More pictures are taken during the summer months than at any other time of the year. The outdoor shooting season is in full swing. And photographers ranging from casual shooters to enthusiasts and working pros are on the go. We’re taking weekend trips, hiking, traveling to vacation destinations, taking in the local sights. And, of course, we’re preserving all those adventures by taking lots of pictures. Here are some essential imaging travel accessories that will help elevate the travel photography experience and create more memorable images.
Moreover, for photo dealers, they will also enhance customer satisfaction, fostering the kind of customer loyalty that ultimately bolsters your bottom line. While each of the specific items we’ve selected is an excellent choice, it also stands for a product category. So, make sure to check out similar branded products before you decide which ones work best for you.
Imaging Travel Accessories
Manfrotto Element MII Monopod
A monopod is a great ultra-portable accessory that takes up little space but can add crucial stability when shooting in dim light or with long telephoto lenses in the field. This sturdy aluminum, five-section unit folds down to 16.9 inches and extends to an eye-level 62.6 inches. Moreover, it will support cameras up to 35.3 pounds and weighs just 1.1 pounds.
Further, Manfrotto’s monopod’s twist-lock design maintains a slim profile and facilitates precise, easy setup. In addition, its base plate features a 1/4×20- and 3/8×16-inch reversible screw to accommodate a wide variety of equipment. It also has a comfortably contoured soft grip and a wrist strap for added security. It comes in a choice of red or black. $54.99.
Moment Fanny Sling 2L
When you’re traveling light with a compact camera, a couple of moderate sized lenses, basic accessories and some personal gear, this ripstop nylon fanny sling is a great choice. It’s also very comfortable to wear. What’s more, Moment makes it from recycled Kodra nylon treated with two coatings of waterproof polyurethane. Additionally, it has an oversized zippered pocket for larger gear, a microfiber-lined pocket for sunglasses or filters, plus a hidden zip pocket that holds a passport, documents or a wallet.
A long (1.5-inch-wide) strap, adjustable from 20 to 52 inches, fits users of almost any size. And it lets you comfortably carry the bag on your shoulder or waist. The sling’s main front pocket measures 9.5×3.5×1.8 inches and has sleeves for a phone or thin items, such as credit and memory cards or exterior straps for attaching a travel tripod or jacket. Moreover, the sling uses reverse-coil YKK zippers throughout. A large quick-release buckle also makes it easy to put on and take off. Its exterior measures 10.3×5.3×1.6 inches. Its empty weight is a mere 10.1 ounces. Moment offers the Fanny Sling 2L is several colors. $70.
Sensei Deluxe Optics Cleaning Kit
This accessory is quite useful! As can often happen during travels, your lens, LCD panel, eyepiece or other optical surface will get contaminated with dust, dirt, grime, fingerprints, etc. Consequently, always pack a lens cleaning kit in your camera bag. The Sensei DOC-CK Deluxe Optics Care and Cleaning Kit has all the tools to gently clean and remove dust, smudges and fingerprints from all kinds of glass optics.
Whatever’s clouding or smudging your optics, simply spray, wipe, brush or blow it away. The kit includes a bulb-type air blower as well as a lipstick-style extendable brush to remove dust. Also included is a lens pen to remove smudges and fingerprints; a spray bottle of alcohol- and ammonia-free lens cleaning fluid; premoistened lens cleaning wipes; and a soft, 11.8×11.8-inch microfiber cloth. All this fits into a handsome 8×5.5×2.9-inch travel case. Just pack the kit in your bag and you’ll have all the items handy. The optics cleaning kit has a total weight of 12.4 ounces. $32.95.
SanDisk Extreme Portable V2 SSD
Taking a compact, high-capacity external hard drive along lets you back up your images and videos on the fly as well as upload to social media. Plus, you can free up space by downloading the images on your memory cards. This SanDisk SSD comes in capacities of 500GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB. We chose the ultra-slim 2TB capacity solid state unit as a great travel option. It measures a compact 3.9×2.1×0.4 inches and weighs only 1.8 ounces. Moreover, it is bus-powered via a superfast USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection (a USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-C to USB-A adapter are included).
