PUBLISHED: August 30, 2019 / UPDATED: March 8, 2024

If you purchased your a6600, a6700 or FX30 camera with a lens, you have everything you need to begin shooting. But depending on the type of photography you do, there are some accessories that really come in handy. Let’s start with some must-have accessories for your photography.

Batteries and Chargers

My first suggestion with any camera is to buy an extra battery and external charger. Even though battery life is greatly improved from previous Sony mirrorless camera batteries, you can’t shoot while charging your only battery, picking up a spare Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries ($78 at B&H Photo | Amazon)

Sony a7R III ships with an external battery charger – but a7 III does not. You’ll want to pick one up for a7 III and if you shoot heavily, you may want spare Sony BC-QZ1 Z-series Battery Charger so that you can charge two batteries at once. Featuring a 100-240 Volt compatible power adapter, this charger will be able to charge a battery completely in 150 minutes. It also features an LED indicator for checking charge status and has a slim design with a detachable AC cable.

Sony BC-QZ1 Z-series Battery Charger ($88 at B&H | Amazon)

I only use original Sony NP-FZ100 batteries – but if you’re determined to buy third-party replacement batteries, please be aware that many third-party batteries (Wasabi in particular) do not meet Sony compliance stands so PLEASE stick to batteries that comply!

Upgraded RAVPower NP-FZ100 Batteries ($59.95 for two battery + charger kit from Amazon) meet compliance with Sony a6600. The only complaint I’ve received is that RAVPower batteries drain more quickly than OEM Sony batteries

Upgraded RAVPower NP-FZ100 Batteries ($59.95 for two battery + charger kit from Amazon)

External Battery Packs

Need to run your camera all-day without A/C power? Here are two external battery pack options that are ideal for time-lapse photography or video crews shooting extended day-long shoots.

(1) Tether Tools Relay Coupler NPFZ100 ($35 from B&H Photo)
(1) Tether Tools Case Relay* ($100 from Amazon | B&H Photo)
(1) USB Power Bank of your choice (Available from Amazon)
*Case Relay has a built-in 7.4V, 1,200mAh lithium battery which adds the ability to hot swap USB Power Banks without shutting down.

Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter Kit ($398 at B&H Photo – includes Two NP-FZ100 Batteries)

Sony’s new NP-FZ100 batteries pack a lot of power yet if you find yourself needing more, Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter Kit might be just what you need for time lapse photography or extended video shoots since it is able to supply power from up to four NP-FZ100 series battery packs for dramatically extended shooting times. At four bills – it’s not cheap, but it includes two NP-FZ100 batteries that would run you $160.

Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter Kit can also serve as a rapid charge, with a charging rate of 480 minutes for four batteries. Users can convert the adapter into a more compact two-battery adapter for a more travel-ready kit.

[Please Note: Due to a clever dual dummy battery set-up, Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter is also compatible with cameras using W-style Sony batteries including a7-Series, a6000-series and NEX]

Screen Protector

Sony Screen Protect Semi-Hard Sheet for the Sony Alpha A6000 Camera ($14 at B&H) Sony Screen Protect Semi-Hard Sheet for the Sony Alpha A6000 Camera will help keep your a6000/a6300/a60500 camera’s LCD safe from nicks and scratches.

Memory Cards

Shooting with a fast memory card allows you to shoot even longer burst without buffer slowdowns. Good memory cards are one of the best investments you can make in maximizing the performance of your camera. Sony SDXC UZ UHS-I memory cards with 90 MB/s Write Speed/95 MB/s read Speed are an excellent choice.

