Beginner needing kit advice

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biggles65

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Stefan
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Hi, I'm new to the forums and I was wondering if some of you could help me in choosing my first SLR photography kit. I've been wanting to learn photography for some time now, and as I'm going traveling soon I thought I would finally invest in my first SLR. I have read some reviews, but I still need some help in deciding what to buy. I rquire something that will allow me to take decent landscape (including sunsets) and portrait photographs.

Now, I'm a student, so I'm on quite a tight budget. I was thinking of buying a Nikon D60 with the standard kit lens. If there are any opinions on this they would be very grateful. Also, which lenses should I get? Bearing in mind I would only be able to carry a couple and cannot afford anything too expensive (I'd have to slowly add to my collection as I get the money). Furthermore, should I get a lightweight travel tripod? If there is anything else anyone can suggest it would be very helpful.
Thanks
Stefan
 
Firstly :welcome: to TP, Stefan. The D60 is a popular choice for a first DSLR, if you do a seach (see the link at the top of the page) you'll find lots of info about choosing a first dslr and the D60 :)
 
welcome stefan :wave: ... i cant help much but id definatly get a tripod if you can has will help no end with your landscape shots.
 
Welcome to TP. As Flash says, the Nikon D60 is a popular choice for a first DSLR. But it's not the only option.

When you buy a DSLR you're potentially buying into a system, and it might be worth looking at the strengths and weaknesses of that system. Here is a much longer piece I wrote recently about some of the issues you might want to take into account.

As for a tripod: personally I'd say save your money until you feel you need one. If you'd be satisfied with landscapes like this one, then you won't need a tripod.

205192359_xut2K-L.jpg
 
Hi and welcome

I won't comment on a camera because you need to go to a shop and get a hands on feel and ease of use. However as regards getting a tripod, what about a monopod instead? light weight collapses into a short single length and easy to carry.

I have just purchased the Manfrotto 679b monopod to complement my tripod, well not exactly bought I subscribed to a photo magazine and that was the introductry free gift retails at around £33. I like this monopod although a bit heavier than some. it will hold a fairly heavy camera/lens, something you would need to think of as some monopods/tripods can't do the job except for compact cameras.
I also added a Manfrotto 234RC head at around £25 , just gives that bit more movement to the camera on the monopod, again worth a thought.

Realspeed
 
Ok thanks for your help. Can anyone advise me on which type of lenses I would need for this type of photography? Also does anyone know of any good books to help me get started in photography?
 
biggles65 said:
Ok thanks for your help. Can anyone advise me on which type of lenses I would need for this type of photography? Also does anyone know of any good books to help me get started in photography?
Click to expand...
Lenses - Any, really. landscapes don't need fast lenses and they don't need particularly wide lenses. That Lake District image above was shot with a Sigma 18-200mm all-in-one zoom, probably at about 40mm, and compiled from about 5 images stitched together.

Books - "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is a must-have.
 
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