New DSLR, but what accessories?

[M005]

So I have my new (to me) Canon 350D with standard kit lens and need a few accessories.

Firstly a bag, I will at some point be getting a zoom lens, but for now it will just be the 350D and criteria is it must have easy access and not be too bulky - suggestions?

I have tried a LowePro sling style bag when I borrowed a friends DSLR earlier in the year and didn't find it particularly user friendly.

Also I assume a filter will help to protect the lens, are 'neutral' ones available, i.e. ones that don't alter the image in any way and are suitable to be left on there all the time?

Thanks.

Edited by M005 on Tuesday 30th December 20:37

[4hero]

Hello, congrats on the 350D, it's a nice little camera!

Bags are tricky, do you plan on buying a lot more gear or just stick with the kit lens and zoom for now? I would have suggested the slingshot, what problems did you have with it?

Fiters, buy a UV filter, it's really just there to protect the lens. If it is the 18-55mm lens you have it'll be a 58mm thread.

edited to fix the link

Edited by 4hero on Tuesday 30th December 14:55

[Steve Evil]

I've got a Tamrac Velocity bag like this:

http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

for my 350D, quite easily swallows the camera and a couple of spare lenses, then all the other assorted paraphernalia goes in the front pocket. Pretty easy to swing round to your front to access and doesn't shout Camera-Bag to any would-be thieves.

As for a general protective filter, a UV filter should do the job nicely.

[Gold]

For a bag I'd reccomend going to a store and having a play, it's very hard to correctly choose a bag over the net.

[M005]

Thanks for the responses guys, I only plan to buy a zoom lens in addition to the tripod I already have, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.....

The slingshot sat quite nicely on my back, but whenever I wanted to get the camera out I had to undo the 'U' shaped zip whilst trying not to drop anything and then do it back up again to stop anything else dropping out. I just felt it was a little clumsy and not particularly user friendly, maybe it comes with use.

I'll take a look at the Tamrac case and filter, thanks for the links.

The little fella ( with a little help from his old man ) got me Digital Photography Masterclass by Tom Ang for Christmas which should help me greatly improve my photography over 2009.

Happy New Year to All

Edited by M005 on Tuesday 30th December 20:37

[RobDickinson]

I dont bother with 'protection' filters, if you want get a UV or skylite filter, but the kit lens is cheap as anyhow and cheap filters realy affect the pic.

[D4VE 3LL]

M005 said:

The little fella ( with a little help from his old man ) got me Digital Photography Masterclass by Tom Ang for Christmas which should help me greatly improve my photography over 2009.

Happy New Year to All

Edited by M005 on Tuesday 30th December 20:37

I got this aswell!