In my latest video over on YouTube, I looked at some of the key sports photography accessories I use when shooting professional sports. Here, I thought I’d be a little more exhaustive and look at 25 sports photography accessories you may need or find helpful next time you’re heading out to shoot.
So, here they are!
1) Stool
There are few more important things outside of your cameras and lenses than a decent stool to sit on. Now, this is my tenth year photographing professional football and I think I must have been through at least 6 or 7 stools in that time, probably more. As you’ve probably seen in my recent videos, this is my current one and probably the best I’ve had.
It mimics a more expensive version that is about £70-£80, but on Amazon I picked this up for £26.99 on Amazon in May 2021, and it is still going strong two years later. Be aware though, this is a second generation of the product I think. I had a very similar stool I purchased just five months before this one, and it snapped. This later version is much more sturdy and is currently on offer at £24.99 I think. I will leave the link in the description below.
The only downside is comfort. Now, it doesn’t bother me, but I have had a few photographers mention to me, including in the comments on I think my recent Southport video, that they are really uncomfortable. I do regularly see togs with cushions on theirs.
The great advantages this product offers are that it folds, or spins, down to save space when not in use and it is height adjustable.
2) Rain covers
Okay, while many cameras are weather sealed or have some level of water resistance now, I’d definitely recommend some rain covers. I purchased both of mine from Ebay, fairly cheap, but they do the job. You’ll need to find some that fit whatever lens you’re using – I have one for my 400mm and my 70-200mm, and they also cover the camera. It saves you the bother of having to dry your gear afterwards, but more importantly, prevents rain getting into the lens or body.
3) Lens wipes
Cheapest thing on this list is lens wipes. I buy these in boxes of 200 from Amazon, they’re made by Zeiss who have some really neat cleaning sets for cameras which you can also use on screens, glasses, etc. I always try to have 4 or 5 of these in my camera case along with an air blower, and that just means that any dust or dirt on your lens when you’re out on a job can be blown away and wiped clean. Also, I purchased the Zeiss lens cleaning kit a few years ago and still use the blower from that, it’s worth looking at.
Also, even lower budget cleaning accessory I always try and keep in my bag – some kitchen paper! Tear a few sheets off, fold them up and pop them in your bag. They’re great for drying things off properly if you do get caught out in the rain – do not use it on the lens glass, camera mirrors etc, but instead use it to dry the outside of gear – cases, laptop, external lens and camera bodies. It’s very useful to have!
4) Power block
A power block is a potential lifesaver if you’re out working and needing to wire images from your laptop “live”. If you use a Macbook, you may notice that in really cold weather, they seem to crash. This is actually some form of mechanism to protect the parts from the cold, but the way to keep on running is to plug the laptop in. I had this shutdown keep happening a few years back and some other football photographers on twitter recommended this chunky RavPower power bank. The first I purchased was faulty, so they sent a second out. It’s been a revelation, holds power well and means I can plug my laptop in using the three-pronged power outlet when I need to. There is also a US version available in the US.
Other power banks will exist, but to keep your laptop powered up when you’re out working, this has done the trick for me.
5) High-speed card reader (+ reliable)
The final sports photography accessory to make my top five is a good quality memory card reader. Unless you are transmitting wirelessly, obviously. But you probably try to buy the quickest memory cards you have for your camera, so why not have a good quality, fast reader to use as well (min USB 3.0)? I used to love the Lexar reader, but it’s no longer available. It looks like it may have been replaced by a newer model but I cannot vouch for that. I had two of those original lexar readers, both of which broke through my own stupidity in the end. I now use this one from Amazon (link below). It’s okay and does the job. So, any recommendations out there, I’m all ears!
6) Memory cards (fast, spares, etc)
Obviously, the memory cards themselves are a key part of your kit. Whether you’re using SD, CF, CFexpress or any other variation, I find buying the best quality cards that you can afford is worthwhile. This is the most recent one I have purchased at the link below. I have a habit of losing them, so this is about the maximum I want to spend.
7) Spare batteries
If you’ve got the funds to do so, having at least one spare battery for your camera can be vital. I remember when I had a Canon 400d or something, being that it was a consumer/beginner camera, the battery would not last a single football match. Even on the 7D I needed a battery grip with a second battery in. The battery on my 1D IV seemed like it would run all day on a single charge and the 1dX II is similar. However, get a feel for how long your battery lasts and continue a second.
