Losho Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Thanks to everyone for their input regarding camera bundles. I don't know the difference between a "lens kit" and a bundle. I have made it easier to decide on what I want because I know what my preferences are. I have never been good a composition, so I won't focus on landscapes, or the like. I spend a lot of time outdoors and I want a good telephoto, as I like birding. My first preference is going to be a good macro lens because that is my chief interested. But I don't want to be limited to that, and that's why I want a good telephoto lens as well. I want the Nikon D3300 in Red. Yes, call me picky, but I want red. I want those two lenses mentioned. I have tripods, but need filters for the lenses. Now can someone help me go from there? Did I mention that I don't want to spend a fortune? My significant other is buying the camera, lenses and I don't want him to drop dead from sticker shock. What are the other essentials I should have. Essentials.
Thanks. I hope someone can steer me in the right direction, and hopefully to the right retailer so that I can find what I want.

BebuLamar

If you buy the camera online use B&H or Adorama. To lower the burden on your significant other have him buy just the body and the 18-55mm kit lens for $396.95.
Buy the macro lens and telephoto lens later.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Nail varnish and lipstick? Perhaps a few well selected clothes? If you want to increase the available budget, perhaps a few carefully selected and color coordinated accessories from Victoria's Secret... :lol: :lol:

Please take this as a well intended if tongue in cheek response!

Matching Nikon Accessories

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Why did you choose red? Accessories must match, don't they? Great choice. Avoid the glitter, and the needless junk. Eventually you will need a bag/case for your gear in storage. If you are a size 10 now (sizes are arbitrary), plan on needing a size 15 in the foreseeable future. Plan on needing size 20 before you know it. Stuff accumulates. Things such as a second battery, or two, and filters you may acquire, and a wrench to unscrew stuck filters. Your new camera will shoot to a certain media card so you will need a decided supply of that. Carry a few micro fiber cloths and don't forget a raincoat for that camera. Great photographs occur in the rain also. A flashlight will come in handy, more so if it has a red lens. Some people carry a small brush and a blower, for additional cleaning. Of course you will need a speedlight at some time, and maybe a small diffuser. As you can see, this is an on-going accumulation of official "stuff". That is why I used an arbitrary figure when mentioning size. Some of us are lens freaks and carry several. others are more modest and carry just a few. Then there are the folks who carry several bags full of glass. Your size meets your needs. Shopping for camera bags can be mind boggling, but there is the one perfect bag out there with your name already sewn on it. Good luck to you, enjoy yourself and your newfound hobby. Smile

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Gucci? Or if budget is limited then Coach may be more appropriate! :D

Or perhaps something really rugged for heavy duty use...

Tamrac has been acquired recently, but the new owner Gura Gear seems to be taking the brand and quality forwards, actually adopting the Tamrac brand to the fore...

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

If you're thinking about macro, then you're going to need an off-camera flash. You can get a good Nikon SB-600 for as little as $100 on ebay.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Or a Yongnuo 560III (new) for $70. Mine has been serving me well.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Vivitar makes inexpensive filters that you can start with. Also check Amazon for some good deals on inexpensive filters.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

You seem to know that you at least want a red Nikon D3300. Since money is a concern, you may want to look at the package that B&H is currently offering for about $515. It includes a Nikon wireless adapter, camera bag, remote trigger, filters, SanDisk memory card, lens cleaner and cloths, and includes the Nikkor 18-55mm lens. It also includes a Square Trade, drops and spills, two year warranty. This seems like a great deal to me. You will never regret doing business with B&H, as they are among the best in the business. Once you have worked with the camera for a while, you can look for additional lenses, perhaps even rent a few to see what works best for your photography, and then make your selection. Do not rule out looking at factory refurbished lenses. Good luck, and let us know what your final decision is on the purchase.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

A "bundle" is something the store throws in with the camera. It could be lenses, lens wipes, filters...anything they decide to "throw in for free"

As for the "lens kit" I think you meant "kit lens" which is a short hand way of saying "the lens that most cameras come with" It will be a sort of "do all" lens like a zoom, and it won't be one of their highest quality lenses. It's designed to get you out there and taking pictures and not breaking the bank.



The first 3 sentences and the last one don't go together. Sorry to say.

Photography is an expensive hobby unless you shop wisely, buy cameras that are several years old, and then keep them until they fall apart.


If you buy new, or relatively so, and trade up every couple of years, and have a bag of several lenses....you will have spent a fair bit of cash.

Elsiss Loc: Bayside, NY, Boynton Beach, Fl.

Check out Crutchfield. They have your RED D3300 for $399.95 which includes the 18-55 lens kit plus they add at no add. cost a Free wireless Mobile adapter, 16 mg memory card, camera bag and a 4 port usb hub. They give you free shipping and don't charge sales tax. I am extremely happy with their service and have bought several cameras and lenses from them as well as referred some friends. They are Nikon dealers and do not deal in grey market. Good luck and enjoy. They also offer 60 day return.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

Here is a comment from Douglass 'Nikonian72' to me concerning my interest in Macro. Douglass oversees the Macro Group for Ugly Hedge Hogs. I would suggest looking at their equipment setup recommendations. What you like to shoot will help them determine your 'Essentials Equipment List'.

"You own an excellent camera and a decent speedlight. If you are truly interested in macro-photography, I strongly recommend the Sigma 105-mm lens. Used macro lenses are usually in excellent condition, because they have been babied by their owners:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2060353.m570.l1311.R1.TR11.TRC1.A0.H1.X...

The remaining small ancillary items are quite affordable."

Douglass

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

You're not ready to make a purchase. There is much to know. You will get some direction here but no answers. Be patient or you will have regrets. Equipment is not as important as many will tell you here. Composition and light is. I would consider, refurbished and used, ebay, craigslist, KEH, BHphoto. People who often enter this profession as a hobby, don't really get to know their cameras and often discard them for newer cameras thinking that the newer camera will make the difference. It does not but that being said, there are a lot of good cameras and lens out there barely used and if you know what you are looking for, get a good deal but more importantly a camera that suits your wants and needs. Find a photographer that will help you. Join a photography club. If you like the red camera, get the red camera and build around it. Note, the 3300 is limited and will only accept the newest lenses but it is red.

drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

If you want to save money and still do macro you could just get an inexpensive 35mm or 50mm prime lens (you can get a nice one for $200 or less) and an inexpensive set of extension tubes. Check out this video of Thomas Shahan. He is using a small prime lens with extension tubes and you can see in the video he is taking amazing macro pictures.

http://www.wimp.com/bugphotos/

As for telephoto, if you are willing to consider the off brands such as Tamron 150-600mm you can get it pretty inexpensive. All the reviews for it are excellent and so far I have nothing but good to say about mine.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I would suggest calling B&H and speak to one of their sales associates. Bundling lens can be cost effective at the time of camera purchase. The 18-140MM can be purchased for $300.00 if you buy it with the camera. Learn the exposure triangle and your camera with a decent walk around lens. You can study the Macro choices and grow into that area after you do more research. Crawl, walk, run...... As you can see the 18-140MM takes some decent 'closeups' even though it is not rated as a macro lens.

http://static.bhphoto.com/images/email/Nikon_Rebates_122915.html

Nikkor 18-140MM f3.5-5.6

(Download)

Nikkor 18-140MM f3.5-5.6

(Download)

Nikkor 18-140MM f3.5-5.6

(Download)