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Equipment for Beginner
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Hi,
I’m getting Digital SLR (40d) for xmas along with kit lens and lessonsWhat other kit is a must have? Tripod, bag etc? Can someone just give me a quick pointer of the first pieces I should pick up.
Thanks
Firstly welcome to the forum,that’s a very decent first Dslr.The kit lense is plenty to get you started.The on board flash will get you by for crimbo,but if santa is feeling generous,you could get a a dedicated flash,but not essential at the minute.
You will have plenty of fun with your new 40d this year,it’s a top piece of kit,enjoy,
Sean.
p.s If you intend to do landscape,you will need a tripod,filter’s etc,but no need for them at the minute.
Thanks Sean
Yeah, I got everyone (family and girlfriend) to club together what they would normally spend on pressies for me and get me this camera. Been after one for a long time but baulked for various reasons.
Landscapce is definitely my thing, so I guess I will need a tripod. Was thinking the Manfrotto 190XPROB
Hopefully light enough to trek around with
thewing wrote:
Thanks Sean
Yeah, I got everyone (family and girlfriend) to club together what they would normally spend on pressies for me and get me this camera. Been after one for a long time but baulked for various reasons.
Landscapce is definitely my thing, so I guess I will need a tripod. Was thinking the Manfrotto 190XPROB
Hopefully light enough to trek around with
the 190 pro is a great tripod,get yourself some filters now,and away you go.
Sean.
Nice tripod and camera.
For landscapes you’d also want a rain-proof camera bag or bagpack, a remote control (to avoid shake), polariser and some ND grad filters (1,2 & 3 stops)
Yep for landscape a tripod and ND (neutral density) grad filters are a must. Take a look at Cokin P type filters, they’ll fit most lenses you’ll buy and overall reduce costs in that you won’t have to buy different size filters for different lenses.
Welcome to the site !! Don’t be shy now. Lots of beginners on board here and lots of people eager to help out also !
Thanks
Definitely get some filters (UV or sky) for protection reasons.
Took lens cap off camera tonoght to find filter smashed, camera got a bash some how. (SUSPECT kids)
Filter was smashed but lens and camera appear to be fine. Need to get filter glass cleaned from lens though.
Still cheaper than losing the lens
Then its happy shooting
Damian
As well as the 190XPROB you’ll need a tripod head. Best way is to try various types in the shop with your camera.
I have a 190XPROB and use the 322RC2 head.Well I have to say, I only signed up to this forum yesterday, but it’s definitely the right place!
People seem to be very helpful indeed!
Santa’s sleigh is currently loaded with a 40d, Sigma 18-200mm, and a Canon Flash 580EX.
I will purchase a tripod after i’ve done some research on the head, and where is best/cheapest to get it
I’ll also need to get a bag to keep all this stuff safe and dry – any suggestions?
I do a fair bit of hiking, and obviously i’d have a day pack with a platypus and a rain cover and one or two bits – what would complement this nicely?
I don’t know about getting a dedicated backpack for the camera as I can’t really carry 2 backpacks?
Want to get a decent one, cos plan on heading to Patagonia next june so will have to be able keep it dry in cold/wet conditions.
thewing wrote:
I’ll also need to get a bag to keep all this stuff safe and dry – any suggestions?
I do a fair bit of hiking, and obviously i’d have a day pack with a platypus and a rain cover and one or two bits – what would complement this nicely?
I don’t know about getting a dedicated backpack for the camera as I can’t really carry 2 backpacks?
Want to get a decent one, cos plan on heading to Patagonia next june so will have to be able keep it dry in cold/wet conditions.
Have a look at Lowepro Site do many types of backpacks, including some which have 2 seperate compartments, one for the camera and another for extra stuff?
Cheers Steve
The LowePro site is the place to go to look at camera bags, I’ll second that. I use the Minitrekker AW which just about carries all my gear, but the Slingshot 200 would probably do you just fine.
When you’re on hikes and you need your own backpack for food, clothing, tent etc. you should carry as little camera gear as you can get away with (body, one or two lenses – leave the flash at home) and strap your tripod to the outside of the pack. I would recommend a carbon fibre tripod if you do plan on a lot of hiking – the weight savings will be very welcome, although your wallet won’t thank you. I use the Manfrotto 190MF3 and find it great. Do beware of lightweight aluminium tripods as they don’t tend to be very stable.
For a ball head, I used the 486RC2 for years and it was a great little head. Find the lightest equivalent that will support your gear (how much weight it will carry is published with the specs of the head).
Regarding filters, etc. – I wouldn’t bother with them, initially. Maybe a polarizer, but graduated ND filters are expensive and frankly are a pain to use. If you’re just getting started with a DSLR they are probably an unnecessary complication and expense. Certainly if you like landscapes and sunrise/sunset shots you will want to get a set eventually, but with the dynamic range on today’s digital cameras they are not the requirement they once were for shooting (for example) on Velvia film.
I have a full set and rarely use them. In fact, I can only pick out one or two images on my website where they were used at all.
Hope that helps, and good luck with the camera!
Its interesting what gear people initially plump for (40d *envy*)
From my own personal experience a circular polarising filter gives the biggest ummph for your bucks when used correctly and a good tripod will last for ever (if you dont stand on it, reverse the car over it etc etc) i have a plastic velbon tripod that has worn out now and if the wind is blowing it wobbles (in donegal it wobbles a lot sometimes!)
You can always use the selftimer function instead of a remote but some cameras bulb functionality will not work unless you use the remote.
And you can get filters off ebay and its probably the best place to look and compare prices.
There is a Lowepro minitrekker classic advertised on buyandsell for ?55. If it wasn’t too small for me, I’d not miss it.
whatever bag you for make sure it’s got a rain-proof cover option as well … the bag may be reasonably waterproof, but the zips will always let water through, and if your going to be out in seriously inclement weather you’ll need the rain cover.
I have the lowepro computrekker AW holds 2 DSLRs with lenses and accessories + laptop, and pocket at front for other bits & pieces as well as mono/tripod pouch. Quite amazed that I get away with it as a carry-on on flights, easily ends up 10-15kg when fully packed with equipment.I use it mostly for sports work, so while I have to trek to get to where I’m taking pictures at times, usually I’m not trying to grab equipment out of it while on the move, which it definitely isn’t the best design for. But I’ve had it over 18months now, and it hasn’t let me down yet. I did pick it up in singapore for a very good price though.
I also have one of those mini-trekker camera bags without the rain cover, but again it’s stood me in good stead, and is very handy when I’m travelling light. – single DSLR with 2 lenses + flash + odds & sods.I bought a LowePro Nova 3 as it will a) fit in my backpack I currently have and b) can be slung over shoulder for speciifc shooting trips (when I’m not trekking)
I looked at the hybrid bags, the Lowepro Rover AW plus is the one that would probably satisfy all my needs, but it’s massive and would be a replacement for my current back pack(which I like).
Trying to decide between the Manfrotto 190XPROB or the 190MF3 as someone else suggested – big difference in price!
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