Sony SDHC UHS-I Class 10 U3 memory cards available in 32GB, 64GB & 128GB

• Sony 32GB SDHC UZ UHS-I Class 10 U3 Memory Card(Order from B&H | Amazon)
• Sony 64GB SDXC UZ UHS-I Class 10 U3 Memory Card (Order from B&H | Amazon)
• Sony 128GB SDXC UZ UHS-I Class 10 U3 Memory Card (Order from B&H | Amazon)

If 70 MB/sec write speed meets your needs, these Sony SDHC UZ Class 10 UHS-1 memory cards offer very good performance at a great price:

Sony UX Class 10 UHS-1 memory cards are available in 32GB, 64GB & 128GB

• Sony 32GB SDHC UX Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Cards (Order from B&H | Amazon)
• Sony 64GB SDXC UX Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Cards (Order from B&H | Amazon)
• Sony 128GB SDXC UX Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Cards (Order from B&H | Amazon)

SD 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. Pelican 0915 SD Memory Card Case will 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 0915 SD Memory Card Case ($17.25 at B&H Photo) holds and protects up to 12 SD memory cards.

Lenses

For complete lists of APS-C and fullframe E-mount lenses compatible with a6600, a6700 & FX30 cameras please see:
• Ultimate Guide to APS E-Mount Lenses for Sony APS-C Mirrorless Cameras
• Ultimate Guide to Fullframe E-Mount FE Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras

Lens Mount Adapters

One of the best features of mirrorless cameras is that, due to their thin body design, it’s possible to mount a huge array of lenses on them using lens mount adapters. Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras allow you to use virtually every make of 35mm lenses with the full angle of view for which those lenses were designed. Lets start with a trio of lens adapters for Sony A-mount lenses

Sony LA-EA3 lens mount adapter ($199) from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony LA-EA3 transmits the lens data to the camera to control aperture on Sony A7/A7R/A7S cameras. With non-SSM lenses this adapter will be MF only. It’s ideal choice for architecture, landscapes or any application where fast lighting focus isn’t needed but you wish to capture the highest possible resolution.

Sony LA-EA4 lens mount adapter ($349) from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony LA-EA4 lens adapter adds full-time continuous Phase Detection AF using Sony Translucent Mirror Technology making this adapter well-suited for shooting fast moving action or when shooting with Maxxum screw-drive lenses. According to DxO, the light loss from the translucent mirror is 1/3 stop.

Sony LA-EA5 lens adapter ($249) from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony With the latest-generation Sony mirrorless cameras LA-EA5 allows Focal Plane Phase Detection AF, AF/AE Tracking up to 11 FPS with SSM & SAM A-mount lenses along with built-in screw-drive functionality for Sony A-mount lenses that when coupled with Sony a7R IV and a6600 cameras, allows still photography autofocus without the need for the SLT mirror. Teleconverters and Movie Recording are not Supported.

For a complete list of third-party lens adapters for Sony E-Mount cameras, please read: Ultimate Guide to Sony Lens Adapters

Extension Tubes

Vello EXT-SFED2 Deluxe Auto Focus Extension Tube Set for Sony E-Mount Lenses are compatible with Sony full-frame and APS-C cameras and Sony FE and E mount lenses. Extension tubes extend the close focus range of any lens making them well suited for close-up portraiture and macro photography. This set contains two extension tubes, one 10mm, and one 16mm. They can be used individually or together to create the desired magnification effect. Extension tubes have no optical elements so they do not degrade the quality of your lenses and these fully automatic extension tubes communicate all electronic functions from lens to camera including autofocus and auto exposure. They are built with metal lens mounts for durability and longevity and enable you to convert your E-mount lens into a macro lens while maintaining the lens’ original optical quality.

Vello EXT-SFED2 Deluxe Auto Focus Extension Tube Set for Sony E-Mount Lenses

UV Filters

I’ve seen far too many examples of the image quality of great lenses ruined when someone put a cheap piece of glass in front of them, so just make certain it’s the highest-quality UV filter you can find and not a $10 add-on you got hooked into buying when you ordered your camera.

Neutral Density (ND) Filters

Sometimes there is just too much light falling on your scene to use the camera settings that you want. Most often this is the case when you want to use a slow shutter speed but your lens is already stopped down to its smallest aperture, leaving you with a shutter speed that’s faster than you want. Maybe you want to make moving water look “smooth” in bright sunlight, or you want shallow depth of field when shooting video and there’s simply too much light, even for ISO 100.

