If you were a beginner again??

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Hi everyone,

I have posted a few post on here asking questions about a subjuct I am just starting out learning. Not even sure if im asking the right questions.

I am enthusiastic and want to buy every bit of kit I see!!

My question is.....

I am a beginner and have just purchased a Nikon D90 with the 18-105 kit lens.

I am looking to be shooting landscapes, coastal, basically a bit of everything etc.

What kit would you suggest i start with??? eg, bags, filters, flashes, tripods, PC software etc.

The more specific the better.

Hope you dont mind spending the time having a think but this will determine how I spend my hard earned cash!!!

Not a massive budget to work with though guys!!!
 
For landscapes and coastal, definately a tripod. :)

Have a look at Redsnapper who advertise here who do some really good ones a lot cheaper than some of the top named brands.

Filters are also cool for landscape work and Cokin or Lee are recommended. A decent 1 and 2 stop ND grad would be a reasonable starting point. If you want some nice blurry water shots a screw on ND is a nice addition but can be a bit pricey.

Hope that helps.
 
HopefulM said:
definitely a tripod :)
Click to expand...

+1. Get a good one like Manftrotto 190xprob, AND a remote release.

Then get Lightroom.

Filters can be handy, but if you are likely to change the lens to something bigger it may best to play it safe. Lee filter system could be a very good piece of kit if you do landscapes. In addition get a polarizer, maybe a cheaper one will do.

Afterwards you can think about more lenses, SB-900/800/600 flashes and bodies. The list is endless - perhaps even a SUV to get to remote places :gag:
 
Get a decent bag, if you are out walking you need something comfortable

GND filters (Graduated Neutral Density) are in most landscapers bag. You may consider a 10 stop ND filter too.
Look for posts by Jollyjack, Merc and DaveKiddle - these guys do some great coastal shots.
If you want to do alot of landscape you might consider a UWA (Ultra Wide Angle) lens.
 
ooooh - yes!!! a bag and definitely Adobe Lightroom!!! :)

if you know anyone who's a teacher (or can sweet-talk one) they can get it for you at a reduced rate!

And a good reference book which is very easy to follow is one of the Scott Kelby Digital Photography ones :)
 
A book galled "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson should be very high on your list priorities
 
the least amount of kit you can possibly get away with!

its great getting all the lenses and a big bag and this and that but in the end you won't want to be carrying it around because it is so heavy and a real bind. for landscapes get a really good wide lens to go with your body and you are pretty much sorted. if its small and light you will take it out, if its bulky and heavy you won't bother so much...
 
daugirdas said:
............... In addition get a polarizer, maybe a cheaper one will do.
Click to expand...

IMO cheap PL filter can/could cause probs
as in everything - get the best you can afford

recent discussions here have recommended ..

the Hoya HD - one of the most expensive
the Hoya Pro-1
the Marumi DHG...[ i got a 72mm and am quite pleased with the Value/£
 
get used to the 18mm before you spend mega bucks going UWA

if you go Cokin filter system, you may need a wide-angle holder to use at 18mm
the system is.......
filter holder + adapter ring to suit the filter thread of your lens, then filters of your choice
good for landscapes are the ND Grad series which darken the skies and allow the camera to expose for the foreground detail
 
a hotshoe spirit level works wonders. fleabay for just a couple of quid.
 
A tripod seems a popular suggestion but I'm not so sure. You'll need a tripod if your shutter speed falls to a level at which you can't hand hold steadily because you're shooting in low light or because you're using filters (arguably a dying thing these days) or taking multiple shots for HDR or panoramic. Other than in those situations I can't see how a tripod will help all that much. I myself don't use a tripod for even 1% of my shots. Anyway, if you don't need a tripod it's one less thing to carry and you'll be free of the constraints that a tripod imposes and free to move, position and reposition quickly and shoot.

If you decide that a tripod is the thing for you I think that you should consider how you're going to use it. For me the usual Manfrotto type was a complete disaster and I hated it as I just couldn't get the positioning that I wanted. I now have a Benbo and can achieve the positioning I want and as an added bonus I'm sure that it's actually more stable than my previous Manfrotto.

As you say that you are a beginner I think that you should leave your money in your piggy bank for a little while longer and take some time to get out and shoot and see what direction you think that your photography is going to take. If you are going to do HDR or panoramic or shoot in low light or use shutter speeds that you can't hand hold at then a tripod might be needed but at this time the fact that you are asking the question makes me think that you need more time to decide, so I'd hang on a while and resist the temptation to buy stuff right now if I were you, or maybe buy some decent outdoor boots, trousers and jacket and a decent gear bag.
 
Go out, take lots of pictures and understand YOURSELF what kit will help improve the shots you take.

edit: sorry, that sounds a little arsey but if youdon't you'll wind up spending a lot of money on things that are of no use. I understand the compulsion to buy lots of kit but really, it isn't a good idea.

Yet...
 
I have two Gitzo Reporter tripods and a Manfrotto carbon monopod and never use them...and I mean 'never'...

Make sure you buy what you need, not just what you want or what others say you need...
 
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