I just pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S26 and I'm really excited to start using it. I’m planning to use it for travel photography and taking portraits, but I’m a complete newbie. I honestly have no idea what I’m doing or what I actually need. I want my photos to look professional but I’ve never owned a real camera before. Sorry if this is a basic question, but I'm looking for advice on accessories. Do I need to buy extra lenses that clip onto the phone? I see people using small tripods or weird handles called gimbals, but I don't know if those are necessary for a beginner. I don't want to carry a huge bag of gear, but I have a decent budget to get started. I’m just confused about what actually makes a difference for a phone camera. Should I get a specific filter or a lighting attachment for better shots? What are the must-have photography accessories for the S26 for someone who knows zero about photography?
I've been through three different generations of these setups. Skip the clip-on lenses; they're usually garbage and won't beat the S26's native glass. For stability, get a Peak Design Mobile Tripod. It fits in a pocket and actually stays sturdy. If you're doing video, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is the only gimbal worth buying. Most other accessories are just weight you'll never actually carry.