mm square filter systems, this might just be perfect case for carrying all your kit in a single place. The main compartment holds up to ten filters in softly lined pockets, with a concertina-style zip opening giving easy access. Meanwhile, a pocket on the front will hold your filter holder and adapter rings. It comes with a shoulder strap and can also be easily attached to your tripod while shooting. 


Best compact camera filters: NiSi Compact Filter Kits

Nisi compact filter kit
Nisi compact filter kit

£42-£85 | www.nisioptics.co.uk

Users of compact cameras with built-in lenses have rarely had the option to use filters creatively, so it’s great to see NiSi address this with an inexpensive range of specially tailored kits. They’re available for Fujifilm X100-series cameras, the Sony RX100 VI or VII, and the Ricoh GR2 / GR3. We’d choose the Pro kit, which includes the holder plus polarising, neutral density, graduated ND and natural night filters for £53. For other compact cameras, there’s also a holder with a 49mm thread.


Best camera strap: 1910 fotografi ‘HCB’ strap

HCB Nicca
‘HCB’ strap from 1910 fotografi

$55 | £45 | www.1901fotografi.co.uk

All new cameras come with perfectly functional black nylon straps, but if you’d like to spruce up your pride and joy with something more distinctive and stylish, we love 1901 fotografi’s simple and elegant leather straps. The ‘HCB’ is 16mm wide, with 11mm ends to fit most cameras, and a generous 115cm in length; you can also order custom lengths up to 165cm. Hand-crafted from fine vegetable-tanned leather, it comes in a choice of eight colours.     


Best filter for photographers: Hoya Ultra-Pro Circular Polariser

Hoya Ultra Pro Polariser
Hoya Ultra-Pro Circular Polariser filter

£56-£199 | www.intro2020.co.uk

Hoya’s premium range of circular polarisers is available in 13 sizes from 37mm to 82mm. These filters boast the toughest glass and use 16 layers of anti-reflective coatings to provide excellent light transmission. They’re also designed to repel water and oil while being scratch and stain resistant. An ultra-thin aluminium frame prevents vignetting when used with wideangle lenses. They’re pricey compared to other polarisers, but absolute top quality.


Best film holder for scanning: Essential Film Holder Kit

Essential Film Holder
Essential Film Holder Kit

£65 | www.clifforth.co.uk

If you regularly shoot film with the intention of digitising it afterwards, or you have a load of old negatives that you’d like to copy, this simple but effective film holder might be a godsend. It’s designed to hold 35mm negatives or 120 roll film above a lightbox for copying using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a macro lens. It makes light work of copying strips of negatives and is very much faster than using a scanner. It can be bought either as a self-assembly kit for £65, or pre-assembled for £90.


Best spare camera battery: Newell USB-C onboard battery 

Newell USB-C battery
Newell USB-C onboard battery

£69-75 | gadgetbag.co.uk

These high-quality replacement camera batteries have a particularly clever trick. They sport built-in USB-C ports for direct recharging, meaning there’s no need to carry an external charger. They’re available in types to fit most of the latest cameras, including Canon LP-E6NH, Fujifilm NP-W235, Nikon EN-EL3E and EN-EL15C, OM System BLX-1, and Sony NP-FZ100, each with 2300mAh capacity. There are also Sony NP-F570 and NP-F770 versions, which are wildly used to power portable LED lights and video monitors/recorders. 


Best photography monopod: 3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0

3 legged thing Trent 2 and docz 2

£79 | www.3leggedthing.com

This sturdy four-section monopod extends to a remarkable 2 metres and is rated for a 30kg load, meaning it should support the largest of telephoto lenses. Thanks to its magnesium alloy construction, it’s also much lighter than you’d expect, at 728g. Not only will it cater to the tallest of photographers, it can also accommodate situations such as when you’re standing on steps or uneven ground. It’s available either on its own or in a kit with the Docz2.0 tripod stand, which provides useful extra stability for £119.  


Best gloves for photographers: Vallerret Markhof Pro3 Photography Gloves

Valleret Markhof Pro Vr gloves
Valleret Markhof Pro Vr gloves

£80 | www.photographygloves.com

While you can use any gloves you like when out taking pictures, if you often shoot in cold weather there’s a lot to be said for specialist ones that let you use your camera’s controls easily while keeping your hands warm. These superb gloves boast magnetically secured fold-back tips for your thumb and forefinger, along with non-slip grips. The water-resistant shell is complemented by a comfortable Merino Wool liner and Thinsulate mid-layer for warmth, and they even have zipped pockets for SD cards. They’re available in a choice of black or olive green.


