murphy Loc: Georgia

Hey Guys, I am absolutely brand new to photography. We are going to Ireland in March and was wondering if I needed a different lens than the one I have. I have a sigma 17-50 2.8 on a Canon 400D. Not a lot of money and less knowledge! Thanks

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

have you rearched walk around lense like 70 200 or 70 300

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Take 3000 shots between now and February with what you have and you will be able to answer your own question by then.
First 1000 shots - familiarisation with the camera, lens and taking pics. Working out what you know and what you don't and what you want to know.
Next 2000 shots trying to take pics of similar things that you might photograph on holidays, people, buildings, fields, ocean views, interior of pubs etc.
Work at becoming very familiar with your gear so you don't feel like a klutz and miss shots while on your holiday. We want the taking of pics to be fun and easy , not stressful.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... learn to use what you have first ..... a Lot less costly for you that way .....

Boomer Loc: City of Kawartha Lakes, ON

An excellent travel lens is an 18-200mm, features a somewhat wide angle and decent zoom capability. Just make sure you change your white balance (or put on auto). Also, have your ISO speed on auto and let it go up to at least 1600. Take lots of pics and you will soon know what you are doing. Enjoy!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Agree! That's an excellent spread for a DX body.

murphy Loc: Georgia

That makes a lot of sense. I have been trying to learn to shot with my own settings. 3000 humm, I will be busy. Good advice.

murphy Loc: Georgia

Okay boomer. I am going to take the 3000 pictures that Lighthouse said to take and will also try to get that lense. I just looked it up on amazon. I think this is really going to be a lot of fun. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer me.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I've linked to one page here but the rest of the pages look pretty good for someone just starting out as well.

http://digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography

My initial advice would be - learn the exposure triangle.
Take into account that what camera says is the correct exposure may not be right. A bit of juggling the triangle can improve images immensely.

Learn basic composition. eg Rule of thirds, leading lines & negative space are good for starters and will also improve images immensely.
http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips


When I first started taking pics I used to take pics of subjects and then work on light and composition. I got some good shots but I also got a lot of ordinary ones.

My photography improved enormously when I realised that light and composition were more important than the subject.
A good photographer can make a bucket on a table look worthy of hanging on the wall, an ordinary photographer can make it look like ... a bucket on a table.

Yes, have the subject you want in the picture, (after all, that's why you are there) but remember that it is the third most important element of a good shot.


3000 pics might only be 15 shoots while learning. It costs nothing to pull the trigger with digital. The more shots you take and analyse, the faster you will learn.

murphy Loc: Georgia

I really appreciate those links, I've been checking them out and will buy the book and go thru all the advice on the second link. So far I have taken a bunch of "buckets on the table" type pictures but am determined to learn. I am learning to understand aperature somewhat. How important is it to learn Shutter Speed and Manuel. It's all so confusing at this point. Do I need a newer or better camera. I am not ready to graduate to a real expensive one but was looking at the Canon 3ti. Again thank you!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Learn more before get a new camera. Of course if you are looking for an excuse -- I always get energized by new equipment. Understand shutter and aperture before you get into manual. Just enjoy it.

murphy Loc: Georgia

Thanks for the confirmation on that. That will be my next lens. You guys are great!

murphy Loc: Georgia

That may take me awhile! I probably am getting ahead of myself. But, like you new is fun! But your right. I really need to learn more so I am knowledgeable enough to know where I really need to put my money. I will be out "shooting tomorrow".

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I'm still working on the "bucket on a table" myself.
Subject is there, composition is easy (rule of thirds), it is the light that will make the shot.
I agree with Jerry.
Learn with the camera you have before getting another.
It is quite a good camera.

murphy Loc: Georgia

Okay, that's what I will do. I just ordered "understanding lighting" on Amazon. That will be my aim for now. You guys are all great. Makes my day that I have somewhere to get some good advice.