The way around this problem is to use a neutral density (ND) filter to make the outside world appear to be a little darker. Think of it as sunglasses for your camera. ND filters come in different strengths labeled as .3, .6, .9, and so on. They represent a one-stop difference in exposure for each .3 increment. (Some ND filters can be labeled 2, 4, and 8 for the same exposure increments.) If you need to turn daylight into dark, the Vu Neutral Density Filter (B&H) lowers exposure a whopping 10 stops.

I advise using the best-quality ND filter you can find, because once again, a cheap filter can ruin the quality of a great lens. As their name implies, good neutral density filters should truly be “neutral” in color. Avoid ones that have a color cast.

A great filter for this is a Variable neutral density filter (B&H), which allow you vary the amount of density from two to eight stops. Since variable ND filters aren’t cheap, I’d advise buying one in the largest filter size you need and using inexpensive step-up adapter rings on your smaller lenses. Using a step-up ring to an over-sized filter also helps prevent vignetting when shooting with extremely wide-angle lenses.

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Remote Controls

Remote controls allow hands-off triggering of a tripod-mounted camera or long bulb exposure times. Sony RM-VPR1 remote control with Multi-Terminal Cable ($50 at B&H | Amazon) allows you to trigger long exposures without touching your camera.

If you prefer a wireless remote trigger, Sony RMT-DSLR2 Wireless Remote ($24 at B&H Photo | Amazon) triggers your shutter by sending an infrared signal to the camera’s remote port, ensuring that you don’t shake the camera as you fire it.

Sony RM-VPR1 remote control (B&H | Amazon) and Sony RMT-DSLR2 Wireless Remote (B&H | Amazon)

Remote Cables

Vello 3.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Sony Multi-Terminal cameras ($11 from B&H Photo) is a budget-priced remote release coble that allows you to trigger your Sony mirrorless cameras remotely using a PocketWizard Plus III, MultiMAX II or any other remote triggers with a 3.5mm mini-plug port.

PocketWizard Remote Trigger Cable for Sony ($32) PocketWizard Cables are never the cheapest but they are the most reliable. If you’re mounting your camera in a catwalk or some other hard to reach remote location and you value reliability over price, these cords will allow you to remotely trigger your Sony cameras using PocketWizard Plus III, MultiMAX II as well as control the half-press function. The 3′ cable has a 1/8″ stereo miniphone connection at one end and Sony’s Multi/micro-USB attachment at the other.

PocketWizard Remote Camera Cable with Camera Power for Sony ($40) has a Multi/micro-USB connection and a USB Type-A on one end, and the other end has a 3.5mm stereo miniphone connection. The miniphone jack is compatible with any Pocket Wizard radio and plugs directly into the radio’s synch port. The other end plugs into the camera’s Multi/micro-USB port to establish a connection from the receiving radio to fire off the camera. This type of connection keeps the camera continuously awake and ready to fire at a moment’s notice.

With a transmitting radio, the same miniphone connection is used, but the Multi/micro-USB connection is plugged into the compatible RM-VPR1 Remote Commander to send the signal when pressed. Half press function is available when using a Plus III as a transmitting radio and a Plus III or Plus IV radio as a receiving radio with Channels 17-32. Pre-trigger function is available when using a Plus III, MultiMAX, or MultiMAX II as a transmitting radio and a Plus III, MultiMAX, or MultiMAX II as a receiving radio with Channels 17-32. To supplement power to the camera, plug into the micro-USB port and the USB Type-A connection plugs into an external battery power to extend the camera’s working capacity.

Intervalometers

JJC wired & wireless Intervalometers are the choice of time-lapse specialist Sony Artisan Drew Geraci for simplicity, size and easy to read display. These intervalometers will work with all Sony a6000, a7 & a9 Series cameras.

