Lens imput please

[Kerbouchard]

I would say start with the Kit lens and, since you're doing to do some indoor lowlight stuff, also the 50mm f1.8.

That gives you a not too expensive starting point to get into things and gives you the versatility of the zoom combined with the lowlight capabilities of the faster prime lens. I think trying to go further can be a difficult thing as whilst there are lot of options its hard for yourself to narrow down specifically what suits you best since a lack of experience and a lack of shooting with the gear means that you won't know you own style nor shooting habits to really know how best to select the gear.

I think I'm most comfortable with that option, I'm sure I will have enough on my plate to learn, and while I'm aware of how much everything costs and that this is an investment, I also can't start out with the best of the best of everything. I will probably get a budget priced tripod too, with good ratings on Amazon. Do I need a monopod? I will keep the flash in mind, and probably get one within a few months, but just not right up front. Thanks!

You might consider a monopod rather than a tripod. They are much easier to set up and work with. Some photographers use a monopod as a walking stick in rough terrain and then simply click the camera onto it, to take photos. Others have the camera on the compacted monopod over their shoulder and simply lower the leg to take a photo which is much faster than adjusting 3 legs and sometimes using a level.

skieur

Except that you can't shoot a 2 or 3 second exposure on a monopod...which is what is going to be necessary for the shots the OP wants to take.

 

[FireKitten]

I think I'm most comfortable with that option, I'm sure I will have enough on my plate to learn, and while I'm aware of how much everything costs and that this is an investment, I also can't start out with the best of the best of everything. I will probably get a budget priced tripod too, with good ratings on Amazon. Do I need a monopod? I will keep the flash in mind, and probably get one within a few months, but just not right up front. Thanks!

You might consider a monopod rather than a tripod. They are much easier to set up and work with. Some photographers use a monopod as a walking stick in rough terrain and then simply click the camera onto it, to take photos. Others have the camera on the compacted monopod over their shoulder and simply lower the leg to take a photo which is much faster than adjusting 3 legs and sometimes using a level.

skieur

Except that you can't shoot a 2 or 3 second exposure on a monopod...which is what is going to be necessary for the shots the OP wants to take.

So.... should I get one of each to play with both? Is there a real use for both, or is one going to sit unused... that's what I'm wondering.

 

[Kerbouchard]

You might consider a monopod rather than a tripod. They are much easier to set up and work with. Some photographers use a monopod as a walking stick in rough terrain and then simply click the camera onto it, to take photos. Others have the camera on the compacted monopod over their shoulder and simply lower the leg to take a photo which is much faster than adjusting 3 legs and sometimes using a level.

skieur

Except that you can't shoot a 2 or 3 second exposure on a monopod...which is what is going to be necessary for the shots the OP wants to take.

So.... should I get one of each to play with both? Is there a real use for both, or is one going to sit unused... that's what I'm wondering.

I haven't used my monopod in many months. I use my tripod just about every time I shoot.

A monopod is best used to help support a heavy(pro) lens when you can use a relatively fast shutter speed. A tripod is used when you need a longer shutter speed.

IMO, for the shots you want to do outdoors of a building at night-time with Christmas decorations, a tripod is essential. It sounds like you have already made up your mind on a lot of things...definitely not the direction I would go, but good luck to you.

 

[FireKitten]

Except that you can't shoot a 2 or 3 second exposure on a monopod...which is what is going to be necessary for the shots the OP wants to take.

So.... should I get one of each to play with both? Is there a real use for both, or is one going to sit unused... that's what I'm wondering.

I haven't used my monopod in many months. I use my tripod just about every time I shoot.

A monopod is best used to help support a heavy(pro) lens when you can use a relatively fast shutter speed. A tripod is used when you need a longer shutter speed.

IMO, for the shots you want to do outdoors of a building at night-time with Christmas decorations, a tripod is essential. It sounds like you have already made up your mind on a lot of things...definitely not the direction I would go, but good luck to you.

I don't understand? Yes I made my mind up on the camera, and after looking up the brand of tripod you recommended I just decided I can't spend that right now. There are plenty of tripods rated very highly on Amazon, and I don't discard quality by any means, but I just don't have the budget for everything at once. I'd rather start with a cheaper tripod if that helps me afford the prime lense. I'm open to suggestions, never said I wasn't. Help me understand. I'm just trying to prioritize here, and I see the importance of the flash but I just can't swing that and the prime lense right up front. It's not the end of the world if I get the flash in a few months...

 

[Kerbouchard]

So.... should I get one of each to play with both? Is there a real use for both, or is one going to sit unused... that's what I'm wondering.

