What kit should I have?

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WillW

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Will
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Hi,

I'm just starting out with photography, although I've had a Canon EOS 300x for some time.

I currently have a Canon 500D - A EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 II lens - A similar lens from my old camera - EF 28-90mm 1:4-5.6 III - and a EF 90-300mm 1:4.5-5.6.

I have a basic Canon Camera bag that came with my EOS 300x, no accessories or anything else.

As I'm just starting out, I'm not really sure what to get next. What do you think I should have as basic? Or perhaps the next thing to work towards getting?

Will
 
I would say something to clean your lenses, then get out there and shoot - that's the only way you'll learn what kit YOU need next.
 
Hi

The items I found to be the most useful or to help me expand my capability were;

a flashgun
quality tripod and head
wireless radio remote
50mm 1.8.
battery grip
If I lost all my gear and had to start again it would be with these items.

I would of course then add the other bits n bobs such as microfibre cloths, rocket blower, filters, macro lens and/or extension tubes and decent flashgun rechargeable batteries (Eneloops).


Andy
 
For me, definitely a flashgun and the 50mm1.8, but then I tend to take more photos of people indoors than anything else. Of course if your main interest was, say, landscapes or architecture I'd be tempted to add a tripod fairly rapidly.
 
You seem to have the focal range covered from 18 to 300. I think you need to decide on what type of photography you're interested in. Use what you have until you find limitations.

For example:
Is 18mm wide enough? - Wide angle lens
Do you want macro type shots?
Do you take pics in low light? - Flash, tripod, faster lens

I would say you have a pretty good setup for 90% of photographers. Don't get too caught up in the idea that you must buy new kit just because (it's easily done ;)). Enjoy what you have.

Although I would recommend getting a spare battery, spare memory card and lens cloth, if you don't already. As these things would stop you from taking more shots!
 
Photographs!

Take lots, find out what you like taking, and find the limitations of your equipment.

You will soon realise what equipment is stopping you from progressing, then you can spend the money you saved by buying items recommended by others to buy something that will genuinely help you to improve.

hth.
 
david357 said:
Photographs!

Take lots, find out what you like taking, and find the limitations of your equipment.

You will soon realise what equipment is stopping you from progressing, then you can spend the money you saved by buying items recommended by others to buy something that will genuinely help you to improve.

hth.
Click to expand...

This man speaks the truth. Only spend money once you have worked out the shortcomings of your gear. What other people use may not suit your shooting style.
 
Thanks for the advice. I would like to get the Canon 50mm f1.8 at some point. But I keep hearing bad things about the build quality of that one.

I'm still working out what style I prefer, and in general I just try and take photo's where the opportunity arises. I think in general I'm more keen on taking pictures of people, but I would like to try macro photography.

The first thing I will buy will be a lens cleaning kit, as mine are getting a little dusty :)
 
someguy201 said:
Thanks for the advice. I would like to get the Canon 50mm f1.8 at some point. But I keep hearing bad things about the build quality of that one.

I'm still working out what style I prefer, and in general I just try and take photo's where the opportunity arises. I think in general I'm more keen on taking pictures of people, but I would like to try macro photography.

The first thing I will buy will be a lens cleaning kit, as mine are getting a little dusty :)
Click to expand...

The build quality is what youd expect for circa £80 but dont let that put you off, its a great lens. I have the 500D and the 10-22mm, 18-55mm, 50mm 1.8 and 70-200// f 4 L.

I found the most useful thing was a tripod but then again i love landscapes.
 
I will look into that lens. I'm not as interested in landscapes, but thats partly due to the fact I don't have as much opportunity for good landscape pictures where I am. I would still love to take some good landscape shots.

I think I will also get a better Camera bag, the one that came with my first Camera does the job, but isn't great.
 
I'm in a similar position - starting out in the world of DSLR, and wondering what kit I "need" in addition to the 18-105 lens that came with the camera.

I've found the best way so far, has been to get out there and start taking pictures with what I've already got - it's given me the best idea of what I would like to get.

I established quite early on that I wanted something with extra reach than the 105, so I have researched a longer lens - this won't be used loads though as the kit is a decent (for an amateur) walkabout general purpose lens.

I've invested in a circular polariser and an ND filter as I want to start experimenting and playing with these a bit more. I also would like to prime lens eventually. But all of these have been "wants" and not "needs".
 
50mm 1.8 is great, although I'd also consider a 30/35mm f/1.8 instead if Canon do one. I used to use my 50mm all the time but now use a 30mm as the wider angle is useful indoors, especially when shooting more than one person.

Have a look on flickr - when you see pics that you like have a look at their exif data and see what lens they were shot with.
 
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someguy201 said:
Thanks for the advice. I would like to get the Canon 50mm f1.8 at some point. But I keep hearing bad things about the build quality of that one.

I'm still working out what style I prefer, and in general I just try and take photo's where the opportunity arises. I think in general I'm more keen on taking pictures of people, but I would like to try macro photography.

The first thing I will buy will be a lens cleaning kit, as mine are getting a little dusty :)
Click to expand...

I got my 50mm f/1.8 off ebay for £75 posted, it's cheap and plastic, but it's so easy to produce good shots it's well worth the money.
 
Thanks for the advice :), I'm looking through that thread now. You've all been really helpful.
 
DON'T just go out and buy a huge pile of expensive equipment just because other people say that is what you need !

You have a good range of lenses already, go out and take LOTS of photographs - then eventually you will understand what you need.............
 
You have a huge range of focal lengths in your lenses, I'd say the only thing you haven't got is something capable of a very shallow depth of field - as has been suggested, a "nifty fifty" is a great starting point (I have no idea about canon lenses, but anything under F2 will be a creative revelation looking at your lenses).

Flash and Tripods are both a bit Marmite (i.e. love them or hate them) I wouldn't suggest them until you find you have a specific need or money to burn - same as any piece of camera equipment, if you don't know why you need something - don't!


Another suggestion, if you aren't sure what you like, is to buy some cheap gear on ebay - you'll buy a load of junk, but you'll also find something you do like. Now you know what to go and spend money on a decent version of, and you can sell the junk back for the same you paid for it!
 
I thought I had replied to this, repost what I had intended to do before.

I'm not going to rush out and buy any expensive kit, but I'm definitely considering the 50mm lens, it suits the style I'm more interested in.

I think the only thing I would like to immediately buy however, is something to clean my lenses with, and possibly a new camera bag.
 
You don't need more gear, you need to get out and shoot.

But being a gear whore myself, if you must get something to add you might want a tripod and a fast cheap 50mm.

I dont use a tripod most of the time but there is a lot you can't do without one. It also slows down newbies which is often a good thing.

Oh yeah, be warned that once you try some faster glass you will need to budget about 10k so you can replace all your glass lol.
 
david357 said:
Photographs!

Take lots, find out what you like taking, and find the limitations of your equipment.

You will soon realise what equipment is stopping you from progressing, then you can spend the money you saved by buying items recommended by others to buy something that will genuinely help you to improve.

hth.
Click to expand...

This a million times. Everyone on this forum bloody loves spending other people's money, and forgets to go out and take photos... :)
 
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