Top Tools to Organize Your Photo Gear

Here’s a list of my top tools to organize your photo accessories including memory card wallets, cable pouches, battery pouches and padded camera inserts. Each is designed to both protect and organize photo gear used by professional photographers, filmmakers and photo enthusiasts. Keep memory cards secure, batteries close at hand, cables organized, cameras protected inside your travel bags.

1. Tenba Tool Boxes

Tenba Tool Boxes carry and help organize gear such as Mirrorless Cameras, ActionCam or GoPro systems, shoe-mount flashes, radio triggers, mirrorless cameras and lenses, and most other small equipment.

Tenba-Tool-Box-4
Tenba Tool Box 4 (Gray) ($27.95 at B&H) includes one large and three small dividers that are fully removable and re-positionable for users to customize the case layout depending on their specific requirements. Small elastic loops on one side wall hold batteries or cords firmly in place while keeping them easily accessible.

Exterior Dimensions: 8.0 x 4.5 x 3.5″ | Interior Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.0 x 2.75″ | Weight: 6.4 oz

Tenba-Tool-Box-6
Tenba Tool Box 6 (Gray) ($32.95 at B&H) includes two large and five small dividers that are fully removable and re-positionable for users to customize the case layout depending on their specific requirements. Small elastic loops on one side wall hold batteries or cords firmly in place while keeping them easily accessible.

Exterior Dimensions: 8.0 x 6.5 x 3.5″ | Interior Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.0 x 2.75″ | Weight: 8.0 oz

Tenba-Tool-Box-8
Tenba Tool Box 8 (Gray) ($37.95 at B&H) includes three large and seven small dividers that are fully removable and re-positionable for users to customize the case layout depending on their specific requirements. Small elastic loops on one side wall hold batteries or cords firmly in place while keeping them easily accessible.

Exterior Dimensions: 8.0 x 8.5 x 3.5″ | Interior Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.0 x 2.75″ | Weight: 10.7 oz

Tenba-Tool-Boxes
Tenba Tool Box 4, Tool Box 6 and Tool Box 8


2. Camera Inserts

Tenba BYOB Camera Inserts (as in Bring Your Own Bag) are designed to carry and protect a camera and gear inside other non-camera bags including larger backpacks, suitcases or handbags. Its soft outer shell molds to the shape of a variety of carry bags, so one of these cases could to turn that Italian leather messenger bag into the camera bag of your dreams.

Padded interior dividers are adjustable to fit multiple configurations and soft brushed tricot lining does not scratch your equipment. The insert features a zippered top cover that can be folded back and stowed to allow easy access to your gear and a handle for carrying and quick removal of the insert

Tenba-BYOB-7-handbagTenba BYOB 7 Camera Insert – shown in a handbag ($29.95 at B&H) will hold a compact mirrorless camera with 2-3 lenses and accessories and fits into a small messenger bag or handbag

Interior Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3″ | Exterior Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 3.5″ | Weight: 4 oz


Tenba-BYOB-9
Tenba BYOB 9 Camera Insert ($39.95 at B&H) can hold a mirrorless camera or compact DSLR with 2-3 lenses and accessories and will fit into a messenger bag.

Interior Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 3.5″ | Exterior Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.5 x 4.0″ | Weight: 6.4 oz


Tenba-BYOB-10-backpackTenba BYOB 10 Camera Insert – shown in a backpack ($49.95 at B&H) hold a DSLR or mirrorless camera body with up to 4 lenses and accessories and can fit a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached to the camera.

Interior Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 4″ | Exterior Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.0 x 4.5″ | Weight: 8 oz


Tenba-BYOB-13
Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Insert ($59.95 at B&H) will hold a DSLR camera body with up to 3 lenses and accessories and can fit a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached to the camera body.

Interior Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 5″ | Exterior Dimensions: 13.5 x 9.5 x 5.5″ | Weight: 13 oz


3. Cable Pouches

Tenba Cable Duo Cable Pouches have durable elastic loops keep cables untangled without the need for individual cord wraps. Deep side has short, quick access zipper at the top, and cable side has a zip-around flap for easier access. Exterior made of water-repellant shadow ripstop nylon and durable YKK zippers.

Tenba-Cable-Duo-4-Pouch
Tenba Cable Duo 4 Cable Pouch ($19.95 at B&H) is a two-sided “see-into” pouch that organizes and protects the myriad of cables and small accessories needed for any photo or audio endeavor. The deep side fits chargers, microphones, light meters or larger accessories while the shallow side provides built-in elastic loops to keep cables organized and untangled. The deep side features a short top-side zipper for quick access and the shallow side has a zip-around flap for better organizational access.

The pouch is 8.5″ long and both sides feature a see-through exterior made of water-repellent shadow ripstop nylon with durable YKK zippers and a sturdy handle. Its 8.5″ length accommodates many popular wireless lavalier microphones without needing to bend the antenna.

Interior Dimensions: 8.5 x 4 x 1.5″ | Exterior Dimensions: 8.75 x 4.25 x 2.75″ | Weight: 3.2 oz

Tenba-Cable-Duo-8-Pouch
Tenba Cable Duo 8 Cable Pouch ($24.95 at B&H) is a two-sided “see-into” pouch that organizes and protects the myriad of cables and small accessories needed for any photo or audio endeavor. The deep side fits chargers, microphones, light meters or larger accessories while the shallow side provides built-in elastic loops to keep cables organized and untangled. The deep side features a short top-side zipper for quick access and the shallow side has a zip-around flap for better organizational access.

