Sony A9 Accessories Guide

Welcome to my ultimate accessories guide for the Sony A9 mirrorless camera in 2024.

Please let me know in the comments below if there are any accessories that you think deserve a mention.

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Related Guides: Sony A9 II Accessories | Sony A9 III Accessories

Top 10 Sony A9 Accessories

Here are my top 10 recommended accessories for the Sony a9, my complete accessory guide follows.

1. Sony PCK-LG1 Screen Protector

Sony’s official screen protector for the Sony a9 is the PCK-LG1. There are cheaper third-party screen protectors out there, but they tend not to last so long and often aren’t as durable as the official screen protector from Sony. If you purchase a $4500 camera then it makes little sense to skimp on protecting it. I’ve had this protector on my own a9 since day one.

2. Rocket Air Blaster

The Rocket Air Blaster is really a must have item for your gear bag, if you don’t already own one then please make this your next purchase. It’s ideal for blowing dust off your lenses, sensor and filters. I have a couple of these as one never leaves my bag and the other stays at home.

3. Lennon Gecco LB3 Quick Release Plate Hand Grip Extension

The Lennon Gecco LB3 combines a grip extension and a traditional arca swiss plate. The grip is attached via the a9’s tripod socket and provides somewhere for you little finger to rest.

Both Sony and Meike also offer similar grips but they need to be removed to change the battery. The Lennon grip however also includes an unlock button so that you can change your cameras battery without removing the grip itself.

There is also an additional side plate (Lennon LB2) that can be purchased to turn the grip into an L-bracket.

4. Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head

Although I don’t own the Sirui T-025SK I do own its predecessor the Sirui T-025x. I was previously using the MeFOTO RoadTrip for my travel tripod until a friend showed me his T-025x and I was blown away by how much smaller and lighter this was than the RoadTrip.

The Sirui T-025SK is very similar to the Sirui T-025x. It’s made from carbon/magnesium, has 5 leg sections with 4 twist locks and includes the B-00 ball head. It collapses down to 34cm with the head attached or 30cm without, and weighs just 1 kg / 2.2 lbs. with the head. It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 5kg / 11 lbs.

It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack to add stability as well.

The Sirui T-025SK is available in the US and many other countries but it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK at this time. But you can still purchase its predecessor the Sirui T-025x which I own myself. The Sirui T-025x includes the C-10S ball head, collapses to just 30cm with the head attached, and weighs just 0.88kg / 1.94lb with the head.

It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 6kg / 13.2 lb. It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s also a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack or weights to add additional stability.

5. Sony NP-FZ100 Battery and BC-QZ1 Charger

The Sony a9 uses the new NP-FZ100 which doubles the battery life compared with the smaller NP-FW50 battery found in cameras like the a7R II. Still, if you are shooting all day then you will probably go through at least one battery.

Personally I’ve never gone through more than two NP-FZ100 batteries in one day whilst shooting wildlife and motorsport (stills) with my own a9. That said, I still have 4 of these batteries just to be safe!

The Sony a9 doe include one Sony BC-QZ1 charger in the box. You can charge the NP-FZ100 battery in camera via USB but this takes approximately 5 hours to fully charge one official NP-FZ100 battery, compared with only 2.5 hours when charged via the Sony BC-QZ1 wall charger.

6. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Memory Cards

If you want the fastest memory cards for your a9 then the Sony SF-G Tough Series of UHS-II SD cards with read speeds of up to 300MB/s and write speeds of up to 299MB/s are the ones to choose.

The Tough series of memory cards are also are times stronger than standard SD cards, bend proof to 180N, drop-proof to 5 meters, waterproof to a depth of 5 meters for up to 72 hours (IPX8 rating) and dustproof with an IP6X rating, X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static and temperature proof.

7. Rode VideoMicro

If you aren’t happy with the quality of the internal microphone on the a9 and the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a little too pricy, then the Rode VideoMicro is a great alternative. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Pro+ version and it does not require an additional battery, you simply connect it through the mic port on the a9.

8. Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Commander

The RMT-P1BT operates using Bluetooth connectivity which provides a reliable connection even in bright sunlight or when there are obstacles between the commander and the Sony a9. In my own tests the RMT-P1BT remote works reliably up to around 18m or 60 feet away from the camera, and this is the case whether you are behind or in front or the camera, indoors or outdoors.

It features a fast 0.05 seconds release time and an external LED that flashes or lights continuously to show shutter, movie recording and AF status. The remote covers essential camera controls including releasing the shutter, a focus button, a lock switch that prevents accidental operation during transport, movie recording start/stop and power/digital zoom. There are also two custom buttons that mirror the functions of the C1 and AF-ON buttons on the camera body.

The RMT-P1BT also supports burst shooting when in continuous shooting mode.

Please do note that this remote does require your a9 to be running a minimum of a9 firmware v6.00.

9. Peak Design Cuff + Slide Lite Straps

The Peak Design Cuff wrist strap is a great way to protect your camera from accidental drops. It connects to the a9 via Peak Designs anchor system and the wrist loop magnetically locks in the open position, or comfortably cinches down on your wrist for added security. It took me a little while to get used to the magnetic lock, but now I wouldn’t want to be without this strap.

The Peak Design Slide Lite can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. It uses internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder mode.

There are two versions of the slide strap, a full sized version with a strap width of 45mm, and a lite version with a strap width of 32mm. I’ve been using the full sized version of this strap for over a year, but it’s overkill for a mirrorless camera like the a9. So I’d recommend going with the Lite version which I’ve also since picked up and now the full sized version never gets clipped on!

10. Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II

If you are looking for a small case for the a9 then the Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II is a great choice. It holds the a9 along with a single lens that is no longer than 120mm. I’ve tried it with the Sony FE 24-70 F4, FE 16-35 F4, FE 28-70, FE 24mm F1.4 GM, and FE 85mm F1.8 all of which fit comfortably.

With the FE 16-35 F2.8 GM it’s a very tight fit. I’ve also read that it will hold the Sony a9 with the Tamron 28-75mm but it’s a tight fit. I’ve not tried it with the Sony FE 24-105 G lens but since it’s 113.3mm in length it should also fit comfortably.

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Batteries

The Sony a9 is packed full of technology so it’s always going to need a lot of juice. Here are your best options for replacement batteries for the a9.