8) Waterproofs
I talked about rain covers for your camera, but don’t forget covers for you, and maybe your bag if applicable. When shooting in the winter, I try to wear waterproof trousers and a storm jacket to keep warm and dry.
9) Hat
Similarly, if you’re shooting outside for a prolonged period, then definitely consider getting a nice warm hat!
10) Gloves
Shooting in the winter can be harsh on your fingers and hands, so having a pair of gloves is helpful. That said, I;’ve never actually found a pair that I’m truly comfortable wearing, fingerless or otherwise! But if you can find some, make the most of them!
11) Cap
It’s not just the winter when you may need some protection for your head. A cap with a visor on can be really helpful in the summer, as well as when shooting in low sun during the autumn and winter. Your lens has a lens hood, why not give yourself the same protection!
12) Air tag
Okay, this is a bit left field. However, I have been using Apple Air Tags for all manner of purposes and burying one in your photography bag or case is a good idea. If your gear is ever misplaced or stolen, the AirTag could guide you back to it!
13) Paper towel
I mentioned this in the video, but having a few sheets of folded kitchen paper/towel in your bag is highly recommended. It’s perfect for drying camera bodies, lens barrels, cases etc. Just don’t use it on lens glass, mirrors, etc.
14) Carry case
The bags or cases you use to carry your gear is so important. Find something that suits the gear you have, whether it’s a simple camera bag or something a little more heavy duty like a peli case.
15) Laptop cover
Something else that is well worth considering if a case and shell for your laptop. don’t forget, laptops are not cheap and if you’re wiring from pitchside/courtside/trackside then you’re going to have it out in all weathers with all manner of risks!
16) Footwear
As with any outdoor pursuit, your footwear is really important when considering sports photography gear. If you’re outside shooting year-round, consider waterproof walking boots to make sure your feet stay dry and you have grip for walking.
17) Insurance for gear (+ public liability)
Think how much money you invest in your camera gear. Do you insure it? Well, my advice would be to make sure you do. Plenty of specialist insurers exist to provide insurance to photographers, not only covering gear and equipment but also things such as public liability, a requirement of many sporting accreditation.
18) Memory card case
My memory card case is used as often as anything else. It’s a hard shell case that clips firmly shut. It’s watertight and protects your cards even when you repeatedly drop them through being clumsy. Like I do! A no-brainer of an accessory.
19) Camera sling
If you are using multiple cameras and want to secure them to your body, then getting a sling to attach a couple to is a great idea. It means they stay close to you, attached but don’t require you to hold them when they’re not in use, keeping your hands free to keep shooting.
20) Laptop tent
Again, if you’re using your laptop outside, then a laptop tent is vital. It protects it from rain, mud, snow etc, but also provides a blacked out hood in which to work in bright sunshine so you can see your screen. I have an iCap, and highly recommend it.
21) Monopod
When using a large telephoto lens, such as a 300mm or 400mm 2.8, a monopod is going to be vital for you. It supports the weight of the camera and lens, meaning you only have to concentrate on shooting.
22) Filters
Whether it’s to improve your images, protect your glass or try something creative, having a few filters in your bag can be useful. I have a small set of star filters in my camera case, just something fun and creative to experiment with for shoots at night.
23) Cleaning kit
I’ve touched on lens wipes and kitchen towel already, but having a full cleaning kit that also includes an air blower and a fine brush is highly recommended.
24) Mini laptop table
Okay, this sounds random and I admit, I don’t have one myself. However, I commonly see photographers with a small fold out table on three legs for them to place their laptop so they can have it setup at a suitable height while pitchside. Worth considering.
25) Spares!
Finally, if at all possible, it is helpful to have some spare items of some of what we’ve mentioned in this list to hand. Things such as a second card reader, back-up cleaning wipes, spare memory cards etc can be really useful as at some point, something will fail when you’re on a job. I’ve had cards fail, camera shutter break, card reader snap, stool break and goodness knows what else. It happens. If you can over prepare by having some back up of some items, it’s worth it!