I haven't used my monopod in many months. I use my tripod just about every time I shoot.

A monopod is best used to help support a heavy(pro) lens when you can use a relatively fast shutter speed. A tripod is used when you need a longer shutter speed.

IMO, for the shots you want to do outdoors of a building at night-time with Christmas decorations, a tripod is essential. It sounds like you have already made up your mind on a lot of things...definitely not the direction I would go, but good luck to you.

I don't understand? Yes I made my mind up on the camera, and after looking up the brand of tripod you recommended I just decided I can't spend that right now. There are plenty of tripods rated very highly on Amazon, and I don't discard quality by any means, but I just don't have the budget for everything at once. I'd rather start with a cheaper tripod if that helps me afford the prime lense. I'm open to suggestions, never said I wasn't. Help me understand. I'm just trying to prioritize here, and I see the importance of the flash but I just can't swing that and the prime lense right up front. It's not the end of the world if I get the flash in a few months...

I tried to help you understand. A tripod is much more important for nighttime photography than a prime lens is. A flash is much more important to indoor photography than a prime lens is.

Look, we've all been there. Some of the people offering you advice are still there. We get crappy shots with our P&S, so we upgrade to a DSLR and a kit lens. We still get crappy shots so we buy a prime lens. A lot of people quit there. Others keep searching, and buy a flash...then it's like Heaven has opened up and we hear Angel's singing...we finally understand what it means to be able to create a photograph and control the lighting.

It's kind of a normal transition. As far as your particular circumstances, you want to take shots at night of a building that has been decorated. I took some shots similar to that last night at a wedding. Handheld, I was at ISO 3200, 1/10th of a second, at an aperture of 2.8. With a tripod, I could set my ISO to base ISO, use an aperture that will provide the DOF I want, and I don't have to worry about the shutter speed.

Like I said, you've already done your research, made up your mind, but somehow in that research you never came across recommendations on flash, tripods, reflectors, lighting modifiers, or lenses. Seems a bit strange that you have your mind made up on a particular body but haven't even thought about the rest of what it takes to complete the package.

Like I said, sounds like you have some room to grow...best of luck to you.

 

[FireKitten]

I haven't used my monopod in many months. I use my tripod just about every time I shoot.

A monopod is best used to help support a heavy(pro) lens when you can use a relatively fast shutter speed. A tripod is used when you need a longer shutter speed.

IMO, for the shots you want to do outdoors of a building at night-time with Christmas decorations, a tripod is essential. It sounds like you have already made up your mind on a lot of things...definitely not the direction I would go, but good luck to you.

I don't understand? Yes I made my mind up on the camera, and after looking up the brand of tripod you recommended I just decided I can't spend that right now. There are plenty of tripods rated very highly on Amazon, and I don't discard quality by any means, but I just don't have the budget for everything at once. I'd rather start with a cheaper tripod if that helps me afford the prime lense. I'm open to suggestions, never said I wasn't. Help me understand. I'm just trying to prioritize here, and I see the importance of the flash but I just can't swing that and the prime lense right up front. It's not the end of the world if I get the flash in a few months...

I tried to help you understand. A tripod is much more important for nighttime photography than a prime lens is. A flash is much more important to indoor photography than a prime lens is.

Look, we've all been there. Some of the people offering you advice are still there. We get crappy shots with our P&S, so we upgrade to a DSLR and a kit lens. We still get crappy shots so we buy a prime lens. A lot of people quit there. Others keep searching, and buy a flash...then it's like Heaven has opened up and we hear Angel's singing...we finally understand what it means to be able to create a photograph and control the lighting.

It's kind of a normal transition. As far as your particular circumstances, you want to take shots at night a building that has been decorated. I took some shots similar to that last night at a wedding. Handheld, I was at ISO 3200, 1/10th of a second, at an asperture of 2.8. With a tripod, I could set my ISO to base ISO, use an aperture that will provide the DOF I want, and I don't have to worry about the shutter speed.

Like I said, you've already done your research, made up your mind, but somehow in that research you never came across recommendations on flash, tripods, reflectors, lighting modifiers, or lenses. Seems a bit strange that you have your mind made up on a particular body but haven't even thought about the rest of what it takes to complete the package.