Best hard drive for photographers: Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield

Samsung T7 shield SSD
Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield

$95 | £80 (1TB) | www.samsung.com

This small and lightweight SSD weighs just 98g, yet provides plenty of space to back up your precious photo and video files. It’s also physically robust, with an aluminium shell that’s encased in a ridged, rubberised armour. Thanks to its use of USB-C 3.2 Gen2, image transfer is rapid, with the drive being rated for write speeds up to 1000MB/sec, and read speeds up to 1050MB/sec. It’s available in 1TB capacity for £80, or 2TB for £129, which represents great value for money.


Best microphone for vlogging: Rode VideoMicro II

Fujifilm X100VI with Rode VideoMicro II. Credit: Andy Westlake

$79 | £82 | www.rode.com

This updated version of Rode’s much imitated VideoMicro is in effect a completely new design. It’s a small, lightweight unit that picks up sounds primarily from the front, making it ideal for recording someone talking to camera. It’s powered directly from the camera and boasts a much-improved Helix anti-shock mount. Most importantly, it delivers high quality sound that belies its size, aided by the impressively effective furry windshield. If you want to improve your video soundtrack with the minimum of fuss, it comes highly recommended.


Best camera filter for video: Haida PROII CPL + VND 2-in-1 Filter 82mm

Haida CPL VND filter
Haida PROII CPL + VND 2-in-1 Filter 82mm video filter

$109 | £83 | www.haidaphoto.com

This filter combines the two types that both videographers and photographers arguably find most useful. It’s a high-quality polariser combined with a variable neutral density filter that provides a 3-7 stop range. Rotating the red anodised outer ring controls the polarisation, while the density is adjusted using a large metal pin, with markings at 1-stop intervals. Its build and optical quality belie its relatively low price, and it comes in a robust protective plastic case.   


Best shoulder bag for cameras: Tenba DNA Slim 9 

Tenba DNA 9 slim Messenger bag
Tenba DNA Slim 9 camera shoulder bag

£87 | uk.tenba.com

If you’d like a small shoulder bag to carry a camera and a couple of lenses, this is among the best you’ll find. Measuring 28cm wide by 20cm tall, it’s well suited to holding a mirrorless camera or a compact DSLR. It gives quick access to your kit via a top zip opening and the quality of materials and construction is excellent. There’s a padded slip pocket for a 10in tablet and plenty of other pockets for organising accessories.


Best tablet for photo editing: Wacom Intuos Small Bluetooth Tablet

Wacom Intuos tablet
Wacom Intuos Small Bluetooth Tablet

$99 | £89 | www.wacom.com

If you spend a lot of time editing your images and want to take more precise control of the cursor, a graphics tablet such as the Wacom Intuos can be an invaluable accessory. This entry-level model is aimed at those who may have never used such a device before and represents great value for money. The Bluetooth version connects to your computer wirelessly for extra convenience, but those on a tighter budget can buy the same device with a USB cable for £69.


Best colour calibrator for cameras: Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photo

Datacolor Spyder Checkr colourchecker
Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photo

$99 | £99 | spyderx.datacolor.com

For certain types of photography, for example products or portraits, getting accurate colours can be essential. This is where a colour reference tool like the Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photo comes in. It can be used either for visual colour evaluation, or to create a profile for your camera that’s compatible with industry-standard Adobe software. Its four colour targets are user replaceable, with a range of skin-tone references alongside white balance targets and a standard 24-patch colour chart.   


Best bag for travel photographers: Vanguard Veo City CB29 Cross Body Bag

Vanguard Veo City CB 29 in navy. Credit: Amy Davies

$110 | £110 | www.vanguardworld.co.uk

This shoulder bag is ideal for carrying enough kit for everyday or travel usage. It’ll hold a mirrorless or small camera and one or two lenses, plus an 8-in tablet. There are lots of additional pockets and clever ways to store accessories such as memory cards and cables. Designed to be worn across your body, the bag opens from the top but extends outwards, giving you plenty of space to find what you’re looking for. It’s also smart and stylish, and comes in three different colours: blue, green, or grey.

