Seven Must-Have Content Creation Accessories From AliExpress
these are the eight must have budget friendly Aliexpress finds I’ve found upon my content creation travels.
1. Hinged Filter Switch Bracket
This right here is easily the top Aliexpress find that’s been glued to my camera and lenses for the last five years. It’s a mount that screws onto the front of your lens and lets you attach your variable ND, ND, polarizer filter, mist filter... you name it. The magic of this little gizmo is that when I’m doing my run-and-gun shooting, switching between photos and videos, I can quickly and efficiently flip up the filter without the maddening ritual of unscrewing it and finding a pocket for it.
“But why don’t you just shoot both photos and videos with the filter on?” you might ask. Great question, mate. Sometimes, I do use an ND filter for photos, like when I want to capture some motion drag during the day. But most of the time, I prefer shooting photos with the filter off because the ND filter can mess with the colours and sharpness in post-editing. While used mostly when filming video, the ND filter lets me stop down to my lowest f-stop and shutter speed (50FPS) while keeping perfect exposure.
The ND filter + hinge bracket has been a game-changer for me, making my content creation more efficient and high-quality. And guess what? You can grab one for just $20NZD on Aliexpress. Hinge Filter For DSLR .
2. Camera Hand Strap
I've tried every mount and strap money can buy, from wrist straps to neck straps, and even those dual mount straps that wrap around your back like some sort of tactical gear. But nothing beats the comfort and consistency of a hand strap. This little gem wins because it lets you hold and rest the camera across all your fingers without any effort. Unlike a wrist strap, where your camera dangerously dangles just waiting to hit against the side of a table, or a neck strap that’s about as useful as tits on a bull (though you can use your neck as a pivot point to keep things stable while moving), the hand strap gives you full range of motion. It supports the shooting process and takes the weight off your hand. Less fatigue, better handling, more mobility, an ergonomic must-have. Pick one up here for 28 bucks - Small Rig Hand Strap
3. Gopro Neck Mount
This little clutch piece of kit is the GoPro neck mount, your new best mate for getting those first-person, BTS, video game-style shots. Set your GoPro to wide angle, and voilà, you’re hands-free, getting smoother footage than a head mount can dream of. It's not as tight and bulky as a chest mount, so you won’t feel like you're about to join the Armed Offenders Squad. It’s a breeze to remove, making it perfect for behind-the-scenes content or filming on the go. And if you feel like running (for some reason), it comes with a brace to tighten things up.(don’t be deceived by the image, you can remove that chest strap) I’ve used this marvel to capture behind-the-scenes footage of my shoots, maximising my content opportunities without breaking a sweat. Pick one up for $40 bucks. Gopro Neck mount
4. Mobile Phone To DSLR Cold Shoe Mount
"Why this?" you may ask. Well, it’s all about maximising your content opportunities. Mounting your phone to your camera to shoot behind-the-scenes footage is dead easy. It’s a great way to build up your personal brand and show off your work to the world. Capture stories and reels on the fly without even lifting a finger. There are cheaper plastic ones out there, but do yourself a favour and spend the extra $10 for a metal one. It’s a moving part, so quality matters. Plus, at $25NZD, it’s not exactly going to break the bank.
Iphone to DSLR Hot Shoe Mount
5. Wireless Lav Microphone for Iphone
I've fallen down the rabbit hole of many a wireless mic in my time, and to be fair, most of them have their quirks. But one that’s come through clutch, surprisingly, is this cheap little gem. Yes, they’re budget-friendly, but pair them with the free Blackmagic video app on your iPhone (so you can adjust the volume/gain on the mics), and they’re actually pretty damn good. Clear audio right into your phone. Perfect for interviews, vlogging, or anything else where you want crispy audio. Grab one here for $12 bucks!
Wireless Lav Mic For Iphone
6. DSLR Sensor + Lens Cleaning Kit
This is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it. "Ah, dammit, what’s up with these spots all over my footage and photos?" That’s sand, mate! That beach shoot you did last week left a little souvenir on your sensor, and now it’s your job to clean it off. The little blimp-looking blowy thing is the real MVP here. I highly recommend getting the one below because the cheaper ones can leave your sensor damaged, I've seen the little nozzle pop off during use. Not pretty. This one below won’t wreck your sensor, and it comes with extras like lens cleaner spray and sensor cleaner sticks. I’ve had mine for over three years and still haven’t run out of the consumables. They last ages.
DSLR Sensor and lens cleaning kit
7. Ulanzi RGB Light Stick
Ulanzi seems to be taking over AliExpress, but honestly, every piece of their gear I've tried has been surprisingly good! This time it's the Ulanzi RGB Light Stick. These things are a game-changer for filming product videos, lighting up interview shots, or adding a bit of flair to an interview background. It’s let me weave client brand colors into my videos and added a creative spark to my photography and other content. Plus, at $40, it's cheaper than anything you'd find in a shop here in NZ.
Ulanzi RGB Light Stick
Summary -
I’ve spent years trawling through AliExpress, buying all sorts of bits 'n pieces, and let’s be real—not all of it has been top-notch. This short list is here to give you more ideas for your content and make the process smoother, easier, or just a bit more comfortable. Sure, a good creator isn’t defined by the quality of their tools but by their storytelling ability. That said, having good tools definitely makes the job more enjoyable. Just a heads-up: I do get a small commission if you decide to buy anything from the links above. It helps support my small business and keeps the content coming. Thanks for sticking around!
