Beginner Accessories for a new camera?

D

Daneel

Suspended / Banned
Messages
66
Edit My Images
No
I've been happy with a compact (RX100) for a few years, but decided to venture into DSLR land to see how I liked it :)

I've gone a bit overboard on kit already, but thought I'd ask for some advice on little things I'll probably need but haven't thought of. So far I've bought (only the 35mm and the flash have arrived so far):

Nikon D5500 + 18-140mm kit lens
Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6
Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
Yongnuo YN-568EX TTL Flash
Old cheap tripod (I'd love to know what makes tripods costing £100+ worth if for small-mid DSLRs) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000L4AYQ0/ref=pe_217191_31005151_dp_1

I expect I'll need a camera bag / backpack. Maybe a polarising filter?
 
remote shutter release is always an essential for me.

Much of anything else including what type of bag depends on personal preference. One thing that i notice a lot of people do and something i did early on was to fill a camera bag. honestly. stick with a couple of lenses till you get used to things then decide on what you need.
 
Add a remote release cable or remote control release, cheap and very useful.(y)
 
That was fast! :)

Do I need a remote shutter release even though my D5500 has wifi and I can use the Nikon app to trigger it remotely?
 
I would say if it's something you haven't thought about then you don't need it , get out and use it and then you'll work out what you need or don't need
 
Have a look at Lowepro's website for a vast range of bags - then look on camerapricebuster.com to find the cheapest supplier.

Cheap tripods are usually cheap for a reason!
 
I think you have enough to get going. Use the camera and take pics and enjoy.
 
Memory cards. I'd suggest you already have at least one but more might be useful depending on size of files for your DSLR
 
Daneel said:
That was fast! :)

Do I need a remote shutter release even though my D5500 has wifi and I can use the Nikon app to trigger it remotely?
Click to expand...

Get a dedicated one because you really don't want your phone ringing just as you take that crucial shot.

Battery grip and spare batteries. You'd be amazed how much easier it makes it to hold the camera.
 
Daneel said:
Old cheap tripod (I'd love to know what makes tripods costing £100+ worth if for small-mid DSLRs) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000L4AYQ0/ref=pe_217191_31005151_dp_1
Click to expand...

Strangely enough, a good (over £100) might be the best money you ever spend, since there is no substitute for stability and it can make a middle-range lens into a star when compared to the same lens handheld. And once you've bought a good one, you'll not be needing to buy another, regardless of any change of kit at a later date. They can be a pain to carry around, but it'll be there when you need it. ;)
 
grove39 said:
Get a dedicated one because you really don't want your phone ringing just as you take that crucial shot.

Battery grip and spare batteries. You'd be amazed how much easier it makes it to hold the camera.
Click to expand...

Any suggestions on which batter grip please?
 
Peter B said:
Strangely enough, a good (over £100) might be the best money you ever spend, since there is no substitute for stability and it can make a middle-range lens into a star when compared to the same lens handheld. And once you've bought a good one, you'll not be needing to buy another, regardless of any change of kit at a later date. They can be a pain to carry around, but it'll be there when you need it. ;)
Click to expand...

Other than durability (the one I have seems fine actually), do the more expensive ones do differently? One trip is more stable than another?
 
Really stop buying stuff! Use what you have, work out what, if anything, it is stopping you doing, then fix that.

Too much gear leads to decision anxiety - you'll spend too much time deciding what kit to use, a bad back - you'll soon get fed-up of lugging all the kit, but will want to take it just in case, and frustration - it's all too much bother for this short trip so I'll leave the kit at home.

Less really is more!
 
Sorry, I feel like I'm stressing you out Furtim!

I think I'll heed your advice with one exception, a camera bag. I don't fancy having to put lenses and the camera bag in their boxes every time they aren't in use :)
 
Last edited:
I started with a D3200 (still use it), 18-55 kit lens and a Tamron 70-300. I bought my kit a year or so ago and about a month ago i bought a 35mm 1.8 DX. the kit lens and the Tamron have sat on my desk ever since and have not even been on the camera, the 35mm lives on there now and i'll be honest when i say i'm happy to not have to carry that bloody Tamron round with me as it is heavy and gets heavier the longer it is in my bag.

