For any beginner photographer, Speedlights tend to the the first “light” many of us buy. While they’re super versatile and give you incredible control, they’re not without their faults. They tend to lack major power, are too specular and harsh, and can seriously burn through batteries while out in the field.
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Luckily, there are accessories you can buy to get a lot more out of your lights, and the lights you already own.
Here are 16 Speedlight accessories you can buy to counteract the most common issues and even get your small flashes to act like “big lights” (aka, studio strobes):
Lastolite LS2430 Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 for Small Flash ()
This easy-to transport “Ezybox” produces a two-stop light loss, giving your subject the softness you’re looking for.
Lastolite 8.6×8.6″ Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus Mini Softbox for Shoe Mount Flashes ()
This mini soft box gives you a softer and creamier light, and comes in an easy-to-assemble format that makes it quick and simple to transport and set up.
ExpoImaging Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Lighting System ()
This portable light modifier is an all-in-one diffuser that’ll give you a bigger light source in a simple setup.
Maha 1.2V Powerex 2600mAh Precharged Rechargeable AA NiMH Battery, 8 Pack ()
Don’t get caught power-less at your next shoot and invest in a good set of rechargeable batteries to power your lights.
Maha PowerEx MH-C801D Eight Cell 1-Hr Charge for AA/AAA Batteries ()
You have the batteries, now you need the charger. This Maha tool can charge eight batteries at once, so you’ll always be connected. It’s not only fast, but has the ability to discharge your batteries to keep their condition up to speed to extend their life.
Tether Tools Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm ()
Position your lights perfectly with this Tether Tools adjustable arm that’ll give you the optimal position for shooting.
Flashpoint Swivel Umbrella Adapter ()
The Flashpoint umbrella adapter will give you an easy-to-move way to link your Speedlight to any standard stud on a lightstand or clamp.
Westcott Rapid Box Portable Portrait Speedlite Kit for Small Flashes ()
Ideal for portrait photographer, this kit includes the 26″ Rapid Box Octa, the 10″ x 24″ Rapid Box Strip, two Rapid Box cases, two durable 8′ light stands, a Rapid Box Deflector Plate, and a durable travel bag for an instant portrait lighting setup.
Manfrotto 175F1 Spring Grip Justin Clamp with Attached Flash Shoe ()
Adjustable for any surface, this clamp also includes a mini ball head and a plastic flash shoe attachment so you can add it to your setup wherever a flash unit is needed.
ExpoImaging Rogue 3-in-1 Flash Grid with 3-Gel Starter Set ()
This 3-in-1 flash grid comes with three colorful effects gels: dark salmon, steel green, and Oklahoma yellow, that are ideal for hair light, rim light, accent light, background light, or main light options.
LumiQuest Starter Kit with Pocket Bouncer, Fxtra, and UltraStrap for Hot Shoe Flashes ()
Used to soften the quality of light and distribute it more effectively, the pocket bouncer positions light at 90-degree angles from your flash system. It’s a small, very easy-to-carry system that can be great in a pinch, so just throw it in your bag and it’ll always be there for you.
Lastolite Joe Mcnally 24″ White Ezybox Hotshoe, Small Flash Diffuser ()
As an alternative to your other soft boxes, this version has a white interior that’ll give you a much creamier light, while still being compatible with other soft box accessories.
Flashpoint Shoe Mount Triple Bracket ()
Use this triple bracket to connect three different shoe mounts to a single camera, giving you many more options and turning three strobes into one light source.
Flashpoint Adjustable Coldshoe Mount with 1/4-20″ Hole and Screw ()
This cold shoe mount lets you mount flashes, microphones, LED lights, and monitors all in your system.
Rosco Color Correction Filter Kit for Photographers and Filmmakers ()
The kit includes 16 different correction filters for adjusting the color temperature of any shot.
Rosco Color Effects Filter Kit ()
With 15 different colors (including vibrant, subtle pinks, and contrasting yellows and blues), this kit will boost the look of your photos.