Sony NP-FZ100 Battery

The Sony a9 uses the new NP-FZ100 which doubles the battery life compared with the smaller NP-FW50 battery found in cameras like the a6500. Still, if you are shooting all day then you will probably go through at least one battery.

Personally I’ve never gone through more than two NP-FZ100 batteries in one day whilst shooting wildlife and motorsport (stills) with my a9. That said, I still have 4 of these batteries just to be safe!

IMPORTANT NOTE: With recent Sony a9 firmware updates Sony has really gone to war with third-party batteries. If you use a third-party battery you will now receive a warning message stating that the operation and safety of this battery cannot be guaranteed. You can ignore the warning by pressing OK and the batteries will still work, however the percentage indicator next to the battery icon disappears. This appears to be the case for all popular NP-FZ100 third-party batteries including Wasabi, Patona, Newell, and Baxxtar.

RAVPower NP-FZ100

If you do insist on using third-party batteries in your a9 then the RAVPower NP-FZ100 are reported to work well and not throw up any error messages at this time, although this could change with new firmware. These batteries are also bundled together with a dual charger.

Capacity: 2000mAh
Battery life stills: 1500 shots (approx)
Battery life video: 2 to 2.5 hours (approx)
Recharge time (with Wasabi charger and wall adapter): 180 minutes (approx)
Recharge time (in camera via USB-C): 300 minutes (approx)

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Battery Chargers

Here are the best external battery chargers for the Sony a9.

Sony BC-QZ1 Charger

Although you can charge the Sony a9 via USB, this takes approximately 5 hours to fully charge one official NP-FZ100 battery, compared with only 2.5 hours when charged via the Sony BC-QZ1 charger. You do get one Sony BC-QZ1 charger in the box when you buy an a9, but it never hurts to have a spare charger.

Sony BC-ZD1 Dual Battery Charger

The BC-ZD1 is a high-speed charger for Sony’s NP-FZ100 batteries. It can simultaneously charge two batteries in approximately 155 minutes when connected to a USB Power Delivery (PD) compatible power supply with 30W or higher output and a USB cable with USB PD support (3A) or higher current.

• Charges two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously in approximately 155 minutes when connected to a USB PD compatible power supply
• Equipped with an indicator lamp that shows the battery charging status in 5 stages
• Width approx. 84.5 mm x Height approx. 29.2 mm x Depth approx. 70.0 mm, weight approx. 149g
• With heat dissipation measures plus built-in heat monitoring and control

Sony DC-C1 DC Coupler

The DC-C1 DC coupler allows for a stable power supply during long shoots or streaming by providing continuous, reliable power to cameras compatible with NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50 rechargeable battery packs using an external power source such as a USB PD (65 W or more) compatible AC adapter and USB cable with USB PD support (5 A).

• Supplies power directly from an external power source such as a USB PD compatible AC adapter (65 W or more) to a camera body that supports NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50 batteries
• To prevent accidental cable disconnection, the DC-C1 is equipped with the locking screw hole, or an anchor loop can be used to secure the cable to the USB port ​
• 1.6m cable connects plug-in plate to the power supply assembly for flexible setup during shooting
• Equipped with Power Indicator Lamp that shows the power supply status
• Width approx. 52.0 mm x Height approx. 70.6 mm x Depth approx. 32.0 mm

Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adaptor Kit

The Sony NPA-MQZ1K multi battery kit might be a very useful addition to your a9 if you shoot very long video sessions and need as much power as possible.

This kit can charge four batteries (NP-FZ100) in approximately 480 minutes. It also allows you to power two USB devices as well as the camera at the same time. The NPA-MQZ1K also includes two NP-FZ100 batteries, a cable protector and a mounting plate. You can find full details on Sony’s website here.

Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger

You can also charge your a9 via USB whilst on the move. My personal favourite portable charger is the Anker PowerCore 20100mAh portable charger. Although designed for smartphones and tablets, they are also great for charging your a9 on the go via USB.

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Battery Grips

Would you like to double the battery life of the a9 and improve the handling at the same time? If so then you’ll want to add a battery grip, also called a vertical grip.

Sony VG-C3EM Battery Grip

The Sony VG-C3EM battery grip is crafted from the same materials as the a9 and it’s also weather sealed. The grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries and doubles your shooting time, the batteries can also be charged in the grip itself via the a9’s USB port.

As well as the shutter release button for when you are shooting in portrait orientation, there are also four programable custom buttons and an AF joystick.

You do need to remove the battery door to attach the grip, which slots into the battery compartment on your a9. However, the door is easy to remove thanks to a small switch on the door itself.

The battery tray does unfortunately feel rather cheap and flimsy, otherwise this is a fantastic grip if not somewhat overpriced. I’m using it on my own a9 and find that as well as extended the battery life, it also helps with the ergonomics especially when using larger heavy lenses like the FE 70-200 F2.8 GM or the FE 400mm F2.8 GM. You can read my Sony VG-C3EM Review for a closer look at this grip.

Meike MK-A9 Pro Battery Grip

If the official Sony battery grip is too expensive for your tastes, then thankfully Meike have a solution. Their MK-A9 Pro battery grip is very similar to the Sony VG-C3EM yet it’s almost a third of the price. The grip itself doesn’t feel as nice as the Sony, but surprisingly the battery tray is actually better built.

The button layout is the same, but it is missing the lock dial on the shutter button, so you’ll need to be careful not to inadvertently press this when shooting in landscape orientation.

Meike actually trumps the Sony grip by providing a remote control that works up to 100 meters with a 2.4Ghz wireless transmission. It can be used to control the shutter in Bulb mode or set interval time shooting (time-lapse). This is really quite useful since the a9 does not offer any time-lapse functionality (it is coming soon in a firmware update).

A lot of people will purchase the Sony simply for continuity reasons (myself included), but if this doesn’t bother you then you certainly can’t go wrong with the Meike MK-A9 Grip.

Read my full Meike MK-A9 Pro Battery Grip Review for a closer look at this grip.

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Memory Cards and Card Readers

There are hundreds of different SD Cards on the market, but some do shine more than others. I have a collection of both Sony SF-G (UHS-II) cards for using in slot one of my a9. Then I normally use the SanDisk Extreme Pro (UHS-I) in slot 2. I’ve never had any trouble with any of these cards (touch wood).

Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Memory Cards – 299MB/s

The Sony SF-G Tough Series of UHS-II SD cards have read speeds of up to 300MB/s and write speeds of up to 299MB/s. If you want the best possible memory cards for your a9 that take full advantage of the fast UHS-II slot one, then these are the ones to choose.

These Tough memory cards are 18 times stronger than standard SD cards, bend proof to 180N, drop-proof to 5 meters, waterproof to a depth of 5 meters for up to 72 hours (IPX8 rating) and dustproof with an IP6X rating. The cards feature a one-piece ribless structure and don’t have the common lock switch, they are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static and temperature proof.

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II Memory Cards – 260MB/s

If the Sony Tough Series are too expensive then the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II memory cards are normally around 10 percent cheaper. Their write speed of 260MB/s is a little slower than the Sony SF-G cards but since the a9 writes at a maximum speed of around 150MB/s anyway this does not matter. The read speed of 300MB/s is also identical to the Sony SF-G Tough cards.

Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II Memory Cards – 150MB/s

Sony’s SF-M Tough Series are identical to the more expensive SF-G Series but their write time has been reduced to 150MB/s and the read time to 277MB/s.

Sony SF-M UHS-II Memory Cards – 150MB/s

If you don’t need the Tough cards then Sony’s SF-M Series have the same write and read speeds as the Tough version above but for a little less money.

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I (170/90)

These SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I memory cards are ideal if you don’t plan on shooting lots of continuous bursts and therefore don’t require the performance of the faster and more expensive UHS-II cards. These cards are also ideal for use in memory card slot 2 of the a9 which only supports UHS-I cards anyway.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro cards have a claimed read speed of 170MB/s and a write speed of 90MB/s. Here are my in-camera test results:

Sony MRW-S1 High Speed UHS-II USB Memory Card Reader/Writer

Sony’s MRW-S1 UHS-II USB SD Card Reader/Writer enables the fast transfer of data via a USB 3.1 interface. It can read/write to UHS-II SD Cards and is backward compatible with UHS-1 SD cards. The MRW-S1 together with Sony SF-G or SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II cards can transfer files to and from your computer at around 2.6x faster than UHS-1 cards.

Beeway Water & Shock Resistant Memory Card Case

I don’t go anywhere without my Beeway SD Card holder. It holds 12 SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and 12 MicroSD cards perfectly in place. The case is water resistant and very strong. It also includes a small bag and a carabiner. It really is great value for the price.

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L-Brackets and Grip Extensions

The Sony a9 certainly has a lot of technology packed into a very small body, although this is great when it comes to travelling light and packing small, some may find that it’s not the most comfortable camera to work with, especially if you are coming from a much larger SLR. Thankfully, as well as the battery grips mentioned above, there are a few more ways that you can improve the ergonomics of your a9, here are some of the most popular.

SmallRig L-Bracket

As well as offering easy mounting to tripods with the Arca-Swiss compatible mounts, the SmallRig l-bracket also doubles up as a grip extension, giving you somewhere to place your pinky finger if you are fed-up with it hanging off the bottom of your A9. The l-bracket is very well made, and includes a magnetic allen key housed on the bottom of the grip for easy attachment.

You can easily access all of the cameras ports and battery compartment with the l-bracket attached. My only gripe is that you have to really tighten the single fixing screw for a secure fit to the camera body. Still, this is my l-bracket of choice that I’m currently using. I’ve also written a short review of the SmallRig L-bracket.

Really Right Stuff L-Bracket

The RRS L-Plate has been designed to fit the Sony a9 perfectly. You are still able to access all of the cameras ports, and just like the SmallRig l-bracket there is also a magnetic storage space for the included allen key. There is space to rest your pinky finger, and the l-bracket is fully arca swiss compatible. However, unlike the SmallRig l-bracket, you will need to remove the battery door to attach it.

The only real downside of the RRS bracket is the price, at around $200 it’s 3-4x the price of the SmallRig! Still, if you want the best then this is it.

Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension

The Sony GP-X1EM increases the height of the built-in grip on the a9 and gives you somewhere to rest your fingers. The grip is very well made from aluminum and rubber, and it also matches the same color and texture that you will find on the a9.

Unfortunately the GP-X1EM does block access to your cameras battery door, so you will need to remove it to change the battery. This isn’t ideal but since the new battery in the a9 lasts so long, it shouldn’t prove to be too much of an inconvenience for many shooters.

Meike MK-X1EM Grip Extension

The Meike MK-X1EM is very similar to the Sony GP-X1EM grip, but it costs half of the price. Just like the Sony grip, you will also need to remove the grip to gain access to the battery. There is also a very useful arca-swiss plate built into the grip itself, which is something that the Sony grip does not include.

Lennon Gecco LB3 Grip Extension

The Lennon Gecco LB3 combines a grip extension and a traditional arca swiss plate. The grip is attached via the a9’s tripod socket and provides somewhere for you little finger to rest.

Both Sony and Meike also offer similar grips but they need to be removed to change the battery. The Lennon grip however also includes an unlock button so that you can change your cameras battery without removing the grip itself.

There is also an additional side plate (Lennon LB2) that can be purchased to turn the grip into an L-bracket.

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Screen Protectors

The Sony a9 has a touch screen, so you need to be a little careful about which screen protector you put on it. Pick the wrong protector and you might find the touch screen is no longer as responsive as it should be, or even no longer works at all if you are very unlucky. Thankfully the following screen protectors work perfectly on the a9.

Sony PCK-LG1 Screen Protector

Sony’s official screen protector for the Sony a9 is the PCK-LG1. There are cheaper third-party screen protectors out there, but they tend not to last so long and often aren’t as durable as the official screen protector from Sony. If you purchase a $4500 camera then it makes little sense to skimp on protecting it. I’ve had this protector on my own a9 since day one.

Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector

If the Sony PCK-LG1 is too expensive then the Expert Shield glass screen protector is a more affordable option. Made from optical grade glass and hardened it to withstand impact so that it spreads blunt force across its surface and shatters uniformly to protect your camera’s LCD.

The screen protector works perfectly with the Sony a9’s touch screen functions such as touch to focus. There are also non glass versions of this protector available but they tend to scratch very easily, therefore I recommend going with the glass version. Just be careful when applying it as if you bend it there’s a risk that it might shatter.

