Do you have a fancy new camera bag but still feel completely disorganized when you go out and use it? Do loose batteries and memory cards spill all over the ground when you reach for your camera? Have you ever scratched a lens because you don’t have a proper lens cloth handy? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, check out the accessories below for customizing your camera bag.
Stay Organized!
A loose memory card is just a few letters away from a lost memory card. A dedicated case for your cards serves as a valuable protective barrier for dust and dirt while keeping everything organized. The Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket can store SD or CF cards and includes a lanyard to anchor your media. Film shooters can benefit from staying organized too by using Japan Camera Hunter’s 35mm or 120mm Film Hard cases.
Think Tank’s Photo Battery Holder will keep all your camera batteries together to avoid having to empty your bag to find your spare battery. Smaller batteries are even easier to lose track of. Storacell makes a variety of options for grouping your AA, AAA, C, D, or 9V batteries together. They come in a variety of color options, so if you are working with rechargeable batteries, you can organize them according to power levels.
Filters are another accessory prone to getting lost or damaged in the shuffle. Keep them together with MindShift Gear’s Filter Nest Mini Filter Pouch. In addition to protecting your filters, its color-coded layout helps you quickly identify which filter you are reaching for.
Stay Protected!
You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your lenses. OP/Tech USA’s Fold-Over Pouch provides snug-fitting cushions for your glass, available in a variety of sizes. Its fold-over design means you can quickly access your lens and not have to worry about losing the top of the pouch.
Domke’s Color Coded Protective Wraps are the Jack-of-all-trades of the photography storage world. Perfect for awkwardly shaped items or to add a little additional padding, they come in three sizes and five colors
If the thought of rain makes you paranoid about the weather sealing of your camera and lens, pack a rain cover. Think Tank’s Photo Emergency Rain Cover adds an extra layer of protection between your gear and the elements so you can shoot through less than ideal weather conditions.
If you are traveling and plan on checking your bag, you will need a TSA-approved lock. The Pelican 15016TSA Lock is a three-digit combination lock that protects your cargo while allowing TSA to open your bag if necessary.
Stay Clean!
Every photographer needs lens wipes, all the time, without exception. ZEISS’s Lens Wipes are individually wrapped, pre-moistened, and non-abrasive. They should be in your bag always.
With the popularity of mirrorless cameras, sensor cleaning is becoming an increasingly common chore for many photographers. The VisibleDust EZ Sensor Cleaning Kit Mini minimizes camera bag footprint while making sure you are protected against roaming dust particles while shooting.
Stay Prepared!
One of the simplest, yet frequently used tools in my camera bag is 3 Legged Thing Toolz Multi-Tool. Combining a carabiner, 4mm hex key, coin key, and bottle opener onto a key ring, it has come in handy more times than I can count. Similarly, Really Right Stuff’s MTX Multi-Tool will cover you when working with Really Right Stuff tripods, as well as other photo equipment. If you need a more conventional multi-tool, check out the Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool.
What items do you keep in your camera bag (aside from your camera)? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
1 Comment
Lens cleaning fluid is always a great option and cheap.