JJC Intervalometer Timer Remote Control Shutter Release for Sony ($24 at Amazon). Compact Size:12.1*4.0*2.1cm, 90cm long wired remote controller, powered by 2 AAA Alkaline batteries. Self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer and exposure-count setting features. Take Photos without Camera Shake and great for Time-Lapse Photography. The timer can be set anywhere from 1 sec. to 99 hrs., 59 min., 59 sec. Humanized backlight design allows you to view the LCD screen in the dark

JJC Wireless Intervalometer Timer Remote Control Shutter Release for Sony ($49 at Amazon). Functions as a 2-in-1 wired and wireless intervalometer, function both wired or wirelessly to better fit your particular setup. Features specialized functionality such as self-timer, continuous shooting timer, long exposures timer, interval shooting timer and number of shoots timer. Features a 2.4 GHz frequency along with a 328ft/100m range for maximum versatility and reliability. Multiple time settings can be accessed from the transmitter’s backlit LCD screen, such as the ability to set a number of shots from 1-999 or to infinitely take photos. The duration of an exposure can also be set all the way up to 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds in one-second increments

Hahnel Captur Timer Kit for Sony ($90 at B&H Photo) This bundle enhances your Captur remote shutter release system by providing a AA battery-powered interval timer module, as well as a receiver for mounting on a camera. Additional receivers are available for firing multiple cameras. As an alternative to wireless operation, the system can function in wired mode, and this kit includes the cables for connecting both the receiver and timer module to the camera. The module features single, continuous, and bulb exposure modes, allowing you to choose from a huge range of exposure times with the continuous and bulb settings.

EasyCover Silicone Protection Covers

EasyCover Silicone Protection Cover for Sony Alpha a6000/a6300 (Order from B&H Photo | Amazon)
EasyCover Silicone Protection Cover for Sony Alpha a6500 (Order from B&H Photo | Amazon)

Camera Straps

Your camera came with a strap. It might be exactly your style, but if it’s not, you have lots of options. There’s no camera accessory we come in closer contact with than the strap. You can find virtually any strap your heart desires online, so if you’re in the mood for a hot-pink ostrich-leather camera strap, you’ll probably find it.

I have Think Tank V2.0-1″ Double-Sided Non-Slip Camera Straps on all my Sony cameras. It’s light and flexible and the double-sided non-slip surfaces prevent the camera from sliding off your shoulder even when wearing your favorite slick leather jacket (which should give you a clue why I switched to these.)

Think Tank V2.0-1″ Double-Sided Non-Slip Camera Strap | B&H | Amazon

But if your prefer a cross-body sling strap, BlackRapid Metro Sling Camera Strap may be the ticket.

BlackRapid Metro Sling Camera Strap (Amazon | B&H)

Hot-Shoe Flashes

Sony a7 cameras use the new multi-interface hot shoe, which allows the camera to be paired with many new accessories for stills and video production. Sony currently makes four flashes that fit directly into the multi-interface shoe: HVL-F20M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F43M and HVL-F60M.

Sony HVL-F20M, HVL-F32M, HVL-F43M and HVL-F60M flashes add power and flexibility to your flash photography.

HVL-F20M (Amazon | B&H) is perfect when you want a soft fill of flash up-close or when you want to trigger another Sony flash wirelessly. HVL-F43M (Amazon | B&H) is the best overall choice as it’s nicely balanced in size and weight to the A7/A7R/A7S. HVL-F60M (Amazon | B&H) tops out with a guide number of 60 for times you need maximum power.

If those flashes too big, too small or too expensive, then here’s on that’s JUST RIGHT! Sony HVL-F32M TTL Flash $298 (Order from Amazon | B&H) offers premium both auto TTL and manual flash settings and premium features in a compact size for flexible lighting control on cameras compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface shoe.

It features a retractable 16mm wide-angle panel, as well as a built-in bounce sheet that can be used even when shooting vertically–without changing the angle of reflected light.

The HVL-F32M runs on two AA batteries and it’s sized to nicely balance on Sony a6000, a6300 and a6500 mirrorless cameras.

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Nissin i60A Flash for Sony Multi Interface Shoe (Pre-Order for $339.99) is compatible with the Nissin Air 2.4 GHz Radio TTL System is coming in May 2016. I had a chance to check out at WPPI in Las Vegas earlier this month. It’s nicely sized for Sony a6300 & a6000 mirrorless cameras.

