Essential Accessories?

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StirlingBear

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Gregor
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Ok so you get your DSLR and some lenses.

Whats next? What else do you need to get started?

Flash gun?
Tripod?
Large & fast memory card?
Carry case?

And what about third party products how well do they work?
(ie) do you need an expensive flash gun or will a basic one do?

I guess these are simple questions but I would rather know just now.

Memory Card is particularly bugging me. Not sure weather to go for a new one or weather the 1Gig one will do to get started.
 
After
Ok so you get your DSLR and some lenses.
Click to expand...

For me it goes

Memory Card :D
Camera Bag
Tripod and Remote/Cable Trigger
Flash Gun

Then there is more and more and just when you thing you have enough kit even more stuff that you simply "must have" :D

As to memory cards what camera is it that you have, personally I would get a couple of 8-16gb relatively fast cards :thumbs: I actually only use Sandisk Extreme Pro cards but the speed of the cards you need depends on camera and what your doing with it :D

Welcome to TP :wave:

Matt
MWHCVT
 
To your question Gregor

First buy the camera that best for you, then buy one lens and start with that if you need flash guns and tripod or monopods, CF & SDHC cards ask you self what type of photographic work would you be doing? Having all the gear don't make anyone a better photographer and btw its heavy to carry,

If you are doing video you need a Class 10 SDHC card for video Class 4,6 are ok but best for pictures IMO. it doin't matter the name of the card as long it works

I have wasted money on things i don't use or need at this time.

I hope that can give you some advice.

Michael
 
A lot of what you need will depend on what you shoot and what camera you have. A super fast memory card is wasted on a body with slow frames per second. There are plenty of good cards available at low prices. Take a look at mymemory.co.uk. I'd stick with Sandisk or Lexar personally and avoid eBay as there are fakes around. Sandisk are very reliable and seem to be cheaper than Lexar for the most part.
I think a decent tripod would be pretty high on my list of firsts. Manfrotto are reputable and reliable. Don't whatever you do buy a very cheap one as they are a waste of money. A flimsy tripod is pointless.
A case of some sort would make sense if you have a few bits and pieces. As your kit expands (and it will) then a decent rucksack or shoulder bag will be very useful. Lowepro and Tamrac make high quality bags and are reasonably priced.
If you shoot landscapes then a circular polariser is an essential filter to have. IMHO it's the only essential filter. Others may recommend neutral density graduated filters and whilst they are useful, they are not essential.
As for a flashgun, you need to ask yourself how much you would use it. They are not particularly cheap, unless you buy a manual model from the Far East and then you have to learn how to use it properly. Yongnuo are quite popular speedlights, but their quality control seems to be a bit hit and miss.
Once you have fulfilled the criteria of 60 days membership and 25 meaningful posts (not just loads of 'nice shot' posts) take a look at the Classified section where you can pick up some real bargains.
 
StirlingBear said:
Ok so you get your DSLR and some lenses.

Whats next? What else do you need to get started?

Flash gun?
Tripod?
Large & fast memory card?
Carry case?

And what about third party products how well do they work?
(ie) do you need an expensive flash gun or will a basic one do?

I guess these are simple questions but I would rather know just now.

Memory Card is particularly bugging me. Not sure whether to go for a new one or whether the 1Gig one will do to get started.
Click to expand...


memory cards. 1Gb is no where near enough to start; at least 8Gb

spare battery

lens hood for every lens

protective filter for every lens

for flash, buy the best you can afford. To get good flash pictures you will need to diffuse or bounce the flash's output, so you need a powerful flash to light the subject well.
 
1# Memory Card/s is essensial. (Sandisk extreme class 10 most comon and best imo) 8gb-16gb should be enough.

2# Camera Bag is always a good idea to keep your gear safe and easy to carry, Lowepro and ThinkTank make lots of different ones. Next to decide is do you get a shoulder bag or backpack or a slingback? http://www.cambags.com/bag-type.html might help you decide.

3# Tripod if you wanna get all those pictures nice and sharp or if you need to do something creative like a long exposure, Cable release is handy although not essensial as most cameras come with a 2 or 10 second shutter delay. Look at makes like Redsnapper, Giottos or Manfroto also a ball head and quick release plate make carrying on around a bit lighter and compact.

4# Flashgun is always a usefull accessorie for fill light or when ambient light is not enough for a good exposure. Always best to buy a make model ETTL II flashgun if you use Canon or whatever camera equivelant you use because these work together with your canon lens to set the correct flash exposure, Although you dont always need the best depending on how often you think you might use it and third partyone work quite well too.

5# Filters are a good accessory to have too although you probably only need a Circular Polariser to get started these are the most usefull one to have, But if your into long exposures for some nice effects a ND solid filter is good to have. These can be from 2-3 stops to a 10stopper.

Wellcome to the forum you will find lots of helpfull advice here :)
 
Cheers exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I got a second hand Canon 400d with kit lens + sigma 70-300mm lens too.

There is only a gig memory card with it so that was my first impression that I would get little pics on it if I decided to shoot RAW. If I shoot Raw then I reckon that will help me if I over expose a shot after wards I may be able to save it in PS ect.