I do have a speedlite but that hardly gets taken out with me unless i know i'm going to use it. I have a tripod which only gets taken with me if i KNOW i'm going to use it. My monopod gets taken with me if i think it MIGHT get used.

The last thing you want to be doing is carrying a ton of gear you're not going to even use. Plan before you go out, work out what photos you are likely to be taking and take the kit you need.
 
Daneel said:
Other than durability (the one I have seems fine actually), do the more expensive ones do differently? One trip is more stable than another?
Click to expand...

They can be lighter for the same degree of stability, have better mechanisms meaning smoother, more reliable movements; better locking on the legs, more features etc.
 
You've got plenty of kit already, put away the credit card! :p

AFTER you've bought a lens cloth, of course.
 
I have lots of microfibre cloths. Are they ok, or do I need something in particular?
 
Cheap accessory - rubber eyecup.
 
As others have said, don't forget the cleaning stuff (microfiber cloths, air blower and lens pen) :)
 
popeyebx said:
As others have said, don't forget the cleaning stuff (microfiber cloths, air blower and lens pen) :)
Click to expand...

What do I do with a lens pen that I don't with a cleaning cloth?
 
Daneel said:
Other than durability (the one I have seems fine actually), do the more expensive ones do differently? One trip is more stable than another?
Click to expand...

The more expensive ones do quite a lot differently. The main thing that they do much better is offer true uncompromised stability.

By this, I mean resistance to vibration and small movements which you probably don't even realise are happening. Naturally you want to avoid any movement! Combine this with improved usability and you start to see where the money goes.

I have a fairly good tripod and a very good ball head. I know that even in a strong breeze my camera will not move at all. I know that when I adjust my ball head and lock it off the camera does not move. When I had a cheaper tripod I would have to frame my shots to take into account of the amount which the tripod and head would flex or droop.

With tripods you really do get what you pay for.
 
Ah, I get it now, thanks!
 
Daneel said:
That was fast! :)
Do I need a remote shutter release even though my D5500 has wifi and I can use the Nikon app to trigger it remotely?
Click to expand...
Don't buy one until you've tried out the wifi and app. If that is annoying to use, then get a dedicated remote control.
You might find the cheap button on a wire type more convenient. You can get wireless ones too. Useful for longer distance remote control . But they have the disadvantage that you need to be always sure the batteries in the transmitter and receiver are OK. And they cost more.
 
So, my D5500 arrived, along with my four lenses. The body is like a toy! One of the main reasons I chose the D5500 was for weight, along with the articulated touchscreen. Once any of the non-prime lenses are on though (Sigma 10-20mm or Nikon 18-140mm), it's damn heavy, and big! Maybe the D7200 or D750 would have been a better choice. Anyway, let's see how I get on with it over time, it hasn't left the house yet!
 
I would say use the body to its full potential before looking at another body. You can always improve the handling with a grip etc.. if this body does what you want it to. Get out of the house go have some fun with it and more importantly share your work here!
 
stumac said:
I would say if it's something you haven't thought about then you don't need it , get out and use it and then you'll work out what you need or don't need
Click to expand...
Agree with this, you seem to have enough kit to be going on with only by using it can you decide if you need more (or less) go out and enjoy it.
 
I used to think about what was the maximum amount of gear I could take out with me, and more and more I am thinking about the minimum. GAS is a powerful drug to be avoided.
 
aTog said:
I used to think about what was the maximum amount of gear I could take out with me, and more and more I am thinking about the minimum. GAS is a powerful drug to be avoided.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with this. Have 2 camera bags, decide which bag best suites your trip (or have a second much cheaper one) and then only pack in the bag you're taking kit that you'll need. I rarely take a full bag anywhere.
 
Definitely a bag.
Memory cards (always handy to have a back up).
Spare battery.

I'd suggest that's it for now, see what areas of photography you enjoy and then seek to purchase other items as and when you find your current kit limiting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top