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Neck Straps, Wrist Straps & Clips

The neck strap supplied with all of Sony’s Alpha cameras including the a9 is pretty thin and certainly not the most comfortable of straps for extended periods of use, especially when using heavier lenses like the FE 100-400mm GM (my review here) or the Sigma 60-600mm (my review). I also sometimes like to use a wrist strap, or clip my camera to a belt or rucksack. This is certainly not the most comprehensive list of straps, but I’ve been using Peak Design for quite some time now and can certainly attest to their quality as well as their customer service.

Peak Design Slide / Slide Lite

The Peak Design Slide can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. It uses internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder mode.

Peak Designs unique Anchor Link system connects quickly with dual connection points to keep your camera more stable than traditional sling straps. There are two versions of this sling, the slide with a strap width of 45mm, and a slide lite version with a strap width of 32mm.

I’ve been using the slide version of this strap for over a year, but it’s overkill for a mirrorless camera like the a9, so I’d recommend going with the slide lite version which I’ve also since picked up and now the slide rarely gets clipped on. That said, if you are using a very heavy lens like the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM or the Sigma 60-600mm then the slide strap will probably be more comfortable.

Peak Design Cuff

The Peak Design Cuff is a great way to protect your camera from accidental drops. It connects to the a9 via Peak Designs anchor system and the wrist loop magnetically locks in the open position, or comfortably cinches down on your wrist for added security. It took me a little while to get used to the magnetic lock, but now I wouldn’t want to be without this strap.

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

The Capture clip is a secure, convenient and accessible way to carry your Sony a9. Capture keeps your camera stable while hiking, biking, or moving around anywhere you choose.

Capture includes 2 components: a metal clip that clamps to any backpack strap, belt, or bag, and an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. I often use this attached to the strap on my rucksack for quick access whilst hiking, gone are the days when my camera sits in my bag and rarely comes out.

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Cases and Bags

Needless to say, there are thousands of cases and bags that could be used to carry the Sony a9. Here I’ve just listed some of the most popular, including the ones that I’m using myself.

Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II

If you are looking for a small case for the a9 then the Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II is a great choice. It holds the a9 along with a single lens that is no longer than 120mm. I’ve tried it with the Sony FE 24-70 F4, FE 16-35 F4, FE 28-70, FE 24mm F1.4 GM, and FE 85mm F1.8 all of which fit comfortably. With the FE 16-35 F2.8 GM it’s a very tight fit.

I’ve also read that it will hold the Sony a9 with the Tamron 28-75mm but it’s a tight fit. I’ve not tried it with the Sony FE 24-105 G lens but since it’s 113.3mm in length it should also fit comfortably.

LIM’S SY-A9DBK Genuine Leather Half Case

If you are looking for a leather half-case for your Son a9, then LIM’S Genuine Cow Leather Half Case with aircraft grade aluminum 6061 bottom plate is definitely one to consider. The case still allows full access to the a9’s ports and battery door.

Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera and Laptop Backpack

The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is a serious backpack and one of the most popular on the market. There’s plenty of room in here for the a9, multiple lenses and a 15″ laptop.

The straps are well padded and there’s a built-in waterproof cover to keep your gear dry. I don’t own this backpack myself, but after reading the reviews on Amazon I’m thinking that I should!

Lowepro Flipside 400AW II Backpack

Another very popular choice with photographers is the Lowepro Flipside 400AW II. Like the ProTactic 450, there’s plenty of room in here for your a9 and 5-6 lenses. There’s also space for a 15″ laptop or tablet. The built-in waterproof cover will keep your gear dry should you find yourself caught out in the rain.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2 is a serious messenger bag. It features a MagLatch closure, origami-inspired FlexFold dividers, weatherproof expandable protective shell (400D nylon canvas) and hyper-adjusting internally padded seatbelt strap.

There are dedicated Peak Design Capture clip attachment points and front access panel. You can easily pack your a9 inside and a couple of lenses with room left for accessories as well as a 13″ laptop.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

The Everyday Backpack from Peak Design provides great accessibility, expandability, and organization of your Alpha gear. The MagLatch provides lightning fast top access, and there’s dual side-loading via two weatherproof side zips. Integrated luggage carry makes this bag equally suited for daily commutes and extended travel.

There are internally padded accessory pockets to help keep small items in place and a dedicated sleeve for up to a 15” laptop, tablet, and documents.

You also never need to worry about your gear getting wet since it features a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell. I don’t own this bag, but it is definitely on my list for when I win the lottery as it’s not cheap. The Everyday Backpack is available in both 20L and 30L sizes, as well as 4 different colors.

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ND and Polarizing Filters

There are many different types of filters that you can use with your Sony a9, but two of the most popular are the circular polarizing (CPL) and the natural density (ND) filters.

Breakthrough X4 Screw-in CPL Filters

Breakthrough CPL filters are color neutral so there is no color cast that will require removing in post. They are made from SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass. Each side of the glass is then treated with eight layers of Breakthrough Photography’s proprietary nanotec® and MRC (multi-resistant coatings) optical coatings which cause dirt and moisture to essentially slide right off of the glass itself. You won’t need to look too far to find glowing reviews of these filters.

Breakthrough X2 Screw-in ND Filters

Just like their CPL filter, the Breakthrough X2 ND filters are color neutral so there is no color cast that will require removing in post. The X2 ND features critically sharp H-K9L optical glass made in Japan, and incorporates their MRC8 to eliminate unwanted glare and ghosting. MRC8 is structurally harder than the glass itself, providing a protective scratch-resistant layer, shielding the glass from the elements. There is a 25-year guarantee included.

Breakthrough X4 Screw-in ND Filters

A step up in quality from the X2 ND filters, the X4 filters features SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass, which is an ultra clear crown glass. There are 16 layers of multicoating (8 per side with the outer being hydrophobic) compared with 8 layers for the X2. The X4 incorporates state-of-the-art nanotec® Nano Coatings Technology, which beads water and other elements rather than absorbing and smearing. There is a 25-year guarantee included.

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Waterproof Housing

If you are looking to use your Sony a9 underwater then you will need to invest in a waterproof housing. There are a few options on the market, but you can’t go wrong with the following:

Nauticam NA-A9 Underwater Housing

Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony Alpha A9

If the Nauticam is too expensive then the Ikelite will save you around $500. But if you read around on the web you will find that most underwater shooters prefer the Nauticam. Full details on Ikelite’s website.

