Kit list (aka "Spend my money!")

WideEyedFox

WideEyedFox

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We're off to Kenya at the end of the month and one of the reasons I upgraded from a point-and-shoot Canon S2 to a D90 was for this trip.

I have a Nikon D90, kit lens (18-105), a Sigma 150-500, a Nikon 50mm prime, monopod and now a Hoya polarising filter for the kit lens.

What else in terms of filters etc. do you wonderful guys and girls recommend I should not fly without?

Also - what do you recommend for cleaning the lenses?

Help and advice as always appreciated.

EDIT : Accessories include 3x 8Gb Cards, 3x Batteries, 1x waterproof bag for camera, kit lens and 50mm, and padded waterproof carry bag for Sigma
 
I'm opening a can of worms vs the Anti-UV crowd, but I'd take a UV filter for the sigma - it can be quite dusty and it would help prevent any dust getting inside the lens.
 
Graduated ND filter (or several) would be great for sunrise/sunset shots where the sky needs balancing with the land.
 
Someone has to say them...so, obvious things:

Weather-proof bag(s)
Lots of memory cards
Spare batteries
Maybe a rain cover? I strongly suspect that if it does rain, it'll pour.
Lens cleaner/dust blower

I agree with Jack too - I'd want a filter on the end of all 3 lenses. A good quality UV filter won't harm IQ and it does make your lens that little bit safer.
 
Thanks for the replies - really appreciated.

I have 3x 8Gb cards, 3 batteries, a waterproof Lowepro bag for the camera which also fits the 50mm, and a Lowpro 5 case for the Sigma.

I notice Sigma do a UV filter at 86mm, so will order that for a bit of protection. Having recently got stiffed on my 67mm Polarising filter, I will return that and order the correct one, plus a 67mm UV filter to protect the kit lens.

What do you recommend I take for cleaning the camera and lenses ?
 
A slightly damp face cloth is fine for a camera body, if I get a mark on a lens a micro fibre type cloth works or even a wipe with a clean t-shirt.

Stu.
 
Is that the "Spudz" microfibre cloths?

Found this one which matches my avatar - will have to go for that :D
41HFTfHO4RL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Hama lens pen and Giottos blower added to the list as well. :thumbs:
 
JackMcIntyre said:
I'm opening a can of worms vs the Anti-UV crowd, but I'd take a UV filter for the sigma - it can be quite dusty and it would help prevent any dust getting inside the lens.
Click to expand...

It is a can of worms. There is some logic to fitting a UV/protection filter in dusty or otherwise unpleasant conditions, but it is a double edged sword. If the lens changes size then it will try to suck air (and dust) in somewhere as you extend it. If you block off the passage of air at the front of the lens it will try to make in and out either at the moving sections of the lens barrel or where the lens is mounted to the camera. Getting dust inside the lens may be annoying but will probably not be a big issue for a long time. However, getting dust on the sensor will be a right PITA and if it happens early in the day could ruin a day's shooting, or make the PP pretty tedious at the end of the day.

There is also the risk of harming IQ, but let's not go there. :)

Anyway, I'm not saying do or don't use a filter, but I am warning about the potential for the dust problem to increase if you fit one. One option, if it is especially unpleasant, or if it decides to pour down, is to use a rainsleeve, which will protect quite well against both rain and dust. Optech do a pair of polythene sleeves for not too much money - should be under a tenner. I have a pair. They aren't the most ergonomic or aesthetic accessory, but useful in an emergency.

I would strongly recommend using a lens hood. It will offer physical protection for the lens against knocks, help keep dust off the front element (a bit), will reduce the risk of flare and may increase contrast.

If you will be using a lens of variable volume (a dust pump) then I recommend being equipped to clean the sensor, as well as the exterior bits of equipment.
 
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