For the novice

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katbloke

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Name
Graham
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Posted a hello here a few months ago but after looking at all the lovely work you guys/girls produce ive been too embarassed to post anything.

Now i inherited a 350d body from my brother with batterys etc and bought the standard 18-55 lens and was wondering what other bits of kit youd recommend me get.

Been looking at battery grips and cases and possibly a 70-200 lens only really because of its price, tripod will also be on the cards.

I dont intend doing any more than diy photography tbh and maybe some car/ work related shots some of which will require some close ups, maybe not macro close but close nonetheless.

Thanks in advance.
Graham.
 
Hi Graham, and welcome. :)

Don't ever think twice about posting pics on here because even if they are not brilliant, you know what? None of us were exactly brilliant in the beginning either. You will learn a lot be being gently nudged in the right directions so please......get posting!

Depending on your experience level I'd say add a little 50mm f2.8. Cheap as chips and although it does have it's detractors I found it an invaluable little lens for learning. Framing and depth of field as well as exposure control are all things to practice on it.

I actually like them and added a 50mm f1.4 to my kit just this month.

Does not cost a fortune and easy to sell on with minimal loss.
 
Welcome aboard. Firstly, I wouldnt worry too much about kit to begin with - get used to using the body and lens combo you have, practice taking pictures and please DO post them here, no one is going to laugh, but the will offer helpful and constructive advice on how and where to improve them as you go.
Once you feel a bit more comfortable then you can start adding more it if you feel you need it, maybe a longer lens as you suggest - your current kit lens is short-ish and shold cover those closer shots you mention adequately for now.

So the best advice I can offer is to get stuck in, start taking and posting pics, and read as much as you can around here about how to take a good shot. :thumbs:
 
Hi Graham,

I'm pretty new to the game too but i'll tell you what i can. With regards to the 70-200 lens, if you're gonna be needing some macro/close-up shots why not think about the Sigma 70-300 DG Macro. It's not expensive, i picked one up brand new for £120. This is pretty much the setup i have (450d, 18-55mm and the Sigma 70-300). It gives me pretty much the full range from 18-300mm (exept the 15mm between 55mm and 70mm) and a bit of macro capability too.

I just picked up a velbon tripod for £40 and it's doing the trick for me so far. Pretty sturdy and it holds the camera still for long exposures. Just stick it on self timer, line it up and stand back.

I don't know if this is any use whatsoever but that's what i know. Hope it helps and good luck! :thumbs:

*EDIT* - Also, like the guys above mentioned, just post up some pics. It's daunting to begin with but i've been here just over a month and nobody has ever said anything that wasn't constructive. We're a nice bunch :)

Rich
 
BouncyMelons said:
Hi Graham, and welcome. :)

Don't ever think twice about posting pics on here because even if they are not brilliant, you know what? None of us were exactly brilliant in the beginning either. You will learn a lot be being gently nudged in the right directions so please......get posting!

Depending on your experience level I'd say add a little 50mm f2.8. Cheap as chips and although it does have it's detractors I found it an invaluable little lens for learning. Framing and depth of field as well as exposure control are all things to practice on it.

I actually like them and added a 50mm f1.4 to my kit just this month.

Does not cost a fortune and easy to sell on with minimal loss.
Click to expand...

Do you happen to have any links to the lens you mentioned, new or used or if anyone here might have one for sale?

Thanks.

And also thanks for all replies so far
 
I believe Ali meant to type 50mm f1.8, excellent lens for little outlay

They are often in the classifieds for sale and you can buy just cannot post a wanted ad yet.

The 1.4 version is around 4 times the price.
 
katbloke said:
Do you happen to have any links to the lens you mentioned, new or used or if anyone here might have one for sale?

Thanks.

And also thanks for all replies so far
Click to expand...

There's always 50mm f1.8 lenses for sale in the classfieds of this forum. I'm assuming that's whay BouncyMelons means (I could be wrong :thinking:). You can also get one brand new for £70 from Kerso.

EDIT - PsiFox beat me to it :p
Rich
 
One of these will get you started: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-macro-dg-lens-canon-fit/p1008573 it has a half decent 1:2 macro function too...

If you can stretch a bit further, this is very similar but better: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-apo-macro-super-dg-lens-canon-fit/p1008569 and again has the same 1:2 macro function...

Neither are the greatest lenses ever, but I have the APO version and I'm quite happy with it! :)

Shameless plug time! If you're after a cheap but decent tripod then I have one for sale in the classifieds on here. I'd recommend buying the best tripod you can afford, but if money is tight, then this is the best of the cheapies: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190336

Oh, and welcome to the forums! :thumbs:
 
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