Questions about... well everything...

[johnh2005]

I am new to the forums here and new to "Photography" instead of "Snap Shotting"

I bought a small case that I am now disappointed in. However, I cannot afford to get a new bag quite yet. The camera (T3i) is stored with the lens (18-55 Kit) on. The camera is held vertically.

1. Is it bad to store it with the lens on?
2. Should the lens be facing upward or downward?
3. Should I dump the bag now, sell a body part and get a bag that is better suited?

Pics of the bag:

I am not one to waste a lot of money. What I mean by that is, when I buy something, I buy it for the long run. I don't want to buy a cheap $150 Amazon light kit, to replace it 6 months later with a $300 Amazon light kit, to replace it with a $500 B&H light kit that will finally serve the purposes I need it for. I would rather just spend the extra time to save for the one that will last me the longest. However, I am on a limited budget. With that said I am looking for the "Little Things" I need that are cheap enough to get me started but not having to replaced any time soon.

With that said this is what I have bought so far:

A. Bag (That I wound up not so happy with /boo)
B. Extra battery (Pearstone, good choice for /value?)
C. Rocketfish UV filter
D. Rocketfish Circular Polarizing filter.
E. Lexar Professional 32GB Class 10 SDHC card.

So, with that said:

4. What would you guys recommend my next "Little Things" purchases to be? In order of importance. More filters? New lenses? Flashes?

I know I am in need of a lens cleaner. I have heard a few things about a "Rocket" lens cleaner. I have googled it and came up with a ton of different things. I am not sure which "one" people are talking about.

5. Anyone have a link to the "one" people are talking about with a good price on it? Or at least the name brand of it?

With all of the above said, I am just getting started with my new camera. I know I need things for it and I am trying to tap into the knowledge here to figure out how to best spend my money. I really appreciate any info anyone and EVERYONE can provide.

As far as my interest in photography goes? Just about anything and everything that looks interesting. Kids, rusty pipes, flowers, cars, the beach, signs, buildings, room interiors, just whatever. I will be looking into new lenses (now or down the road) and was wondering what kind of "all around" lenses will go best with the 18-55 Kit lens I have. I know I want three "styles" of lenses eventually. A Macro, Telephoto and a Wide Angle.

6. With and "All around" interest in Photography in general, which "Type" of lens should I go for next? Macro, Telephoto or Wide Angle? Or should I wait a little while and see if I develop a greater interest in a certain style of Photography?

Again, thank you for all of your help! And sorry for the Wall of Text.

In Summary:


1. Is it bad to store it with the lens on?
2. Should the lens be facing upward or downward?
3. Should I dump the bag now, sell a body part and get a bag that is better suited?
4. What would you guys recommend my next "Little Things" purchases to be? In order of importance. More filters? New lenses? Flashes?
5. Anyone have a link to the "one" people are talking about with a good price on it? Or at least the name brand of it?
6. With and "All around" interest in Photography in general, which "Type" of lens should I go for next? Macro, Telephoto or Wide Angle? Or should I wait a little while and see if I develop a greater interest in a certain style of Photography?

That is all...:lmao::lmao::lmao:

 

[dxqcanada5]

No.
Most cases have padding on the bottom, or a padding setup to keep the camera/lens from resting on the bottom.
I would suggest getting another bag based on what you describe as your spending habits.
There is also no room for another lens or two.

Replace the kit lens. There are better ones out there ... but they do cost much more.

Most photographers settle on a particular type of photography ... so their lenses eventually reflect that. New photographers don't know what they want ... time will tell.
In general ... you should get a telephoto zoom next. Then continue to shoot until you get into a "groove" ... then you will find that specific focal lengths or lenses are required.

ie ... I shoot low light, Macro, mid range, and telephoto ... my primary lenses are 50mm f1.7, 90mm macro, a 28-135mm, and a 300mm f4.0.
I do have other lenses ... but they do not get used much.

 

[dxqcanada5]

Move the two separators closer together ... the flap on the top should bend over to cover the side openings, and the camera body would rest on them to keep the attached lens from touching the bottom.

Like this: http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Technical/camera-bag-large-detail.gif

 

[KenC]

I wouldn't buy anything right now, with the possible exception of an inexpensive flash, just to get your feet wet in that area. You need to figure out what you want to do and how the kit lens limits you or you will probably waste a lot of money. You could get a third-party flash for less than the difference between the Canon 580 and 430 flashes, and then you will have a much better idea how much flash you need and even if you give away the third-party flash you could still end up spending less if you decide you don't need the 580. (or you could keep it as a second flash)

 

[johnh2005]

dxqcanada, Thank you for the replies. I will definitely start looking into a new bag, especially before purchasing any additional lenses. Do you have any suggestion on a brand that provides a good value while protecting the camera?
I tried the link to your photo but it will not let me see it. However, just from your description I have now simply folded the sides down and inward towards the middle. Placing the body atop the folded "tabs" the body rests nicely and the lens is suspended above the bottom padding. It works much better now. Thank you.

