Camera Accessories

Featured review by Sheila Bergin Goss

This is a camera case designed to protect the camera being used by active photographers. I have summer/canoe protection for my camera, but when snowshoeing in winter, or foul weather hiking any season, the neoprene case I have used is inadequate. This case provides impact protection, and has an integrated rain fly for the camera. It also can be removed from the camera in seconds, so you don't miss that awesome wildlife shot!

I purchased this case, when I received a new camera, as a warranty replacement. I decide to splurge and replace the barely adequate neoprene case I had been using, to get a case which more completely covered and protected the camera, and which had rain protection. This case is compatible with most DSLR style cameras (I use it with a Canon Powershot SX60), and is easy to use, by sealing in the same roll top method as used with dry bags. The bag itself looks like a mini down sleeping bag! The "power down" case weighs only 68 grams, and utilizes your existing camera strap.

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Reviewed by Barbara Matthews

This accessory is a great solution to how to carry your camera securely yet keep it easily accessible. Very versatile, can be secured in a variety of ways to belts and backpack straps. Sturdy design that can accommodate a large DSLR with a big lens and anything smaller. I highly recommend this if you are looking to carry a camera on the trail.

I purchased the Camera Capture Clip (standard) new from Peak Designs to use while hiking, backpacking and even just walking around. I found that my DSLR was causing me neck and shoulder pain when I carried it by the strap either off my shoulder or around my neck. I still wanted my camera readily accessible so I looked into other carry solutions. Harness carry straps that connected to both backpack straps I found uncomfortable and confining. The Capture Camera Clip has been a great solution to how to carry my camera comfortably, securely and ready to use.  The design is sturdy aluminum and nylon backed by a lifetime warranty.

Read more: Peak Design Capture Camera Clip with POV Kit review (1)

Reviewed by Theonecanoe

When heading out on a backpacking trip I'm always looking at ways to cut bulk and weight. I do a lot of photography and video, so having a tripod is an essential piece of gear, but sometimes it's just too cumbersome to pack and transport. Recently, I found a little device that I can use to get self portraits and blog-post shots without having to lug the tripod with me...it's called the Easy Mount Trail Camera Holder and it's made by the HME (that's Hunting Made Easy) company based in Texas. Although this device appears to be designed for use with trail and game cameras, its sturdy construction allows it to be used with a wide variety of conventional digital/video camera systems.

I have put together a video review highlighting the benefits of the HME Easy Mount Trail Camera Holder. Please have a look at the video below, or if that does not work, please click on the YouTube link below that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvswk_IJ0Ag    Thanks         -Wayne

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Featured review by Arcana1973

Great for quick access.

I originally became aware of this while hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks and saw someone using it. He recommended this and now that I have one I do as well.  The main part attaches to your pack by tight and secure Velcro. Then on the bottom of your DSLR you screw in an adaptor that will slide into the clip attached to your pack. Included with the carrier is a hand strap for your camera. It makes it easier to grab your camera and slide it out from the strap holder. You slide the camera in horizontally, then turn it so the lens sits vertically.

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Reviewed by Vladimir Gorbunov

A photographic tripod is not a usual guest on Trailspace, but this one deserves a fresh look from the hiker or cyclist’s point of view. Its main feature is combination of full-scale unfolded dimensions with small folded size (just 2L volume), suitable for bottle pocket in any daypack.

Very small folded dimensions I do travel photography since 2005, and since then I've owned a couple of full-size tripods. It is known that the tripod may be really helpful in many travel situations: photographing yourself on trek, long-exposure shots of water objects, nightscapes, HDR stacked shots, panoramas, astro photography. Though I almost never took my tripods to any trips because of their enormous folded dimensions and considerable weight. Basically such tripod would occupy the same volume as a small tent, and it was simply impossible to attach it or put inside a daypack.

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Reviewed by Jon Reinschreiber

The Hitcase PRO is a bombproof and waterproof protective phone case for active photographers and videographers. Combined with Hitcase's thread-on TrueLUX lenses it provides a secure way to use add-on cellphone lenses.

I am using my iPhone for more and more of my photography and video work. Much of that work takes place around water, in hazardous places, or crowded environments. Over the last couple of years, I have lost several clip-on lenses while working in heavy brush or in crowds of people and the possibilities of dropping the phone in the water or getting it wet are endless.  I recently discovered the cellphone cases made by a Canadian company called Hitcase. Hitcase makes several waterproof and impact-resistant cases that can be paired with the company's TrueLUX magnetic/screw-on mount lenses.  The top of Hitcase's product line is the PRO.

Read more: HitCase PRO review (1)

Reviewed by Jon Reinschreiber

The Hitcase PRO is a bombproof and waterproof protective phone case for active photographers and videographers. Combined with Hitcase's thread-on TrueLUX lenses it provides a secure way to use add-on cellphone lenses.

I am using my iPhone for more and more of my photography and video work. Much of that work takes place around water, in hazardous places, or crowded environments. Over the last couple of years, I have lost several clip-on lenses while working in heavy brush or in crowds of people and the possibilities of dropping the phone in the water or getting it wet are endless.  I recently discovered the cellphone cases made by a Canadian company called Hitcase. Hitcase makes several waterproof and impact-resistant cases that can be paired with the company's TrueLUX magnetic/screw-on mount lenses.  The top of Hitcase's product line is the PRO.

Read more: HitCase TrueLUX Lens Kit review (1)

Reviewed by BigRed

A quick-draw rainproof case for DSLR, mirrorless, and similar sized cameras. Room for a spare SD card and battery, but not much more.

I purchased this rainproof camera case specifically for a recent backpacking and day hiking trip to Iceland and the Faroe Islands, where I anticipated any number of wet days but wanted to keep my camera handy. It comes in three sizes numbered 25, 35, and 45; the smallest comfortably accommodates my Sony Alpha 6300 mirrorless camera with an 18-200 mm/ f 3.5-5.6 zoom lens. The empty case weighs in at 359 grams. Although a waterproof stuff sack would have weighed less, with this holster I was able to get my camera out quickly, take a few shots, and get it back in the case just as quickly before it got too wet, even in a steady rain.

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Reviewed by PNW_John

A portable lightweight tripod that folds up small enough to toss in a coat pocket and versatile enough to position a camera in almost any angle. This tripod works great for getting that group shot on a summit without having to balance the camera on a rock.

Have you ever tried to get that group shot with everyone after a long hike or after reaching the summit of a mountain and can't because you are not able to balance the camera in the right position? I bought this tripod almost solely for that reason. This mini tripod mounts to any camera with a universal mount and works great with point and shoot cameras.  The product folds down to about 1 x 4 inches and tucks easily into a coat or pack pocket.  When needed, the legs can be folded out for setting on a rock, log or on the ground.

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Featured review by Theonecanoe

A great little must-have photo accessory for taking self-portraits, or any shot where a tripod is required.

The Joby Gorillapad Original is one of those products that seems to have been made specifically for the outdoor adventurer. This is a small, lightweight tripod for use on small point and shoot cameras. If you have a large SLR with big lenses or a heavier camcorder then look to some of this companies larger offerings.  But for your average shooter using todays smaller digital cameras, the Joby Gorillapad Original tripod is ideal.  The best thing about this durable little tripod is its flexibility.

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