Not sure what type of shots I will go for was not wanting to tie my self down to one particular area and just shoot what ever I came across when out & about.
 
If you plan to shoot landscapes a set of waterproofs and good hiking boots are a must!
 
AgentG said:
If you plan to shoot landscapes a set of waterproofs and good hiking boots are a must!
Click to expand...

good shout, have these already lol

was just checking i know my camera has a built-in flash but always thought it was basic and i may have trouble shooting in certain conditions without a flash.

Just having a look at memory cards, also Kingston seem a reputable maker and get decent reviews any thoughts?
 
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Mymemory had some good deals earlier this week and ebay is a good bet for a decent second hand bag( recently acquired a lowepro 200aw which is very nice). And the Redsnapper is a great Tripod for the money.
 
Re: flash, it all depends on what type of photography you do. Flash is less important in landscapes compared to wedding photography.
 
The advice to wait and see what areas you'll specialise in is very good even if you can't see that now.

You could spend £10,000 on gear tomorrow, and go out on Saturday and not have the gear you need for what you want to shoot!

Or you could buy nothing more than you've already bought - and find it does everything you need!

Most new photographers believe they'll be into 'just general stuff' but the good ones specialise - because you'll never have the time to commit to learn how to shoot 'everything', but hopefully some subjects will enthral you and drive you to ever better results.

It's like being a musician or a chef, few guitarists can play classical, rock, jazz, hip hop, funk, pop, and blues. But a few get good at a number of those. A great Thai chef can't just produce you a fantastic french classic etc.

A great spanish guitar is no use to a heavy metal guitarist, and a super-telephoto lens is no use to a Macro photographer.

Wait and see what you feel you need to buy to improve your photography - you'll waste less* money.

*everyone wastes money on gear they don't need - but you'll waste far more if you start buying without understanding 'why' you need things.
 
AgentG said:
Re: flash, it all depends on what type of photography you do. Flash is less important in landscapes compared to wedding photography.
Click to expand...

Not to start the debate about why's and wherefore's - but there are some wedding photographers that get along fine with little or no flash. And some landscape photographers who specialise in 'light painting' or use cinematic lighting techniques on urban landscapes.

Which underlines my point about personal preferences / styles / genre's.

The more you know - the more you still have to learn.:'(
 
I agree with the above. I was referring to newer photographers who haven't found their style/niche. In general, you're more likely to need a flash at a wedding rather than when doing landscapes. Unless of course you're going for a specific style of photo.

The last time we needed lights for landscapes was when five of us tried to light up Llanthony Priory with head torches! That was quite interesting!
 
I suppose then the more shots you take the more you will realise your needs ect
 
Exactly, try all sorts of photography, join a few TP meets and see what type of photography you like doing more of. When you figure that out we can help you spend your money :)

There is no need to buy everything at the beginning. It's a complete waste of money. Part of the fun is squeezing the best out of what gear you have!
 
One of the fun of Photography is trying your hand with different techniques, be it macro, sport, landscape, star trails etc. You can always use budget equipment, it will not cost you a lot, and it will lessen the guilt if not used often. Later on you can always upgrade to the real thing and be able to get more out of it.

Memory card needs upgrading and while at the start you will be shooting a lot of handheld, later you will recognize the need for a tripod to step up your sharpness and opening up your camera settings. So far I just started and the external flash is the thing that I have not used, contrary to my belief when I bought it. A camera bag with a bit of extra room is a good idea, do not worry too much about brand, you will outgrow your first bag very quickly or get tired of lugging all the equipment around and change bag.
 
it's the accessories that make the photo, as important as the camera or the lens. Example, you can't get the 'blurred' water effect without a ND filter to reduce the amount of light coming in

"And what about third party products how well do they work?"
it's a full time job deciding where to spend and where to save, for a partially employed freelance photographer like me I have plenty of time to sit and read reviews, for anyone with some actual money to spend- just buy the real deal, unless you love reading reviews in your spare time...

I could get rid of a lot of my kit but I never go anywhere without:
tripod
50mm 1.4
14mm lens
flash gun
gaffa tape
neutral gray card
circular reflector
8gb SD card and a spare 4gb

although I'm usually shooting assignments so my gear reflects that
 
buy things as you need them, or if you're like me, buy them when you've found you've needed them at least 3 times. Although I shoot nearly every single day so i've figured out quite quickly what works and what doesnt, if you only use your camera once a week it will take longer to work out who you are and what you want to do
 
Memory card upgrade and something to protect the camera from the elements. Then get out and take lots of shots.
Then take it from there.

Welcome to the forums, good to see someone local.
 
both lenses I have with my camera have come with filters (UV filter & skylight filter) no idea what they are for at the moment. Yes for now I bought a bigger memory card and I will just get out and start shooting and see where I go from there. Looking forward to getting out now there are loads of old ruins in the town where I live, castles and such, not to mention plenty woodland. I have a dog & two kids so I am spoiled for choice with things to get me started.
 
Cable or wireless shutter release maybe?