This powerful, compact flash is equipped with a 2.4GHz Air radio receiver for wireless slave TTL functionality. Compatible with Sony cameras equipped with the Multi Interface Shoe and featuring ADI / P-TTL, the i60A will have full support for all automatic flash functions. It is rated with a guide number of 197′ at ISO 100 and the 200mm setting and has a zoom head with a total range of coverage from 24-200mm. It can be expanded to 16mm with the built-in diffusion panel. Hybrid stills/video shooters can benefit from this flash as well thanks to a built-in LED video light for constant illumination.

Accessories Include:
• Nissin Air 1 Commander for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe (Order Here for $79)
• Nissin PS 8 Power Pack for Sony Flashes (Order Here for $249)

Off-Camera TTL Flash Cords

Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cords for Sony Multi Interface Shoe allow you to remotely fire Sony flashes with ADI / P-TTL capabilities and the Multi Interface Shoe – removing the flash from the camera’s hot shoe reducing the harsh shadows commonly encountered with direct on-camera flashes and gives your photographs a more natural look.

Available in four lengths:
1.5′ Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($28.95 at B&H Photo)
3′ Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($29.95 at B&H Photo)
6′ Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($39.95 at B&H Photo)
33′ Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe ($54.95 at B&H Photo)

The shorter 1.5′, 3′ & 6′ coiled options are ideal for hand-held off-camera lighting or with flash mounted on a compact flash bracket. The longer the 33′ straight length is ideal when mounting flash on a light stand.

One side of the TTL cable fits directly into the camera’s hot shoe to ensure that all of the camera’s exposure data is maintained. The other side can be attached to any stand, tripod, or device with a standard 1/4″-20 threaded stud or flash shoe mount and the shoe has a locking knob to ensure your equipment is secure.

Camera Bags

I like to travel with my photo gear, and typically my travel involves flying. This means that all my camera equipment will be traveling in the cabin with me, not in the luggage compartment. I can’t emphasize this enough: Do not pack your camera in your checked luggage! Thousands of cameras, lenses, and accessories are lost or stolen from checked luggage every year. The best way to ensure that it doesn’t happen to you is to bring your equipment onboard and place it in the overhead storage. I like to bring my laptop as well, so I have found a couple of backpack camera storage systems that allow me to fit a camera body, several lenses, some accessories, my laptop, and even some snacks into one backpack-style bag that still fits in any overhead compartment.

One of great advantages of Sony E-mount cameras is that you can travel with your photo gear without it weighing you down. So you don’t want the bag you carry it in to weigh you down either. Fortunately, there are a few great options that won’t weigh down your shoulder – or your wallet.

ONA Brixton Camera and Laptop Messenger Bag – $279.00

ONA Brixton Camera and Laptop Messenger Bag – Black Nylon (Order Here for $279.00) is handcrafted from premium 1050D ballistic nylon and features Italian leather accents and solid brass hardware in a gunmetal finish. Stylish yet understated, each of these bags is designed with materials that are lightweight, highly durable, and water-resistant. ONA makes beautiful bags and I think these are their nicest bags ever. Photographers wishing to seamlessly navigate the urban environment with a DSLR or mirrorless camera with 2-3 lenses, related accessories and a 13″ laptop at their sides will appreciate the luxurious yet stealthy, black The Nylon Brixton Camera and Laptop Messenger Bag from ONA. Made of 1050D ballistic nylon with tasteful leather accents, and dressed with solid brass, gunmetal finish hardware, the Brixton is both well-appointed and durable. The bag’s front flap helps protect the bag from inclement weather and utilizes a hidden tuck-lock closure that is discreet and provides quick and easy access to gear. Leather straps with buckles facilitate incremental adjustments to the bag’s depth. Fully-featured, the bag has a padded insert with four, touch-fastening dividers for protecting and organizing gear to one’s specifications. Located under the ample front flap, are two, adjacent accessory pockets. Carry your Brixton with the top handle or adjustable shoulder strap with a sliding pad.

