Beginner DSLR recommended accessories

[crawldit]

I'll start off by saying that I used to have an old Minolta QTsi SLR. Recently I have been playing with my wife's Canon Power Shot SX100 P&S. I thought the Cannon shot okay, but wanted more.

I just ordered a Nikon D3000 DSLR package deal. It comes with the 18-55mm VR lens, the Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens and a Nikon branded shoulder bag. Unfortunately my wife is kidnapping it and holding it hostage until Christmas. On the other hand it gives me more time to research and pick up some additional accessories.

I've been reading a lot of different Photography forums and have noticed that people are always mentioning things like UV protectors, Polarizers and tripods. There is so much info for so many different types of photography that I am suffering from overload. What do you guys recommend a beginner carry in their bag? I shoot mostly landscape, sunrise, sunset...that sort of thing. But I do take a lot of pictures at my sons soccer games too.

FWIW these are some shots I've taken with the Cannon.

Thanks for any input

 

[photoman]

Congrats on the camera.

For general accessories:
UV Filters are good to put on your lens. There effectiveness is often argued but I use them as a buffer for the actual lens. It is cheaper to replace a filer due to scratches or dents than a lens.

Actual filters depend on what you are shooting and what you prefer. There are a screw in filters and there are square/rectangular filters.

A new strap will serve you well. The camera gets heavy and having a good neck strap saves you a bit in the long run. I like the Op/tech straps personally: http://optechusa.com/category/second/?CATEGORY_ID=4

Shooting sports you may want to look into a monopod if you upgrade your lenses to something heavier.

Shooting landscapes a good tripod is highly recommended. If you are not doing a lot of hiking than weight may not be a factor. I recommend visiting Photomark and Tempe Camera to check out the different options available as well as what they cost.

Filters are necessary for landscapes. A good 6 stop ND filter and a gradient filter at a minimum. A sunset filter is also nice to have here in Arizona. Lots of filters options and all over the map on pricing. Just do some research, visit the shops, and shoot with some others that are willing to share their gear.

Extra memory cards! Get several cards around the 4gig range. I do not like using one large card because if something happens to that card you lost an entire shoot or more.

Hope that gives you a few ideas.

 

[Michael Slade]

Get a tripod before you get ANYTHING ELSE.

 

[DesertBoater]

A remote release should also be on your list shortly after a tripod. Definitely opens up a whole new world at night and even for early morning or evening shots can give you flexibility to shoot exactly when you want (no 2 second timer necessary) without any camera shake/vibration from your hand on the shutter button.
Also definitely agree on a UV filter for everyday use. I've busted two of them since I got my camera last year. Much cheaper than buying a new lens.

Cheers,
West

 

[mountainpete]

I also agree with UV filters for the added protection factor. I keep them on all of my lenses. My biggest bang for the buck accessory has been a hand strap instead of a neck strap. I hate carrying a camera around my neck and it's in the bag when I'm not using it so the hand strap works perfectly for me.

I would also suggest considering the great (and cheap) Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 lens. It's a great late evening and night lens - especially in urban environments. Most of the pics in this slideshow are taken with that lens. It's less then $200 and weighs NOTHING in your bag.

I also love a couple of good microfiber lens cloths. Big ones. I always carry two (habit).

For items like remote controls, go to eBay and get the wireless ones. Quality is decent and even if it does break, you can usually buy three of those for one of the Nikon brand.

Pete

 

[mauricio_28]

I keep hearing about scratching and bumping the lens against something as a reason for a UV filter. That´s what a lens hood is for (and for diminishing reflections, stray light, etc.). People buy fancy-schmancy lenses only to stick a $20 piece of glass in front of it! Lens hood, lens hood, lens hood...

Your first filter should be a polarizer. Your second filter should be a neutral density filter.

 

[crawldit]

Thanks for all the input so far. More info = more questions :sombrero:

There has been more than one occasion where I have wished that I had a tripod, even with the P&S, so I think that will be on the top of my list. I do a lot of hiking, and the light weight tripods cost as much or more than the camera and lenses. Should I look at something like a monopod, or would that generally not provide the stability that I would need? Or should I not worry about weight and buy the cheapest ball-head mount that I can find in each and switch between tripod/monopod according to circumstance?

I have mostly read about the UV filters for protection as well. But like Maurcio_28 brought up, I have heard the same about lens hoods. Any pro/cons for either and why? As far as hoods are concerned; screw on or clip on? Metal or rubber? Regardless, it looks like UV filters (Nikon <$30) and lens hoods (<$10) are cheap enough that I can get one of each for both lenses for under $100 total.

Mountainpete - Those pictures you linked are fabulous! I have actually read a good bit about that lense over on Nikonians and various other sites found through a Google search. I think I originally read about it over on kenrockwells site and it peaked my interest. I think it's definitely on my short list, I just don't know if it's on this list. Even at under $200 it would be difficult to argue a new lense when I just bought a package that has two. Maybe for my birthday though :drool:

I hadn't really considered a remote release. After a quick search it looks like it will definitely help in what I would like to do. Time to do some more research and thanks for the suggestion.

