Equipment / Accessories for Beginner

davemac83

Recently purchased a Canon 400D with 18-55mm kit lens along with a camera bag, spare battery and 2gb flash card. Was just wondering what other equipment would anyone else recommend such as filters, tripods, lens, etc. etc. I'm just betting into photography and have been taking mainly landscape shots but any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated as always.

Regards,


Dave

City-Exile

A Circular Polarising filter is always handy, when you're shooting landscapes.
They're cheap enough.

Paulw

I certainly think that a tripod should be on your list, especially for landscape images. There's lot of choice, from light and cheap, to heavy and expensive, to the light and even more expensive.

Howitzer

I'm going to give you the less exciting bits...

Hama do a great little cloth for cleaning lenses. €5

Worth getting a spare battery from ebay (only a few quid - won't be canon).
Read a bit about it to make sure you don't get a super dodgy one (could damage camera)

Worth getting a decent bag / backpack. Lowepro AW 200 or such would be an easy option on the pocket. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nova-200-AW,2107,20.htm

Buy it 1 or 2 lenses larger than you're looking for and you'll grow into it!

Hama also do a cheap 'rocket blower' for about €10, which will blow dust off your sensor if/when it happens. (I have your camera and have had to use this... leave the auto clean turned on!)

Buy uv filters for any lens you get - great for protecting from scratches. Only about €10 max each.

Happy shopping

Shiny

Get the nifty fifty.

Get a cheap tripod and if you finding yourself using it alot then
go for the more expensive options.

Keep an eye on the adverts page.

whyulittle

I'd be getting a cheap release cable to go along with your tripod. You can make them yourself if you have any electronics know-how.

Dades

One lens that appears in most people bags is the 50mm 1.8.
As cheap a lens as you'll find, yet small, handy and highly regarded.

Other than that and a €20 tripod from Argos, I suggest you hit the great outdoors and decide yourself what it is you want your camera to do before making any more purchases.

davemac83

Thanks everyone for this info, really appreciate it. Dades I've been hearing great things about the 50mm f1.8 II, but gonna leave that for my girlfriend to buy for xmas (don't think I'd be able to get away with requesting anything else!!!!) But when buying a tripod do i need to worry about the heads of tripods etc. is this an issue??? Sorry if this is a stupid question....

ThOnda

The cheaper tripods come as a set with mounted head. You just need to screw the mount for quick release to your camera and you are ready to go.
If the tripod has a hook on middle column, it is an advantage - you could hang your camera bag there to get a little more stability.

Dades

davemac83 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for this info, really appreciate it. Dades I've been hearing great things about the 50mm f1.8 II, but gonna leave that for my girlfriend to buy for xmas (don't think I'd be able to get away with requesting anything else!!!!) But when buying a tripod do i need to worry about the heads of tripods etc. is this an issue??? Sorry if this is a stupid question....

I got my missis to buy me the 50mm last year.
Don't forget to give her enough time to buy it online and get it delivered!

Regarding tripods afaik all the heads have a standard size nut that fits your camera. Most tripods have a detachable plate for easy on/off while your out and about.

If you have loads of cash, or are planning to shoot from the top of a windy cliff, buy a sturdy manfrotto or such like, otherwise a €20 argos job will tide you over till your birthday!

Just thought - you might also be interested in a shutter release too. I bought this for less than $5 DELIVERED and it works a dream. It would be a crime not to!