birthday ideas

[Harvey_nikon]

My birthday is coming up, can't afford a 50-500mm though so after some suggestions on little things to get.

Got camera, lenses, tripod, rucksacks and books galore!

I was thinking filters, as I don't currently own any and it would give me something else to play with. So, which ones should I be looking at?

If I can't find anything it may end up being survival gear instead.

 

[Faldrax]

Well it depends on what you are wanting to shoot

For land/seascapes you are looking at getting a combination of Neutral Density (ND) and ND Grads.

In increasing price (and quality) Cokin, HiTech, Lee.

You need a holder, one or more adaptors (these screw into the lens filter thread, the holder fits on the adaptor), then the filters to slot into the holder.

ND simply reduce the light to allow longer exposure - typically to get 'silky' water effects (eg for waterfalls).
ND grad are used to balance bright and dark areas, and have a clear and a dark area. Adjust so that the dark area covers the bright area in the scene, and voila, you camera can record the whole scene without blown highlights, etc.

 

[Xenon54]

Dunno what you've already got, but here's a few ideas...

- monitor calibrator eg i1 display 2
- New strap eg blackrapid rs-7
- color checker passport

All useful stuff and about the right price point for birthday treats.

 

[Tractor Boy]

Rather than gear what about a course or day's photography experience?

 

[woof woof]

For land/seascapes you are looking at getting a combination of Neutral Density (ND) and ND Grads.

A circular poloriser might be nice too.

 

[garryknight]

You didn't mention a flash unit, an off-camera flash cord, a remote shutter release, some reflectors...

 

[dejongj]

Black rapid is already mentioned, and if you haven't got one a Giotto Rocket Blower very cheap and I had a nice success removing dust from the view finder.

 

[Harvey_nikon]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Got 2 sb900's and a self made rapid strap that cost me nothing, and a calibrator.

Good calls on the passport and rocket blower, could do with both of those. And I will also look at adding each of the filters to my collection.

Just got to see if I have any money spare after taking the dog to the vets, looks like my birthday curse has struck again and he's got a tuma