Buy This, Not That: A Guide to Smart Photography Gear Choices (Canon Focused)

When you’re starting out in photography or looking to upgrade your gear, it can be overwhelming to figure out what equipment is really worth the investment. As a Canon user myself, I’ve learned that some purchases are essential for enhancing your photography experience, while others can end up being less practical. To help you make smart choices, here’s my guide to “Buy This, Not That” for your Canon photography kit.

1. Buy This: A Good Camera Strap

Not That: A Camera Strap Cover

A camera strap is an essential tool for any photographer, but not all straps offer the same benefits. Instead of opting for a decorative camera strap cover (which often adds bulk and little functionality), invest in a high-quality, comfortable camera strap that’s built for durability and ease of use. Look for features like even weight distribution, neck support, and durable, non-slip materials. I’m personally a huge fan of Couch straps—I bought a mint strap back in 2014 and used it for nearly 10 years before upgrading this year to their sky blue strap. These straps are not only incredibly comfortable for long shooting sessions, but they also have quick-adjust features for added convenience. Plus, the material has a cool story behind it, adding to their charm. Below is my favourite camera strap through the years

While strap covers might look stylish and come at a tempting price, they tend to slide around and don’t stay in place, making them more frustrating than functional. Go for a strap that offers both style and practicality!

2. Buy This: High-Quality Flash Cards

Not That: Generic or Lower-Capacity Memory Cards

When it comes to storing your precious photos, flash cards are critical. High-quality memory cards, such as SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional, are reliable, fast, and durable—qualities that are especially important when shooting in high-resolution or burst mode. Cheap or generic memory cards often have slower write speeds, leading to potential data loss or corrupted files. Plus, they tend to wear out more quickly. Opt for higher-capacity (at least 64GB) and high-speed (Class 10 or UHS-II) cards to ensure smooth performance with your Canon DSLR or mirrorless camera.

3. Buy This: A Camera Backpack

Not That: A Camera Cross-Body Purse

While a cross-body purse might seem like a stylish option for carrying your camera gear, it simply doesn’t compare to the protection, storage, and comfort that a good camera backpack provides. I speak from experience—I carried a Jo Totes cross-body purse for family shoots for eight years, stubbornly muscling through because I didn’t want to invest in a proper camera bag. Now that I’ve finally switched to a backpack, I can’t believe I put up with the discomfort of a cross-body bag for so long! My back is worth far more than a trendy bag (spoken like someone who has learned the hard way). I do love the look of a photography purse. But at my age, I need to protect my back.

For the record, I do own a proper backpack (with wheels!) that I use exclusively for weddings because I don’t need to carry all my gear for every shoot. So while a camera backpack is essential for heavy-duty use, a smaller, more convenient option can be practical for lighter assignments.

4. Buy This: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Not That: Kit Lenses

If you’re serious about improving your photography skills, ditch the kit lens that came with your Canon camera and invest in a prime lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Also known as the “nifty fifty,” this lens is affordable, lightweight, and versatile, making it perfect for portrait, landscape, and low-light photography. Its wide aperture allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and sharper images compared to most standard kit lenses, which often have smaller apertures and less flexibility. Kit lenses can be fine for beginners, but upgrading to a prime lens like the 50mm will make a noticeable difference in the quality of your photos.

Below: More proof that I LOVE my Couch camera strap

5. Buy This: A High-Quality Tripod

Not That: Cheap Plastic Tripods

A sturdy, well-built tripod is essential for landscape photography, long-exposure shots, or any situation where stability is key. While cheap plastic tripods may seem like a good way to save money, they often lack stability and durability, leading to shaky photos or even damage to your camera if the tripod collapses. Instead, invest in a high-quality tripod made of aluminum or carbon fiber.

When building or upgrading your photography kit, it’s important to prioritize functionality, durability, and performance over aesthetics or budget-friendly but lower-quality items. Investing in the right gear will not only improve your shooting experience but also help you capture higher-quality images with your Canon camera.

So, skip the decorative camera accessories and low-tier equipment in favor of reliable, high-performing options that will last. Your future self—and your photos—will thank you!

What are your go-to photography gear essentials? Let me know in the comments!