What should every camera assistant pack to handle the daily surprises of set life? In this guide, we’ll cover the ultimate list of essential gear for camera assistants — the tools that will save you when you need it most, a trusty SmallRig Multi-Tool or gaffer tape.
Tools
SmallRig Universal Folding Multi-Tool
Inside, you’ll find flathead screwdrivers, Phillips heads, and Allen keys in every essential size (from H1.5 to H4.0 and 3/16). These are basically all the “tiny fixes” essentials needed when gear needs immediate TLC mid-shoot.
But here’s the clincher: on one side, you’ll find threaded storage holes ready to hold M2.5, M3, M4, M5, and 1/4″-20 screws, sparing you the horror (I know!) of scrambling for that crucial bolt. This tool is all about readiness.
Nightstick XPP-5452 Intrinsically Safe Heavy-Duty Dual-Function LED Headlamp
Emitting a powerful 115 lumens, this headlamp throws out enough light to make even the darkest set feel like daylight. But the genius lies in its safety certifications (cETLus, ATEX, IECEx), which mean it’s safe for use in risky environments.
Its IP-67 rating guarantees it’s waterproof and dustproof, so rain, dust, and unexpected splashes are no problem. The Nightstick has high- and low-beam settings, so you’re ready to control just how much light you need while preserving battery life.
DLC Film Clapper Slate (Plus, plenty of dry erase markers)
Fill out film title, scene, and take details with ease, knowing that the high-contrast surface makes sure everything’s readable! Yup, even from a distance. It’s made to be camera-friendly, so it reduces the time your editor spends squinting at the screen during post-production.
And let’s talk dry-erase markers: bring plenty. You’ll constantly jot down changes, update takes, and refresh info as scenes evolve.
BongoTies Original 5″ Cable Ties (Pack Of 10)
Each tie stretches to an impressive 24″, so you can secure a massive bundle of audio cables or charging cords from tangling. Plus, their small footprint and featherlight feel make them ideal to carry in bulk. Used by pros across industries, these ties are famous for their simplicity and durability!
Best part? They’re reusable. Keep ‘em in a pocket, loop ‘em around your wrist, or throw them in your tool bag. No matter what you throw at it, these ties are in it for the long haul.
Sirchie Steel Measure Tape, 50′ (15.24m)
Housed in a high-visibility, fluorescent orange ABS case, this 50-foot tape (15.24m) isn’t shy. It’s coated in polycoat for extended wear, unfurls effortlessly, with clear black and red markings on a bold yellow background. That means smooth and easy reading, even in dim sets.
Bag
Kupo Utility AC Bag
This bag by Kupo is made from rugged 1,000 Denier Cordex textured nylon with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. It’s perfectly proportioned for all your essentials, keeping things dry and secure while offering enough room for everything.
The main compartment boasts a separate pouch and a transparent mesh pocket, so you can keep your small items organized and accessible at a glance. Say goodbye to digging around your bag for minutes at a time.
Tape (lots of it!)
Gaffer Tape 55 Yards x 2″
This 2″ x 55-yard tape is Permacel Professional Grade, crafted to be thicker, stronger, and leave less residue. It’ll hold up under pressure and peel away without leaving sticky trails. It’s a favorite among film and photography pros who need reliability, indoors or outdoors, hot or cold.
If you’re working with a tight budget or just need something lighter for quick fixes, the Permacel P-665 option offers a thinner, less reflective choice for those sunny locations. Available in multiple roll sizes, from 25 to 50 yards, these alternative formats are perfect for portable kits.
Adorama microGAFFER Tape 8 Yards x 1″
At just 8 yards by 1 inch, it’s small but mighty. Choose between fluorescent pink, yellow, orange, and green options that bring a flash of visibility wherever you need it. Unlike bulky rolls, microGAFFER slips easily into any kit, perfect for labeling gear or for organizing cables.
A light source for the dark
Pelican 7600 Rechargeable Tactical Tri-Color LED Flashlight
With a whopping 900 lumens of white, red, and green LED options, this flashlight is perfect for navigating dark sets. It’s built tough with a Type III anodized finish that’s IPX8-rated for full submersion, so rain, spills, or accidental drops are no sweat.
Running on a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it’s as practical as it is powerful. It also has an easy battery level indicator and dual-power options if you need CR123 batteries in a jam. Its five modes, including strobe and low light, make it adaptable to any situation, while a pocket clip keeps it close and ready!
Cleaning tools
Adorama Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Made from ultra-fine microfiber, this Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is designed to gently clean lenses and screens without scratching or leaving behind a pesky residue. Its 5.8″ x 5.8″ size makes it perfect for precision cleaning. Get into those little tight spots no problem!
This cloth’s gentle fibers lift away smudges, dust, and fingerprints, making it safe for sensitive surfaces like camcorders, telescopes, and binoculars. More durable than it looks, it can handle regular use and washes without fraying or losing softness.
NiSi Nano Optical Cleaning Kit
Tailored for Nano-coated lenses and filters, it goes beyond a quick clean. This kit applies a residue-free formula that not only removes dust and oils but leaves a protective coating to keep grime at bay. Packed with a 25ml bottle of Nano Cleaning Liquid and six soft, durable optical cloths, it’s the perfect camera gear for camera assistants. It’s great for lenses, cinema filters, and even electronic screens that need a gentle touch.
NiSi Air Blower
This manual Air Blower, equipped with a long flexible nozzle, blasts away dirt and dust without ever touching your gear’s delicate surfaces. Known for its sturdy build, the NiSi blower makes quick work of clearing those pesky particles that settle onto your lens right before you start rollin’.
Get the best gear for camera assistants.
That concludes our list of the best gear for camera assistants. Each one was picked based on their ability to assist camera assistants in crucial moments, on and off the set.
Peek our best gear online at Adorama or in-person at our physical store at 42 West.
