Which Nikon lens caps and accessories are right for me?

This article looks at Nikon lens caps and accessories and gives you a little insight into some of the useful gadgets that are available and will benefit your photography. From the simple lens hood to optical filters, this guide will hopefully provide you with some useful information.

A wide range of accessories

Buying a digital camera is an investment and whether you are a professional, an experienced semi pro or a beginner, you are probably going to want to add accessories to your camera, to take your photography up a notch. Nikon offers a vast range of gadgets, lens caps and accessories, but not all of them will be the right ones for you. Firstly, you will have to decide what you are trying to achieve and then look at what Nikon can offer.

Filters

At some point, most photographers will invest in a series of lens filters. Filters are screwed on to the end of your lens, to achieve various optical results. A polarising filter is one of the most popular types of filter and will instantly boost the saturation of your photographs, making the green of the trees look greener or blue sky bluer. A neutral density filter may not always be appreciated by amateurs, but it can be a vital piece of equipment. An ND filter is a neutral grey that reduces the exposure of the shot without affecting the colours. This allows shots to be taken in very bright conditions and also allows for long exposures that cannot be attained through the camera settings alone. When buying a filter, always check the size of the thread. If you have a 52mm lens, you will need to buy a filter of the same size.

Lens hood

Many camera lenses come with a lens hood, but if you don’t have one, they are a worthwhile investment. A lens hood fits over the end of a lens and acts as a shade, blocking out the sun or other light source and preventing glare and lens flare. Another handy Nikon accessory is a remote control for the shutter. This simple device allows the photographer to operate the shutter from afar, removing all contact from the camera and thus any unwanted camera shake. There are numerous other accessories available and the ones which you invest in will depend on your own personal needs.