Your next Sony camera upgrade could should from a 3D printer

A new lens might be tempting, but a new lens isn't always what you need. Lenses can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. For under $600, you can buy an amazing 3D printer that will help you upgrade your Sony camera setup in ways a new lens never could.

You can make the camera fit your hands

Grip extensions and custom grips are just a 3D print away

It's no secret that not everyone's grip is the same. While full-on metal cages can make a camera easier to hold, the full setup can cost hundreds of dollars.

With 3D printing, there's a good chance you can print some grips or extensions that make your camera easier to hold. For example, this camera side handle is a quick two-hour 3D print, and it mounts to the bottom of your camera to give you an off-center holding point. The grip also has a built-in cold shoe, which is the perfect place to stow a microphone receiver that plugs in via 3.5mm.

Or, for something a little more specialized, there's the Sony RX100 larger grip print , which takes just over an hour to make. It attaches to the front of the RX100 and gives you more surface area to grab, making it easier to hold the camera.

In fact, for the Sony A7 IV, there's even a full cage that you can 3D print. Will it be as sturdy as a metal cage? No, but if you don't have the cash to drop on a cage, you can easily make this at home to get some of the functionality for a fraction of the cost.

It lets you stop buying every small accessory separately

Missing lens hood or hot shoe cover? No problem!

I've lost more lens hoods, caps, and hot shoe covers than I can count over the years. The problem was, I always had to go to Amazon to order them. Thankfully, they're plentiful there, but it's normally $5 to $10 each time it happens.

With 3D printing, you can print a lens hood for the specific size lens you have for typically less than $1. Hot shoe covers are pennies to print. Lens cap? Just as easy to make.

There are so many models to choose from; you just have to find the one for your specific lens thread size, and it'll attach easily.

Really, almost any small accessory you'd have to buy separately or just buy extra of can be 3D printed. Even battery doors, passive lens adapters , and more — all you have to do is find (or make) the model.

You can build organization around your exact kit

Gridfinity is your friend

I'm a huge Gridfinity fan, and it can be a lifesaver for your camera. I have a whole drawer kitted out for my Sony camera, with battery holders, a camera holder, accessory holders, and more.

It took me a few days to make all the adapters, but it was well worth it in my opinion. Being able to make a custom grid-based layout system for my camera helps me to always know where my things are. I'm no longer having to search through bags or drawers for my batteries; they're right where they go.

This system can be as generic or as custom as you want. I've seen people just use basic Gridfinity bins for their gear and make it look great. I've also seen people make their own custom bins . I chose to do a hybrid — I found existing designs that fit my needs, and then used ToolTrace.ai to create my own holders for what didn't already exist.

It worked great, and I love how the drawer came out. There's really no off-the-shelf solution like this, so it's something that only a 3D printer can deliver to your camera setup.

A 3D printer is useful for more than just making toys or trinkets

You might think a 3D printer is only good for making random junk, but it's for so much more than that. I rarely print random things, but I'm often making functional items like storage, accessories, and more for the different things in my setup.

I've done desk 3D prints , organizational 3D prints, and even 3D prints to sell . If you still aren't sold on wanting a 3D printer for your camera setup yet, I'm not sure how much more I can say. A 3D printer has been one of the best tools that I've added to my photography setup, and I'm always finding new uses for it.

My recommendation for those getting started with 3D printing is the Bambu Lab P2S , which comes in at $549. But if you want a bit more capability (like dual nozzles or built-in purification), then the Bambu Lab X2D is a better option for $100 more.