ONA Camps Bay Camera and Laptop Backpack – $409

ONA Camps Bay Camera and Laptop Backpack – Black Nylon (Order Here for $409.00) Store, protect and transport your photography gear in the beautiful, handcrafted, black The Nylons Camps Bay Backpack from ONA. This pack has a main compartment with padded touch-fastening dividers for storing DSLR or mirrorless cameras with attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, up to 7 additional lenses and related accessories. The Nylon Camps Bay will also accommodate up to a 17″ laptop. The pack features a 4 – 7″ space for personal items, and an exterior, zippered accessory pocket. Carry The Nylons Camp Bay Backpack with the padded shoulder straps or top handle. For comfort and to wick away moisture, the pack has an air mesh back panel. Made of 1050D ballistic nylon with leather accents and solid brass, gunmetal finish hardware, this pack is both attractive and durable.

If you want to step up to a handcrafted leather bag, check out dark truffle Italian-leather ONA Prince Street Messenger Bag $389 (Amazon | B&H) or it’s larger sibling the ONA Brixton Camera/Laptop Messenger Bag $429 (Amazon | B&H).

ONA Brixton Camera/Laptop Messenger Bag in Dark Truffle Italian-Leather (Amazon | B&H)

Though my personal favorite walk-around bag is the Sony LCS-SB1 Sling Bag (Amazon | B&H). It’s a slim, body-hugging bag that doesn’t scream, ”Steal me, I’m worth thousands”. Although it weighs virtually nothing, it holds a lot. It can fit everything I need for a day out shooting; even a 70-400mm lens with the LA-EA4 fits neatly inside.

Sony LCS-SB1 Sling Bag (Amazon | B&H)

Leather Half Cases

If you’re looking for an ultra-premium half case, GARIZ Leather a6000 Half Case (Order from Amazon) is made from high quality genuine leather with soft inner lining. Its metal baseplate includes a separate 1/4″ x 20 tripod mount. [Please Note: This case MIGHT fit on a6300 – but it’s not been tested]

Mini Tripods

Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini Tripod available in Black, Red & White (Order Here for $49.95) can hold up to 5.5 lb while weighing only 9.4 oz. It has two leg sections that are adjustable in five steps, allowing it to extend from 2.4″ up to 7.7″ high. The legs can be set at two different angles via the sliding selector. Easily enabling you to place your camera in portrait orientation, a 90° notch is built into the integrated ball head.

Travel Tripods

The weight of your tripod will probably determine whether or not you will actually carry it along with you farther than the parking lot. Many different types of materials are used in tripods today. The lightest is carbon fiber, which is probably the most expensive as well. More than likely, you should consider an aluminum tripod that is sturdy and that has a weight rating that is suitable for your camera and lenses.

Make sure that the tripod extends to a height that is tall enough to allow you to shoot from a comfortable standing position. Nothing ruins a good shoot like a sore back. Taller tripods need to be sturdier to maintain a rigid base for your camera. You will also want to consider how low the tripod can go. If you want to do macro work of low-level subjects such as flowers, you will need to lower the tripod fairly close to the ground. Many new tripods have leg supports and center column mechanisms that allow you to spread the legs very wide and get the camera low to the ground.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha Travel Tripod (Pre-Order for $189.99 from B&H Photo | Adorama) This special version of the Befree Advanced Lever is designed for Sony alpha camera users who want maximum performance and stability in all shooting positions.

The quick-release plate is designed to match Sony a7 and Sony a9 camera bodies, to ensure perfect grip, even in the most angled camera shots. The front jut of the plate physically blocks the camera, preventing any play both on tilt and rotational movements, always keeping the camera stuck to the head plate.

The plate is also fully compatible with the world’s most widespread standard head attachments: Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-swiss style. With this aluminium plate fixed to the camera, all Manfrotto heads and almost all tripod heads on the market featuring Arca-style attachments can be set up rapidly and effortlessly, without disassembling components.

The 3 Legged Thing X1.1 Brian Evolution 2 carbon fiber tripod (Amazon | B&H) extends to 78.7 inches, yet folds to a mere 16.5 inches for easy packing when traveling.