A skylight filter will add a VERY subtle warm tint to your shots, and the UV filter is basically a protection filter. They allegedly reduce the haze in outdoor shots, although I am yet to be convinced.

I wouldn't buy a cheap flashgun, but I wouldn't buy a top of the range one either, Nissin seem to do some nice ones, cheaper than Canon with the same features.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, superb stuff. My camera arrived today and I had a wee play around with the kit and tool some shots of the dog and my son, I have plenty there at the moment, most shots were outside so I just used AV mode and got a couple of nice shots of the dog. One thing I think I will invest in is a card reader, not really wanting to hook the camera up to the PC every time I want to upload some shots. Any advice on a decent card reader or will any old one do?
 
7dayshop do one for just over £4, not the fastest you can get but should be fine.
 
I'm in Bannockburn. Gaffa tape is handy for 101 things. But comes into its own when you use off camera flash. Have a read through strobits 101.
 
Barrysprout said:
I'm in Bannockburn. Gaffa tape is handy for 101 things. But comes into its own when you use off camera flash. Have a read through strobits 101.
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I am going to regret this but life as a guitarist has made me a devotee of Gaffa:

Tried electricians tape? It leaves far less residue if you are using tape for temporary fixing and masking. Less sticky but sticky enough.
 
As a guitarist and former roadie, I feel no need to question the value of Gaffa tape!
 
StirlingBear said:
Ok so you get your DSLR and some lenses.

Whats next? What else do you need to get started?
Click to expand...
Assuming you got a memory card when you bought the camera, you don't need anything else to get started.
A body, one lens and a memory card is all you need to go out and take photos

Use the gear that you have now, work out what you like to shoot and that will give you a better idea of what you need to add later.
 
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mrjames said:
it's the accessories that make the photo, as important as the camera or the lens. Example, you can't get the 'blurred' water effect without a ND filter to reduce the amount of light coming in...
Click to expand...

Not true.
As it stands that statement is not correct.

If you're shooting in full sun in the middle of the day, that might be so.
There are plenty of times where you can shoot without a ND filter...
eg: late afternoon in a heavily treed in woodland...
 
One of the best investments I've made was a Nissin Di866 flashgun. It's been a great help for all sorts of events and with an off camera cable you can get really creative with portrait lighting. So much better than the built in flash and if your budget doesn't run to one, it's smaller brother the Di622 is also a great flash and can be had from around £90.
 
Right had a play around with my kit all weekend. Camera came with a 1G CF card so I ordered a 16G 266XX Kingston card so I could shoot in RAW and have plenty room.

So all fine and dandy, had a great time having a good go at all the features and getting to grips with my lenses.

After the weekend taking pics the first thing that I instantly think I need is a bloody bag. If I had only one lens it would be fine but seeing as I have two I found my self picking one lens or another. I ended up just taking the kit lens with me but there was times I wanted to go further away and the kit lens restricted me a bit where the 70-300 lens seems to have a great zoom for capturing objects in the distance.

So first things first is a bag. Would be much better than using the boxes.

Cheers for all the advice.
 
good memory card , spare battery and a lens cloth all a must for me
 
pepper1786 said:
good memory card , spare battery and a lens cloth all a must for me
Click to expand...

Cheers Alan.

Good to see another local on the forum.

Yup first purchase was a bigger .CF card just ordered an all weather bag from amazon there just now. so I think that should get me out and about just now although a spare battery would be nice too.
 
philwillmedia said:
A body, one lens and a memory card is all you need to go out and take photos
Click to expand...

Agree. I bought a body and one lens and still don't feel the need for anything else at this stage. I still don't even have a bag for my camera and just throw it on the back seat of car although that may be taking it a bit far and I should get even a cheap bag really!
 
used to work in a shop and the advice i gave people was

camera and a bag you would be willing to take everywhere

I use a crumpler muffin top as i can get my laptop in it aswell.

once you have got these two things then eventually you will naturally start buying what you need. SLR cameras have an endless amount of things you can buy but you need to tailor it for what you want.

I currently have
D5100
18-55
55-200
bag

and the shopping list
Tripod - Redsnapper looks good
Flashgun

but neither of the above things are stopping me from taking photos and im enjoying trying some new stuff that im not used to tbh.
 
ernesto said:
Agree. I bought a body and one lens and still don't feel the need for anything else at this stage. I still don't even have a bag for my camera and just throw it on the back seat of car although that may be taking it a bit far and I should get even a cheap bag really!
Click to expand...

Yup I used Martin Lewis's MSE Amazon discount finder and got myself a lowerpro bag & a card reader delivered for just under £30.

The missus was nipping at me because I had camera boxes, cables ect all over the place she was getting a bit cheesed off.

thats me more than happy now. :thumbs:
 
1. Time
2. Patience
3. Enthusiasm to learn

Without these it doesn't matter what kit you have!
 
No ones mentioned a portable hard drive, you don't want to lose your photos. I have two one for images to keep them off my laptop and a second as backup. They both in my kit anytime I am using my laptop. If not some sort of system to logically back up your photos.
 
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