Read our Vanguard Veo City CB29 Cross Body Bag review.


Best memory card for photos and video: Lexar 64GB Professional Type B CFexpress card 

Lexar CF Express Type B memory card
Lexar 64GB Professional Type B CFexpress card 

£125 | www.lexar.com

Many of the latest cameras now use CFexpress cards, whose much faster write speeds compared to SD cards allow for longer burst shooting and higher quality video recording. Most use the larger Type B cards, with the notable exception of Sony. We’ve found this card to work reliably across cameras of all brands, supporting sustained high-speed shooting with ease. Lexar also makes a matched card reader for similarly rapid copying of files to your computer.    


It’s possible to print directly to the Instax Link Wide from the Fujifilm X-S10.

$129 | £130 | www.instax.co.uk

We’ve long been fans of Fujifilm’s Instax printers, which can be used to create prints on instant film wirelessly from your smartphone and select Fujifilm cameras. This one employs the firm’s largest Instax Wide format, giving an image size of 2.4” x 3.9″. It connects easily via Bluetooth and works via a nicely designed app that even lets you add text or create collages. Thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery, the device is readily portable. It’s available in either white or grey.  

Read our review of the Fujifilm Instax Link WIDE.


Best tripod for photographers: MeFoto Roadtrip Pro 6-in-1 travel tripod

MeFoto RoadTrip Pro tripod
MeFoto Roadtrip Pro 6-in-1 travel tripod

£159 | uk.benroeu.com

If you’re looking for a lightweight tripod, this might just be the most versatile support we’ve ever seen. You get a full-size tripod, a table-top tripod, a monopod and a boom arm; even the camera plate converts into a smartphone holder. Thanks to its 5-section legs and 2-section centre column, it extends to over 1.5m, while packing down to 38.5cm and offering an 8kg rated load. Yet the full kit weighs in at just 1.5kg. Compact yet sturdy and well-made, it’s incredible value for money.

Read our review of the MeFOTO RoadTrip PRO Carbon Fibre Tripod


Best backpack for photographers: Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader

Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader review. Image credit: Andy Westlake

£185 | www.manfrotto.com/uk-en

Manfrotto’s Pro Light range is designed for professional and serious enthusiast photographers. Of the four models available, the Multiloader is the most versatile, with openings at the top, front and either side. It’ll hold a considerable quantity of kit while still meeting carry-on regulations, with space for a camera and three lenses in the top section plus another body and four or five lenses below, including a large telephoto zoom. The harness is top-notch, making it comfortable to carry even when full.  

Read our review of the Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader backpack


Best studio photography light: Nanlite FS-60B

A Bowens S-Mount adapter comes in the box for adding light modifiers. Image credit: Damien Demolder

£186 | www.nanlite.co.uk

Designed for studio-lighting beginners, this compact, mains-powered bi-colour LED light offers powerful output given its diminutive dimensions. It covers a broad 2700K to 6500K colour temperature range, covering everything from artificial light to daylight. A Bowens S-Mount adapter comes in the box, giving access to an enormous range of third-party accessories and light modifiers. All in all, it’s a nice handy light at a good price.

Read our review of the Nanilite FS-B60 Bi-Color studio lights here.


Best high-speed memory card: Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II

Lexar pro 2000x SDXC card
Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II card

$169 | £199 (128GB) | www.lexar.com

While many photographers will be happy with standard UHS-I SD cards, the faster UHS-II type media can be invaluable for those who shoot high-speed bursts or record high-resolution video. Lexar’s gold-label Professional 2000x SDXC card is up there with the best we’ve tested, offering rapid 300MB/sec read and 260 MB/sec write speeds. The card is also claimed to be shockproof, vibration proof, protected against X-rays, and to work in temperatures from 0°C to 70°C.


Best photo printer: Epson Expression Photo XP970 

Epson XP 970 printer
Epson Expression Photo XP970 printer

$235 | £219 | www.epson.co.uk

This impressive multifunctional printer is capable of producing A3 prints while retaining a compact footprint. Along with a conventional USB connection, it can work over Wi-Fi from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, or print directly from an SD card or USB stick, controlled using the excellent 10.9cm colour LCD touchscreen. Other handy features include a 4800 DPI A4 scanner and double-sided document printing. Keen photographers in need of a compact but high-quality all-in-one printer need look no further.


