Nikon D850 Accessories That Are Actually Worth the Money

The best accessories for the Nikon D850 protect your investment and extend how long you can shoot: spare batteries, quality memory cards, a sturdy strap and bag, a vertical grip if you shoot portraits or long sessions, and a solid tripod. Because the camera is high-resolution, support and glass quality matter as much as the body. Add gear in that order.

Power: Batteries and the Battery Grip

The D850 uses a rechargeable EN-EL15-series battery, and a spare is the most useful add-on. Check Nikon’s manual to confirm which battery versions the camera supports. For a long event, landscape trip or wedding, carry at least one extra.

An optional multi-power battery pack, the MB-D18, adds a vertical shutter button and controls, extends the shooting capacity and improves handling with large lenses. It is helpful for portrait photographers who shoot in vertical orientation and for anyone using heavy telephotos. The trade-off is added size and weight, so decide if you will use it often. Search for a genuine Nikon EN-EL15 battery and compare compatibility details.

Memory Cards and Backup Strategy

The D850 has one XQD slot and one SD slot, so you can record to both at once for backup. Many photographers use the dual slots to write RAW to both cards or to separate RAW and JPEG. Fast cards help clear the buffer during bursts, and the camera’s high-resolution files require ample capacity.

• Choose cards from reputable brands and sellers to avoid counterfeits.
• Carry multiple smaller cards instead of one huge card, reducing the risk of losing a whole shoot.
• Use a fast card reader to transfer files quickly.
• Keep a consistent system for tracking used and unused cards.

A reliable XQD card reader is worth adding if you use the XQD slot. Verify the format and compatibility of the cards and reader before buying.

Accessory Priority Table

Tripods, Heads and Remotes

A high-resolution sensor reveals the smallest vibration. For landscapes, architecture, product and macro work, a solid tripod is arguably the best accessory you can buy. Pick a tripod with enough height to avoid stooping and a load rating well above the weight of the camera and your heaviest lens. A ball head or geared head with a quick-release plate speeds up work.

A remote release or intervalometer avoids touching the camera during exposure, and the camera also supports a self-timer and mirror-up modes that reduce vibration. For stable support, consider a sturdy carbon fiber tripod with ball head that suits your needs and budget.

Protection, Bags and Straps

1. Padded camera bag: a bag with adjustable dividers fits a body, several lenses and accessories. Choose a backpack for hiking and a shoulder bag for events.
2. Quality strap: reduces strain when carrying a heavy body and lens. Check the strap’s rated capacity.
3. Rain cover: inexpensive protection for sudden weather, even though the camera has weather sealing.
4. Screen protector: shields the rear LCD from scratches.
5. Cleaning kit: a blower, microfiber cloth and lens pen keep optics clean.

Lenses and Filters as Accessories

The best upgrade for any high-resolution camera is often a better lens, because the sensor can reveal weaknesses in older or budget optics. Prioritize sharp glass and consider the focal lengths you use most. Filters can help too: a circular polarizer reduces glare and deepens skies, and neutral density filters allow slow shutter speeds in bright light. Always match the filter thread to your lens and avoid very cheap filters that can degrade image quality.

Flash and lighting also matter for portraits and events. A speedlight that supports Nikon’s system and a diffuser or softbox can transform results without changing the camera itself.

Workflow accessories round out the kit. Because the D850 produces large files, a fast computer, plenty of storage and a backup routine are as important as any camera add-on. Consider a portable drive for backing up cards on location, and make a habit of copying files in two places before formatting cards. If you shoot tethered in a studio, check your cable length, strain relief and software compatibility so that a loose cable does not interrupt a session.

Lastly, do not forget the basics of keeping gear organized. Labeled pouches for batteries, filters and cards, a small lens cloth in every bag and a checklist before each outing prevent most on-location frustrations. Buy accessories gradually as real needs appear instead of purchasing a big kit all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the battery grip worth buying?

It is helpful for vertical shooting and heavy lenses. If you mostly shoot landscapes from a tripod, you may not need one.

What memory cards does the D850 need?

It uses one XQD slot and one SD slot. Check Nikon’s documentation for supported card types and speed recommendations for continuous shooting and video.

Do I need a tripod for a high-resolution camera?

For maximum sharpness in landscape, studio and macro work, a stable tripod makes a visible difference. Handheld shooting is fine if you use fast shutter speeds.