Not sure what to get as accessories for my new camera: I recently got into photography about 3 months ago, when i purchased a T2I which was in my price range. It came with a carrying...

Floggedfrog Loc: Lac La Biche

I recently got into photography about 3 months ago, when i purchased a T2I which was in my price range. It came with a carrying bag 2 batteries and 2 sim cards and one stock lens a EFS 18-55. Im really not sure what items I should purchase next (Essential items that is) I would like to purchase a zoom lens but have no idea what would be a good choice. I take lots of outdoor shots of nature, my dog competing in agility and pretty much anything that takes my fancy. I never really realized what i was truly missing in nature and my surrounding life until i got into photography and now see the world in a very beautiful new light. Things i took for granted or never looked at before suddenly have me photographing them. and admiring them and wondering how i missed it all before the camera. I so wish i had started this many years ago.

snowbear

A good quality tripod and head; the better tripods are just the legs and you choose a head to fit your photography style.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH and the wonderful world of photography!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Floggedfrog wrote:

I recently got into photography about 3 months ago... (show quote)

Don't rush into purchases. I like to read online reviews before I buy anything.

Lens Reviews
http://kenrockwell.com
http://photozone.de/
http://dpreview.com

Info:
http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html

Many people recommend getting FX lenses, even if you are shooting with a DX body. As far as lenses go, buy the best you can afford. Cameras come and go, but lenses are forever.

If you have doubts or questions about accessories, ask here. There is a lot of useless junk for sale.

pooterpa76 Loc: Lebanon, Pa.

ok, one item i think you may benefit from that isn't too costly is a GOOD top quality circle pol filter (polarizing). but only get a top quality filter, no cheap junk. read up on pol filters 1st & see if you think it's something you may use. the difference in color saturation is astonishing.

Floggedfrog wrote:

I recently got into photography about ok3 months a... (show quote)

jim charron Loc: Ontario Canada

wireless remotes are dirt cheap on ebay, handy for self
portraits and anti-camera shake.

make yourself a flash defuser, lots on line, very very cheap.

Hypno Loc: Miami

When I purchased my first DSLR I went to the camera store and asked the same question. The salesperson attached a flash unit to my camera and told me to take some shots around the store, with that unit and with the pop up flash that comes with the camera. No lens is worth buying if you do not have good light. I bought the flash. Of course latter on, well some more goodies but the flash first.

Jerry1940 Loc: Born in OH live in CA

I think this lens is best bang for the buck the Canon Ef-s 55-250mm is. Around $150.00 used KEH has one at $159. My favorite accs. is an eyecup for the view finder. I like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Eyepiece-Eyecup-Microfiber-Cleaning/dp/B0053FR9FQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1338733525&sr=8-4

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Hypno wrote:

When I purchased my first DSLR I went to the camera store and asked the same question. The salesperson attached a flash unit to my camera and told me to take some shots around the store, with that unit and with the pop up flash that comes with the camera. No lens is worth buying if you do not have good light. I bought the flash. Of course latter on, well some more goodies but the flash first.

Right on,,,a flash should be your next purchase. Followed by a TTL cord. You would be amazed at what you can accomplish by getting your flash off your camera. Lens purchases will no doubt be a lifelong purchasing process,,at least it is for me. Once you spend big$$$$$ on fast glass, and you understand it's capabilities,,,you'll never buy anything less.

glojo Loc: South Devon, England

To me if you are going to use a camera outdoors and take images of items that are a distance away from you then you are going to need a telephoto lens of some type be it zoom or prime. You do have a zoom lens but you might want to buy another with a greater length.

Everyone and their dog... I had to mention dog as you are talking about agility but everyone will recommend one brand or the other but to me the over riding factor is we will always get what we pay for and that is a fact in all purchasing. The biggest thing you want to look for is how quickly the camera lens can focus.. Dogs competing in utility events do stand still for brief periods but the best shots are when they are in full flight.. The last thing you want is a lens that is 'hunting' for the subject. Research, research and research and by that I mean look on photographic forums and read what users have to say about their lens.

Good luck with the decisions and start saving for perhaps a fast focussing 70 - 200mm F2.8 lens :evil: ;)

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Jerry1940 wrote:

I think this lens is best bang for the buck the Canon Ef-s 55-250mm is. Around $150.00 used KEH has one at $159. My favorite accs. is an eyecup for the view finder. I like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Eyepiece-Eyecup-Microfiber-Cleaning/dp/B0053FR9FQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1338733525&sr=8-4

You didn't say what was in you budget, so I'm guessing low.
I agree with Jerry here- with what you're shooting, your dog doing agility, (I'm assuming outside?) a longer lens would probably be the next best purchase. This would be a starter lens on the low end- http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Digital-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-DC07999099407N?r=FE# The best lenses will cost a lot more (well over #1k), and are faster which would allow you to shoot inside without flash. Flash would be a close second though. That little pop-up doesn't do a whole lot for you, compared to a shoe mounted one.

Floggedfrog Loc: Lac La Biche

Oooops srry cost is not really an issue since i work way up in northern alberta in the oilsands. I just would like to be able to keep up with some fast moving obects like birds skimmin across a lake, dog agility which happens alot indoors. Long distance for all the bears, grizzlies rare birds Mountain goats, Moose and all the varied wild life up here. Some of which if i got to close would make me into a afternoon snack :) My biggest issue is there are no camera stores where i live, the nearest ones are 6 to 7 hrs away so i can't really try any out before i purchase them. I uusually have to purchase online since i work alot of hours. and tend to only get to the city maybe 1 to 2 times a year.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Floggedfrog wrote:

Oooops srry cost is not really an issue since i work way up in northern alberta in the oilsands. I just would like to be able to keep up with some fast moving obects like birds skimmin across a lake, dog agility which happens alot indoors. Long distance for all the bears, grizzlies rare birds Mountain goats, Moose and all the varied wild life up here. Some of which if i got to close would make me into a afternoon snack :)

Well, if cost is not an issue....I have a wish list for you.

Seriously though,,,a 70-200mm IS is a fantastic start. I would still recommend a flash though.

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

Check in your town for camera store if they have rental,
rent first try and if happy, buy, sometimes they deduct rental fee when you buy
Henry's usually have it

Floggedfrog Loc: Lac La Biche

Thats where the issue is i'm 6 to 7 hrs away from any camera stores so can't try any of them out. I have to usually purchase things online since im lucky if i get to the city 1 or 2 times a year. I work alot of hrs and days straight so when i do get days off i dont want to waste them heading to the city :(

Is this the lens that is a good recommendation?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Z