Many photographers routinely create images that are good technically and in every other way, but are still about average. In many instances, you can transform your photography skills from typical to exceptional with the right accessory. Besides that, here at Shutterbug we really love photo accessories. Who doesn’t? Here are a half-dozen that we especially like.

Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 RGB LED Camera Light
Mounted in the hot shoe of your camera or on a mini tripod, this bright idea (a whopping maximum output of 595 lumens) can be adjusted via Bluetooth and the Lume Control app from 2700 to 7500K in the CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) mode and can deliver full-spectrum RGB colors with more than 16 million color options.

The 204 LEDs provide 835 lux at one-half meter distance and can be adjusted from 1% to 100% brightness. The Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 has a 96+ CRI (Color Rendering Index—higher is better) and recharges through a USB-C type port. Rechargeable battery provides 4+ hours of power at 50% brightness. It can also serve as a battery bank to power up your limping cellphone if necessary.

Coolest feature?  Press the eyedropper icon on the Lume Control app and use the camera function on your smartphone to capture a color from real life. The color of the Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 immediately matches that color. It’s amazing.

You can order the Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 RGB LED Camera Light from Amazon for $179 or visit the Lume Cube Store on Amazon. Check out other innovative Lume Cube products on the Lume Cube website.

Amazon Basics Picture Hanging Assortment Kit
You have an amazing framed photo (or maybe a map or a diploma) and you want to hang it for all to see. You rummage through your junk drawer until you find one of those carpet tacks that pulled loose on the stairs last winter. You’re going to pound that rusty thing into the drywall?

The better alternative is to select exactly the right hardware from the Amazon Basics 220-piece picture hanging assortment kit. The metal pieces are plated a goldish color and can support hanging weights up to 10, 30, 50, 80, 100 and 120 pound items depending on which piece you deploy. The Amazon Basics Picture Hanging Assortment Kit comes complete with galvanized wire and sawtooth hangers and includes a convenient storage case.

Order the Amazon Basics Picture Hanging Assortment Kit from Amazon for a scant $12.77 and hang pictures like a pro. You still need a hammer, though. An Amazon Basics 8-ounce hammer costs $9.85. Watch your thumbs, all of them.

Koogel Expanding Photo Album
Photo books are absolutely magnificent—but too expensive for casual gifting. Plastic 4×6 brag books are cheap and certainly look cheap. The Koogel Expanding Photo Album is a $10 alternative that will be long remembered by the lucky recipient. The DIY kit includes everything you need and displays 36 printed photos, drawings or verse (you supply all content).

At the center of the expanded album is a small box that can hold a gift, piece of memorabilia (or if you’re cheap like me, a single wrapped Ferrero Rocher candy, and sometimes just the wrapper). Various sizes available. Order today from Amazon for $9.99.

Camera Lens Beverage Mug
You’ve seen these before and secretly have always wanted one. Indulge today. But don’t leave it in the cupholder in your car because the Camera Lens Beverage Mug looks like a real lens to skulking thieves.

Crafted from food grade stainless steel,  the 12-ounce beverage tumbler maintains the temperature of its contents and should never sweat thanks to the vacuum insulated design. At 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) tall it makes a good pencil holder or impromptu flower vase. Order now from Amazon for only $13.59. Spoon included.

Motorized Rotating Display Stand
Measuring 7.9 inches (20 cm) in diameter and able to support a payload of up to 17.6 pounds (8 kilo), this Motorized Rotating Display Stand is multifunctional. Use it to rotate small items for photography or video—you can create a 360° view for your eBay listings, for example. Or you can use it to add motion to your product display at flea markets—or at your kiddo’s science fair exhibit. You can even strap a dead fish on it and drive your Siamese cat nuts.

Priced at $26.99, the Motorized Rotating Dispaly Stand is available now from Amazon.

Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD Macro 1:2 Lens
If you drive a Sony full-frame or APS-C mirrorless camera, you need this $249 Tamron prime lens. Read the detailed Shutterbug review of the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 prime lens here.

It’s so small you’ll barely notice the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 in your camera bag. Measuring just 2.5 inches (64 mm) long and weighing 2.8 ounces (220 g) this ultra-wideangle focuses to 4.3 inches Minimum Object Distance to deliver a 1:2 magnification ratio—that’s one-half life-size, the benchmark for Macro lenses.

The Tamron 20mm f/2.8 prime lens for Sony mirrorless cameras also features moisture-resistant construction and oleophobic fluorine coating on the front and rear elements for more peace of mind when shooting in marginal conditions. This supremely sharp ultra-wideangle is available from Amazon for $249. Or you can visit the Tamron Store at amazon.com. Shop locally; if you’re lucky enough to have a photo specialty store in your vicinity, please support them. Find an Authorized Tamron Dealer (click here).

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