Photographers have a lot they need to prepare for. Do they have the right lens? Have they scouted the site? Are they going at the right time of day? It's hard to plan for every contingency, but the right gear can keep you adaptable for whatever pops up. Let's take a look at some of the support every photographer should have.

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Staff Favorite

Peak Design Everyday Backpack on a white background.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

4.5 / 5

The Best Gear Hauler

Everything has a home in this bag. Small, thoughtful design decisions have made the Peak Design Everyday Backpack an efficient sidekick to your photography. Pockets for your SD cards, quick access to lenses by way of the side zipper, and sustainable construction are all things we love about this bag.

Staff Favorite Peak Design Everyday Backpack on a white background.

Gear Hauler: Peak Design Everyday Backpack

No matter what gear you're moving, this bag has a thoughtful spot for it. Easy side-zip access, hidden straps for carrying tripods on the outside, study yet sustainable materials, and a lifetime warranty make it an easy pick.

$279 from Peak Design
Staff Favorite Peak Design Travel Tripod being held by a woman's hand against a white background.

Stability in the Field: Peak Design Travel Tripod

Peak Design has managed to make an incredibly compact tripod that's perfect for shooting in the field. It deploys fast, and the carbon fiber construction makes it rigid enough to keep your camera steady.

$279 from Peak Design
Matador Base Layer camera pouch on a white background.

Field Bag: Matador Camera Base Layer

When you're traveling light on a hike and you want to keep your camera separate from your pack, a dedicated camera base layer can do the trick. This one from Matador protects your camera while being easily accessible.

$75 from Matador
LensPen tool cleaning a camera lens against a white background.

Lens Cleaner: LensPen

Nothing ruins a shot like stray dust on your lens. Keeping a cleaner handy will ensure your shots are speckle-free. LensPen makes a portable, easy-to-use accessory for handling last-minute touch-ups. One end hosts a soft brush, while the other has a firm cleaning tip.

$12 at LensPen
Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT against a white background.

Essential Lighting: Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT

A good flash is essential in making sure your subjects are bright and visible. Even if you have one, a second one off to the side can provide even lighting. Canon's Speedlite is compact enough for you to bring on the road, and the articulating body lets you bounce the light off whatever's convenient.

$299 at Canon
Smallrig mounted on a camera.

Cage Kit: SmallRig

To keep your camera extensible, a cage provides loads of points to attach accessories. The SmallRig is perfect for cameras that are working overtime. It's sturdy and available for major DSLR and mirrorless models.

$239 at SmallRig
PolarPro neutral density lens filter on a white background.

Light Filter: PolarPro Neutral Density Filter

When you're shooting outside, bringing the light down without distorting the image can tease out lots of extra details. These QuartzLine Neutral Density Filters from PolarPro can fit the bill for a wide range of lens sizes and threading measurements. Even lighter filters are nice to have to prevent scratches to the lens proper.

$99 at PolarPro
Peak Design Slide camera strap on a white background next to anchor accessories.

Shoulder Strap: Peak Design Slide

You need a good strap while you're at a shoot. This keeps your camera at the ready at all times, even when you need your hands for something else. To that end, the Peak Design Slide is highly adjustable and super comfortable.

$69 at Peak Design
Peak Design Clutch attached to camera while being held in hand.

Good Grip: Peak Design Clutch

Sometimes you need to stay highly mobile, and a strap doesn't work. The Peak Design Clutch gives you added grip security. It's quick to adjust size and connects using an Anchor system that's compatible with many other Peak Design accessories.

$44 at Peak Design
Bellroy Tech Kit on a white backdrop.

Cable Management: Bellroy Tech Kit

It's easy to get lost in a mess of wires when packing up. This little case from Bellroy can keep everything stowed and organized for when you need it. On top of having magnetic clips and elastic pouches for everything you might need, it's also made from recycled fabric, which is good news for the environment.

$75 at Bellrow
Neewer Softbox mounted on a camera flash.

Diffuse Light: Neewer Octagon Speedlight Umbrella Softbox

A softbox can properly diffuse light in a large space. This helps avoid harsh shadows, which is particularly helpful with portraits. These are equally useful for improving video lighting. This 32-inch umbrella-style softbox folds up for easy stowage in its included carrying case.

$44 from Neewer
Omni 20+ battery pack on a white background.

Portable Power: Omni 20+

Above all, you'll want to make sure your gear stays powered while in the field. A few back-up batteries will be helpful. To stay flexible, a reliable pack like the Omni 20+ can service just about any device you have on set, and top them up quickly.

$249 from OmniCharge

Load Up For Your Next Shoot

Whether you're just starting off with photography, or you've been in the business for a while, having the right accessories can make or break the final product. Some, like lights and reflectors, have a direct influence on what you capture, but it's just as important that you can move your gear from point A to point B painlessly.

For more impromptu photos, quick access to your camera can make the difference between getting the shot and missing the moment. This is why we love Peak Design. Their gear is so convenient for photographers that you can get into action quickly when the time is right.

Staff Favorite

Peak Design Everyday Backpack on a white background.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

4.5 / 5

The Best Gear Hauler

Everything has a home in this bag. Small, thoughtful design decisions have made the Peak Design Everyday Backpack an efficient sidekick to your photography. Pockets for your SD cards, quick access to lenses by way of the side zipper, and sustainable construction are all things we love about this bag.

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