Necessary Equipment
Jan 5, 2014 20:43:33 #
SX2002 wrote:
I didn't realise Canon lenses (75-300) were that bad..!
I think it's all relative. For $200 is it really that bad? I wouldn't know because I've never owned one. But if my goto lens testing site (http://www.photozone.de) won't even test it, then I won't try it. You can call me a snob if you like, but it won't change my mind. Life is too short. :-)
Jan 5, 2014 20:52:13 #
I actually got one brand new for $86 and I feel like I got ripped off. It did do quite well with an ND 4 filter on it for some reason, but it's been in my bag for over a year.
Jan 5, 2014 21:51:17 #
SX2002 wrote:
I didn't realise Canon lenses (75-300) were that bad..!
SX, are you asking, should you run out and replace that lens? Ask the person that posted that, to post the same two down-loadable pics, one shot with each lens, and one being with the lens of their choice, and you can decide for yourself. My guess, and it's only a guess since I've never used a 75-300, is that it's probably a very shootable lens.
I own and have used an EF 35-80 lens. That lens is one of the most bad-mouthed lenses that Canon has ever produced, complete with a cheap plastic mount. It's hard to tell the difference between that and shots taken with my 24-105L.
There are very small gains in IQ between the less expensive and the more expensive lenses. The biggest gains are in lens speed, and those gains are very real indeed.
Good luck ;-)
SS
Jan 5, 2014 22:56:48 #
Sailingirl wrote:
My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Chr... (show quote)
Blower (hand squeezed, not canned)
Zeiss lens wipes
2 or 3 microfiber cloths
IPod with manual on it.
6 twist ties (tighten loose straps)
Small roll duct tape (useful for just about anything)
6 assorted rubber bands
Small notebook with pencil
Small Swiss Army knife
Plastic bag large enough to hold camera (hold above & avoid condensation)
Jan 5, 2014 23:08:54 #
The only one I have on that list is a Rocket Blower, I think it's in my bag somewhere. I think I may need to upgrade my accessories.
Jan 6, 2014 01:19:04 #
Spare battery, extra memory cards, a remote shutter release so you can get full value out of your tripod, and a smallish camera bag. Soon after taking pictures with you built in flash you will want a replacement - get the best one he will buy you. After taking pictures with your tripod you may find that it doesn't hold your camera very steady and you will want a replacement - again get the best one he will shell out for. Basically I'm saying don't buy anything until you need it. Don't buy a bunch of second rate lenses because yo want to cover the ground from 10mm to 1000mm. When the quality or range of your current lens begins to limit your horizons consider replacing it and branch out from there. Don't become mediocre at everything - pick a niche and get good at it - as good as you can be. There is the real joy in this obsession (oops, I mean 'hobby')
Jan 6, 2014 02:10:31 #
Sailingirl wrote:
My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Chr... (show quote)
I recommend a Canon Speedlite - the 430EX. A good circular polarizer. The Tamron 70-300mm f4.0/5.6 with VC (vibration compensation). The 50mm f1.8. The Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro lens (great reviews for both Tamrons). Later, I would look into getting a graduated neutral density filters (Grad ND filters). Etc...and check out this website, lots of great equipment reviews, photo equipment suggestions etc.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
Jan 6, 2014 06:04:15 #
Sailingirl wrote:
My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Chr... (show quote)
Don't know if you got a speedlite with your kit. I would vote for that. Also some kind of difuser. I was introduced to a Gary Fong some years back and it comes with me all the time. there certainly are others.
Jan 6, 2014 06:09:31 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
Don't be in a rush to acquire things. Each person has reasons to like different things. I like a constant aperture, but not a heavy lens. I bought a 17-50mm 2.8 lens. I also like prime lenses.
You could get a good flash- no one regrets buying the best. Also for landscape get a B+W polarizing filter be sure to get 77mm size so it can be used with all size lenses.
You could get a good flash- no one regrets buying the best. Also for landscape get a B+W polarizing filter be sure to get 77mm size so it can be used with all size lenses.
Jan 6, 2014 06:17:55 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
SX2002 wrote:
I didn't realise Canon lenses (75-300) were that bad..!
As with any and every manufacturer, some are MUCH better than others within the same or similar focal lengths. It's always good to read about which are better than others so that you don't make what could be a costly mistake thinking you're getting good glass when you're not.
Jan 6, 2014 07:23:58 #
An absolute must read
Annie_Girl wrote:
the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.
Jan 6, 2014 07:42:08 #
SX2002 wrote:
I had an early (about year 2000) 75-300 and it was poor. The 55-250 has a much higher image quality.I didn't realise Canon lenses (75-300) were that bad..!
I would concur with the recommendations of the Canon 55-250 lens and the 430EX flash. If you do portraiture and close-up, the 100mm macro is a brilliant lens (not only for macro, but throughout the focus range).
BTW, using on-camera flash indoors for informal shots, always bounce it off the ceiling. I use it with the camera set to P.
Jan 6, 2014 08:01:45 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
Take a rain check! Learn to use what you have and then fill in as you find a need.
Most of the other advice is from a bunch of gear heads!
BTW I would leave the tripod at home for the shots of the girls and would instead use my feet to get the angles and light on subject you want.
Most of the other advice is from a bunch of gear heads!
BTW I would leave the tripod at home for the shots of the girls and would instead use my feet to get the angles and light on subject you want.
Sailingirl wrote:
My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Chr... (show quote)
Jan 6, 2014 08:10:08 #
Sailingirl wrote:
My husband bought me a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for Chr... (show quote)
Make sure you put a good quality clear filter on this and any of your other lens purchases ... a must.
Jan 6, 2014 08:18:22 #
Anandnra wrote:
Make sure you put a good quality clear filter on this and any of your other lens purchases ... a must.
I disagree. I only use a filter if it's going to "do" something. I use an ND4 filter if it's very bright out and I'm shooting in the direction of the sun, or an ND9 for daytime long exposures.
Take care of your glass, and you don't need a clear filter.
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