What else to buy?

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ivandobski

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Off to collect my Kx with 18-55, 50-200, 4gb SD and bag and I also intend to buy a cheap tripod.

I'm wanting to do mainly landscapes for the minute and have thought about a graduated filter - am I on the right lines and are they all much the same?

Is there anything else (cheap) worth picking up at the same time?
 
For graduated filters there are 6 main types.
Hard Grad (creates a strong line between black and clear on the filter) comes in;
0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 strengths (1, 2 and 3 stops of light)
Soft Grad ( creates a weaker line between black and clear on the filter, more graduated) comes in;
0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 strengths.

Hard Grads are used when there is a straight horizon and there is a clear line between the two, the strength will depend upon the light difference between foreground and sky.
Soft Grads are used when there isn't a straight horizon and there is an item in the foreground, for example a large tree. Using a hard grad here wouldn't look right on the tree as half would be dark and half light. Whereas a soft grad would make this change less obvious.

Hope that helps :)

EDIT: There's more than 6 types of grad filters too, the one's above are ND Grad's (so black through to clear) but there are also coloured grads (such as Red used a lot for sunsets. Blue, etc)
 
You could maybe think about getting a (circular) poloriser.
 
Don't buy a cheap tripod especially for landscapes or anything for that matter

Might as well get something decent now, most people on here will tell you the same thing, it really is a false economy and a waste of money.

Wired or Wireless remote is another rather useful item for landscapes in particular
 
Assuming (dangerous, I know!) that you're an amateur, I would suggest that you wait until you identify a definite want or need for a piece of kit before you rush out and buy something. I reckon we've all got pieces of kit stuffed away in drawers or in cupboards that we KNEW we're a great idea when we bought them but haven't used since the novelty wore off!

I would advise against a cheap tripod - the cheap ones are often far less stable than the more expensive ones and a wobbly tripod isn't an awful lot of good!

Remote releases are a good idea - personally, I haven't used my wired one since I got a wireless one.
 
If it's not too late it would be worthwhile getting the Pentax DA 55-300mm rather than the 50-200mm. You may not need the extra length now but there will come a time when you might (the 55-300mm is a great lens for the money).
 
Erm some of that good advice was a tiny bit late, £17 for a tripod is cheap by anyone's definition! Seems acceptable though, surprisingly sturdy. Didn't get a filter, the shop was hotter than the sun so just handed the money over and got out.

Got it from Wilkinsons, last package they had but if you ask you might get lucky. Got all the above, plus spare batteries for £445. I'm well pleased with it tbh...
 
I use a cable release a lot when I'm using a tripod or there doesn't seem much point other wise. It helps to stop any shaking. You can pick them up really cheap on ebay. I've just changed mine to a wireless one, it's also a cheap one from Hong Kong through ebay.
 
Mirror lock up is a good idea as well in conjunction with the tripod and remote.

Also don't forget to shield the viewfinder because without your eye there stray light could alter the meter reading
 
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