Beginners Basic necessary equip

[1broknrado]

Hi All,

I have been into photography for a while, but also in college so funds have been limited. I recently found a Canon Rebel EOS XT on Craigslist with a Sigma 28-70 lens for $150. It also came with a grip and battery charger.

My quesiton would be what kind of equipment should i begin to collect as necessary?
Tripod
UV filter
Sun Shade
Extra lens? (i really love the 50mm 1.8 but haven't bought yet)


Little backround. I live in Wilmington NC, so beach photography will be a large part of my photos as well as automotive (VW Audi enthusiast). Which lens and equipment items would be best to start taking photos from my natural surroundings?


Thanks a bunch,
Tim

 

[jowensphoto]

A UV filter is good for keep the sand off your front element, but that's about it. Other filters, like ND and CPL filters, keep the sand out and have other, photographic, uses.

Sounds like you'll want to get a tripod, and since you'll be shooting at the beach, a level is imperative. Some higher end tripods have them built in. Or you can use a smartphone app... or get an actual level at the hardware store.

The 50 1.8 is almost always the second lens in a kit, it seems, and for good reason. It's cheap and it's good quality for the price.

I very well may be making a move to Wilmington soon

 

[480sparky43 42]

Get a quality tripod, not some cheesy, flimsy thing from Best Buy. Heads, however, are another topic.

Skip the UV filter.... you won't ever need it. Get a good circular polarizer instead.

A hood should be used all the time.

As for more lenses, take some time with your current lens to find out how it may be lacking for you.

Other sundry items: Another battery, a few more memory cards (both can fail, and you'll want back-ups), and a remote release for the shutter.

 

[1broknrado]

What is the main difference between a Circular Polarizer instead of a UV filter?

Also thank you for the speedy responses! I just found this website and have been reading it all day at work haha.

How should i go about determining what a good tripod is? There are no camera stores in town, i do most of my shopping on B&H.

Also, any points int he right directions for inspiration? I don't want to get into a rut of only shooting beach and auto pics.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[480sparky43 42]

What is the main difference between a Circular Polarizer instead of a UV filter?

A CPL is used to control reflections. All light is polarized, and a CPL is used to reject light that is polarized at a certain angle. A UV filter is not needed because you already have a UV filter in front of your sensor. Yeah, I know, there's this big Us v. Them war about using a UV filter. And yes, I do use one, but only when shooting conditions warrant it (windy, rainy, waterfall mist, etc.). But otherwise, my lenses 'go commando'.

Oh, and make sure to get a circular polarizer. Old-school plain polarizers won't work on digital camera.

How should i go about determining what a good tripod is? There are no camera stores in town, i do most of my shopping on B&H.

Think of your dream camera set-up... you know... the one you would buy today if money were no object. Buy your tripod based on that gear. If you buy one for the camera you have, you will need to buy another tripod a few years down the road.

Also, any points int he right directions for inspiration? I don't want to get into a rut of only shooting beach and auto pics.

Thanks,
Tim

Go forth and actuate. Seriously. Just get out and LOOK for things to shoot.

 

[vintagesnaps]

A polarizer in general blocks primarily horizontal rays of light that the human eye has difficulty seeing - those are the rays that make us squint. For a lot of outdoor use I agree one of those would be beneficial. I don't use UV filters but I'm not in an area that's sandy, so for protection you might want to consider having one just for that purpose (or an extra lens cap, that's what I sometimes buy as I've managed to lose those when I'm out and about).

You might consider for future purchases buying used from reputable dealers like KEH, B&H, Adorama etc. - buying from someone listing thru Craigslist probably doesn't give you any recourse later on if the equipment doesn't work properly.

I agree with Sparky; I think the more you take pictures, in time the more you start noticing what's around you that could make for a good photograph, and the more likely it is that you'll be thinking about what you could have gotten a picture of if you had _____.

 

[1broknrado]

Thanks for all the advice.

The hardest part i find is going out and taking pictures.

Do you guys generally go venture off on your own and take pictures or just bring camera with you everywhere? Some of my friends only really go out and take photos in a group of 2-3 for entertainment.

I will look into a tripod with a level that is adaptable for multiple camera bodys as well as a polarizer and a 50mm lens to get me started!

Thanks,
Tim

 

[480sparky43 42]

....Do you guys generally go venture off on your own and take pictures or just bring camera with you everywhere?

Yes. Some days, I'll make a point of visiting a historical site, or an air show, or just take a walk through the woods. And have your camera handy. You can't take photos without it.

My mantra this year will be to sit down once a week and check the calendar for local events.... car shows, farmers' markets, etc. Things like this are chock full of opportunities.

...Some of my friends only really go out and take photos in a group of 2-3 for entertainment....

Ask to tag along.

I will look into a tripod with a level that is adaptable for multiple camera bodys as well as a polarizer and a 50mm lens to get me started!

Thanks,
Tim

All tripods will. Just keep in mind you may want to upgrade your camera. If you bought too light a tripod now, you may need to replace it later.

 

[PropilotBW]

Thanks for all the advice.

The hardest part i find is going out and taking pictures.

Do you guys generally go venture off on your own and take pictures or just bring camera with you everywhere? Some of my friends only really go out and take photos in a group of 2-3 for entertainment.
Thanks,
Tim

You are lucky to live in a very beautiful city!!! You could take pics of EVERYTHING! Head downtown, lots of boats, wooden piers, the Coast Guard Cutter, old brick streets with the horse-drawn carriage, Wrightsville Beach (for birds, sunsets, or... babes), estuaries, wildlife. You name it, man, and it's there!

Have I jump-started the gray matter??

Then post what you come up with, and the fine people on here will help you learn to take better photos.

 

[1broknrado]

Ah yes you did. I never consider going downtown Wilmington to take pictures, as well as the Battleship!

 

[PropilotBW]

I see you mentioned beach photography (sunsets?). You might want to look into Graduated Neutral Density filters, which will allow you to expose for the bright sky and still allow the foreground to be properly exposed.
For reference: "The Ultimate Guide To Neutral Density Filters" by Peter Hill | Redbubble

 

[BrandonLaw]

I just started getting into photography not too long ago when I want to use my camera I like to go hiking State Forests and nature preserves can give you some interesting subjects or find a local zoo? What are you most interested in photographing?

 

[1broknrado]

I just started getting into photography not too long ago when I want to use my camera I like to go hiking State Forests and nature preserves can give you some interesting subjects or find a local zoo? What are you most interested in photographing?

I like beach stuff and automotive, which would be why i like the 50mm 1.8mm the best.

 

[1broknrado]

I see you mentioned beach photography (sunsets?). You might want to look into Graduated Neutral Density filters, which will allow you to expose for the bright sky and still allow the foreground to be properly exposed.
For reference: "The Ultimate Guide To Neutral Density Filters" by Peter Hill | Redbubble

I'm really not that advanced to get into exposures and such. I'm still learning my way around the camera and the general aperture/shutter settings.

 

[1broknrado]

Not to stray from thread topic however,

I am going to look around locally for a 50mm 1.8 lens, tripod, CPL, and can anyone suggest a lense for shooting surfers from the beach?

Thanks,
Tim