Photography Essentials

[Susie]

I am hoping to get a Canon EOS 400D in the new year and wonder what kit I absolutely need to have to go with it. It will be my first DSLR. Is it worth getting one of the "packages" retailers sell or getting the stuff myself. I am definitely getting the 18 - 55 mm lens and the 1 GB CF card to start off with, what else is essential for a beginner?

Many thanks for any/all replies.

[glsammy]

Ignoring the obvious lenses you may eventually wish to have, First on my list would be spare batteries. No need to spend a fortune on the Canon ones, numerous Internet suppliers do very good cheap compatibles. One of mine has just failed, this is after 18 months of hard use. Considering it cost less than a fiver, I don't think I can complain! Another memory card wouldn't be a bad idea either.
A UV lens to protect your lens is another item I always get for every lens I have. Again I don't spend a fortune on them, others no doubt wont agree, but I've never had any problems with the cheaper ones I use.
Also get a simple lens brush, the type I have is the pen type, very cheap again but they work well. One end has a retractable brush, whilst the other has a cleaning pad for more stubborn marks.


With that little lot you'll be ready for just about anything.

[Susie]

You mean I can't spit on a hanky and use that for cleaning?

Thank you for your suggestions, That list sounds excellent, particularly buying batteries from elsewhere. I hadn't considered the brush or the UV filters so have added them to my list.

Is a tripod and a flash essential or luxuries I can get as I get more experienced, in your opinion?

Many thanks again.

[Brocker]

I think Graham has given a couple of essentials that are on my list too. I would go for a tripod too. It doesn't have to be a professional one, that can come later. It will help with low light photography as well as macro. A good purpose built rucksack or equivalent to carry your hard earned equiment is important too. As for lenses, if you have an 18-55mm with the camera, how about a 300mm lens too. This will enable some good wildlife photography as well as macro. The Sigma 70-300mm is a cheaper option but is still a good lens. If you are going to do macro then maybe a cable release would be a good idea. . . I have mentioned quite a bit and I don't know how far your budget will stretch but a tripod, UV filter, camerabag and lens cleaner are essential.

[Brocker]

Sorry. Forgot the flash. The 400D has a built in one which are quite good so maybe the flash can come later

[Susie]

Thanks Brocker, that's more to go on my list!

I hope that after I get all this lot I am able to turn out some decent photographs.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Susie

You mean I can't spit on a hanky and use that for cleaning?

Thank you for your suggestions, That list sounds excellent, particularly buying batteries from elsewhere. I hadn't considered the brush or the UV filters so have added them to my list.

Is a tripod and a flash essential or luxuries I can get as I get more experienced, in your opinion?

Many thanks again.

Personally, I don't use a tripod. Not because I've got anything against them, there have been occasions where I'd wished I'd had one. I simply can't manage one.
I do use a mono-pod though, and would be lost without it. I'm often surprised how low a shutter speed I can use with it.
One big advantage of the mono-pod is the speed when using it. It's far quicker to react to a sighting with the mono-pod than it would be with a tripod.
As for flash, as Brocker said, not exactly essential. I still haven't got an external "normal" flash gun, but after witnessing the results Matt_xyz got with his set up, it's something that will be ordered very soon! I have got a ring flash, which I use with my macro lens for damselflies ect.
The built in flash though is very capable even with those types of shots, so the flash gun can certainly wait until you find a real need for one.

[Blackbrook Eye]

Just to mention, if you look at the packages that various retailers, and online sellers are offering and find one that will suit your needs, it can work out much cheaper than buying individual items, I suggest that you take a bit of time to check out what is on offer before jumping in. There is a regular offer on the internet which consists of, camera body, 18-55 lens and 75-300 lens which should be the basis of a usable beggining kit, with the advantage that if later you want a more advanced long lens, there will be a reasonable resale value in the longer zoom.

[zan]

You've got some good advice on here The only thing I'd add (at the risk of opening a can of worms!) is to think about why you'd want a UV filter. They can be helpful for removing a bit of haze from landscapes (if that's what you want to shoot), but are probably most often used to protect the front of your lens. It's probably not strictly an essential, and you might find that using the money for a monopod is a better way of spending your money? Up to you anyway - a broken filter is better than a broken lens, but for the price of replacing the kit lens I'm not sure I'd bother.

HOpe this makes sense!

Zan

[Susie]

Thank you for the replies, Graham, Blackbrook eye and Zan.

Your advice is invaluable. I have decided against getting the tripod and will aim to get a monopod instead (this is where personal experience is so useful). I think the filters are a good idea (and will try not to break anything!) and will go for the two lenses Blackbrook eye suggests.

I have seen some really good packages online but until I know what I need I won't know whether I am getting value for money or if I am just buying a load of extras which look good but aren't necessary. With your help I am writing a list and I can then cost out the items individually and see if the packages work out cheaper.

Many thanks for all your advice. I am looking forward to having enough cash to go out in the new year and actually buying it.