buffmaloney Loc: Indiana

I agree. Always make sure 1 battery is fully charged before you leave the house. I'd also suggest a circular polarizing filter for that lens.

Clpea Loc: Charlotte, NC

Start with the small stuff. If you are using a tripod, then get a remote shutter release. Get a filter or two -- UV and circular polarizer. These are not expensive items but will add a lot. Wait for the expensive lens until you have a better idea of just what you are really interested in shooting. I bought a couple of expensive lens too early and a year later I traded them for lens that were more suited to what I was interested in shooting. My beginner's excitement cost me $400 or $500!

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

GET A SPARE BATTERY, AND CHARGER! Last week I drove 21 miles from my house to the New Orleans City Park. I packed my trusty 7D, 24-70mm lens (heavy one) set up for a shoot, and the battery in the 7D was dead. To late to go home for my spare, loss the light, and the subject.

I would also get a copy of one of Charlotte K Lowrie books called "Digital Field Guide" for your camera model. While reading the book, sit with your camera and try all the settings and adjustments explained in the book. This will help you understand what your camera is really capable of, and how to accomplish it. Then read Bryan Petersons books about exposure, and other subjects, and practice as you read.

Good luck, enjoy your camera, post some photos, and don't forget to check the box "store original"

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

You cannot live without:

EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS

EF500mm f/4L

EF180mm f/3.5L macro

EF85mm f/1.2L II USM

And a partridge in a pear tree.

At least you can dream. GL and enjoy your husband's open-mindness.

Citation Loc: Texas

I was in your position in 2005 heading off on an 18 mos. RV venture, which included AK. I had one of the first Canon DSLRs (6.2 megapixels). Your new camera is a huge improvement and an excellent buy. I quickly learned that the 18-55 kit lens fell far short of the mark, because it just would not reach as far as I wanted it to. I invested in a Sigma 18-200, and my problems was solved. As well, kit lenses are not your best quality. I won several contests with my photos, and even today I am selling selling large framed photos taken with my first Canon/Sigma combo. Later I upgraded both, but that's another story. Now Sigma offers an 18-250 with image stabilization--a better lens than mine. It is not that expensive. As soon as you use it, you will put your old lens back in the bag and never attach it again. The second thing I learned was that when I jumped out of my SUV to shoot a lovely landscape, time was of the essence. Hence, I gave up on tripods and went to a monopod. I now use a Manfrotto 685B with a sturdy ball head and hand squeeze elevation. You can buy cheaper, but this baby is sturdy and works like a dream with my new Canon Mark III with 70-300 lens. When you upgrade your lens to something heavy, you'll be glad you went with quality. I rarely use my tripod. The attached photo is from Valdez, AK and won PC World Hot Pic of the Week back in 2011. I took it from a yacht hand held. Bottom line is this: Never buy a future camera with a kit lens. Get the camera body and add your lens of choice. It's more important to invest in a quality lens than to upgrade your camera. Have fun with your camera. I'm glad you are dedicated to improving your skills. Too many people buy a good camera and then set it on auto for the duration. Be a life-long learner.

Valdez, AK Harbor on a Foggy Morning

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

the very first thing is a neck strap, and i'm not kidding!. use it every time you pick up your camera. the second is a good, solid tripod. every image you make will be the better for it. if you can afford to, stay away from zoom lenses. buy prime lenses. and i would begin with a 50 or 60 mm lens. you will make 95% of your images with that lens. it's a great teacher. next, a book "The Craft of Photography" by David Vestal. there is no better out there and even though it deals with film, it is sure to make you a better photographer. a haze filter for your lens, either b+w or hoya.
now all these things seem minor, but they are the most important things a beginning photographer can do.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

If you want a lens that will work in most situations, I recommend the Tamron 18-270mm lens for Canon. I got a used one from Adorama $299.00. It looks and works lie brand new. It will probably never to need to come off your camera. It is very sharp and has great range. It's only weakness is that it does not do well in low light. For that you need a faster lens, like the 50mm f1.8, which is very inexpensive, but is a fixed focal lens. You use your feet to zoom.

If money is no object, the 70-200mm f2.8IS is known to be one of the best lenses Canon makes, but it is pricey. Great range, excellent quality.

Others have suggested taking courses in photography. Knowledge trumps gear. A camera is a tool, like all tools the more you know about it, the better job it does.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

After spare batteries and memory cards, think about Adobe Elements to do your post process and become very familiar with all it's possibilities. As for lens, the 70-200 F4 L without IS is relatively "doable" and will be the last lens you buy for those focal lengths. It can do macro/close ups with a good 2 element close up lens and can go longer with a 1.4X teleconverter.

RRS Loc: Not sure

One of the very first things that I would buy if you don't already have it would be a quick release for your tripod with the matching plate for the camera! Look at your tripod and if you need a better one I'd look at Manfrotto or Induro. I also agree with what many have said and get a good but not the most expensive flash unit and LEARN how to use it. And last but not least I'd recommend you hang onto that husband of yours, sounds like a good encouraging guy and have fun!!

RRS Loc: Not sure

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Someone mentioned neck straps. Get a sling strap. A lot of People here use opteck(?) I use a Black Rapid sling strap. You'll never use a neck strap once you try a sling strap. Someone here will give you a model # and correct spelling. After a spare battery get a sling strap your neck and back will thank you.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I agree with purchasing a telephoto ASAP. The second thing I would buy is a flash (manual preferred, Yong Nuo makes good manual flashes) and learn to bounce the flash off the (white) ceiling or whatever.

Flash (as long as it isn't full in the face on the hot shoe) will take your photography to new levels!

Ace and Deuce Loc: Right behind you!!

I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone with this comment, but...

You guys are talking about all of these accessories like the OP is going on a Safari. It's a new hobby, take off the lens cap and start shooting! Even a new battery, will the OP be shooting on location so much at a time that they can't charge a battery between uses? Same with straps...with a kit lens, how heavy is the camera? ...and filters in case you fall? Maybe I'm strange, but I still don't have 90% of the stuff listed here because when I want to shoot, I go shoot. I don't have time to pack a bag, Hell, I don't even take a bag, let alone all of the stuff listed. I take my camera, a short lens, and a long lens, that's it, and I shoot for hours if I can.

You guys must have a lot more prep time than I do, because the small amount of time I have to shoot, I spend shooting, then when I get home, editing. That's why I said get a lens or a flash...they are essential for shooting.

Again, this isn't a rant, and I'm sure they were all good suggestions for certain people, but for someone just starting out it probably seems overwhelming.

Take off the lens cap and fire away! You'll see what you need as you go!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Opinionated - simplistic - AHHH, a breath of fresh air !

Ronbo Loc: Okanagan falls BC. Canada

Not sure how much walking you do with your camera. I would suggest that if you walk a fair bit then splurge for a good shoulder strap for your camera. Photography should be fun but it won't be if your sore from carrying that camera around with that junk they call a strap. Get a top quality strap and your body will thank you and your mind will concentrate better on the things that are important.
Have fun...