Canon T3i Battery Grip and Extras etc etc...

[USCRugbyNo1]

Hey guys,

I just purchased a 2nd hand T3i that was in great condition. It came with everything like if purchased from the store. I purchased the camera for a few reasons.

A: Action shots during sport events.
B: I'm in real estate
C: Never had a real camera
D: Vacation photos
E: Family photos

I need to know what are the basic accessories I should purchase? I need a bag and I would probably like to get a off brand camera grip with two batteries. I am going to NYC in the next few months.

Please provide links with your suggestions. =]

 

[o hey tyler]

I had a T1i at one point and used an Opteka battery grip. I wasn't thrilled with it, but it was an off brand grip and I got what I paid for it. It functioned well for the year that I had the camera. Only now after my girlfriend used it on her T1i is the rubber casing starting to come off just a bit. But it's still totally usable.

As for a lens, the 50mm f/1.8 is a good bargain lens... However if you can work it into your budget I'd suggest the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, which actually has better image quality than the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 according to DxO Mark. The 50/1.4 would serve you well in NY and is a very versatile lens. Much better in low light than your kit lens that you probably got with the camera package.

The only other piece of gear that I strongly endorse for all photographers is a BlackRapid strap, especially if you're going to be walking around with your camera out for a long time. It's particularly beneficial to me because the bodies I use are quite heavy along with the glass that's on them.

This should give you a few things to look out for, enjoy your new gear!

 

[iresq]

I also use a strap but opted for the less expensive OP/Tech. I'm gripped so I can use two purchase points on the side of the camera. Would also highly recommend. I also went off brand grip and battery and so far so good.

As for the bag, your best bet is to go to a camera store to check them out in person. Buy bigger than you think you need. There are a ton of things you will probably want/need (flash, tripod, lens, etc). Just take your time and get to know what you really need.

 

[USCRugbyNo1]

I also use a strap but opted for the less expensive OP/Tech. I'm gripped so I can use two purchase points on the side of the camera. Would also highly recommend. I also went off brand grip and battery and so far so good.

As for the bag, your best bet is to go to a camera store to check them out in person. Buy bigger than you think you need. There are a ton of things you will probably want/need (flash, tripod, lens, etc). Just take your time and get to know what you really need.

Need details playa! What kind of grip and battery did you get?

 

[MLeeK]

an f/2.8 zoom for sports and an f/2.8 super wide for real estate. 430EX II or better speedlight for family and real estate

 

[iresq]

Need details playa! What kind of grip and battery did you get?

Amazon.com: High Quality Battery Grip BG-E9 for Canon 60D Digital SLR DSLR Camera!: Camera & Photo

 

[USCRugbyNo1]

Need details playa! What kind of grip and battery did you get?

Amazon.com: High Quality Battery Grip BG-E9 for Canon 60D Digital SLR DSLR Camera!: Camera & Photo

Thank you!

 

[USCRugbyNo1]

keep them coming!

 

[USCRugbyNo1]

I had a T1i at one point and used an Opteka battery grip. I wasn't thrilled with it, but it was an off brand grip and I got what I paid for it. It functioned well for the year that I had the camera. Only now after my girlfriend used it on her T1i is the rubber casing starting to come off just a bit. But it's still totally usable.

As for a lens, the 50mm f/1.8 is a good bargain lens... However if you can work it into your budget I'd suggest the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, which actually has better image quality than the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 according to DxO Mark. The 50/1.4 would serve you well in NY and is a very versatile lens. Much better in low light than your kit lens that you probably got with the camera package.

The only other piece of gear that I strongly endorse for all photographers is a BlackRapid strap, especially if you're going to be walking around with your camera out for a long time. It's particularly beneficial to me because the bodies I use are quite heavy along with the glass that's on them.

This should give you a few things to look out for, enjoy your new gear!

Please remember i'm a noobie. There are two Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 for sale on craigslist. Does anyone have a link to why I would want this lens over my kit lens? Does it accept more light? Good for normal every day photos?

 

[MLeeK]

It's an amazing lens. GREAT for portraits. yes, 1.4 allows you to work in lower light but it also reduces your depth of focus greatly, so using it set at f/1.4 isn't smart until you have the true skill to do so-you'll find most things at f/1.4 are out of focus at this stage in the game. You can stop it down to about f/4 and achieve great focus results for most things. It's a superbly sharp lens. Set your kit lens at 50mm and walk around shooting at only 50mm-no zooming either way. See how that feels for you. If you are comfortable shooting at 50mm it's a phenomenal lens to own.