8 Underrated Photography Accessories Most Shooters Miss

Introduction: 8 Underrated Photography Accessories

Every photographer’s bag is packed with the usual suspects—extra batteries, memory cards, maybe even a tripod. But when you shoot often, especially with budget gear, you learn quickly what accessories actually save a shoot (and which ones are just hype). Here are eight underrated photography accessories that have bailed me out more times than I can count.

1. V-Mount Battery (Neewer Brand) — The Budget Shooter’s Secret Weapon

If you use a budget mirrorless camera, you know the pain: tiny batteries and endless battery drain. That’s where a V-mount battery changes the game. I use a Neewer brand V-mount battery, and either a Neewer or SmallRig mount, typically attaching through the tripod socket. It’s essentially a powerful external battery pack made for cameras.

Why it’s underrated:

• Real-world benefit: With a USB-C connection, you can run your camera off the V-mount while leaving your OEM battery installed. When the V-mount finally dies, your fully charged OEM battery keeps you shooting.
• Skip the dummy battery: Dummy batteries can’t handle power spikes, and you lose your backup power. With the OEM battery in place, you get surge protection and a safety net.
• Way better than a battery grip: Grips are overpriced, unreliable, and often don’t exist for budget cameras. A V-mount battery is versatile, powerful, and works on basically anything.

2. Peak Design Wrist & Neck Straps (with Quick Connect)

Camera straps are personal, but most are an afterthought—until you drop a camera. Peak Design’s wrist strap is my favorite: it auto-cinches to your wrist if the camera slips, and you can swap between their wrist and neck straps instantly with the quick-connect system.

• Wrist strap: Secure and out of the way.
• Neck strap: Handy, but can get in the way if you shoot from the back LCD. Easy to detach, so you only use it when you need it.

3. Lens Pen (Original LensPen Brand)

Forget solvent wipes. The original LensPen uses activated charcoal in the felt tip, making it ideal for safely removing smudges and fingerprints without any liquid.

Caveat: Always blow dust and sand particles off your lens before using the pen. If even a single grain of sand is on the glass and you go straight to the pen, you could end up scratching your lens.

I’ve never found a faster, safer way to clean glass—works on lenses, viewfinders, and filters.

4. White Mist Filter/CPL Combo (PolarPro Shortstache Everyday Filter)

This isn’t just a creative filter—it’s two in one. The Polar Pro Shortstache Everyday Filter combines a white mist effect with a circular polarizer. It gives night shots and dim scenes a cinematic glow while controlling reflections and contrast.
Caveat: This filter isn’t cheap—depending on your lens diameter, it can run up to $150. But it also acts as lens protection. If you’re comparing to a $3,400 lens, that’s about 4% of the lens’s value. It’s a lot cheaper to replace a filter than repair or replace high-end glass.

5. The Fold-Out Back LCD — The Most Overlooked Feature

Everyone obsesses over specs and lenses, but barely anyone uses the flip-out back LCD for more than menu scrolling. Use it for creative angles—above your head, low to the ground, or against a wall. Pushing your camera above or below eye level instantly adds depth and originality to your shots, all without any extra gear.

6. Fast Zoom Lens (70–200mm) — More Creative Than Fast Primes

People love to hype up prime lenses, but if I had to pick only one lens for pushing my creativity, it’d be a 70–200mm zoom. You can isolate subjects, compress scenes, and force yourself to explore compositions you’d never get with a prime. It’s a “hidden gem” because it gets overlooked in favor of the latest, fastest prime.

7. Gallon Ziplock Bags — Humidity and Cold Weather Hack

Shooting in the South (Louisiana, Texas, Florida)? Here’s a tip: Gallon ziplock bags can save your gear. If you keep your house cool, your camera is colder than the outside air—step outside and it’ll fog instantly. Stick your camera (with lens) in a sealed bag as you move from cold to hot; this prevents moisture from condensing on (or inside) your lens and camera.

Cold climate tip: Ziplock bags work in reverse, too. If you’re shooting in the cold and about to head inside a warm building, put your camera in a sealed bag before entering. This prevents condensation inside your gear.

I learned the hard way—one shoot was delayed two hours waiting for fogged glass to clear.

8. Hardware Store Clamps — The DIY Hero

Forget fancy “photography clamps.” A few basic clamps from Home Depot or the auto parts store can hold backdrops, bounce cards, or even act as temporary light stands. Inexpensive, tough, and infinitely useful for both studio and location shoots.

BONUS: Make Legacy Lenses Work with Adapters

If you’re using a mirrorless camera, don’t overlook legacy glass. Many older, high-quality lenses can be made compatible with a simple adapter (usually well under $50). This is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your creative kit.

Photography Accessory to Skip: Cheap Tripods

A cheap tripod isn’t a hidden gem—it’s a hidden disaster. I’d rather handhold my camera or set it on the ground before risking my kit on a flimsy tripod. Imagine dropping your gear from six feet up because a bargain brand cut corners. Invest in quality or go without.

Did I Miss One?

If you have your own “can’t live without” accessory, drop it in the comments or tag me on Instagram. The best kit is the one that keeps you shooting, no matter what the day throws at you.

Watch: Pro Photographer’s Take on Budget Photography Accessories

For a real-world perspective on budget-friendly accessories that actually make a difference, check out this video from Sergio P. Studio—a successful commercial photographer based in Victoria, BC. Sergio draws on years of professional experience to break down which underrated photography accessories are worth adding to your kit (and why). His insights complement the gear recommendations above, especially if you’re looking to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality or reliability.

Recommended Accessories & Trusted Retailers

• Get the Neewer V-Mount Battery on Amazon The best portable power solution for mirrorless cameras—trusted brand and reliable performance.
• Shop the Shortstache Everyday Filter on Amazon Add a cinematic look and protect your glass with one of the most popular creative filters around.
• Grab a LensPen Cleaning Tool on Amazon My go-to for safe, fast, and effective lens cleaning—compact and essential for every kit.
• Explore Used 70-200mm Lenses at KEH Camera Upgrade your kit or save on high-quality used lenses from a trusted retailer (warranty included).

As an Amazon Associate and KEH affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the site!