Help NEEDED

Shutterbuggin · Feb 28, 2011

Hello...being new in photography I am wondering what type of equipment I should invest in, I know I want to get some filters and another len but have no clue what to look for. I took a class at college but perhaps I didn't learn as much as I had hope. I was hoping to shadow some professial photograhers in Las Vegas but havnt found anyone wishing to teach. So if there is anyone in Vegas willing let me know. I see alot of people using len hood, if I was to get one what do I look for. After looking at the posted pictures under photography Beginners I feel a bit unqualified. Should I even be posting my kindergarden pictures on this forum??? Any comments will be greatly appreciated. I love photography but need some guidance in this area if I have any hopes of improving. Thank you!!

OrionsByte · Feb 28, 2011

What kind of photography do you want to do? What about your current equipment do you feel is holding you back? Sure, you could go toss a bunch of money at new lenses and filters and such, or you could learn to use what you have, and eventually you'll find a couple areas where your equipment limits your capabilities, and then you can try to find some equipment to help close those gaps. Experience is better than equipment.

y75stingray · Feb 28, 2011

well...get the basics i suppose a camea (whatever you can afford and feels the best to you) maybe a lens or two (lens selection depends on the type of photography you want to pursue) a good all around lens that isn't super expensive is a 28-135mm canon ef "for a canon of course" as far as filters and little things go get them if you want but they dont typicaly make or break a photo those types of things usually aren't deal breakers for a good photo. lens hoods are cheap and you should have one for each of your lenses simply for added protection they will also help to guard against flaring and fringing. I wouldn't be shy to post anything in the begginers forum people that respond here generally understand that you're a newbie and will help with advice more than they will cut down your ability.

tirediron · Feb 28, 2011

In addition to what Brian has asked, what equipment do you have now? What is your budget for additional equipment?

Shutterbuggin · Feb 28, 2011

The type of photography I am most interested in is nature/animals & portraits. Currently as far as equirment, I have a canon rebel XT EOS 350D camera, I have two lens 28-90mm and 18-55 mm canon one is from my old 35 mm canon. I have a tripod and thats about it! My budget is a bit limited right now but I was hoping to get a few things like a hood for both my lens, another len not sure if I was a standand one or a macro. Wanting to spend at the most $200 on another len right now.

tirediron · Feb 28, 2011

You're not going to get a lot in quality glass, even on the used market for $200. My suggestion would be that you consider a polarizing filter, used to enhance contrast and saturation, deepen the blue in skies, and remove reflection from non-metallic surfaces (water, glass) and/or a speedlight. The polarizing filter will make a huge difference to your out-door shots, but be sure you by a quality one, at the very minimum a multi-coated Tiffen or Hoya, NOT one of those POS flea-bay "professional camera filters" for $20. The speedlight will take your portraiture to a whole new level, allowing you to get your light source OFF of the camera.

I would say put the lens purchase on hold, figure out what type of lens you want, and save up for it. Remember to shop used - I buy a LOT of gear from Craig's List and similar sources.

Shutterbuggin · Feb 28, 2011

Okay thank you for the tip...What size filter would be best with my lens, I was looking online at one a 52mm hoya filter but it said not recommended for a auto-focus SLR cameras. My camera has both but does that mean I can't use it if I was using auto-focus? Also, do u recommended what type of hood to get I see cheap ones but don't know where to find quailty ones. Thanks.

Hoya 52mm Linear Polarizing Glass Filter B52PL B&H Photo Video

Alistair · Feb 28, 2011

Shutter,

Hoya 58mm Circular Polarizer (HMC) Multi-Coated Glass A58CRPL

I think this is what Tirediron was getting at I do believe. Granted, you have to make sure it is able to fit your lens, but I think 18-55mm is kit, and it takes 58mm.