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External Flashes, Radio Receivers and Commanders

The Sony a9 does not include a built-in flash, so your only option is to go external, but don’t worry as there are plenty of options to choose from.

Sony HVL-F45RM

The HVL-F45RM is a compact flash packed with plenty of features. Like the a9 it’s dust and moisture resistant, so no need to worry if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The head can be rotated 180° and tilted up to 120°. The flash is pretty powerful and offers 45m/148’ (ISO 100) and a range of 24mm to 105mm.

It has a built-in wireless radio-controlled system, and can be used as either a commander or receiver. As a commander you can connect up to 15 compatible flashes or receivers in up to 5 groups. Full details can be found on Sony’s website.

Sony HVL-F60RM

Sony’s flagship flash is the HVL-F60RM. More powerful than the HVL-F45RM, if you simply want a top-of-the-range flash and money is no object, then this is it. Full details can be found on Sony’s website.

Godox VING V860IIS TTL

If the price of the Sony flash units leaves you in tears, then you can dry your eyes now as the Godox VING V860IIS TTL is a much more affordable flash option for your a9. If you read the reviews on Amazon you certainly won’t find too many disappointed customers.

Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander

You can use the FA-WRC1M to connect up to 15 wireless receivers (FA-WRR1) for radio wireless flash control. You can also control existing flash units like the HVL-F60M, F45RM, F43M or F32M over a range of up to 30 m (98.4 ft.). For details on how this works I recommend taking a look at Sony Ambassador Mark Galer’s article.

Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver

You can pair a maximum of up to 15 FA-WRR1 receivers with the FA-WRC1M commander. Full details on Sony’s website.

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Lens Adapters

There are far too many lens adapters on the market for this article, so I’ll be writing a complete guide to e-mount lens adapters very soon. Until then, here are some of the most popular Sony E-mount lens adapters that can be used on the Sony a9.

Sony A-Mount to Sony E-Mount Lens Adapters

For adapting Sony A-mount lenses to the a9 there are three adapters to choose from. For a full comparison of these lens adapters I’d recommend checking this Sony Article.

Sony LA-EA5 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA5 is Sony’s newest A-mount to E-mount adapter. The LA-EA5 adapter provides autofocus support for Sony A-mount SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) lenses, SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) lenses, and even non-motorized screw-drive lenses (currently limited to the a7R IV and a6600 only) in still shooting modes.

Sony LA-EA4 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA4 A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter enables you to attach most A-mount lenses to an E-mount full-frame digital camera body like the a7R IV. The adapter features a built-in AF motor, aperture-drive mechanism and Translucent Mirror Technology to enable full-time, continuous, TTL phase-detection autofocus. AF is supported with all A-mount lenses except STF models, and auto exposure will be enabled with all compatible lenses. Teleconverters and Minolta XI lenses are not compatible.

Sony LA-EA3 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA3 A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter enables you to attach most A-mount lens to an E-mount full-frame camera body. It supports Auto Exposure (AE) and features an aperture mechanism. Unlike the LA-EA4 adapter, this does not include the AF motor.

Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Lens Adapters

If you want to adapt Canon EF mount lenses to Sony E-mount cameras then the following adapters are two of your best choices:

Metabones Canon EF/EF-S T Smart Adapter

The Metabones adapter lets you mount Canon EF/EF-S lenses to Sony E-mount cameras like the a9. It retains electronic communication between the camera and lens to provide automatic aperture control, EXIF data, image stabilization and autofocus. Metabones regularly update the firmware that helps to improve AF performance with many Canon EF lenses.

Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter

The MC-11 Mount Converter enables the use of Sigma and Canon EF-mount lenses on Sony E-mount camera bodies. It supports autofocus and auto-exposure, as well as in-camera image stabilization and full EXIF data transfer.

Sigma has a lens compatibility list for this adapter, but many Canon lenses also work very well although not on their list. I’d recommend a quick Google search to see which lenses people are successfully using in the forums.

This video shows how well the Sigma MC-11 adapter works together with the Sigma 60-600mm Sport lens when mounted to my a9:

Nikon F to Sony E-Mount Adapters

If you want to adapt Nikon F mount lenses to Sony E-mount, then the Monster Adapter is your best bet.

Monster Adapter LA-FE1 Magic Ring

The Monster Adapter LA-FE1 Magic Ring adds autofocus support to Nikon AF-I, AF-S and AF-P lenses when used with the Sony a9.

For lenses that are fully supported, the adapter will drive both electromagnetic and mechanical lever aperture diaphragms. Fully-manual lenses and screw-drive lenses don’t get any sort of focus or aperture control, but the adapter will work passively with them.

The adapter will work together with lens stabilization when available and also works together with Sony’s in-body stabilization (IBIS).

The adapter also supports Sony’s Human and Animal Eye-AF, as well as high-speed continuous shooting (up to 10 frames per second on compatible cameras).

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Remote Controls

If you want to reduce camera shake or take long exposures in bulb mode, then a remote control is a very handy device to have in your bag.

Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Commander

The RMT-P1BT operates using Bluetooth connectivity which provides a reliable connection even in bright sunlight or when there are obstacles between the commander and the Sony a9. In my own tests the RMT-P1BT remote works reliably up to around 18m or 60 feet away from the camera, and this is the case whether you are behind or in front or the camera, indoors or outdoors.

It features a fast 0.05 seconds release time and an external LED that flashes or lights continuously to show shutter, movie recording and AF status. The remote covers essential camera controls including releasing the shutter, a focus button, a lock switch that prevents accidental operation during transport, movie recording start/stop and power/digital zoom. There are also two custom buttons that mirror the functions of the C1 and AF-ON buttons on the camera body.

The RMT-P1BT also supports burst shooting when in continuous shooting mode.

Please do note that this remote does require your a9 to be running a minimum of a9 firmware v6.00.

Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Commander

The RM-VPR1 connects via cable to the multi-terminal on your a9. There’s a shutter release button which can also be locked on, a video recording start and stop button, as well as a zoom control rocker switch. The remote works exactly as intended and I always used to carry this with me until I picked up the RMT-P1BT remote.

