Accessories


Enhance Your Toolset with Top New Photography Accessories

October 16, 2017

By Theano Nikitas

Illuminati Wireless Light and Color Meter
Editor’s Choice

Even if you’re a light meter naysayer, this tiny device may change your mind. Download the iOS or Android app and using a Bluetooth connection, the Illuminati delivers extensive information for still and video shoots including exposure, color temperature and shutter angles. It works with flash and continuous lighting, and you can connect to multiple meters for larger setups. Up to 15 different alarms are available to alert you to changes in lighting.
Price: $249
illuminatiinstrumentcorp.com

Lumu Power Light Meter

This little gadget goes beyond its tiny form factor. In its second iteration, the petite Lumu Power plugs into an iPhone with a Lightning connector and, in conjunction with its app, turns into a powerful light meter. It’s a step up from the original Lumu Lite, which only measured ambient exposure. The Lumu Power, now equipped with two industrial-grade sensors (versus the Lite’s single basic sensor), measures color temperature, illuminance, spot, ambient and flash exposure. The dome side functions as an incident meter while the flat side measures illuminance, color temperature and chromaticity.
Price: $299
lu.mu

Gnarbox

It’s rugged, it’s portable and it comes with 128GB of flash memory that you can use as backup when you’re on the road or in the studio. Used in conjunction with its iOS or Android app, the Gnarbox provides basic editing capabilities for both still and video footage—including RAW and 4K files. The device has Wi-Fi, SD and MicroSD card slots, as well as a trio of USB ports (USB 3, USB 2 and Micro USB 3). If 128GB isn’t enough storage, you can plug in an external hard drive. Check out our full review, starting on page 90, for more information.
Price: $299
gnarbox.com

myCharge AdventureUltra

No outlet? No problem. The 13400mAh AdventureUltra Lithium Ion battery charger can charge a wide range of devices, including small laptops (even those with power adapters that require less than 45W), 2-in-1 laptop/tablets, tablets, smartphones and USB devices. Choose from three USB ports for low-power devices and the AC port when you need output up to 45W. It’s nicely compact at 1.2 x 5.8 x 4.1 inches and weighs just over 1 pound.
Price: $130
mycharge.com

Canon SELPHY CP1300 Printer

The latest in Canon’s petite and portable SELPHY printers, the CP1300—available in black or white finishes—is perfect for parties, receptions and even photo booth setups. It has Wi-Fi and an SD card slot for easy printing, and there’s an optional battery pack for increased portability. In addition to a larger, 3.2-inch tilt LCD, the new model features an improved user interface, a data filter and a multi-playback jump function for faster searching. Also new are 2 x 6-inch print strips to complement its 4 x 6-inch and 2.1 x 2.1-inch square output. Adding to the fun, multiple users can combine their images with the Party Shuffle Print layout option.
Price: $130
usa.canon.com

Sirui Lens Filters

In addition to round threaded filters, Sirui’s filter line includes 100mm square filters and 100mm x 150mm rectangle filters. Constructed from built-to-last Schott Plate Glass B270, the filters feature a lightweight but high-strength build with corrosion-resistant, scientific-grade aluminum filter rings. The six-model line comprises a versatile array that includes UV, neutral density and circular polarizer options. Optional $17 adapter rings broaden the line’s usability even further.
Price: $25-200
sirui.com

PocketWizard MultiMAX II

It’s been three years since PocketWizard retired its ever popular MultiMAX transceivers, but there’s a new MultiMAX in town and version II offers some new features and enhancements. The MultiMAX’s form factor hasn’t changed but it now sports an easier-to-read backlit LCD and keypad. Other improvements include unlimited intervalometer captures, manual power adjustments (for compatible ControlTTL flashes) in up to three zones and an improved SpeedCycler. Yes, the MultiMAX is back, and it’s better than ever.
Price: $229
pocketwizard.com

Schneider-Kreuznach B+W ND Filters

Looking for some neutral density filters? The XS-Pro line may well fit the bill. Available in four densities—0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.8 (6 stops) and 3.0 (10 stops)—the extremely slender brass mount eliminates vignetting even with wide-angle lenses. Thanks to the front thread, lens hoods and caps can be easily mounted. These multi-coated filters are designed to repel dust, dirt and moisture and are available in a range of sizes from 30.5mm to 95mm.
Price: $35+
schneideroptics.com

Polaroid Table Top Studio Kit

Affordable and portable, Polaroid’s Table Top Studio Kit can help when photographing small details like wedding rings, or in the studio shooting small objects. Both configurations include a tripod stand, four backdrops (red, blue, black, white), three diffuser screens and a carrying case. It opens to a 16 x 16-inch tent with a 22-inch diagonal. The standard kit comes with changeable soft yellow 5500k lights while the pro version is equipped with two LED lights.
Price: $46-90
polaroid.com

Wine Country Blackstone ND Filters

If you own a high-resolution camera, Wine Country promises that its new Blackstone ND filters are built to resolve 100-megapixel cameras “with zero loss of sharpness.” Built from Schott Ultra White glass for the company’s filter holder system, the new ND filters feature coatings that are neutral across UV, infrared and visible spectrum light. The filters are available in 3-, 6- and 10-stop versions.
Price: $175
winecountry.camera