New T2i on it's way for Christmas! What accessory 1st

[flameshots]

The wife just told me I'm getting a new toy for Christmas. The next question is what to buy first to go "with" the new toy. What are the best accessories for the T2i?

Does a grip really help?

I'm going to have to change to SD cards. (that sux. I already have several compact flash cards.) How are the speeds and capacities with SD vs Compact flash? Will I need more cards now?

Thanks for any input.

BTW I'm going from a Rebel XT so any help with the differences from the XT and The T2i would be great.

 

[wcc963]

well i have the T2i as well and a 16GB card, i can take over 2000 photos on it, which i don't think i'll ever do so its enough for me right now... im also looking for some accessories so i'll be watching this thread

 

[Destin]

Well if I had a t2i the first thing I would do would be to install the new magic lantern firmware hack for it! It opens up soooo many new doors with that camera. My buddy has one and just installed it.

But yeah, battery grips are a nice thing to have for sure! Gives you a better grip on the cam, and most allow you to run it on AA batteries too. (at least for my nikon)

 

[flameshots]

Well if I had a t2i the first thing I would do would be to install the new magic lantern firmware hack for it! It opens up soooo many new doors with that camera. My buddy has one and just installed it.

So what kind of things did it open up?

I'm definitely going to get a grip. If for nothing else it allows vertical shots easier and more battery life.

 

[flameshots]

well i have the T2i as well and a 16GB card, i can take over 2000 photos on it, which i don't think i'll ever do so its enough for me right now... im also looking for some accessories so i'll be watching this thread

Are those raw files? Seems like a lot for raw.

 

[wcc963]

well i have the T2i as well and a 16GB card, i can take over 2000 photos on it, which i don't think i'll ever do so its enough for me right now... im also looking for some accessories so i'll be watching this thread

Are those raw files? Seems like a lot for raw.

no JPEG, but 16GB gets me about 600 RAW, and about 450 RAW + JPEG

 

[flameshots]

well i have the T2i as well and a 16GB card, i can take over 2000 photos on it, which i don't think i'll ever do so its enough for me right now... im also looking for some accessories so i'll be watching this thread

Are those raw files? Seems like a lot for raw.

no JPEG, but 16GB gets me about 600 RAW, and about 450 RAW + JPEG

Sweet thanks for the info.

 

[reznap]

Wait and see what you're lacking. I bought a bunch of filters when I first got my dslr (neutral density for doing waterfalls and stuff) in the 18-55mm kit lens filter size, which is 58mm I think. Then after finding a good deal on a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 I sold the kit lens. The Tamron's filter size is like 67mm, so now I have a bunch of filters I almost never use. Just something to consider, don't buy stuff too hastily.

 

[flameshots]

Wait and see what you're lacking. I bought a bunch of filters when I first got my dslr (neutral density for doing waterfalls and stuff) in the 18-55mm kit lens filter size, which is 58mm I think. Then after finding a good deal on a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 I sold the kit lens. The Tamron's filter size is like 67mm, so now I have a bunch of filters I almost never use. Just something to consider, don't buy stuff too hastily.

Great advice! I would really like to upgrade my kit lens. I already have enough filters for the 18-55 family of lenses. How much did you give for the Tamron? You happy with it?

 

[blazerj]

I bought the T2i a week ago, but body only. I bought the Sigma 18-200mm OS lens, and it's pretty nice, especially for ~$350 and not having to change lenses.

I'd recommend a similar strategy, that way when you decide what ranges you shoot in, you can upgrade lenses, but keep the 18-200 as an all arounder.

 

[reznap]

How much did you give for the Tamron? You happy with it?

I found it on craigslist for $250 (which is about $100 cheaper than I expected to find it anywhere, ever..) from a cosmetic surgeon who didn't need it for his office setup anymore. So - I got super lucky with that one obviously.

It's a great lens. Reviews I've read say the non-vc (non-stabilized) version is sharper than the newer and more expensive VC lens. It's "ok" at f/2.8 but very sharp when stopped down a little.

Also don't forget to use the movie mode on your T2i, I don't use mine near enough and I think it's the best feature of the camera.

 

[Ouhei]

Battery grip, on the smaller bodies like the rebels it really makes them feel so much more solid.

If you don't want to Spend the $150+ on the Canon one, Zeikos usually makes a cheap alternative that works just as well. They're usually $50-70.

 

[reznap]

Battery grip, on the smaller bodies like the rebels it really makes them feel so much more solid.

If you don't want to Spend the $150+ on the Canon one, Zeikos usually makes a cheap alternative that works just as well. They're usually $50-70.

I have a cheap battery grip (it was $50 I think) and while it does imrpove on ergonomics (for me anyway) and lets me shoot easier vertically, the cheapo batteries that came with it don't work with the camera's battery life indicator. Basically, they show full until they're stone dead and the camera tells me change the pack and turns itself off. If you put 2 canon batteries in there, I'm pretty sure it would work fine, since the indicator works with a chip that comes in the battery or something - but the canon batteries are like 40 or 50 dollars each.

 

[Destin]

Magic Lantern gives you more iso stops, the ability to adjust WB by temp, more vid. quality options, a built in intervalometer, Auto bracketing, manual audio control in video mode, and tons more that I dont remember right now.

 

[Robin Usagani]

dude.. tell her to get you 50d or 60d instead. I hate rebel controllers.