Best photo-editing accessory: Loupedeck+ 

Loupedeck editing keyboard
Loupedeck+ editing console

$279 | £219 | www.loupedeck.com

If spend much time editing your images using Lightroom or Photoshop, you’ll probably find this involves a lot of repetitive mouse work, and lots of dragging of fiddly sliders. The Loupedeck+ is a dedicated image editing console that’s much the same size as a conventional keyboard. It replicates Adobe’s raw development adjustments using dedicated physical buttons and dials, while adding various user-customisable controls. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, connecting via a USB cable.


Best filter set for photographers: Kase Revolution Magnetic Circular Filter Kits

Kase Revolution Magnetic Circular 77mm Entry-Level Kit review. Image credit: Andy Westlake

£230-£699 | www.kasefilters.com

In a clever re-imagining of how filters should work, these kits include polarising, 3-stop and 6-stop neutral density filters that snap magnetically onto adapters that screw into your lens. This considerably speeds up the process of using filters, which encourages you to use them creatively. Kits are available in 77mm, 82mm, 95mm and 112mm sizes, with lens adapter rings available in all sizes from 49mm upwards. Pro kits add a 10-stop neutral-density filter. A guide on the firm’s website helps you select the ideal size kit for your lenses.  

Read our review of the Kase Revolution Magnetic Circular 77mm Filter Kit


Best photography travel tripod: Benro Cyanbird N00P tripod kit

Benro’s N00P ball head is pretty conventional, but lacks any friction control. Credit: Andy Westlake

£235 | uk.benroeu.com

This ultra-compact tripod folds down to a travel-friendly package that’s 6cm in diameter and weighs just a fraction over 1kg. It achieves this using legs with a wide-but-thin arched profile that pack neatly around a hexagonal centre column. The kit includes a compact ball head and comes with a neat roll-up travel case. The tripod will comfortably support a full-frame mirrorless camera with standard zoom lens attached and can extend up to 155cm. 

Read our review of the Benro Cyanbird N00P tripod kit


Best monitor calibrator: Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite

$299 | £249 | datacolor.com

This latest iteration of the Datacolor’s monitor calibration device is designed to help photographers and videographers adopt a colour managed workflow, ensuring that their laptop screens and desktop monitors all display images and footage accurately. The hardware has been updated with a USB-C connector and the software has been substantially revised. It’s easy to use and the calibration process is speedy, taking less than 90 seconds to complete.


Best wireless mic for vloggers: Rode Wireless Go II

RODE Wireless Go II

$285 | £279 | www.rode.com

This compact wireless microphone kit comprises a receiver and two transmitters, each powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. Each transmitter incorporates an omnidirectional microphone and can send audio to a receiver up to 200m away, backed up by onboard recording which is activated as soon as it’s turned on. It’s really easy to use, making this one of the most attractive microphones around for recording interviews, vlogging audio or ambient sounds.

Read our Rode Wireless Go II review


Best enlarger for home printing: Intrepid Compact Enlarger

Best accessories, Intrepid Enlarger
Intrepid Compact Enlarger

£280 | intrepidcamera.co.uk

Enlargers for making prints at home always used to be large, heavy and expensive, but UK-based Intrepid has changed that with this revolutionary design. By utilising sophisticated colour LED technology, it’s produced a stunningly small yet fully featured enlarger that can be mounted on a copy stand or tripod. Everything is operated from a single control box, with filters for colour balance and contrast built in. It’ll work with negatives from 35mm to 6x9cm; you’ll just need a suitable lens.


Best travel backpack for photographers: Wandrd Prvke 31 V3 Photography Bundle

Best accessories, Wandrd Prvke backpack
Wandrd Prvke 31 V3 Photography Bundle

$324 | £285 | www.wandrd.com

Available in black, green or blue, this stylish backpack is well-sized for travelling with your camera. It’s sold either by itself or as a Photography Bundle that includes a customisable camera cube. The exterior is made from waterproof tarpaulin, which gives it a tough yet smart wipe-clean finish. Access is provided from the top, back and one side, and there’s space for a camera and 2-4 lenses (including a 70-200mm f/2.8) plus a 15in laptop.

