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08/15/2007 04:08:13 PM · #1 |
I'm an amatuer, just getting serious about photography in general and my wife bought me a Nikon D80 as a wedding gift to me.
I'd like to start looking at the various add-ons from lenses to filters, flash units, etc. I'll never be a proffesional photographer--I already have a career, but I love photography and want to get better at it and have decent quality equipment that can help.
If you were me, what would your wishlist of accessories be?
Also, I've noticed the Infrared section of photos here--is that simply a lens filter? I know of infrared film, but how do these work/where to buy?
My budget is tight right now, looking at a variety of price ranges--things I can get soon, things to save up for.
Message edited by author 2007-08-15 16:12:53. |
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08/15/2007 04:13:35 PM · #2 |
| Some of that VR glass everyones talking about. And an infrared filter, a polarizer might come in handy too. Maybe some wireless studio flashes. And a chesseburger. |
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08/15/2007 04:14:29 PM · #3 |
Unless you have a big bucket of cash, you'll probably want to start with really considering your shooting style/preferences. What's your favorite subject; nature, people, macro, landscape, etc...
It can be expensive to cover the equipment list for all shooting scenarios so you'd want to start with what you like best.
BTW - NICE wife! :) |
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08/15/2007 04:18:49 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by tpbremer:
If you were me, what would your wishlist be? |
A Canon... :) :P
Hey, somebody had to say it.
In all seriousness what glad2badad said is probably the best advice anyone can give you right now.
Message edited by author 2007-08-15 16:19:07.
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08/15/2007 04:19:04 PM · #5 |
Well, i wouldn't say I have a shooting style/preference yet. I enjoy shooting just about everything--I like portraits, people, friends and family shots--things that are easy to share, plus I like trying new things. I imagine that if I got a lens that was more suited for a specific type of photography--say landscapes, it would probably prod me to venture out and try that style more.
and yes, she is a nice wife--definitely a keeper! :) I had no idea she was going to get it for me so it was a sweet surprise. |
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08/15/2007 04:22:08 PM · #6 |
| I am assuming you have the kit lens, it will work fairly well for landscapes. Portraits can be done cheaply with the 50mm f/1.8 or for a bit more with the 85mm f/1.8. Start with one of those, you can build your gear as you go along. I even use my 50 to shoot macros with. |
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08/15/2007 04:22:43 PM · #7 |
First of all, congratulations for the acquisition of your new camera. DSLR cameras are quite a bit different from point and shoot camera.
About the accessories, it depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I will get a good walk around lens that covers mid-high -> low angles.
Maybe a 28-105 mm will work fine for you. With the crop factor of 1.5, the lens 158 mm. If you are looking for compromise between sharpness, use and price, I suggest you to get the Nikkor D 28-105 mm. Such a great lens with an interesting macro option that will allow to take decent pictures in macro mode. The degree of sharpness is really really good. A reference for film camera. Read reviews about it!
The 18-70mm DX is a good lens to start with, but I found less sharp than the former lens (if you really want sharp pictures with DX format lens, you need to put the price). One advantage over the other lens is the coverage of 18-28mm.
Maybe a cheap, but nonetheless one of the sharpest lens should be the 50mm f/1.8. Ideal for good portraits, fast, light and for about only 100 $.
That's all for now. Good luck with your choice. |
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08/15/2007 04:23:20 PM · #8 |
| 10-20mm sigma wide angle and a D200 that would do it for me for now:) |
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08/15/2007 04:24:22 PM · #9 |
An inexpensive but most exellent lens is the Nikkor 50mm 1.8. A definite must have. As a 50mm it is incredibly sharp and with a small investment in extension tubes you've got great macro capability.
A bit pricier but another great addition would be the Nikon SB800 flash (or SB600 for less $$, but I suggest reading the reviews of both before buying one). I just recently got mine and I'm amazed at the added flexibility that this flash has given me.
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08/15/2007 04:26:18 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by tpbremer:
... I like portraits, people, friends and family shots ... |
Sounds like a quality fast mid-range lens to get going...f2.8 or faster and 20-100mm length (don't know Nikon product).
Plus a decent flash unit (before you know it you'll be taking all of the family group photos...need a decent flash for that). |
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08/15/2007 04:29:24 PM · #11 |
Wow I must say your marriage is off to an awesome start.
Start off with a decent all purpose lens. You can pick up a 18-200vr for around 730 dollars at a camera shop. Nikon has a few smaller less expensive options Or you can get a tamron same focal range for around 300 give or take a coin I have never really looked into it but I am sure Sigma has a lens in that range for a decent price. after that save your money and buy fast glass. F2.8 or faster. And dont look back. It is like Glad2 says expensive but when you start using faster glass then go back to a lens that will not open wider than 5.6 you will really notice the difference.
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08/15/2007 04:43:01 PM · #12 |
The 50mm 1.4 (or the 1.8) is a lot of quality for small outlay - it's also inobtrusive, so people don't see a huge piece of glass aiming at them.
I got the 18-200VR for a trip to Italy. Consider what sort of photography you do/want to do, is good advice. Welcome to the obsession. |
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08/18/2007 11:34:29 AM · #13 |
| Lots of people talking about the 50mm 1.8. Got one myself and love it, plus it's only about 100 bucks. Also, the SB600 flash is a great unit to have. The 18-135 you have isn't bad, but the Sigma 18-200 OS would be a great everyday/all purpose lens to have. And it's a bunch cheaper than the comparable Nikon lens. Lastly, the Tokina 12-24 f4 is lens I'd love to get my hands on myself. If you look at the equipment link on DPC site and look at the shots taken with that lens you'll see why. In any case, congrats and have fun shooting. |
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08/18/2007 11:57:57 AM · #14 |
I've taken landscape, portraits, macro, and action shots with my kit lens. My wife did the same thing for me for our anniversary, and about a month later the only thing I find myself longing for is some fast glass, like the 50mm f1.8 everyone is mentioning, and something more telephoto.
I didn't read through all of the replies yet, but if no one else mentioned it, get a decent tripod. 100% for sure, get a tripod. And not a $15 walmart special. I spent $75 on mine (a velbon something or other) and it does the job just fine.
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