Oben CT-3481 Carbon Fiber Tripod with BE-126T Ball Head (Order Here for $309.95) This sturdy yet lightweight tripod with 4-section legs that fold upward 180° to create an extremely compact package for transport. With the included head attached, folded length is only 18.9″ – yet with the four leg sections and center column extended, the maximum height of the tripod with the head is 68″. For further versatility, one of the legs unscrews from the chassis and attaches to the head & center column to form a working-height monopod. With a system load capacity of 26.4 lb, the tripod and head ensure a stable base for DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

Video Tripods

Smooth pans for video all begins with a good video head – which can be the difference between smooth video and shaky cam. Benro makes great video tripod and fluid video heads at a reasonable price. Benro A2573F AL Tripod with S6 Video Head ($300 at Amazon | B&H) is a good entry video head and legs combination for the Sony A7/A7R/A7S or for even smoother pans, move up to the larger S8 video head with the Benro A3573F Series 3 AL Tripod and S8 Pro Video Head ($450 at Amazon | B&H) – it’s larger, heavier video head makes for even smoother camera moves and it’s hard to beat for under $500. If you’re looking for a pro video tripod, Benro H10 Video Tripod with Carbon Fiber Legs ($1,050 at Amazon | B&H) will meet your needs.

Benro S8 Pro Video Head and A3573F Series 3 AL Tripod ($450 at Amazon | B&H)

Video Tripod/Head/Slider Combo

If you’re looking for the ultimate versatility, Libec ALLEX S KIT (Amazon | B&H) combines a Tripod, Head and Slider into one handy kit that allows you to slide, pan and tilt your camera elevated on a tripod. You can position the slider slanted at various angles on the tripod and capture smooth, diagonally moving shots. Kit includes two padded carrying cases are included, one for the tripod and head – and another for the slider.

ALLEX S KIT combines tripod, video head and slider (Amazon | B&H)

Stabilizing Rigs

Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System ($389 at B&H) weighs just 1.4 lb and can handle cameras up to 5 lb in weight. It gives you precise, smooth control for dramatic, professional you-are-there footage. The quick-release mount lets you instantly switch between your stabilizer and any tripod. This system utilizes a metal gimbal for smooth camera movement.

Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System ($389 at B&H)

Audio

If you want to eliminate the camera noise that comes with recording sound with your camera, you should consider using an external microphone. You can have much more control over the quality of the audio because you are using a device whose sole purpose is to record audio. There is a growing market of microphones for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, including mics with hot shoe adapters that allow you to mount the mic to the camera so you can record without having to worry about holding the external microphone.

Sony’s ECM-XYST1M stereo microphone ($120 from Amazon | B&H) slips into the multi-interface shoe. Its features include the ability to fine-tune the angle at which sound is recorded, from a single point to a wide 120-degree spread to pick up ambient sound from an entire room.

If you’re looking to add XLR terminal inputs and audio level controls for a pro external audio input, the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter Kit with Microphone ($598 from Amazon | B&H) is just the thing. It includes 2-Channel XLR Adapter has audio level controls for each channel that fits into Sony Multi-Interface Shoe and a Sony ECM-XM1 Shotgun Microphone.

Or you can do what the pros do: Record sound separately and sync it later using software. This does take a bit more time, but it also provides you the best sound. Several manufacturers sell separate audio recorders that produce high-quality sound at an affordable price, including the Zoom H1 $100 (Amazon | B&H). I prefer the H1’s bigger brother, the Zoom H4n $200 (Amazon | B&H), because it includes two XLR inputs, which allow the use of a variety of specialized high-quality microphones, such as a more sensitive dynamic or condenser mic, or a shotgun mic that can reach out and grab audio from far away.

Video Cages

Tilta Handheld Camera Cage Rig for Sony a6000/a6300/a6500 ($550 at B&H Photo)

Here’s a really sweet new camera cage rig for Sony a6000/a6300/a6500 mirrorless cameras packed with lots of handy features like HDMI cable-lock and quick release system to quickly un-mount the cage from the baseplate – not found on other rigs in this price range.

Constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the Handheld Camera Cage Rig Kit from Tilta is designed specifically for the Sony a6000, a6300, and a6500 cameras. The fully enclosed unibody rig is constructed from one piece of CNC Machined aluminum. The active cooling system provides heat exchange for the camera (requires 12 VDC power source to operate).