Read our Wandrd Prvke 31 Backpack V3 review


Best premium photography bag: Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 

Best accessories, Billingham Hadley Pro
Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 

$339 | £293 | www.billingham.co.uk

This latest model in an iconic line of British-made bags will accommodate a full-frame mirrorless camera and 3 or 4 lenses. It includes a detachable shoulder strap and a strap on the back that allows it to be slipped over the handle of a suitcase. It’s impeccably constructed from premium materials, including Billingham’s signature waterproof triple-layer canvas. A variety of attractive colour combinations is available, including black, khaki, navy, and sage. It may be pricey, but it will last for decades. 


Best light for macro photography: Adaptalux Studio LED Macro Lighting Combo Pack 

Best accessories, Adaptalux Studio LED Combo Pack
Adaptalux Studio LED Macro Lighting Combo Pack 

£365 | www.adaptalux.com

Adaptalux’s clever modular LED system is perfect for lighting small subjects creatively. This Macro Lighting pack includes a control pod with a built-in rechargeable battery, four flexible lighting arms (two white, one blue and one green), plus three diffusers and two colour filters. Lights are controlled using the Adaptalux smartphone app, with always-on LED lighting making it easy to visualise the results in real time. Plenty of other accessories are also available to expand your setup.


Best camera backpack for women: Shimoda Women’s Series Explore v2 30

There are side attachments for a water bottle and/or tripod. Credit: Angela Nicholson

$384 | £369 | uk.shimodadesigns.com

Shimoda’s Explore range of backpacks are designed for travel and outdoor use. Unusually, they include models that come with straps specifically designed for women. The Explore V30 comes fitted with the firm’s Medium Mirrorless v2 Core Unit that can house a full-frame mirrorless camera and two or three lenses, including a 70-200mm f/2.8. Your kit is accessed from the side or back, and there are side pockets for a water bottle and tripod.

Read our review of the Shimoda Women’s Series Explore v2 30 


Best tripod for landscape photography: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS kit

The Vanguard VEO3+ 303CBS set up for low-level shooting using the Sony A7R IV and Sigma 100-400mm lens. Image credit: Andy westlake

£499 | www.vanguardworld.co.uk

This sturdy, versatile tripod is ideal for landscape and macro photographers. With its 3-section carbon fibre legs and tilting centre column, it allows you to position your camera practically anywhere and at almost any angle you like, and will then hold it firmly in place. Thanks to the impressively hefty BH-250S ball head, it’ll easily support a full-frame camera and telephoto zoom lens. It’s rather long and heavy, but one of the most versatile tripods you could wish for. 

Read our review of the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS.


Best professional colour calibrator: Calibrite ColorChecker Studio

Best accessories, Calibrite colorchecker

$569 | £519 | www.calibrite.com

This kit enables photographers to adopt a completely colour-managed workflow, from capture through display to print. It allows you to profile the colour characteristics of cameras and scanners when recording images, of monitors and projectors when displaying them, and of printers when outputting your finished work. It works with both Mac and Windows computers, and crucially gives really good results. It’s a great tool for any photographer looking to take complete control over their colour management.


Best drone for photography: DJI Mini 3

DJI Mini 3 in flight – photo: Angela Nicholson

$549 | £569 with RC Controller | www.dji.com

DJI’s ultra-light drone is the ideal start-point for inexperienced flyers. It weighs less than 250g, which means that you only need to get a Flyer ID and Operator ID from the CAA to use it in the UK. It’s equipped to shoot 12MP or 48MP stills and 4K video, with a 24mm equivalent f/1.7 lens. It lacks some of the more advanced features of the Pro version, but is rather cheaper in return. Crucially, it’s easy to fly and delivers very creditable results.

Read our DJI Mini 3 review.


Best LED light for photos and video: Rotolight NEO 3 Pro

Rotolight Neo3 Pro

$749 | £649 | www.rotolight.com

Rotolight’s premium compact on-camera light offers a unique feature set, with its full colour RGBWW LEDs providing either continuous light or flash in 16.7 million colours, including 2,500 pre-programmed gel filters. It also boasts smartphone connectivity and compatibility with Godox, Profoto, and Elinchrom remote flash systems. Power is provided by an NP-F type Li-ion battery, and everything is controlled via a full-colour touchscreen interface or the Rotolight smartphone app. The kit includes a ball head and a useful dome diffuser.


Related reading:


Follow AP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.