Help on accesories, please

[LizardKing]

Hello everybody

Maybe some of you remember me asking a lot of questions about gear for the last couple of months, and it's finally time to do the purchase. Second week of November, I'll be in the States for vacations and will buy the following:

- Nikon D7000
- Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S
- Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
- Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash


But I really need some help with the accesories I could buy. I know the information is out there in this forum alone, w/o even using Google. But I'm completely overloaded with work and trying to get all the $$$ I need to buy all this.

I've been doing some basic reading, buy maybe you could save me valuable time for me now, by telling me your recommendation, or the 2-3 better ones to look at and decide myself. I'd really really appreciate it :thumbup:

Basically, I like travel photography (lots of outdoors) and portraits (most of them outdoors also). I will also be using the Full HD video capabilities with that beautiful 50mm... Maybe experiment a little there haha
I'll try to list the things that I'm more interested in, but maybe you see I'm missing something important. This will be me first DSLR, so I'm not that familiar with all the 'toys' available

- Polirizing filters? UV Filters? Neutral and Graduated-Neutral Densityfilters? Any brands/models to recommend?
- Other filters? color filters?
- Lens hoods?
- Any recommendation on basic accesories for the flash?
- For Lens/camera Cleaning and/or maintenance?
- Battery? Just go with the original?
- Memory cards? I know there are different 'classes' for each size. I think it has to do with the speed, but not sure how much I need for minimun and at what point I'm crossing the line into pro-gear.
- Remote control(s)?
- A good bag to carry this particular setup? not looking for something huge. Just something I can easily carry in my waist or inside my backpack.
- Is there ani anti-theft device you know about?
- Tripod? Steady but easy to carry around.
- Extension tubes? I know these lenses aren't macro, but better to ask
- Wires? Is it necessary to buy any extra besides the ones that come with the camera and HDMI cable?
- What do you think about those neopren cases?


I know I'm asking way too many questions, and I truly apologize for that. But I really need your advice and, as I said, don't have much time. I really have to take advantange of the price difference between the US and Argentina, since here everything costs double. :thumbdown:

Just answer those you feel like answering. I don't expect to evacuate all my doubts, just understand a little bit more about all these toys, and hopefully get some recommendations.


THANK YOU!!


Regards,
LizardKing

 

[LizardKing]

Up to front page :thumbup:

 

[Big Mike]

I would definitely recommend a polarizing filter for your travel/landscape shots. You don't need to buy the most expensive one, but avoid the cheapest one you see.
I use lens hoods on all my lenses, I highly recommend them.
There are a ton of flash accessories. I'd recommend not buying any of them just yet.
The camera will come with a battery, that will probably be good enough, but if you need/want to buy more, you can get great deals on off-brand batteries (on the internet).
If you plan to shoot HD video, you will want fast memory cards. And lots of capacity.
A remote is great when shooting landscapes, but you can just use the camera's self timer instead.
Bags are a highly personal choice. I'd suggest looking at what you can find in the camera store. I have several Lowepro bags and can recommend them.
You will probably want a travel friendly tripod. Look for something that isn't too large when folded up, and isn't too heavy. Plenty of cheap options that won't be too steady...plenty of steady ones that will cost a lot.
Extension tubes would allow you to shoot Macro...if that's something you need or really want, then OK...but otherwise, your money may be better spent elsewhere.
The camera should come with the cables you need.

 

[tirediron]

- Polirizing filters? UV Filters? Neutral and Graduated-Neutral Densityfilters? Any brands/models to recommend? Definitely a good polarizing filter. At a minimum a Tiffen of Hoya MC filter, and if you can afford it, B+W, Lee, Heliopan or Singh-Ray. For G-NDs and NDs look to the gel filters such as Cokin 'P's size(if you can find them, Lee or Singh-Ray.
- Other filters? color filters? Not really all that relevant any more; most can be effectively replicated in post.
- Lens hoods? ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!
- Any recommendation on basic accesories for the flash? A diffuser and bounce card if not already supplied.
- For Lens/camera Cleaning and/or maintenance? A Giottos Rocket, micro-fibre cloths, lens tissue and a Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly for dry sensor cleaning.
- Battery? Just go with the original? A second one is always a good idea.
- Memory cards? I know there are different 'classes' for each size. I think it has to do with the speed, but not sure how much I need for minimun and at what point I'm crossing the line into pro-gear. You can never have too many memory cards. I buy 4Gb cards (for back-up purposes, 1 card = 1 DVD) in the fastest speeds I can.
- Remote control(s)? A remote release (preferably a wireless RF type) is very nice for long exposures or tripping the shutter from a distance for bird/wildlife photography.
- A good bag to carry this particular setup? not looking for something huge. Just something I can easily carry in my waist or inside my backpack. Buy all the gear you're going to, and then look for a bag to suit it, NOT the other way around.
- Is there ani anti-theft device you know about? Yes, but the name escapes me; if I can find it I will post it.
- Tripod? Steady but easy to carry around. Manfrotto 190 Pro, in carbon fibre with a 066 head.
- Extension tubes? I know these lenses aren't macro, but better to ask If the budget allows, they're useful, but not essential.
- Wires? Is it necessary to buy any extra besides the ones that come with the camera and HDMI cable? Not that I'm aware of.
- What do you think about those neopren cases? Never used one, no idea.