Further, the NVMe SSD features a sizzling maximum sustained read speed of up to 1050MB/sec as well as a write speed of up to 1000MB/s. It also uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption to ensure privacy. Plus, it’s compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, works with iPhone 15/15Pro via the Apple Files app and supports direct HD video. The SanDisk drive is also dust and water resistant to IP65 standards and drop resistant to 9.8 feet. Offered in three color options, it comes with a handy carabiner loop for attaching it to a belt loop or backpack when you’re traversing the world. $189.99.
Sirui Traveler X-II Video Tripod with Fluid Head
A tripod is the ultimate camera stabilization device that lets you capture sharp images almost anywhere you can set it up. This robust, lightweight, Sirui carbon fiber travel tripod adds the advantage of extreme portability. It folds down to a compact 13.9 inches in length and weighs only 2.1 pounds. However, it extends to an eye-level height of 57.1 inches and gets down to a minimum height of 4.7 inches for grounder shots. Additionally, it has a load capacity of a hefty 22 pounds.
Its five-section legs have a twist-and-pull design for fast, easy setup and takedown. Moreover, rubber feet add stability. The removable center column is also reversible for macro shots and separates into shorter sections for additional low-angle shooting options. What’s more, for video applications, the small AT-10 two-way video head with an attached handle provides smooth pan (360°) and tilt (±90°) movement while filming. This compact fluid video head is a solution for both video makers and photographers who mostly use mirrorless cameras and other low-weight gear. The video head also features a detachable handle, a 1/4-inch screw, a quick-release plate and locking knobs. $161.
Domke Color Coded Protective Wraps
Fabricated of padded knit nylon with a non-scratch backing, these 19×19-inch squares of soft protective material can be wrapped around cameras, lenses, flash units and other gear to prevent them from scraping against other items in your camera bag. In addition, they’ll fit around a variety of equipment shapes. Plus, touch fasteners on all four corners secure the equipment.
Domke, a division of the Tiffen Company, offers the protective wraps in five color choices and three size options. In addition to the 19×19-inch wrap ($29.99), it comes in 11×11 ($19.99) and 15×15 ($24.99) inches.
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip v3
Combining stability with quick access on the fly, this ingenious new harness system is for carrying professional gear. It employs a durable metal clip, which uses included thumbscrews or hex-head bolts, to clamp onto straps or belts up to 2.5 inches wide and 0.87 inches thick. The clip keeps your camera rigidly stable while hiking, biking or moving around the studio. Additionally, it pairs with an Arca-type quick-release tripod-compatible plate that attaches to the camera. Moreover, it slides onto the clip to lock the camera’s movement in four directions. There are also four loops for attaching optional Peak Deign anchors for added stability.
Once the clip’s in place, the attached camera can withstand forces of up to 200 pounds without becoming dislodged. However, a quick-release button provides instant access at any time. The Capture v3 clip maintains a slim profile, measuring only 3.3 inches in length and weighing a mere 3 ounces. All its parts are crafted of weatherproof, rust-resistant aluminum. What’s more, a security lock prevents accidental release during long trips, while an anti-slip pad on the back plate adds grip texture. All legacy Peak Design plates except the DualPlate v1 work on the Capture v3. Thus, you can securely carry gear such as lenses, binoculars, action cameras plus optional accessories. In black or silver, $74.95.
Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter
We like to include this one in most features on summer imaging accessories. That’s because variable neutral density (VND) filters are a terrific way to control the light when shooting at white sand beaches and in other highly reflective summer environments. While solid neutral density filters reduce light using a constant fixed density, VND filters reduce light using a range of densities.
Tiffen’s VDN filter has a rotating ring that you can set for 2 to 8 stops of light reduction. As a result, you can shoot at wider apertures to achieve bokeh effects in portraits and landscapes. Or you can shoot at slower shutter speeds for a natural look with moving subjects, such as surfers and ocean waves. Plus, the filter has a wider profile front ring to minimize vignetting. And, of course, neutral density filters will not affect the overall coloration of your image. Moreover, Tiffen manufactures its ND filters using its proprietary ColorCore process to ensure uniformity. 52mm/58mm, $105; 62mm/67mm, $115; 72mm, $125; 77mm, $135; 82mm, $189.
