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15
One of the most useful accessories for
the digital SLR photographer is a tripod.
Although even
compact camera
owners can benefi t
from using them
too, the additional
creative possibilities
suggested by SLR
ownership makes
one more necessary.
There are tripods to
suit all budgets and
tastes, from small
table-top models to
sturdy heavy-duty
models with legs
like scaffolding
poles! Choose
one that’s stable
and light enough
to carry with you.
ACCESSORIES
One of the key benefi ts of the DSLR is that it is part
of a system of equipment allowing almost limitless
photographic potential to be realised. Here we will
have a look at some of the key accessories that
can help make your photography and photography
experience more enjoyable and more versatile
Lenses
Being able to attach a variety
of lenses onto your camera
provides you with the main
advantage of owning a DSLR
– photographic versatility.
Depending on the lens, you will
be able to photograph everything
from ultra-wideangle images with
a fi sheye lens, to stunning close-up
images using a macro, or closing in on
distant wildlife with a long telephoto lens.
The range of lenses and the photographic
potential offered by them is almost limitless.
Flash
Accessory fl ashguns provide more than just
extra lighting oomph when used on a DSLR.
The amount of control you will have depends
on the fl ashgun but, in most cases, you will
be able to adjust both the light output and the
fl ashgun’s head position. You will be able to tilt,
turn and in some cases swivel the fl ashgun’s
head around to help get greater creative lighting
effects. You will be able to control multiple,
off-camera fl ash units as well with some ‘guns’
and the level of control you have over the way
light is used is greatly enhanced.
Professional
or battery grips
Even if you’ve bought a relatively compact DSLR there are
Professional Grips that can be screwed onto some cameras that
provide improved handling via an extra set of controls when using
the camera vertically and that allow more memory and extra batteries
to be loaded for greater shooting duration. Yes, the camera is made
bigger and heavier, but if you are out and about and need the extra
power and handling control, a Pro Grip is the way to go.
Underwater
housings
You’re not just restricted to snapping on terra fi rma with an
underwater housing designed to let you slip beneath waves and
open up a new world of photographic opportunities. Underwater
Housings protect your camera from water (and dirt, dust and sand)
but vary in the depths to which you can take them. Some allow
you to snorkel at depths up to fi ve metres (16 feet), while others
(depending on the price you pay) can be used at the recreational
dive limit of 30 metres (100 feet).
Remote releases
A remote release either connects to your
camera with a wire or, depending on the
camera you own, uses an infrared signal
to allow you to control the camera from a
distance. This provides increased fl exibility for,
say, including yourself in a scene and allows you
to use the camera without making it shake – which is
important for low-light photography where slow shutter
speeds are being used.
Supplementary batteries
Every photographer hates that feeling of
powerlessness just when the picture op-
portunity of a lifetime presents itself. So not
only making sure your DSLR’s battery is
fully charged before you head out, but also
trousering a second power cell for back up,
is a shrewd move.
Third-party accessories
Filters screw on the front of the lens to
perform a variety of functions. A UV or
skylight fi lter on each lens will protect the
front element from damage. A polariser
will massively boost colour saturation
by reducing refl ections, and
a neutral density grad
will darken an
overly bright sky
to balance it
with a darker
landscape
and avoid
overexposing
it. While not
strictly fi lters,
screw-in close-up
lenses are useful for
macro work too, letting
you focus closer than your
lens would otherwise allow.
Viewing aids
Some DSLRs accept interchangeable
focusing screens, (such as grid screens)
allowing you to tailor the viewfi nder to suit a
particular subject, be it landscape, macro or
architecture. You can also fi t viewing
accessories such as angle fi nders
(periscope-style attachments for low
or high level shooting), and dioptric
adjustment lenses for people with
eyesight correction needs not
catered for by the built-in dioptric
adjustment on the camera.
Tripods
Bags
Once you start collecting accessories such
as lenses, fl ash and so forth you’ll need a
decent sized bag to put them in. There are
many different styles, from shoulder bags
to backpacks to waist packs, in a range of
materials and colours. Get one that isn’t
too big but allows
some room to
expand your system
in the future.
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