The best Nikon accessories for the D3400/D3500/D5600/D7500

If you’ve recently bought a Nikon D-series camera, the best Nikon accessories will help you get the most from it. We’ve picked the 17 best, which includes everything from lenses and external flashes to tripods, camera bags, straps and memory cards. All will improve your photos in some way — even if it’s just by making it easier for you to get out there and shoot in the first place.

One thing to note: most of the best Nikon accessories listed here will work with any Nikon DSLR, but the lenses on this list will only work with Nikon’s DX-format cameras, which include the D3300, D3400 and D3500 and the D5600, D7500 and D500. 

Here, then, are the best Nikon accessories you can buy for your Nikon DSLR.

The best Nikon accessories you can buy

1. Tiffen 52mm UV protection filter

If you’re careful, you should be able to keep your lens safe on a typical day of shooting. But if you’re working in rugged conditions, with a lot of mud, dust or other debris, one of the best Nikon accessories — really, one of the best accessories for any camera — is a UV filter to protect your lens. This Tiffen model fits the kit lens that comes with all D3000-series and many other Nikon cameras, and it’s also available in a ‘Haze’ version if that’s a particular issue where you’re shooting. For other lenses, check the “filter size” spec to select the correct one.

2. Tiffen 52mm circular polarizer filter

Bright sunlight hurts many shots, especially over water, due to glare. A polarizing filter makes for one of the best Nikon accessories, as it cuts the glare for sharper images and also enhances color and contrast. This 52mm filter size fits Nikon’s 18-55mm kit lens, but it’s also available for different-diameter lenses. Plus, it’s available in a low-light version for if you’re shooting in darker conditions.

3. Foto&Tech 2-in-1 hot shoe cover and bubble level

One of the best Nikon accessories is also one of the simplest, and includes something Nikon doesn’t. To use an external flash, you need a hot shoe with clean contact points, yet Nikon doesn’t provide a cover to protect the shoe when it’s not in use. Foto&Tech’s clever item not only fills the hot shoe, but also has a spirit level, so you can align the camera perfectly for critical shots.

4. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 aluminum tripod kit

A tripod is essential for long exposures in low light or at night. It’s also key for setting up a video shoot. We think the Alta Pro 263AB 100 is one of the best Nikon accessories, because it’s not too pricey, is constructed of sturdy, but lightweight aluminum and includes a ball head that rotates 360 degrees and holds up to 15 pounds’ worth of camera kit. The three legs lock at angles of 25, 50 and 80 degrees, and the tripod goes as high as about 5.7 feet. Two other models, the Pro 2 and Pro 2+, are also available — these provide even more flexibility, at an increased price.

5. Nikon ML-L3 wireless remote control

Many of Nikon’s newer cameras can be controlled via a smartphone app, but for older models or if you’d rather not use your phone, the Nikon ML-L3 is a simple infrared remote. It’s one of the best Nikon accessories if you want to get in a group shot, triggering the camera from up to 16 feet away — either immediately or after a 2-second delay. 

The remote is also useful for long exposures, so you can take a shot without jarring the camera by pushing its shutter button — particularly important for long exposures and macro photography. It’s compatible with a host of Nikon cameras, including the following models: D3000, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D7000, D7100, D7200, D600, D610, D750, D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, and the D90.

6. AmazonBasics Medium DSLR gadget bag

This sturdy but inexpensive Amazon Basics bag is one of the best Nikon accessories for toting your kit. Measuring 11.6 x 7.8 x 4.9 inches (and with an interior size of 10.2 x 6.8 x 3.7 inches), it can carry your camera and a few extras, such as lenses and a flash. 

If you need more room, get Amazon’s large, 12 x 9 x 7-inch bag for $29. Both models offer either an orange or a gray interior.

7. Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

If you want to travel light, consider the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which can do nearly everything you need — except very low-light shooting, for which the 35mm (below) is your best friend. 

The over-7x zoom range on the 18-140mm covers everything from sprawling landscapes to wildlife close-ups and while it may seem pricey — it normally costs around $500, more than the D3500 — that’s a fair sum for the flexibility and quality it provides. 