Joby GorillaPod 3K Mini-Tripod Kit
Unlike other tabletop tripods, the Joby GorillaPod’s super-flexible legs let you twist them to grab firmly onto solid objects like railings. Consequently, you can configure the mini tripod in an infinite variety of ways to provide a stable platform on uneven surfaces for photography, videography, vlogging or livestreaming. Further, by adding the easily detachable 3K ball head, you can precisely control the direction and angle of your equipment. You can also quickly mount or remove it thanks to its proprietary quick-release plate.
In addition, the head can support equipment weighing up to 6.6 pounds. Plus, the tripod uses a standard 1/4″x20 threaded screw to mount DSLRs, mirrorless cameras as well as video lights. It also features full 360° panning and 90° tilting as well as rubberized rings and foot grips. Moreover, it includes a handy bubble level. With a closed length of 9.4 inches and a total (tripod + head) weight of 13.9 ounces, this cool combo is a perfect travel companion. $69.95.
Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0
This versatile Lume Cube RGB LED light panel is an excellent travel accessory. It’s aimed at photographers who need a compact, portable continuous light source when shooting on location. It mounts in your camera’s hot shoe and secures firmly with a textured locking ring. Furthermore, it delivers RGB color that’s adjustable over an upgraded color temperature range of 2700K to 7500K. Additionally, the slimline 6x3x1.4-inch panel features 204 LEDs, has a high CRI rating of 96+, as well as a two-hour runtime. It’s powered by its integrated, rechargeable Lithium battery that you can also use as a 5V power pack. And it recharges in 150 minutes via USB-C.
The panel provides a palette of more than 16 million color options and seven built-in lighting effects. They include loop, strobe, lightning, fire, candle, siren as well as TV. It also features stepless brightness control; an output of 835 lux at 1.6 feet (208 lux at 1 meter); and a maximum power of 10W (595 lumens). The Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 boasts rugged, lightweight aluminum and plastic construction. It also has three 1/4″x 20 mounting threads for setting it up on a light stand, etc. Additionally, it comes with a shoe mount, a braided USB power cable and a faux leather case. $179.99.
Pelican 0915 Micro Memory Card Case
Here’s a must have while traveling. Keep your precious memory cards safe and organized when you’re on the road with this well-made, cleverly configured card case. The Pelican hinged case holds up to 12 SD, 6 miniSD and 6 microSD cards in snug form-fitting cutouts.
What’s more, Pelican’s Micro cases are crushproof, watertight as well as dustproof. The company makes the cases from tough polycarbonate resin. They have a water-resistant IPX4 rating and a removable insert liner that absorbs shock. And they close securely with a snap fastener. The 0915 measures 5.5×3.3×0.8 inches and weighs 3.5 ounces for easy storage. $36.95.
Sigma WR Circular Polarizer Filter
We think this is a go-to travel accessory. Perfect for shooting summer scenes, this Sigma waterproof (WR), multicoated, adjustable filter increases overall color saturation. Moreover, it adds contrast to clouds for dramatic skies. In addition, the circular polarizer filter eliminates unwanted glare and most reflections on water and glass surfaces. Further, Sigma constructs these filters with high-spec, high-transmission optical glass with a black rim to cut glare.
Moreover, they are set within a rotatable aluminum alloy filter ring. It features antistatic and water-repellent coatings that shed water and oil, facilitate cleaning and enhance scratch resistance. To get the desired effect, you just rotate the milled front ring of this two-part filter until you see it in the viewfinder or on the LCD—and take the shot. Note: Unlike linear polarizers, circular polarizers don’t affect meter or AF accuracy when used on today’s TTL-metering DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The filters are available from 46mm to 105mm, $74–$323.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as running out of battery power when you’re shooting out in the boonies and don’t have access to an electrical outlet. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack a portable backup power source. This sleek Belkinhttp://belkin.com Power Bank 20K has two 12W USB-A ports and one 15W USB-C port to keep all your devices powered. Further, it can provide up to an additional 78 hours of battery life to your smart devices. The 20,000 mAh unit from Belkin can charge three devices at once.
Portable and powerful, it works with tablets, laptops, smartphones and more. Plus, an LED indicator light lets you know the power bank’s power status, so you always know when it’s time to recharge. What’s more, the included USB-A to USB-C cable lets you start charging right out of the box and recharge your power bank when the time comes. The Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K measures 6.2×2.9×1 inches, so it’ll slide easily into a small shoulder bag or fanny pack. Plus, it comes in five color choices. $39.99.