Sony RMT-DSLR2 Wireless Remote Commander

If you are looking for a wireless remote control option for the a9 then you might want to consider the Sony RMT-DSLR2. It uses infrared communication and is pretty reliable. However, it rarely works well from behind the camera when shooting outdoors, but works perfectly indoors from behind with a range of around 5-6 meters (18-20 feet) away from the camera. It will also work outdoors with the same range when you are in front of the camera, and a range of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) to the side of the camera.

As well as letting you control your shutter for long exposure in bulb mode, it also lets you to control other aspects of the camera. You can access and change menu/settings, start and stop video recording via the ‘start/stop’ button, and remotely review photos, delete photos, or even send photos to your printer if you have this setup. It doesn’t however work when burst shooting, so if you are in any of the continuous shooting modes then it only fires the shutter once.

You will need to enable the IR Remote Ctrl option on page 3 of the setup menu for this remote to work.

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Intervalometers

With the Sony a9 firmware v6.00 and later the a9 now has interval shooting built-in. If you would prefer an external option then the Pixel TW-283 is a good option:

Pixel TW-283

The Pixel TW-283 not only works as a remote control, it also works as an intervalometer, and best of all it has a range of around 80 meters. With the intervalometer mode you can select the initial delay, exposure duration, the interval time, number of shots to take, interval repeat time and the number of cycles. The Pixel TW-283 includes both a remote and a receiver unit. The receiver can be attached to the hot-shoe of the a9, it then connects via Micro USB cable.

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Microphones

If you enjoy making videos then you will probably want to invest in a better microphone than the built-in stereo microphone found inside the a9. Here are just some of the most popular external microphones that Alpha Shooters are using today.

Rode VideoMic Pro R

The Rode VideoMic Pro R is a very popular shotgun microphone which also includes Rycote’s Lyre suspension system to isolate your microphone from vibrations or rumbling when operating the camera. It connects to the a9 directly using the 3.5mm input and provides a dual mono signal. I picked up one of these myself recently for my new YouTube Channel.

Rode VideoMicro

If you aren’t happy with the quality of the internal microphone on the a9 and the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a little too pricy, then the Rode VideoMicro is a great alternative. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Pro+ version and it does not require an additional battery, you simply connect it through the mic port on the a9.

Rode Wireless Go

Rode’s latest audio recording system is the Wireless GO. It features a very compact design and offers a simple receiver and transmitter with microphone built in.

The two-piece set simplifies the setup process by clipping the transmitter-microphone combo to your subject then connecting the receiver to the a9.

The Wireless GO uses an internal lithium-ion battery that Rode claims will last up to seven hours. Charging is done to both transmitter and receiver via USB-C ports and it can be fully recharged in two hours.

The transmitter has a built-in pre-polarized omnidirectional microphone with a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz and weighs just one ounce. It also has a 3.5mm TRS powered port to support a lavalier microphone.

The Wireless GO can transmit up to 230 feet and uses the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as the RodeLink.

Rode RodeLink Wireless Filmmaker kit

The RODELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to record audio wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and lavalier microphone.

The receiver features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection.

The unit can be mounted on the a9 hot shoe mount, a 3/8 inch thread or belt-clip. The lightweight transmitter can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is as secure as possible.

Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter Kit with Microphone

The XLR-K2M Kit connects to the Multi-Interface hot shoe of your a9 which means you don’t need to connect it to the mic-in port. It’s also powered by the a9 battery itself. It features two professional standard XLR inputs with independent level controls, and includes an ECM-XM1 shotgun microphone.

Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone

The ECM-XYST1M makes use of the Multi Interface Shoe to pass audio directly to your a9, so no additional cable is required. The directional angle of the microphones can be adjusted from 0° to 120°, allowing you to fine-tune your audio capture with precision. An included windscreen enhances audio-quality further by cutting down on wind noise.

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Tripods and Monopods

One of the reasons that many photographers switch to the Sony Mirrorless System is to save weight. That weight saving also means that you no longer need the largest and heaviest tripod on the market to stabilize your camera. As you most likely already know, there are thousands of tripods on the market to choose from. Here are just a few of my recommendations including the ones that I’m using myself.

Peak Design Travel Travel Tripod Carbon

The Peak Design Travel tripod raised over $12 million on Kickstarter in 2019, largely due to its unique compact design and Peak Designs reputation for building high quality products.

There are two versions of this tripod available, a carbon model that weighs 1.27 kg (2.81 lbs), and the aluminum model that weights 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs). Both versions have a maximum weight capacity of 9.1 kg (20 lbs) so you can even use this tripod with telephoto lenses.

The tripod features a very compact form factor and 5 section quick release legs that deploy in seconds without having to flip over like traditional travel tripod legs.

There’s an omnidirectional ergonomic ball head included that is compatible with all PD plates and most 3rd party Arca-type plates.


When collapsed the tripod measure 39.1 cm (15.4”) in length and 7.9 cm (3.125″) in diameter. The maximum height (center column raised) is 152.4 cm (60″), or 130.2 cm (51.25″) with the center column down. The minimum height (low mode) is 14 cm (5.5”).

The following accessories and tips video provides a lot more details on this unique tripod:

Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Tripod

I’ve been using the Sirui W-2204 4 section carbon fiber tripod for a couple of years now and can’t really fault it for the price. The rubber twist locks are rock solid and I’ve never had one comes loose on me, they are also waterproof and dust proof.

I’ve used mine in rivers and along the coast and it’s still going strong. It includes both rubber feet and stainless steel spikes for securing it to softer ground. There’s an integrated monopod too which comes in handy at times. The center column can be split up, its height can

be adjusted and it is also reversible, meaning that all shooting positions are possible. The flexibility of the center column allows ground-level shots to be taken as well as allowing the total height of the tripod to be increased.

The aluminum head support plate is fitted with a set screw to secure the head and the head mounting screw quickly switches from 1/4″ to 3/8″. There’s a carabiner hook too for adding extra weight for additional stability.

It weighs 1.76kg and supports a maximum weight of 18kg. Maximum height is 1782mm and it folds down to 560mm.

Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3, 3 Section Tripod (GT3532)

If money is no object and you only want the best then it’s hard to go wrong with a Gitzo tripod. I don’t own one myself but would very much like to. Gitzo offer a wide range of tripods but if I were buying one I’d probably go for their Mountaineer Series 3 tripod for my a9.