The pouch is 8.5″ long and both sides feature a see-through exterior made of water-repellent shadow ripstop nylon with durable YKK zippers and a sturdy handle. Its 8.5″ length accommodates many popular wireless lavalier microphones without needing to bend the antenna.

Interior Dimensions: 8.5 x 8 x 1.5″ | Exterior Dimensions: 8.75 x 8.25 x 2.75″ | Weight: 4.0 oz


4. Cable Ties

Cable ties are a great way to tame the tangle of cables in your camera bag. Slip one of these on each cable and say goodbye to untangles forever!

Think-Tank-Red-Whips-Cable-Ties
Think Tank Photo Red Whips Adjustable Cable Ties (10 Pack – $7.50 at B&H) enable quick, neat cable management by keeping cords together and eliminating tangles. They are also useful for luggage identification, thanks to their bright red color, and have numerous other possible applications. These durable elastic wraps have a barrel lock cord closure for easy size adjustment.

Bongo-Ties
BongoTies Standard 5″ Elastic Cable Ties (10 Pack – $5.50 at B&H) ideal for bundling together cables and other unruly items. This 10-pack of ties are reusable, and employ a patented “button-type” closure design for an easy application/removal. They are made of natural rubber and wood in order to stand up to long-term use. These ties are great for use in the studio and when you take your gear on the road.

5. Memory Card Cases

Nothing’s worse than searching around your camera bag trying to find a tiny SD card. Digital card cases can make quick order out of that chaos. These Memory Card Cases snugly hold the cards in the removable, shock absorbing liner. The water resistant seal ensures that your cards will be safe from moisture, even if the case is submerged in water. To keep track of which cards I’ve shot, I turn the cards face down once I’ve used them.

Pelican-SD-Card-Case
Pelican 0915 SD Memory Card Case ($18 at B&H) holds and protects up to 12 SD memory cards.

Pelican-CF-Card-Case
Pelican 0945 CF Memory Card Case ($19 at B&H) holds and protects up to 6 Compact Flash cards.

6. Battery Cases

Think-Tank-Battery-Holder-4
Think Tank Photo DSLR Battery Holder 4 ($18 at B&H) Compact carrier for four mirrorless or DSLR batteries eliminates the hassle of fumbling around through your camera bag searching for that extra battery. When the shot is there and you need power right away, this small, compact and efficient folding holder will help you get back up and shooting in no time. It’s lightweight and can be stored easily in any optional Think Tank bag, pouch or skin. It features a fold-over flap with a touch-fastened closure and holds four lithium-ion DSLR batteries of standard size. For durability, it’s made from rugged rip-stop nylon. If you’d prefer a case for just 2 batteries – check out Think Tank Photo DSLR Battery Holder 2 ($11 at B&H)

7. Filter Pouches

Mindshift-Gear-Filter-Storage-Case
MindShift Gear Filter Nest Storage Case ($45 at B&H) is a two-piece padded storage solution designed for carrying and organizing round filters. Comprised of two separate pouches – an outer protective shell and an inner organizer. This case can accommodate eight filters, lens caps, or step-up/down rings up to 82mm in diameter.

Also available for 4 filters:
MindShift-Gear-Filter-Nest-Mini
MindShift Gear Filter Nest Mini Filter Pouch ($25 at B&H) holds up to four 82mm filters inside four slip pockets. Each pocket is color-coded so that filters can be organized within this pouch according to your preference. This pouch features a touch-fastened closure and folds flat when not in use. Its padded, soft-lined interior protects your filters from bumps and impacts, plus a weather-resistant exterior helps to ensure that the pouch’s contents remain dry.

Lowepro-Filter-Pouch-100
Lowepro S&F Filter Pouch 100 ($23 at B&H) is designed to organize and carry large rectangular or square format filters. It is used with all Lowepro bags, vests, harnesses or belts that use SlipLock attachment tabs. An internal folder system includes color-tipped dividers that quickly identify specific filters

8. Laptop Charger & Accessory Cases

Ok I know, this one isn’t technically photo gear, but who doesn’t travel with a laptop or tablet these days and this is just the the thing to keep your chargers and cables contained.

Think-Tank-PowerHouse-Macbook-Pro-Charger-Case
Think Tank Photo PowerHouse Pro Case for MacBook Pro Accessories ($22 at B&H) holds a power adapter and charging cable for your 13″ or 15″ MacBook Pro, in addition to various smaller accessories. A zippered organizer pocket at the rear fits USB drives, memory cards, batteries, pens and other small items. Configurable dividers provide customization options, allowing you to store the adapter and cable in separate compartments. Also available for MacBook Air and iPad:
Think Tank Photo PowerHouse Air Case for MacBook Air Accessories ($21 at B&H)
Think Tank Photo PowerHouse Tablet Case for iPad/iPad Mini Accessories ($19 at B&H)


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1 thought on “Top Tools to Organize Your Photo Gear”

  1. Very cool list of products. I use a padded camera insert that’s cheap and doesn’t have a lid. I think I’ll pick up a Tenba BYOB insert asap.

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