8. Altura Photo professional cleaning kit

Whether from fingerprints, raindrops or blowing dust, the glass on your camera’s lenses, LCD and viewfinder will frequently get dirty. The Altura Photo Professional Cleaning kit includes an air blower and a lens brush that you can use to safely remove big bits of dirt. It also comes with alcohol-free cleaning solution, lens tissue paper and microfiber cloths to finish the job. Lastly, it provides swabs for cleaning the delicate image sensor, in case dust gets in during lens changes.

9. Nikon 27126 EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery

Nikon’s D3000 line continually gets better battery life, rated from 540 shots per charge on the D3200 to a generous 1,500 on the D3500. That’s plenty of battery life for even an intensive day (or two) of shooting. But video will drain the cells much more quickly. And besides, you don’t ever want to miss a shot because you ran out of juice. For a margin of safety, consider carrying an extra battery, such as the EN-EL14a, which doubles the number of shots you can take.

This battery is compatible with the Nikon Df, Nikon D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, and D5600. It’ll also work with the Nikon Coolpix P7000, P7100, P7700, and P7800. 

10. PNY 64GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 SDXC memory card

The PNY 64GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 SDXC memory card offers plenty of storage for photos, even in the large RAW format that’s best for making high-quality edits. The 100-MB/s speed easily handles plenty of HD video and is ready if you move up to a camera that shoots 4K/Ultra HD.

11. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD zoom lens

Buying a DSLR generally means compromising on zoom capability, since the large sensor also requires a very large, expensive lens. The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD changes all that. This lens has a 22x zoom, and weighs a little over a pound and a half — not a bad tradeoff really. If you have room for just one lens in your bag, this is the one to bring, especially if you shoot a lot of telephoto pictures (takes 72mm filters).

12. USA Gear DSLR camera sleeve case

A big camera bag is necessary if you’re lugging extra lenses and other gear. But if you’re traveling light, this flexible, neoprene case provides all the protection you need from bumps and moisture — and a chance to show some style. USA Gear offers 20 fabric designs, from plain black to tropical flowers, so there’s certainly plenty of choice. The case pops open for quick access to the camera, openings allow you to thread the camera strap through and a small pocket can even store a few extras, such as a cleaning cloth or spare memory card. 

13. Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens

Nikon’s best lens — the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G — is also one of our go-tos for testing the company’s cameras. On a consumer DSLR, this focal length (35mm) is a “normal lens”, which captures the world roughly the way we see it. It’s the most versatile kind you can have for a variety of subjects, and the huge, f/1.8 aperture gives you great range for shooting in low light or with very shallow depth of field. This lens takes 52mm-size filters.

14. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G macro lens

A macro lens like the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro opens up tiny worlds for your photography, including flowers, insect life, jewelry, and fine details in items like furniture and fabrics. This lens is exceptionally sharp to within 6 inches of your subject. 

Macro lenses aren’t just for close-ups, though. With a 40mm focal length, this product serves as a good all-around lens, with just a smidgen of telephoto beyond the way your eyes naturally see the world. With its large, f2.8 aperture, it produces a shallow depth of field for attractive portraits and allows for low-light shooting (takes 52mm filters).

15. Nikon 4814 SB-500 AF Speedlight

Beyond filling in shadows, a DSLR’s built-in flash can’t do much. An attached flash not only covers much more territory, but also tilts, so you can bounce light off ceilings or walls for softer illumination. The SB-500 is not the cheapest Nikon flash, but it’s the best value among them by far, which is why we’ve included it in this list of the best Nikon accessories. Upgrades include not only tilting, but also rotation for more bounce options. In addition, this flash is far more powerful than Nikon’s entry-level models. Bonus: it includes a set of LEDs to provide constant illumination for shooting close-up video.

16. Peak Design Slide Lite strap

Your Nikon D-series camera will have come with a basic Nikon strap, but we’d always advise buying something a little more comfortable and functional. The Peak Design Slide Lite is just that strap: it can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap and has quick-adjusters for instant access and easy reconfiguration. It’s designed for “mirrorless and light DSLRs,” so better suited to the likes of the D3500 than the D500, but there is also a standard version available for $65.

17. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021

Even if you’re well kitted out with physical accessories for your Nikon D-series camera, your final images will still benefit from adding some great photo-editing software into your workflow. While you could spend several hundred dollars on software, we’d recommend going for Adobe’s more affordable Photoshop Elements 2021. It’s easy to use, but also offers masses of creativity and plenty of power; it’s essential for amateur photographers who want to get the most from their images.

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