The Gitzo GT3532 is a standard-height, 3-section, Series 3 carbon fiber tripod that weighs just 1.88 k, supports a maximum weight of 21 kg and reaches a maximum height of 161 cm and a minimum height of 64 cm. The tripod’s rapid center column is easily removed, transforming it into a ground level tripod, it also has a reversible column mechanism. The Gitzo GT3532 three-section legs are secured by G-lock Ultra twist locks, with a built-in O-ring that keeps dirt and dust out of the leg mechanism.

The tripod features a stabilizer hook on its center column to add weight and increase stability when required. Its removable feet enable it to change and adapt to any type of surface. A wide array of heads and other accessories can easily be added via the 1/4″ and 3/8″ attachment on the upper disc.

Really Right Stuff TVC-33 MK2 / TFC-33 MK2 Tripods

Just like Gitzo, RRS tripods are not cheap but you get what you pay for. There are many to choose from but if I was to splash out on one it would probably be the RRS TVC-33 MK2 / TFC-33 MK2 3 leg carbon fiber tripod. The TVC-33 Mk2 is their standard-height Versa Series 3 tripod. Weighing 4.3 pounds yet capable of supporting 50 pounds.

The TFC-33 Mk2 has all the features of the TVC-33 but swaps the Versa apex for a fixed apex. The fixed apex cannot be used with accessories like a quick-column but packs smaller in diameter that the TVC-33. Both versions have a maximum height of 58.6″ / 149cm and a minimum height of 4.1″ / 104mm.

Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod

If the price of the previous 3 tripods is a little too steep, then the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 3-section aluminum tripod might be just what you are looking for. The main feature of the 055XPRO3 is its 90°centre column mechanism, which allows the column to be extended vertically or horizontally to open up a wide range of photography and video applications. It weighs 2.5kg, supports a maximum load of 9kg, extends to a maximum height of 170cm and folds down to just 61cm.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha Travel Tripod

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha travel tripod is a special version of the Befree Advanced Lever dedicated to Sony Alpha Shooters. The plate is designed to the Sony a9 camera body to ensure perfect grip, even in the most angled camera shots. The front jut of the plate physically blocks the camera, preventing any play both on tilt and rotational movements, always keeping the camera stuck to the head plate.

The tripod weighs 1590g / 3.5lb, supports a payload of up to 8kg / 17.6lb, has a minimum height of 40cm and a maximum height of 151cm or 128cm with the center column down. It’s not been on the market for very long, but early reviews look positive.

Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head

Although I don’t own the Sirui T-025SK I do own its predecessor the Sirui T-025x. I was previously using the MeFOTO RoadTrip for my travel tripod until a friend showed me his T-025x and I was blown away by how much smaller and lighter this was than the RoadTrip.

The Sirui T-025SK is very similar to the Sirui T-025x. It’s made from carbon/magnesium, has 5 leg sections with 4 twist locks and includes the B-00 ball head. It collapses down to 34cm with the head attached or 30cm without, and weighs just 1 kg / 2.2 lb. with the head. It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 5kg / 11 lb.

It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack to add stability as well.

The Sirui T-025SK is available in the US and many other countries but it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK at this time. But you can still purchase its predecessor the Sirui T-025x which I own myself. The Sirui T-025x includes the C-10S ball head, collapses to just 30cm with the head attached, and weighs just 0.88kg / 1.94lb with the head. It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 6kg / 13.2 lb.

It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s also a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack or weights to add additional stability.

MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod

The MeFOTO RoadTrip is a great travel tripod for the Sony a9. I’ve owned one for over 2 years until I replaced it with the Sirui T-025x. It’s only 39.1 cm when folded but extends to 156.46 cm, it weighs 1.63kg / 3.6lb and can support up to 7.98kg / 17.6lb. It comes with a precision matched Q series ballhead and Arca-Swiss style compatibility quick release plate with integral bubble level.

This tripod is built like a rock and receives glowing reviews, I only replaced mine because I was looking for something a little smaller and lighter, otherwise I would have most definitely held on to it.

Sirui P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

If you are looking for a lightweight yet sturdy monopod for your Sony a9 then look no further than the Sirui P-326.

I’ve owned this monopod for a couple of years now and would be lost without it. It’s constructed of 6 carbon fiber sections, a non-slip rubber foot with fully retractable metal spike and it also includes a wrist strap.

The head features a reversible 1/4″ & 3/8″ screw for tripod heads and cameras. It extends to a maximum height of 1550mm and collapses down to 392mm. It weights only 0.45kg and supports a maximum weight of 10kg.

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Cages

A cage is an open metal casing for your Sony a9 with multiple female screw threads for attaching a wide range of accessories. This effectively is the first step in creating a modular video rig setup. There are a few on the market, here are the two most popular.

SmallRig Sony a9 Cage 2013

The SmallRig cage 2013 is designed for the Sony a9 and is also the cage that I’m using myself. The cage is equipped with an eyelet for the wrist strap on the top and an integrated cold shoe. There are M4 threaded holes in the front and a NATO rail on the left side. The anti-twist design in the front of cage ensures the camera is placed in the right position. There are four M4 threaded holes at the bottom. The cage is equipped with an abundance of 1/4’’ and 3/8’’ threaded holes. When mounted the cage does not block the a9’s buttons, ports or battery compartment.

8Sinn Sony a9 Cage

The 8Sinn Cage for Sony a9 is a CNC Machined, anodized aluminum full-armored cage with integrated accessory mounting holes. The cage is designed for the Sony a9 camera and features a built-in cold shoe as well as slots for a hand strap. Threaded 1/4″-20, 3/8″-16, and M4 mounting holes allow you to mount accessories.

The cage has two small raised tabs that hold the camera in place and prevent it from twisting. You can still access all of the a9’s buttons and dials, as well as the battery and media doors with the cage in place. An included HDMI cable clamp mounts on the side of the cage and is adjustable to fit your HDMI cable.

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Gimbals & Stabilizing Rigs

The In-Body Stabilization (IBIS) in the a9 does a very good job at stabilizing stills and video, but if you want the smoothest video possible then you are going to need a gimbal.

