Newbie here - recommendations for kit?
Discussion
Hi guys
I am pleased to say I am now the proud owner of my first DSLR - a Canon EOS 400D. Lovely piece of kit, and even on Auto, the pictures put my old compact to shame. I've got the standard lens, a kit bag, and that's it, so what would you recommend as essential purchases? Filters for example? Cleaning kit perhaps?
I'll want to get a tele lens and a tripod/monopod at some point as want to take some motorsport pics, but I think I need to get to grips with the basics before splashing loads of cash. Any suggestions for lens and pod would also be appreciated though, so at least I can start my investigations.
Has anyone subscribed to the EOS mag? Any good? Worth the dosh?
Thanks in advance.
Gav
I am pleased to say I am now the proud owner of my first DSLR - a Canon EOS 400D. Lovely piece of kit, and even on Auto, the pictures put my old compact to shame. I've got the standard lens, a kit bag, and that's it, so what would you recommend as essential purchases? Filters for example? Cleaning kit perhaps?
I'll want to get a tele lens and a tripod/monopod at some point as want to take some motorsport pics, but I think I need to get to grips with the basics before splashing loads of cash. Any suggestions for lens and pod would also be appreciated though, so at least I can start my investigations.
Has anyone subscribed to the EOS mag? Any good? Worth the dosh?
Thanks in advance.
Gav
IMHO
Just start taking lots of photos, and when you get stuck, or the results are not as you wanted, then the bit of kit you need will become obvious.
This means you'll buy the most appropriate bit of kit next, rather than the one others need.
For me it was a tripod, then a telephoto, then a prime, then a polarizer, then a macro, then a filter set, then.... I think you get the drift! (Set aside a whole heap of cash)
edit to spell check after pub.
Just start taking lots of photos, and when you get stuck, or the results are not as you wanted, then the bit of kit you need will become obvious.
This means you'll buy the most appropriate bit of kit next, rather than the one others need.
For me it was a tripod, then a telephoto, then a prime, then a polarizer, then a macro, then a filter set, then.... I think you get the drift! (Set aside a whole heap of cash)
edit to spell check after pub.
Edited by GetCarter on Monday 7th January 18:17
Well, before splashing out on any magazines, I'd suggest you have the whole world at your fingertips in the "WorldWideInterNetWeb-thingy". It's a great place for learning a few bits and bobs - have you looked at some of the links from the PH resources thread? It's on a sticky at the top of the forum I think you'll find.
Go for shooting Raw and learn about how to take photos, composition and what you can do in the post-processing....
And as Mr C says - get out there and shoot lots!
Go for shooting Raw and learn about how to take photos, composition and what you can do in the post-processing....
And as Mr C says - get out there and shoot lots!
GetCarter said:
... a Poloriser...
Wazzat? A lift for mints???Given that the standard zoom is a 'ok' but can be improved on, I would go :
Tripod
Prime (only about 50 quid I think, but makes really crisp punchy images)
Polariser
Longer zoom
Tripods force you to slow down a little bit and think about what you are doing. Similarly, the prime lens forces you to work a little bit harder on framing etc.
Tripod
Prime (only about 50 quid I think, but makes really crisp punchy images)
Polariser
Longer zoom
Tripods force you to slow down a little bit and think about what you are doing. Similarly, the prime lens forces you to work a little bit harder on framing etc.
I picked up a cheap (un)used manfrotto 190b and ball head, less than 100 quid , has quick release head too which is a must IMO.
I also use a CPL + ND/grad filters but thats for landscapes more, also got the excelent 50mmf1.8 bargain.
Have a sigma 10-20 which gets a lot of use but not for motorsport...
Made a cable release myself which is handy for the stuff I doo too (or use the self timer/MLU sometimes).
For motorsports your looking at money for a good lens, the 70-300IS is minimum (or 70-200f2.8 with tc), prolly better with something longer (300-400).
I also use a CPL + ND/grad filters but thats for landscapes more, also got the excelent 50mmf1.8 bargain.
Have a sigma 10-20 which gets a lot of use but not for motorsport...
Made a cable release myself which is handy for the stuff I doo too (or use the self timer/MLU sometimes).
For motorsports your looking at money for a good lens, the 70-300IS is minimum (or 70-200f2.8 with tc), prolly better with something longer (300-400).
Knick Pee said:
a prime? Please explain in words of one syllable
single focal length lens.i.e. not a zoom.
Usaly sharper, faster and cheaper(if you can get em) than a zoom at that focal length. Also should have no distortion and low CA.
e.g. canons 50mmf1.8, 65quid and sharp as the 24-70 f2.8, but faster.
slartibartfast said:
i have a 100mm macro lense, is this classed as a prime as it's not only macro?
Canon 300D BTW, and in love with it.
Paul
Its a prime first and a macro second.. Typicaly Macro's arnt as fast as other primes (f2.8) but have all the gubbins to focus very close to give 1:1 maginification etc. Usualy make excelent primes too, very sharp.Canon 300D BTW, and in love with it.
Paul
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