 

[cnynrat]

A tripod should be at or near the top of your list - it will really improve your photography. Your images will be sharper, and it tends to make you slow down and think about what you are doing. Make sure you think about the weight and size - a tripod that is light enough that you will carry it is better than the ultra-sturdy behemoth that gets left behind.

As some others do, I keep a UV or skylight filter (1A) on most of my lenses pretty much all the time just to protect them from damage.

The Nikon bag may work out for your purposes. If you find you need something else, I like Kinesis products for my outdoor use where ruggedness is needed. I use one of their holster cases either by itself or more often inside my daypack when I am out hiking.

I also carry one of PhotoBert's cheatsheets for my camera in my bag - it can help you remember that obscure menu command that doesn't get used very often.

 

[cnynrat]

There has been more than one occasion where I have wished that I had a tripod, even with the P&S, so I think that will be on the top of my list. I do a lot of hiking, and the light weight tripods cost as much or more than the camera and lenses. Should I look at something like a monopod, or would that generally not provide the stability that I would need? Or should I not worry about weight and buy the cheapest ball-head mount that I can find in each and switch between tripod/monopod according to circumstance?

I had the same kind of sticker shock when I went shopping for a tripod/ball head. Some of the tripod/ball heads recommended can get as expensive as a good camera. While a monopod may give you enough stability for certain situations, it really can't replace a tripod. I figured the tripod I could afford was going to be better than the ultra high end tripod that I didn't buy because I either couldn't afford it or couldn't justify the cost. I ended up with a Velbon El Carmagne 640 tripod with a Kirk BH3 ball head. While not cheap, it's not as pricey as some of the tripod setups often recommended. IIRC, I bought the tripod on E-Bay for a pretty good price. I think I ended up going direct to Kirk for the ball head. I think you should be able to get both for $550-600 - much less than I imagine your camera kit cost.

I've been using this for about 4 years now and I've been happy with it. I do hike with this tripod frequently. The combo weighs about 4.5 pounds. I usually carry it strapped to the outside of my daypack with a ball head cover from Kinesis to protect the ball head. If I'm taking a lot of pictures I sometimes just leave the camera on the tripod and carry it around with the legs retracted.

 

[Clark White]

I have a remote release and some filters that would fit the 55-200 if you are interested. PM me if you are!

Clark White

 

[Darren]

Congrats on the camera.

Filters are necessary for landscapes. A good 6 stop ND filter and a gradient filter at a minimum. A sunset filter is also nice to have here in Arizona.

Filters are hardly necessary, especially the gaudy sunset filters. Those things need to stay on store shelves, or use them as coasters if you must.

As a beginner, you don't need anything else but a tripod. The only filter that might come in handy at times is a polarizer, but mostly for reducing water glare. Even too many experienced folks severely abuse and overuse these things in grand scenics, and they aren't even necessary then.

One "n" in Canon, unless you were shooting with something with far greater consequence.

 

[Stan the Man]

First thing I picked up for my new Canon T1i was the "starter" kit; which consisted of a bag, a UV filter, and another BATTERY! I'd say the spare battery is above a tripod on the accessories list.

I also keep the UV filter on my 18-55 lens for protection. I understand that its a relatively cheap piece of glass compared to the lens, and it could impair some shots due to its lesser quality, but why chance it?

I too am interested in a hood though. Can you use a hood and filter at the same time?

 

[Lost Canadian]

What do you guys recommend a beginner carry in their bag?

This is going to sound overly simplified but all you need in your kit is your camera and your eyes. Everything else that you add to that kit is to help you bring your vision to fruition. Only when you understand what you're trying to accomplish/say/show in your photos will you know what you need. And remember this, when someone tells you that you need or don't need something, they are usually speaking from the place which they use to accomplish what they are after.

 

[ThomD]

Tripod. Carbon fiber.

A tripod is one of those things that you can waste a lot of money on buying cheap ones or you can suck it up and buy the right one first. Carbon fiber is nice because it is never hot or cold to the touch. I also have a Velbon. I'm very happy with it. It has out lived 3 cameras.

 

[photoman]

Filters are hardly necessary, especially the gaudy sunset filters. Those things need to stay on store shelves, or use them as coasters if you must.

As a beginner, you don't need anything else but a tripod. The only filter that might come in handy at times is a polarizer, but mostly for reducing water glare. Even too many experienced folks severely abuse and overuse these things in grand scenics, and they aren't even necessary then.

No offense but some of your shots would have benefited from a Grad Filter. Keep in mind you are shooting in a different environment and with different experience and gear then the OP. Different gear is required for different locations and different types of photography.

In AZ with cloudless skies the majority of the year a ND Grad filter is must unless you plan to add in a sky in post process. There is no way to balance the sky and foreground without a filter or shooting multiple exposures and doing merges, HDR's, or blends.