Like I said, sounds like you have some room to grow...best of luck to you.[/QUOTE]

Well don't we all? I thought that was why I was here. No, I have not come across anything about how important a flash or tripod is... I felt that I needed to get my camera and get to know it before I added accessories to it. What do you expect when I don't know anyone who is a Photographer, or even slighlty versed on the topic. I'm trying, and I think I deserve a little credit for that. You are the only one who brought the flash up, how am I supposed to know "Others keep searching, and buy a flash...then it's like Heaven has opened up and we hear Angel's singing...we finally understand what it means to be able to create a photograph and control the lighting." when nobody else chimed in on the flash being vital right up front? It's okay that I learn as I go. Heck I want to mess up a little bit and learn from it. If the heavens open up when I get a flash then that's awesome, but at this moment don't you think I need to focus on learning how to properly work the camera itself? Everyone has got to start somewhere...

 

[FireKitten]

Kerbouchard------- can you recommend a book on Amazon about Flash Photography?

 

[Kerbouchard]

Kerbouchard------- can you recommend a book on Amazon about Flash Photography?

There are a ton, but I'll do you one better...here is a free website that has a ton of info...

http://neilvn.com/tangents/index/flash-photography/

 

[jake337]

Kerbouchard------- can you recommend a book on Amazon about Flash Photography?

There are a ton, but I'll do you one better...here is a free website that has a ton of info...

http://neilvn.com/tangents/index/flash-photography/

Also

Strobist

and once you have a flash.

Strobist: Lighting 101

 

[FireKitten]

Kerbouchard------- can you recommend a book on Amazon about Flash Photography?

There are a ton, but I'll do you one better...here is a free website that has a ton of info...

http://neilvn.com/tangents/index/flash-photography/

I will look at that, but I really do better with physical books. I experience a lot of eye straining with sitting here reading mountains of info on the computer. A well organized book that I can hold in my hands really helps me more, so please do share some recommendations.

 

[skieur]

I think I'm most comfortable with that option, I'm sure I will have enough on my plate to learn, and while I'm aware of how much everything costs and that this is an investment, I also can't start out with the best of the best of everything. I will probably get a budget priced tripod too, with good ratings on Amazon. Do I need a monopod? I will keep the flash in mind, and probably get one within a few months, but just not right up front. Thanks!

You might consider a monopod rather than a tripod. They are much easier to set up and work with. Some photographers use a monopod as a walking stick in rough terrain and then simply click the camera onto it, to take photos. Others have the camera on the compacted monopod over their shoulder and simply lower the leg to take a photo which is much faster than adjusting 3 legs and sometimes using a level.

skieur

Except that you can't shoot a 2 or 3 second exposure on a monopod...which is what is going to be necessary for the shots the OP wants to take.

Actually I have done so, by simply bracing the monopod against a railing, log, large rock or tree.

skieur

 

[skieur]

The down side of flash photography is that for beginners they produce very flat, often washed out skin tones when shooting people along with red eye, vignetting and background problems. They are also a costly investment, even when used well. I have gone through several $300 plus flashes and find them to be an expensive consumable.

skieur

 

[Kerbouchard]

The down side of flash photography is that for beginners they produce very flat, often washed out skin tones when shooting people along with red eye, vignetting and background problems. They are also a costly investment, even when used well. I have gone through several $300 plus flashes and find them to be an expensive consumable.

skieur

Ok...The only time a flash is going to produce a flat, washed out, red eye, etc type of photo is when it is pointed directly at the subject from the camera axis...hence the reason for recommending a flash that can swivel and tilt...aka bounce flash.

As far as washed out, it doesn't take a master photographer to look at a photo on an LCD, see that a shot is washed out, and push the button for negative exposure compensation one or two times. You're making it out like it's the most difficult piece of equipment to use, when in fact, it's one of the easiest. It's really not that difficult to point the flash behind you and to the left, set a -1 exposure comp, and see what happens...As far as background exposure, if someone can't get that right, than they wouldn't have been able to get it right without flash, either.

 

[skieur]

The down side of flash photography is that for beginners they produce very flat, often washed out skin tones when shooting people along with red eye, vignetting and background problems. They are also a costly investment, even when used well. I have gone through several $300 plus flashes and find them to be an expensive consumable.

skieur

Ok...The only time a flash is going to produce a flat, washed out, red eye, etc type of photo is when it is pointed directly at the subject from the camera axis...hence the reason for recommending a flash that can swivel and tilt...aka bounce flash..

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

 

[Kerbouchard]

The down side of flash photography is that for beginners they produce very flat, often washed out skin tones when shooting people along with red eye, vignetting and background problems. They are also a costly investment, even when used well. I have gone through several $300 plus flashes and find them to be an expensive consumable.

skieur

Ok...The only time a flash is going to produce a flat, washed out, red eye, etc type of photo is when it is pointed directly at the subject from the camera axis...hence the reason for recommending a flash that can swivel and tilt...aka bounce flash..

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.