Lenses: Beginners can start with 18-to-55-mm lenses.

The best beginner’s manual flash: LumoPro LP180 (longer warranty)

The best reflectors (for banishing shadows): Westcott Basics 40″ 5-in-1 Reflector (model 301)

The best photo tent: Impact Digital Light Shed (Large)

The best color checker: Datacolor SpyderCheckr

The best light meter (for perfect exposures) for common people: Sekonic L-308S

The best long-lasting and accurate calibrator: X-Rite i1Display Pro

The best UV filters (for protecting your lens): Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Slim Frame Multi-Coated Glass Filter, Breakthrough Photography X3 UV Filter

The best ND (Neutral density) filters (for reducing light): Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.9 Filter

The best higher-quality light reducer: Breakthrough Photography 77mm X2 filter

The best filter to capture super-silky water: Breakthrough Photography 77mm X3 filter

The best circular polarizers (for reducing glare): Marumi DHG Circular Polarizer Filter 77mm, B+W HTC Kaesemann MRC Nano Circular Polarizer 77mm

Marumi creates a circular polarizer that competes with higher-priced options.

The best third-party battery: Green Extreme

The best rechargeable AAs: Energizer Recharge Power Plus NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries

The best storage backup (external drive): WD My Passport Wireless Pro 2TB

The best SD card: 64GB SanDisk Extreme PRO

The best wireless SD card: Eyefi Mobi Pro 16GB

The best card reader: Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader

The best photo inkjet printer: Epson SureColor P600

The best portable photo printer: Canon SELPHY CP910

The best affordable scanner (to digitize your existing photos): Canon LiDE 220

The best telephoto lens: Moment Tele

The best wide-angle lens pick: Moment Wide

The best advanced trigger control from your phone: Triggertrap Mobile