Whenever I get a new camera there is an accessory purchasing process that I always go through, usually at the same time that I order the camera. Having just picked up my Sony A9 II, I thought I’d quickly list the first few accessories that I got for it. Note that these are essentially the same things I buy for all my new cameras, it’s universal, you don’t need to own an A9 II.
#1 – Really Right Stuff L Bracket
I have written extensively about the benefits of using an L bracket so I won’t repeat myself here. Whenever I get a new camera I always order one of Really Right Stuff’s custom L brackets for the camera. RRS support gear is always beautifully made (in the US) and they are a great company to deal with. Their A9 II plate also fits the A7R IV and is available in a modular version with a removable vertical section (pictured above) or an ultralight one-piece design for the gram counters out there. There’s also a third version for use with the vertical grip if you use one.
RRS gear is available directly from their website or through B&H Photo.
Note that if you are in Canada and ordering directly from them, call them on the phone and inquire about shipping with USPS. Their website mostly quotes extremely high UPS shipping rates for packages to Canada, but I called them and they shipped my L bracket via USPS instead for just $13.
#2 – Expert Shield Screen Protector
Next, I purchase an LCD screen protector from Expert Shield. There are many brands out there for this kind of thing, but I like to keep it simple and stick with the one I know works well and offers good customer service if you have any issues. That is Expert Shield. You can find the A9 II screen protector on Amazon, but they make protectors for basically any camera you can think of.
#3 – Shutter Remote
With a new camera, I always make sure that I have a shutter remote for long exposure photography. In the past, that means a cable release, basically a button on the end of a cable that plugs into the camera to control the shutter. These days most mirrorless cameras have Bluetooth remote options which are both good and bad. It’s good because they often offer more function than just a cable shutter release, and also you don’t have a cable in your bag getting constantly tangled up. But it’s bad because they take batteries and that means you should carry a spare in your bag, albeit just one of those small circular watch batteries.
I purchased the Sony RMT P1BT Remote for my A9 II, you should check the information for your specific camera to find the remote that is compatible with you. Note that this particular Sony remote is only compatible with their cameras from the last couple of years, so even if you have an older Sony camera you should check the documentation to make sure it will work.
Summing Up
So there you have it. That’s the basic starter kit that I buy for any camera. Of course, I’ll probably end up buying more things as the months go on, but these are the things I like to start with as soon as I get a camera in my hand.