Probably just repeated most of what Mike posted... hope it helps.

 

[LizardKing]

Thank you both for your responses! You definitely saved me a lot of research time I don't have :thumbup:
Based on your feedback, I Googled/Amazoned/TPFed a little and started making some decisions.

I've decided to start with the following accesories, and add the rest in the future. I'm adding links to the products in Amazon, to avoid writing all the specs here.

• CPF: I'll buy a 77mm for the Nikkor 28-300 and a 77-58 step down ring to be able to use it in the Nikkor 50mm.
  • B+W and Heliopan seem to be out of my reach for now, so I'm thinkin' Tiffen or Hoya.
  • Not really thinking about getting an UV Filter, but this CPF+UV seems good for the price. What do you think?
  • I don't think there's to much to think about the step down ring, isn't it? Probably better to get a metalic instead of a plastic one. But maybe I'm missing something else.

• Lens Hood: The Nikkor 28-300 comes with a hood. It's probably good enough, right? Not sure if the Nikkor 50mm brings one, but they don't seem expensive.

• Memory Cards: I'm thinking about 2x 16GB SanDisk Class10 (30 MB/s). That should be good for 1080p video right? And more than enough for pictures. Thoughs?

• Extra Battery: The original is not that expensive, so I'll probably go with that one.

Still need to read a bit more aboutcleaning kits, bag and tripod. I'll probably decide it once I'm in the shop.


Optional Accesories (I'll probably make my decision in the store)

- ND/GDN Filters. Most likely a 3-stops one. I've read that's good for outdoors portraits.
- Remote Control. Good enough?​

Out of Scope (for now):

- Flash accesories
- Extension Tubes

​

Thanks again for the responses I already received and for the ones to come, too! :mrgreen:
Really appreciated... Sometimes, photography gear can be overwhelming for the beginner. But it feels so good to have experienced photographers backing you up here.
It really makes a difference.

Again... Any thoughts, recommendations, critiques, second opinions, ideas... are more than welcomed!

Regards,
LizardKing

 

[DiskoJoe]

battery grip
basic uv filters - protect lens and help with day time shooting. Get pro quality for best results.
lens hoods for each lens.
remote trigger is a must have.

solid tripod!

I would also suggest a better quality zoom. The one you want is kinda dinky but that all depends on how much coin you have. A good zoom like a 70-200 f2.8 will set you back quite a bit but usually pays for itself long run.

a 17-50mm f2.8 is a handy lens for walking around and you get a wide angle. 28mm is not that wide on a aps-c sensor. It would equal about 42mm.

 

[LizardKing]

I would also suggest a better quality zoom. The one you want is kinda dinky but that all depends on how much coin you have. A good zoom like a 70-200 f2.8 will set you back quite a bit but usually pays for itself long run.

a 17-50mm f2.8 is a handy lens for walking around and you get a wide angle. 28mm is not that wide on a aps-c sensor. It would equal about 42mm.

I hear you... but can't afford the 70-200 f/2.8... I know the 28-300 3.5/5.6 is not the best zoom lens out there. But it's a pretty good one to start with, seeing that most people usually start with the kit lens. I'll definitely need to change it in the future, but that will also come together with a FF camera (hopefully)... so we're talking a lot of $$$

Also know I'll be a little short in the wide end, specially since the camera is not FF... But it's not that bad... I'll have a more than decent multipurpose zoom lens and (probably) the best 50mm available. So I think it's a good start.

Thanks for your feedback!

Regards,

 

[MLeeK]

This is just opinion, so take it for what it is worth...
I'd upgrade that zoom lens before I bought ANY accessories.
If you buy an "ok" lens now with the intention to upgrade later you are kind of throwing money away. Those things are harder to get sold down the line unless you find a newbie who knows nothing to buy it. And the used market is flooded with the low end lenses that people like you purchase and then hate.
The small accessories are easy to pick up here and there later. If you can't order there, you can always use one of the US Address/Mail forwarding services for stuff down the road.