KenC, thank you for your reply. I was definitely thinking about a new flash. However, with the HUGE price differences for seemingly "Same Spec" flashes I was very worried with buying a flash and not knowing much about it and getting ripped off. I KNOW a higher price does not always mean better quality and I KNOW that just because something is about the cheapest you can find it does NOT mean it is junk. I found some HDMI cables for anywhere from $3 to $5 each and I thought NO WAY can those compete with the $150 Monster Cable HDMI cables. I was sure right. The $3 cable outperformed the higher rated $150 Monster Cable... However, not knowing much about flashes I just don't want to jump off a bridge not knowing much about them. Can you give me any ideas of brands to look for or ones to avoid? Thank you again for your reply.

:thumbup:

 

[KenC]

Do some research and read reviews of different flash units. I find in general you do get what you pay for and when something is an unusually good bargain people will be saying that everywhere you look. At this point it's more important to get some kind of cheap flash just to see what it can and can't do and to learn hands-on about flash photography. I hear Sunpak and Vivitar make pretty good flashes, but you can find out pretty quickly just searching with Google.

 

[johnh2005]

Do some research and read reviews of different flash units. I find in general you do get what you pay for and when something is an unusually good bargain people will be saying that everywhere you look. At this point it's more important to get some kind of cheap flash just to see what it can and can't do and to learn hands-on about flash photography. I hear Sunpak and Vivitar make pretty good flashes, but you can find out pretty quickly just searching with Google.

Thank you very much KenC for replying. Actually, I have spent about an hour browsing B&H Photo's website and doing general research. I am even more confused now than I was an hour ago... Besides B&H where else can I get quality reviews and good prices of new and possibly even used equipment? I really need to do some more research on my own camera and figure out what kind of Flashes I can use with it. I am still new to this whole thing and while I am usually very good with research of TV's, Computer's, Surround Sound systems and such a lot of the acronyms for photography have me confused. I have to keep tabbing back and forth to figure out what all of the numbers and letters and stuff mean. Thanks for the great advice everyone. I am continuing to research as I await more info from "Those Who Are Smarted Than Me About Photography" lol :lmao:

EDIT: Another problem I am running into is that I have a T3i and even though I read in the reviews that the product/part is compatible with the T3i it does not say so in the product information. This makes me a Sad Panda.

 

[dxqcanada5]

The link was to an image that you have already figured out.
I prefer Lowepro bags ... but that is also personal preference. There are many good camera bag manufactures, each with their own unique designs.
(I have multiple bags depending on what I want to carry ... from a Lowepro Nova 1 (minimal, similar to your bag), to a Lowepro Slingshot 102AW (for light travel) to a Fotima (that can hold all my equipment ... though it gets heavy).

A flash may not be necessary.

I personally avoid using a flash, as I prefer light provided by the sun.
This is something you will need to figure out for yourself.

 

[johnh2005]

The link was to an image that you have already figured out.
I prefer Lowepro bags ... but that is also personal preference. There are many good camera bag manufactures, each with their own unique designs.
(I have multiple bags depending on what I want to carry ... from a Lowepro Nova 1 (minimal, similar to your bag), to a Lowepro Slingshot 102AW (for light travel) to a Fotima (that can hold all my equipment ... though it gets heavy).

A flash may not be necessary.

I personally avoid using a flash, as I prefer light provided by the sun.
This is something you will need to figure out for yourself.

YAY that is a Lowepro bag! I really liked the way it was padded and the way it felt. And for 30% off I would not pass it up. Thanks again for the info!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

When buying bags, you want to plan for growth. Dont buy a bag that only fits everything you have "right now".
There is a caveat though. I have three bags. One fits every bit of gear I own, including a tripod, and still has room to grow.
This is my travel bag. Then I have the day trip bag. It can fit a variety of combinations of stuff depending on my destination and plans.
These above two are backpacks. The third is a specifics bag, a little bigger than yours. I use it when I am going to do something specific and only need a lens, maybe two.

As far as what else you should buy? Nothing right now!
Get out there and start shooting, and start saving money!
The more you shoot the more you will be faced with your limitations. Note these! They should dictate your next purchase. In this time, you might even have saved enough to get that next thing immediately! The more you shoot, the more you will learn your lens(es), their strengths, their weaknesses, their problems...teaching you what is important to you in your next purchase.

I've learned from experience. Everyone here without fail will recommend the nifty fifty as a must have. It was cheap, at least, but I never use it. Ever!
The two lenses I use most are a 100mm f/2.8 Macro, and my most used, most loved, walk around lens is...and it is almost never suggested...the 100-400mm f/4. So learn from what you shoot, an let it make for wise purchasing!

