Essentials for a beginner and new camera!

xxarmando · Oct 11, 2013

Hello everyone, Some of you may remember my thread of which camera to buy for a beginner a few days ago. I have finally made my choice I originally had around 1k budget , but received some Amazon gift cards as a gift. I bought a D7100 + Nikon 18-140mm 3.5-5.6g VR. I bought body only new for the camera and Amazon had a 300$ off the lens if purchased with the camera so the lens came out to be 296$, same price as getting the 18-105mm bundled with the camera. (free camera bag[Amazon.com: AmazonBasics Medium DSLR Gadget Bag (Orange interior): Electronics] and 16gb card with purchase not a bundle)

So far I've been watching many videos on my free time, and reading on the manual of the camera getting to know what each thing does. I am having more fun than expected, the learning process is very interesting.Back on the subject I have a question What essentials should I get? For example lens cleaners, etc. I want to know if I can put a regular (Nintendo dsi) Screen protector I still have around that is brand new and the same size as the cameras LCD, not much protection but mostly for scratches etc. Any essentials I should buy that are very much needed? like lens cleaners etc?

All info and tips welcomed.

mikeyidaho · Oct 11, 2013

Extra memory card and battery, a good strap my recommendation would be a black rapid r strap, either lens cloths or lens pens, UV filter, polarizing filter if you shoot landscapes, speedlight for sure even a cheap sb400 like I have, a remote or cable release, tripod....all depends on what kind of shooting you do. That lens is a great all around so might as well focus on other things unless you need a cheap fast low light prime like the 35mm 1.8 which is my primary lens. Honestly the list goes on and on, without looking at my bag I'm sure I forgot some things. And it depends on your budget and shooting preferences as well

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S III using Tapatalk 2

Derrel · Oct 11, 2013

Screen protection is not necessary. Seriously. It is NOT needed. Live a little. Live dangerously. Walk on the wild side. Use and enjoy the D3200. The glass on the back is as hard as that on the iPhone screen...it's very scratch-resistant. I have not used ANY screen protectors on any of my cameras since 2004. Screen protection is simply NOT needed.

Accessories....hmmm, so many. The 18-140 looks nifty! Plenty of range. I'd say maybe a flash unit would be a nice accessory. Lens cleaner? Hmmm...freshly laundered 100% cotton T-shirt. Blow off any grit or dust, then lightly wipe away any smudges. The less cleaning, the better. A huff or two of breath is the best lens cleaner for anything except grease or oil, which can require a good lens cleaning solution designed for CAMERA lenses-- NOT the junk made for eyeglasses!!!

I agree: a circular polarizer would be a n ice accessory for landscapes and stuff. Buy a decent one, Hoya or better. A flash would be nice too,very nice. Not sure what the budget is.

pgriz · Oct 11, 2013

The best accessory is knowledge. Start with what you have, learn it thoroughly, and add accessories as you run into situations where you can't get the shot without the accessory. In the long run, it'll cost you less, and you're have better stuff. Join a local photo club - there's going to be a ton of experience there that will be helpful. Believe it or not, most experienced photographers enjoy showing off their knowledge. And will even loan equipment. So when it comes time to actually buy stuff - you'll know what you use if for, how to use it, and what to do with it.

minicoop1985 · Oct 11, 2013

There's a tutorial thread stickied in the Beginner section. There's a ton of great information in there that has helped me tremendously. I highly recommend giving that a look.

xxarmando · Oct 12, 2013

Yeah I currently don't have much I will be saving for some essentials, thanks all for the help and insight and Derrel is a D7100 does it have the same screen or different?

Again thanks!