Sailingirl Loc: Mesa, AZ, USA

My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Christmas and said to make a list of extras that I want. My question to you is what would you have in your bag as a beginner? I really want to become a good photographer. I've been practicing with my camera every day trying out different shots and techniques. I've also spent time watching youtube videos. I'm feel like I have information overload. I enjoy taking close ups (probably my favorite so far). Today we're going to the park with one of my girls as my model to practice taking portraits. I only have the 18-55 mm IS II lens that came with the camera and a tripod. Since he's offering to buy me more, I want to make sure I'm getting things that are more necessity based rather than "that's a cool thing but you'll hardly ever use it". Thanks for your help.

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

My opinion is to add something like a 70-250 lens to cover some long shots you are sure to see and want to photograph. Mine was indispensable for a long time until I got the 18-250. You will have the whole range of what most of us shoot with, I think. Next would come the monopod or tripod.

michealj Loc: West Virginia

Congrats on your new camera, but beware, it is addictive :D . One thing you might consider would be a
quality tripod. Just make you sure you take lots of photos and learn from mistakes. I am sure you will receive many,many more recommendations. Good luck and welcome! :thumbup: Mike J.

amehta Loc: Boston

Easy options are
* a second lens
* a flash
but it may be better for you to keep shooting with the one lens and built-in flash until you find where you feel restricted by what you have. The second lens might be a telephoto zoom or it might be a wide-angle zoom, it depends on what type of pictures you find yourself taking. If you're shooting groups inside, you'd want a flash, but many situations where you shoot your children a flash may not be an option.

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Necessary: Extra Battery, Bag, Extra SD card, cleaning supplies,

Recommended: Tripod w head, Photoshop or similar post processing software, insurance rider on your home owners policy.

Fun Stuff: Macro lens, telephoto lens, off camera flash.

I'm sure I'm missing some stuff but that's what I can think of off hand. Have fun with your T3i, it's a great camera.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Congrats!
The best advice I can give you is the best advice I was given 4 decades ago.
Learn to use your gear to the limits of the lens, camera, flash, tripod. Learn every function and how to use it, to the best of its capability. Before you buy a new lens, practice, practice, practice with what you have until you master it. New gear? same thing when your camera gear becomes second nature, your gear becomes an extension of you. You will get the optimum from your gear when it is intuitive. This won't happen over night.
Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot , be your own toughest critic.
You might visit Flickr, smug mug or any of the photo sharing sites to see what people are doing, and how they are doing it.

As for a general list of glass and toys:
nifty fifty 1.8 is 100 bucks 1.4 is 350, pretty pricy difference for 1 precious f/stop. Ultimate 50mm 1.2 is near 1200 bucks.

100mm macro, fun lens and tack sharp, great lens. not the most flexible.

I prefer 10-22 super wide for no specific reason.

Tele lens I use an 18-200 for a general purpose lens.
70-200 2.8, pricey lens that never leaves its body.
LOVE this glass

100-400 ( sometimes with 1.4 TC) for my birding exploits.

Some folks prefer prime glass only, and that is fair.
Some folks prefer Zeiss glass. redefines PRICY.

You will need a flash at some point, opinions vary widely.
I use Canon speed lights. pricy

Tripod is a must for many uses. Not a great place to skimp.
I prefer Manfrotto 190 Xprob and 055 Xprob.
I am getting older ( than dirt) so carbon fiber is on my list.
12 mile hike with the 055 and I am ready for a nap!

I will stop here with the point that it does not end, once you acquire all the stuff you think you need, something else will pop up. Filters, soft box, gear bag or back pack. new photo editing software, and then a new laptop for editing.
"Like tattoos, good gear aint cheap, cheap gear aint good."

Good luck and there will be a plethora of advice coming your way very fast.

Enjoy and post some images

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada

My advice would be to take lots of pictures using what you have, and wait until you find out for yourself what you would really like to add to your kit. For the time being, I would suggest a wireless remote shutter control - not very expensive and very handy when using a tripod both for portraits and close-ups. And a lens hood would be good for cutting down on flare. But leave the big-ticket items until you have a better idea of where you want to go. Above all, practice, practice, practice, and try to figure out what works well and what does not.

Samuraiz Loc: Central Florida

Possibly a decent book on exposure and composition.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

You have the "short" lens, I'd buy a longer lens because you are sure to want it when you see something a bit further away...
Something in the 55-300, 70-300 range will cover most occasions...

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

The first additions I would get are an extra battery and memory card. "Don't leave home without them!"

Ace and Deuce Loc: Right behind you!!

I didn't think this was that important, until I got one...a 430exII flash or better. But, if you're looking for a lens, it all depends what you want to spend and what you're interested in shooting. personally, I would go this route:

55-250mm - It is unbelievably sharp for it's low price, and provides a great range variance. If money isn't an issue, then a 70-200mmL IS or a 100-400mmL.

50mm 1.8 - Dirt cheap and great results, but I wouldn't recommend it to a new shooter because YOU have to move to frame properly instead of being able to zoom.

75-300mm - Garbage lens. Nice range, but ugh... Stay away!!

...on & on, just depends what you're looking for.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Girl, welcome to the Hog. Many immediately think that more gear is the answer. And yes, you eventually will need more gear.
In AZ is one of the best foto schools in the country. Probably in your area.
Have your husband pay for a few classes there for you to take.
If you're interested, I'll find out which one.
Education is the key.
That's my 2cents, IMHO. ;-)
SS

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

I agree with the flash suggestion. The 430EX II is very nice for starting out. Learn how to use it, and you will have a huge advantage over those who perfer "natural" light---which really means "I don't understand how to use a flash". Good luck. :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I didn't realise Canon lenses (75-300) were that bad..!