 

[2WheelPhoto]

You sure are going to enjoy those Bryan Peterson books.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

I just read learning to see creatively. It was good, be he really just explains things, and doesn't really teach anything. It's good information, but falls flat a little. I more highly recommend "The photographers eye" by Freeman, and I have another book I can't find right now that explained the elements of design and composition, and gave you assignments to go do to apply it. It was a flatter read, but had depth and application.

Found it. Tom Ang's "digital photographers handbook" (equipment, techniques, effects, projects)

 

[Derrel]

Always store a d-slr body with a lens attached to it. Failing that, a proper, manufacturer's-branded body cap is a second choice. Camera bags are in many ways, a hassle. Don't worry too much about them. There are many differing styles of camera bags, from backpack (good for traveling, lousy to shoot out of!), to fanny/waist pack, to holster style,messenger style,conventional soft-form like Domke, compartmentalized conventional like Tenba and LowePro,etc,etc.

It's difficult to suggest a lens to a person who doesn't yet have specific questions in mind. But, since you only have one lens, ANY second lens will increase your lens selection. For beginners, I think the tele-zooms like 55-200 and 70-300 are the easiest to learn how to use, and they are very affordable. The MOST difficult lenses for the beginner to use are the ultra-wide angle lenses like 10-20mm...it takes a lot of understanding and discipline to be able to make good pics with the ultra-wide lengths. Most beginners turn out horrible stuff with U.W. zooms.

 

[subscuck]

One thing that hasn't been touched on yet is post processing software. Digital photos need post processing to look their best. Obviously, the better your glass and the better you are at attaining proper exposure, the less they need, but digital always needs at least some post work. Editing software ranges from free (GIMP) to expensive (Photoshop CSx), and places in between ( Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro). A good book to learn the soft ware with is also a good idea. There's nothing intuitive about any of the programs and there is quite a learning curve. Normally I wouldn't recommend GIMP, however, I've changed my mind a little as I've recently looked on Amazon and there are now actually quite a few books available for it. For a beginner, Photoshop Elements is also a good choice. At $80 it gives the average person everything they need most of the time. People will also recommend Light Room, but I'd avoid it. Lots of misunderstanding about LR. It is not an editing program. It's a data base management/workflow program with limited editing capability designed by Adobe as a go along program for your editing software.

I'm impressed by the fact that you've already purchased several books. Have your camera and manual at hand when reading them and try out everything as you read. It will be invaluable. Lastly, like several others have said, stop spending and work, work, work with what you have now. It's more than enough to get you a good ways through the learning curve. With the books and gear you have now, you'll soon figure out what you need down the road. Then you won't have to come on here and ask what you need, but instead you'll ask for opinions on brand A vs brand B. Good luck, have fun, and welcome.

 

[johnh2005]

Awesome advice guys. Nice to see you Bitter in another of my threads =). I will definitely get to doing more shooting. I am in quite a conundrum right now. I see far away shots I want to be able to get (ie needing a telephoto lens) and I am trying some closeups on bugs, flowers and stuff and I am wishing I had a wider aperture for greater DOF and more detail on the small stuff. I am going to keep shooting and see which I wind up missing more.

I have definitely LOVED reading the book Understanding Exposure. It is actually the only one I bought. The other two they had at my local library. I carry it around with me everywhere. I just finished reading it. I have taken time out time and time again to refer to my owners manual to see exactly what to do on my camera compared to what he is saying. I have also taken what I learned every few pages and went out to take a few shots. Just to compare DOF, overexposure and underexposure of shadowed/highlighted shots. It will be a book I keep with me for a long long time. The others I will start reading afterward. I picked them up based on recommendations in these forums.

I will be looking in the library for the two books you talked about Bitter. As I get through with what I have now I will start reading more and more. The more I read the more I understand. As one person I read earlier I always carry my camera in full auto mode "just in case" there is something I have to get NOW. But armed with the information I have gathered so far I am able to swap over to the big "M", meter it up, adjust, recompose and shoot!

Darrel, thank you for the advice. I was worried about carrying the camera around with the lens attached about it "hurting it". I decided to leave it on just because I did not want to get dust in the body. I am glad to hear I was worried about nothing and I was actually doing the right thing.

Subsuck, thanks for the reply. I actually own a copy of PS CS5 extended. I am pretty proficient with it for restoring old photos, removing blemishes, and stuff like that. I just do not have a great eye for color =( But, I have auto adjust for that then I make it how I personally like it. I KNOW there is a ton I can still learn and I will continue to work with it. Been using it since CS3. Going to keep using it.

I do have one more question. Does anyone know a good book that goes more in depth about my camera. I saw someone mention something about a fieldbook guide or something about their camera. Any particular one I should grab for mine to get a better grasp on settings (non exposure related)? Something that shows how to change basic camera settings? Also, what aspect ratio should I be storing my photos in? I was thinking 16:9 but I am not sure. Does it really even matter? Thanks again for all of the great replys!