The 0.6″ lightweight support baseplate comes with an integrated lens adapter. The quick release system quickly unmounts the cage from the baseplate. The lens support is compatible with EF to E-Mount and PL to E-Mount Metabones adapters. The function buttons, jacks, and battery compartment are accessible while mounted in the cage.

Underwater Housings

[Please Note: Don’t trust your Sony a6600 camera in an a6000 Underwater Housing unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility]

Meikon 40m/130ft Underwater Housing Case with Wide Angle Lens Port for Sony a6000 ($330) includes a Wide Angle Correctional Dome Port designed to remove distance distortion created by a flat port as well as give you a better wider close up picture on the object of your interest. The design of optical glass and anti-reflective coating film makes the image perfect without distortion. Also this is a wet lens, it needs to be put underwater. Water is key element in achieving the wide angle effect

Ikelite Underwater Housing with TTL Circuitry for Sony Alpha a6000 ($1,050) allows you to capture images and Full HD video at 200′ beneath the surface. It has built-in, proprietary circuitry and an Ikelite bulkhead strobe connector, allowing for TTL exposure with optional, external Ikelite DS Substrobes attached via sync cord. Non-Ikelite strobes are compatible in manual mode. There are also dual fiber-optic cable ports for flash connection. Mechanical controls provide access to all important camera functions. This housing includes an aluminum mounting tray with an ergonomic quick-release grip handle, which improves balance and gives you an attachment point for an optional lighting arm. Built for durability, the enclosure is constructed from corrosion-resistant polycarbonate, which is clear to allow you to monitor the O-ring seal and maintain a full view of the camera. It is designed, made by hand, and tested in the USA.

Sea & Sea MDX-a6000 Underwater Housing for Sony a6000 with Lens Port for 10-18mm ($2,650). Dual fiber-optic ports enable the connection of optional external strobes via cables. Mechanical controls afford access to all camera functions. Built for durability, the housing is constructed from a galvanized, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. It ships with the ML Dome Port for the 10-18mm, 16mm f/2.8, or 16-50mm lens, and accepts the optional ML Flat Port 33 for the 30mm f/3.5 or 16-50mm lens. Made from a galvanized, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy with a depth Rating: 328′ for body, 262′ for lens port. An optional leak sensor can be installed to alert you in the unlikely event of a breach in the waterproof seal.

Sensor Cleaning Tools

Never, ever, ever use canned, compressed air to blow dust off your sensor. The cans will release fluid when they are tilted, and that’s the last thing you want to get on your sensor. For this reason, I always use my Giotto’s Rocket Blaster (Amazon | B&H). This funny-looking device is great for getting rid of dust on your sensor. It uses a clean air path so that the dust that you are blowing away doesn’t get sucked back into the ball and re-deposited on your equipment the next time you use it. Always point your camera down when blowing off the sensor. That way, any dust you dislodge falls out of the camera.

Giotto’s Rocket Blaster dust-removal tool (Amazon | B&H)

If the Rocket Blower can’t dislodge the dust, I move on to a VisibleDust Arctic Butterfly 724 sensor brush (B&H). This negatively charged brush helps pull dust particles off the sensor instead of just moving them around. This version includes an LED light so you can see what you’re doing.

VisibleDust Arctic Butterfly 724 with Super Bright LED light (B&H)

Those two sensor cleaners will do the trick 99% of the time. But for really persistent sensor gunk I can’t get off any other way Photographic Solutions Sensor Swabs (Type 2 for APS-C sensors) (Amazon | B&H) slightly moistened with Aeroclipse Digital Sensor Cleaning Fluid (Amazon | B&H) will do the trick. These swabs are clean room manufactured and sealed for the ultimate in purity. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Brush across the sensor in one fluid motion using light even pressure. Then turn the swab over and brush across the sensor in the opposite direction.

Photographic Solutions Sensor Swabs (Amazon | B&H) + Aeroclipse Sensor Cleaning Fluid (Amazon | B&H)

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