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10 Best iPhone Camera Accessories for Better Photo & Video

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While a dSLR is many a traveler’s dream camera, it’s not the only camera that can take great travel photos. In fact, the best camera is ANY camera and for many of us, that means our iPhone!

Personally I travel with a Sony A6600 mirrorless camera, GoPro HERO 8, and iPhone 13 Pro.

And you know which camera I use the most – by far? My iPhone!

I love using my iPhone for quick, unplanned snapshots that would be impossible to capture on the fly with my GoPro or mirrorless Sony camera.

But I’ve also been using it to capture more video so I can improve my videography and video editing skills this year.

Simply put, if you’re not interested in a mirrorless camera or GoPro, you can certainly get by with just your iPhone.

Want to up your iPhone photography game a bit? Check out these 10 best iPhone camera accessories to help you capture amazing travel photos and videos.

1
OtterBox iPhone 15 Pro Commuter Series Case

OtterBox iPhone 15 Pro Commuter Series Case

  • Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro, but separate cases available for other models
  • Compatible with wireless chargers
  • Made with 35% recycled plastic
  • Textured sides for a more secure grip
  • Includes lifetime warranty

Keep your phone protected from accidental drops that can lead to cracked, spiderweb-like screens that make it nearly impossible to take a well-focused photo.

The Otterbox Commuter Series case not only protect your phone against damage if dropped, but also provides a better grip so you're less likely to drop your phone to begin with.

I have used this case for various iPhone models over the years and always come back to it when I upgrade my phone.

I currently have it in this pretty green color, as well as black, for my iPhone 13 Pro, but the model linked above is for the iPhone 15 Pro.

2
PopSockets Phone Grip with Expanding Kickstand

PopSockets Phone Grip with Expanding Kickstand

  • Enables one-handed phone use
  • Compatible with any smartphone
  • Changeable PopTop

PopSockets are a must-have iPhone accessory, especially for on-the-go photo and video capturing.

This simple and affordable item sticks to the back of your iPhone and extends to create a grip that slides between your fingers for extra stability.

The extended grip can also act as a mini tripod for watching video in landscape mode.

PopSockets have come a long way since they first came on to the market, too. For example, newer models can easily swap tops, plus there are MagSafe (magnetic) and removable versions.

Personally I don't like the removable version because I found that it pops off too easily, but others may not have that problem.

3
JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit

JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit

  • Shoot landscape or portrait mode
  • Flexible tripod base for stability and unique angles
  • Includes Wavo mobile microphone and Rycote Lyre shock mount for crisp audio
  • Includes Beamo mini LED light

One of the best ways to improve your iPhone photography (or any kind of photography) is by using a tripod.

A full size tripod can be used, but isn’t necessary. Instead I recommend a Gorillapod.

Gorillapods are short, tabletop tripods with bendy legs.

The legs are what make this particular tripod a must have for iPhone photography because you can wrap or hang the tripod on something.

This will help you capture unique angles and heights that a full size tripod can’t – all while keeping your camera steady.

The Gorillapod is flexible and will allow you to position your phone for landscape or portrait mode, unlike many mini tripods that are stuck in landscape.

I also recommend the Gorillapod because it is durable and trustworthy. You don’t want your phone popping out of the grip while propped up in a tree.

Or over a dock along a river. Not that I would know from experience or anything.

Ok ok, I totally know from experience. But don’t worry, my cat-like reflexes kicked in and I caught my phone before it perished in the Mississippi River.

But ever since I got my Gorillapod, I haven't had any near accidents - and I've had it for nearly 10 years at this point!

4
DJI Osmo Mobile SE 3-Axis Gimbal

DJI Osmo Mobile SE 3-Axis Gimbal

  • Includes tracking technology for solo filming!
  • 3-axis stabilization keeps footage super smooth
  • Film in landscape and portrait mode

Gimbals are essential if you're filming video on the go. But the best featuring with the DJI Osmo Mobile SE gimbla is the active tracking technology so you can film solo!

Even if you aren't a content creator, this little gadget will help you capture super smooth video to share with friends and family.

5
Rechargeable clip-on ring light

Rechargeable clip-on ring light

  • 3 tones included (warm, cool, and natural)
  • Can clip to your iPhone, iPad, or even a laptop
  • Power lasts up to 1 hour before requiring a recharge

Take a cue from the Queen of Selfies, Ms. Kim Kardashian West, and get a selfie light for your phone.

Not only will it help with producing more flattering photos with less harsh shadows, a selfie light can help with capturing better photos in low light scenarios, like restaurants or at night.

I have this exact selfie light for on-the-go content creation and swear by it, especially for capturing better photos at night.

6
CamKix Camera Shutter Remote Control

CamKix Camera Shutter Remote Control

  • Works up to 30 feet away
  • Compatible with iOS and Android devices ( Android 4.2.2 OS and up / Apple iOS 6.0 and up)

Go hands-free with a Bluetooth-enabled remote for your iPhone camera.

Some remotes also work with camera apps, if you prefer not to use the iPhone default camera app, as well as with Android devices.

7
Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch

  • IP68 Certified Waterproof Protection up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
  • Includes detachable lanyard
  • Hi-Vis Yellow accents make it easy to find if dropped in water
  • Transparent material allows camera and touchscreen functions to work while in case

A waterproof case or pouch for your phone is an easy and affordable way to protect your phone from water damage.

I like this option from Case-Mate because it fits a variety of phone models, which means you should be able to get more use out of it if you upgrade your phone.

8
SD Card Reader for iPhone & iPad

SD Card Reader for iPhone & iPad

  • Works for SD and micro SD memory cards
  • Supports all iPhones with iOS 9.2+ and iPads with iOS 8.0+
  • No extra software required to work

If you aren't traveling with your laptop, back up photos from your memory card to your iPhone or iPad using this handy card reader that works with most models.

9
ShiftCam ProGrip Starter Kit

ShiftCam ProGrip Starter Kit

  • Can be used in landscape or portrait mode
  • Includes shutter in the hand grip, like a dSLR camera
  • Expandable with other accessories (sold separately)

The ShiftCam ProGrip provides a camera-like grip and shutter, as well as a wireless power bank to ensure you don't run out of juice while taking photos or shooting video.

You can also add on extra accessories for extra capability, like attaching to a tripod, an LED light, microphone, and more.

10
iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh

iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh

  • Can provide approximately 1.5 full charge
  • Compatible with iPhone 14, 14 Pro Max, 13, 13 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, and Airpods
  • Phone not supported? iWalk has a model for you!

Using your phone’s camera can really eat up battery power, especially if you’re out and about taking photos all day long.

Keep a power bank on hand to make sure you can keep taking photos no matter how many photos or video you take.

Which iPhone camera accessories are on your list?

Whether you’re looking to take better vacation photos or wanting to add to your content creation arsenal, these iPhone photography accessories all fit the bill.

Don’t forget to play around with camera apps, too. Apps can help boost your iPhone photography by providing easy touch ups, editing, but also expanded camera functionality.

Check out my posts on the best camera apps for taking photos and the best apps for photo editing for tips on which photo editing apps to check out.

Do you use any of these iphone photography accessories? If so, which one has been your favorite gadget? Let’s chat in the comments below.


About the author

Photo of travel blogger Meg Frost, of Frost + Sun, in Havana, Cuba.
Photo by Meg Frost, all rights reserved.

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

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This post was originally published on May 20, 2018 and last updated on November 19, 2023.

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Ell

Thursday 11th of October 2018

I love this! Learned about so many iPhone accessories that I need to try out! Thank you (:

Meg Frost

Thursday 11th of October 2018

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I love using my iPhone for taking photos!

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