Zhiyun Crane Plus

I’ve recently bought the Zhiyun-Tech Crane Plus myself and it works great with the Sony a9. The Crane Plus introduces follow focus control, an intuitive way for you to control focus during your shoots. There’s a newly designed PoV (Point of View) mode that allows for additional camera movement by providing up to 45 degrees of synchronous motion on the roll axis.

What this means is that rather than Crane Plus keeping the camera level when you roll left or right, PoV mode will move with you and roll your camera left or right, up to 45 degrees. Even simpler, when you move, your camera moves with you. The Crane Plus can handle a weight capacity of up to 2.5kg (5.51lbs).

Zhiyun Crane 2

Not to be confused with the Crane v2 (Zhiyun product names are very confusing), the Zhiyun-Tech Crane 2 is a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer offering 360° rotation along all three axes. The Crane 2 introduces follow focus control, an intuitive way for you to control focus during your shoots.

Additionally, the maximum payload weight is 3.2kg / 7 lbs. There’s also an OLED screen that displays camera and stabilizer settings. Other features include a Manfrotto standard quick release plate for rapid camera mounting and a slow-fall function which protects your camera from sudden drops that may occur once the gimbal is powered down.

Zhiyun Weebill Lab

The Zhiyun-Tech WEEBILL LAB has added support for a mini tripod in the upper section of the gimbal, allowing for two-handed operation as well as easily switching to underslung mode. At the same time, Zhiyun has shortened the main handle to make the gimbal more compact and lighter. The WEEBILL LAB supports up to 3kg / 6.6 lb and offers pan follow, full follow, locking, POV, vortex, and PhoneGo modes with 360° pan, tilt, and roll rotation.

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Monitors and HDMI Recorders

There are times when shooting video that a larger monitor makes life so much easier, and sometimes an additional recorder can be useful to eliminate your camera’s internal compression and time recording limits. With the Sony a9 you can only record video for a maximum of 30 minutes before you need to create a new recording, with an external recorder you can record for hours.

Atomos Ninja V

The Ninja V displays 10+ stops of dynamic range in realtime from Log/ PQ/HLG signals. This helps you to see your images clearly in bright daylight on the near edge-to-edge anti-reflection screen. You can also eliminate your camera’s internal compression and time limits and record 4K HDR video direct from the a9 over HDMI 2.0. With an 1TB AtomX SSDmini (sold separately) you can achieve up to 150 minutes of 4K recording on a single drive! It supports both ProRes and DNxHR recording formats. I recently picked up a Ninja V myself and have been using it to record the viewfinder output from my Sony cameras, mainly for YouTube videos. My only complaint is that the fan is a little noisy and is picked up by the microphone far too easily.

Here it is attached to my a9 whilst reviewing the Sigma 60-600mm monster lens (my review).

Sony CLM-FHD5

The CLM-FHD5 features a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 and an HDMI input to display the full HD signal out of your a9. The 5″ display features enlarging and peaking for precise focusing, false color and video level marker for exposure adjustment assistance, and S-Log display.

It supports W, M, and V-type batteries, and also supports an optional AC power adapter. The monitor includes a hot shoe mount and sun hood that protects the monitor from glare. There is no recording option, this is purely for display only.

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Tethering Cables

If you want to tether your a9 to a display then you’ll want a good quality USB Type-C cable.

Tether Tools TetherPro

Tether Tools offer some of the best tethering cables on the market, and their new USB-C tethering cables are a great match for the Sony a9.

Camera & Sensor Cleaning

Unless you want to spend ages faffing around in Photoshop to remove lens or sensor dust, it really is worthwhile trying to keep your gear clean. Since the sensor in the a9 is exposed every time you change a lens, it won’t take long before it picks up some dust particles.

However, you are unlikely to see these spots in your shots when shooting wide open, but if you step down to f/11 or higher they will soon become visible. Here are the tools that I recommend to keep your gear clean and shots blemish free.

Rocket Air Blaster

If you don’t already have Rocket Air Blaster in your bag this should definitely be your first purchase. It’s great for blowing dust off lenses and from your sensor. Mine goes with me everywhere.

VSGO Full-Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit

There’s really no need to send your a9 off to get the sensor cleaned, with this kit you can easily and safely do it yourself for a fraction of the price. Before you start, shoot a piece of white paper with the aperture set at f/22 or higher, this will show you exactly where the dust is located on the sensor.

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Very soft and lint free microfiber cleaning clothes are definitely as essential item for any photographer, you can never have too many of these.

Care Touch Lens Cleaning Wipes

Some good quality lens cleaning wipes are vital if you want to keep your glass blemish free. They are also useful for cleaning your cameras body, LCD screen, as well as any filters you may have.

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Replacement Parts

There are a handful of parts on the a9 that you can easily replace yourself, these include:

Sony FDAEP18 Eyepiece Cup

The eyepiece helps to keep out external light to enhance the clarity when using the viewfinder. If you lose yours, it’s very easy to replace.

Sony ALC-B1EM Replacement Body Lens Cap

If you have lost your a9 lens cap then you’ll be glad to know that the replacement is very cheap. It’s always handy to have one of these spare too.

Sony FA-SHC1M Multi Interface Shoe Cap

It’s important to keep the multi interface hot shoe cap in place to protect the electrical contacts, as if this gets wet there’s a risk of shorting out your a9. It’s a very small accessory and far too easy to lose, so make sure you have at least one spare.

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Backups and Storage

Samsung T5

The Samsung T5 is a tiny portable SSD drive. It’s available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. I use this as a short-term storage solution. It’s my primary backup device whilst travelling, and I also use it to work on files at home before backing them up to my Synology box.

Synology DiskStation DS220+

The Synology DS220+ replaces the DS218+ which I’ve been using for a few years now and couldn’t be happier with it.

It’s a Network Attached Storage device that supports two drives in a RAID 1 configuration. These can be either 3.5″ SATA HDD (max 16TB each) or 2.5″ SATA SSD (max 3.84TB each) drives.

You can also configure the DS220+ to sync all of your files with various cloud storage platforms. Full details can be found on Synology’s website.

Cloud Backup

Unless you have a very slow internet connection, backing up all of your photos to the cloud is really a no brainer. I’m using DropBox which syncs nicely with my Synology DS218+. But other options include Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Amazon Drive and Box.

Sony A9 Lenses

If you have found this guide helpful then you might also enjoy my guide to the Best Sony FE Lenses for the A9.

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