If you’re months in to running that new vlog and it’s time to take thing up a notch, you’re in luck. Improving a vlog is not as overwhelming — or expensive — as you may think. Add a few budget-friendly vlog accessories to your kit, and voila! Your videos will look more professional almost instantly.
Of course, these quick-fix accessories will only work if you’ve put in time learning from expert vloggers and experimenting with your vlog camera. Vlogging takes time, practice, patience, and persistence. But, if you have put in the work, it’s time to reap those rewards with five simple kit accessories that will do wonders for your vlog quality.
Travel Tripod
The days of propping up your camera with books and knick-knacks is over. Once you’re committed to your vlog channel, it’s time to invest in a budget-friendly travel tripod. Fan favorites like the Joby Gorillapod are highly versatile; you can use it as a tripod or a selfie stick, with a flexible base that mounts just about anywhere. Stash the Gorillapod on your backpack’s water-bottle compartment for upcoming adventures, and trust me, one trip with this small-but-mighty tripod will have you hooked.
On-Camera Microphone
Audio can make or break your vlog channel. With quality audio, interested viewers will stick around to learn more about you and your interests or opinions. Deliver poor, crackling, or muffled audio, though, and you better believe they have one foot (or both feet) out the door. That’s why an on-camera microphone like the raved-about JOBY Wavo PLUS On-Camera Shotgun Microphone is worth every penny. This affordable mic will level-up your audio instantly, with a windjammer to help you retain quality in the great outdoors.
Gimbal
I know what you’re thinking — DSLR and mirrorless camera gimbals are rarely in the “budget friendly” category. True. But, you can still replicate the smooth-moving footage with a gimbal built just for smartphones. Smartphones capture impressive video footage these days, so if you’re just starting out, why not replicate those cinematic shots with the iPhone’s 4K footage, and integrate it with your DSLR footage in post. Smartphone gimbals like the CLAR 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal run for about $100.
Ring Light
Ever wonder how those pro vloggers obtain a soft, natural glow? In some cases it’s natural light, but more often than not it’s a ring light. Ring lights abound across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These portable lighting kits, such as the Flashpoint Photo/Video 19″ AC Powered 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light will make your videos look more professional with the simple flip of a switch. Retailing for , this ring light promises a soft, near shadow-free glow with studio-quality results.
Prime Lens
It may be a higher price tag, but investing in a high-quality prime lens will transform your vlog footage instantly. Prime-lens footage is stunningly sharp, with apertures that guarantee soft, bokeh backgrounds that put you, the vlogger, in crystal-clear focus. As a Sony Alpha user, I’m constantly wowed by the Sony 24mm F/1.4 lens and the new Sony FE 20mm F/1.8 lens. Investing in a wide lens is a great first step; this gives you versatility for walking vlogs, talking vlogs, and scenery shots, with impressive low-light capabilities thanks to the aperture.
If you’re looking for the perfect camera to start — or enhance — your vlog, we have you covered. Here’s our guide with the five best vlogging cameras to consider.
Feature image via Shutterstock