 

[fotomanjack]

This is just opinion, so take it for what it is worth...
I'd upgrade that zoom lens before I bought ANY accessories.
If you buy an "ok" lens now with the intention to upgrade later you are kind of throwing money away. Those things are harder to get sold down the line unless you find a newbie who knows nothing to buy it. And the used market is flooded with the low end lenses that people like you purchase and then hate.
The small accessories are easy to pick up here and there later. If you can't order there, you can always use one of the US Address/Mail forwarding services for stuff down the road.

I totally agree. Instead of the 28-300, look at the 55-300, or better yet, the 70-300 lens. MUCH better than the 28-300. Another great lens to get, for walking around, is the 18-105. I use Tiffen and B+W filters on all my lenses. You're right on with your choice of 50mm lens and SB-700 flash. Everything else that has been suggested here is good advice, to be used at your discretion.

 

[LizardKing]

This is just opinion, so take it for what it is worth...
I'd upgrade that zoom lens before I bought ANY accessories.
If you buy an "ok" lens now with the intention to upgrade later you are kind of throwing money away. Those things are harder to get sold down the line unless you find a newbie who knows nothing to buy it. And the used market is flooded with the low end lenses that people like you purchase and then hate.
The small accessories are easy to pick up here and there later. If you can't order there, you can always use one of the US Address/Mail forwarding services for stuff down the road.

All opinions are worth hearing. And I thank you for taking the time.
I'll respond to the lens discussion below...

I totally agree. Instead of the 28-300, look at the 55-300, or better yet, the 70-300 lens. MUCH better than the 28-300. Another great lens to get, for walking around, is the 18-105. I use Tiffen and B+W filters on all my lenses. You're right on with your choice of 50mm lens and SB-700 flash. Everything else that has been suggested here is good advice, to be used at your discretion.

Thank you for your feedback!

I do understand what you're all saying. My first approach, when I decided to research about what lenses to buy, was to buy top quality and nothing else. I wanted a multipurpose lens and a primer for portraits (hopefully an 85mm 1.4). But then I realized that wasn't possible with my budget. I know it's the 'weak aspect' of all things I'll buy, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad choice. I've read tons of reviews and opinions about this and other similar lenses. And I finally decided it was the best way to go, after having the chance of playing for a whole weekend with a Canon 7D + 18-135mm kit lens... I realized you can take some great shots with those kit lenses... And this 28-300 is no kit lens. It's an FX format lens, good building, great characteristics/features and is considerable more expensive. I obviously won't base my decision only because it's more expensive... but we all know that in photography, you get what you pay for.

Of course, 99% of all I know is theoretical since this will be my first DSLR... So I could be completely wrong. That's why I posted my doubts (more than once) in this forum and the opinions were varied. It was like I kicked a bee hive or something

I'm not sure what lenses you mean, could you please clarify?
I checked for those focal lengths, and the ones I found doesn't seem comparable with the 28-300 FX Format lens. All three of them are cheap DX format lenses with smaller max apertures in both ends.

I'd like to say I'm more than opened to all suggestions you may have to replace this 28-300... But more expensive lenses are not an option... Unfortunately.

Thank you all again!

Regards,
LizardKing

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Get a shutter release cable, it's such an important piece of kit. Just as important as tripod IMHO. Shopping Spree!!!! Love it.

 

[LizardKing]

Get a shutter release cable, it's such an important piece of kit. Just as important as tripod IMHO. Shopping Spree!!!! Love it.

Isn't a wireless remote better? Because with the price on this baby... There's not much to think: Amazon.com: Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Select Nikon D-SLR and CoolPix Cameras: Camera & Photo

 

[GeorgieGirl]

If you can get wireless then way cool. My cord is good and long for my Canon so I don't mind the leash...so far. But, only thing that can better that is an intervalometer, not sure about wireless for that though. All the Best!

 

[MLeeK]

I forgot to ask earlier... Are you going to NYC and planning to purchase while there? If you are GO TO B&H! It's like Disneyland for photographers! LOL! And when will you be there? I may well be in the city. It's not all that far!

 

[Infinite_Day]

Have you thought about a used 80-200 f/2.8 instead of the other zooms you have listed? It's a better lens but doesn't have VR. That's not as big an issue, however, when you have the larger max aperture. AF might not be as lightning fast but should be plenty quick on a D7000. Just something to think about. You can probably get a two ring version of the 80-200 in the same price range as the 28-300. Something like this perhaps? 1986 G Nikon 80-200 2.8 Ed Af-d W/bracket *77 I'd buy that in heartbeat if I were not in savings mode for next year's vacation.