How to Choose Accessories for a Digital SLR

Choosing the right accessories for your digital SLR camera could mean the difference between an okay photo and an amazing photo. Accessories such as lenses, tripods, memory cards, printers and software are easy to find, but it can be tricky to find the right one if you don't know what you're doing. Follow the steps to learn how to choose accessories for your digital SLR.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Choose the Right Lenses for a Digital SLR

1. Look at the focal length of the lens. With a short focal length you have to be very close to the subject for a close-up photo, while with a long focal length you can be far away for the same close-up shot. Look at wide angle lenses (28mm or lower) for landscapes and interiors; standard lenses (35mm-85mm) for portraits; telephoto (100mm-300mm) for portraits and sports; and super-telephoto (300mm or higher) for wildlife and sports.

2. Compare prime and zoom lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, produce high quality and clear photos, are lightweight and cheaper than zoom lenses, which are variable in focal length and more powerful.

3. Check maximum aperture. If you take mostly indoor photos, choose a f/1.4 to f/2.8 maximum aperture; for overcast photos, choose a f/2.8 to f/3.5 max; for shade, choose a f/3.5 to f/5.6 max and for daylight, choose any maximum aperture.

4. Search other features such as silent auto focus, full-time manual focus, non-rotating front element, crop reduction, superior optics, image stabilization and interior zoom. Ultimately, choose the lens that fits your needs and most of all your budget.

Choose Other Accessories for a Digital SLR

5. Purchase a remote control shutter button to shoot away from your camera so as not to bump or move your camera out of focus. Also look for extra memory cards, batteries, battery chargers and adapters to ensure your camera work its best all the time.

6. Use a camera case to protect your digital SLR, its lenses and flashes. Make sure the bag is large enough for extra accessories--some bags fit your laptop, camera and lenses for ultimate portability.

7. Buy a tripod for professional still photography. Compare the weight, height and stability of the different tripods and make sure your camera can sit securely on the one you choose.

8. Choose a photo printer such as the Epson Stylus Photo R800 Inkjet Printer or the Canon PIXMA iP400 Inkjet Photo Printer. Digital photos turn out beautifully on printers made for photo prints.

9. Compare photo editing software and purchase one that fits into your budget. Adobe Photoshop may be at the top in the industry, but if you can only afford a simple program, it's still better than nothing.

10. Use fun items such as digital picture frames and computer screen savers to show off your family photos or favorite shots.