Over the past couple of years, Sony has shown its commitment to elevating the performance of its mirrorless cameras to rival that of DSLRs. With its sight clearly on the professional market, Sony has released full-frame options for pixel peepers (a7R III), videographers (a7S II), and sports shooters (a9). Alongside its flagship big brothers, the a6500 stands as the latest offering for still and video shooters looking for a compact, APS-C mirrorless with interchangeable lenses and Sony performance. An ever-growing collection of premium E-mount lenses has assured the photography world that Sony’s move into mirrorless terrain is more than a fleeting interest. Meanwhile, for the DSLR purists, the a99 II continues to serve as a worthy partner for Sony’s A-mount lenses. No matter which Sony camera is in your bag, there is an accessory to simplify your life and improve your workflow.
Recycle Old Lenses
If you have just switched to Sony from a different brand, the first thing to consider is a lens adapter to keep your favorite lenses from collecting dust. Depending on your budget and needs, adapters can be simple, screw-on connectors or complex electronic interfaces. While the technologies used to pair non-native lenses with Sony cameras has improved considerably in recent years, you should expect the speed of your adapted lens to be slightly behind its performance on its native mount. If you go the analog route, be sure to check whether aperture control of the lenses that you are adapting requires electronic input from your camera. While in some cases you cannot escape this issue, in many others, choosing an adapter that has an aperture control ring will allow you to adjust your settings manually on such lenses.
Among the many lens-adapter options to choose from there are a couple that deserve special mention. One such case is the Techart PRO Leica M Mount Lens to the Sony E-Mount Camera Autofocus Adapter, which introduces autofocusing capabilities to Leica M Mount lenses. Attach it to Sony’s a7 II or a7r II and watch your manual focus lenses come to life.
For those with Sigma Art lenses with EF or SA mounts, grab an MC-11 Mount Converter/Lens Adapter. Unlike other third-party adapters, the MC-11, offered by Sigma, maintains autofocus and auto-exposure capabilities while offering compatibility with in-camera image stabilization when used with select Sigma lenses.
Get Flash on Your Camera
At some point, you will run into a situation that requires flash lighting. While Sony’s APS-C cameras have a small pop-up flash that will work in a pinch, none of the full-frame cameras have built-in flash. Fortunately, there is a variety of options featuring TTL functionality, depending on your size and power needs.
Get Flash Off Your Camera
Add flexibility to your lighting setup by grabbing a Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord. If you would like to unplug your flash completely, but maintain TTL functionality, consider Sony’s Wireless Radio Commander, which can control up to fifteen Wireless Radio Receivers or RM-series flashes from up to 98.4' away. If you prefer to work in studio, there are a number of Sony-compatible remotes for popular strobes, as well.
Mod Your Bod
One of the most touted benefits of using a mirrorless camera body is the reduction in size when compared to a DSLR camera. While this is great for portability, it can pose problems for interface designs and ergonomics. With the loss of physical space upon which to add analog controls, manufacturers sometimes end up putting buttons in strange or impractical places. There is no better example of such a design blunder than the placement of the RECORD button on Sony mirrorless cameras prior to the a9. Awkwardly positioned in the top-right corner, where it is both difficult to reach and press, it makes you wonder if one of Sony’s competitors infiltrated the design team. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of re-programing the buttons on your camera, grab a Cineasy Touch Button Enhancement, which attaches to your camera to activate and de-activate video recording.
The small size of mirrorless bodies can also, somewhat ironically, pose problems in terms of handling the camera. This is especially true if you are working with large telephoto lenses, which can easily dwarf a mirrorless body. To correct this issue, Sony offers a Grip Extension for the a9, a7 II, a7R II, and a7S II models, which screws into your tripod socket to add some stability. An alternative way to add a little more stability while at the same time introducing something practical to your camera, is to install an L-Plate, which will give you a sense of security when working on a tripod.
If you are particularly clumsy or otherwise worried about bumps, scratches, or dirt, pick up one of easyCover’s Silicone Protection Covers. Finally, if you plan on taking your camera for a swim, don’t forget to dress your camera up in an appropriate underwater housing.
Get a (Battery) Grip
We all know the old mantra: two is better than one. Adding a battery grip to your camera will keep you shooting twice as long without having to fuss with batteries. Mirrorless cameras can be a drain, especially if you prefer the LCD on the back of your camera to your viewfinder. If you shoot full frame, Sony makes a proprietary grip for its full-frame cameras. If you are shooting with a crop-sensor camera, Vello makes grips for the a6500, a6300, as well as alternatives to the Sony battery grips listed above. Finally, don’t forget to add a battery or two!
Release the Shutter
Whether you are shooting self-portraits, starscapes, or just trying to squeeze into a holiday group shot, a remote control can be an indispensable tool. For a simple option, Sony’s Remote Commander with Multi-Terminal Cable allows you to control the shutter and recording without risking camera shake. If you need more space and fewer wires, unplug with the Sony Wireless Remote Commander, which offers impressive functionality without ever having to touch your camera—just be sure to check the compatibility of your camera model.
Be Extra
There are certain accessories that you can never have too many of. If you are like me, you probably catch yourself hunting for that body cap or lens cap that you set down just a minute ago, more times than you would like to admit. While not necessarily Sony-specific, there are other accessories that all photographers should have readily available. Cleaning equipment falls in this category. There are countless options, but my personal favorites include Zeiss Lens Wipes, which are extremely convenient and effective, as well as the Schneider Photo Clear Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth. Additionally, if you are shooting with a mirrorless camera, you will eventually need to either pay to have someone clean your sensor or else clean it yourself. This is where an air blower and sensor cleaning kit come in handy.
Do you have a favorite Sony accessory that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the Comments section, below!
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