My first post on an amazing site! I'm just starting to get myself into any attempts at real photography (I just bought my first decent camera a couple weeks ago), and I'd really appreciate any input from all of you out there.
I previously used an EOS a2 (didn't use it much), so I have a few (lower end-ish) lenses. I also have a nice tripod. What I'd like to know from you folks is what items you use that you just couldn't see yourself without. Any items at all. But don't bother suggesting $3000 lenses, becuase that's just not in the budget. I'm talking about things like filters and camera accessories.
Thanks a lot, everyone. I look forward to your help.
Welcome to NPN Jeff. You didn't mention what type of photograhy you plan on doing. What's a "can't live without" item for landscape might not be applicable for avian, and vice versa. Regardless of the type of photography you choose to pursue the first 'can't live without' item would be a thorough basic understanding of your camera, exposure, DOF, etc. I know, not an item..... Still, more important than any 'item'.
For landscapes, I would have to say Singh Ray Graduated Neutral Density filters are the item that make the most difference for me - definitely don't leave home without them.
cable release
photoflex reflectors/diffusors if you're interested in macro photography
subscription to NPN and/or membership in a friendly photography club
1 metric ton of patience (that's just a bit more than the ordinary ton of patience).
We have shot professionally for quite a while in a wide range of venues including "nature." while pursuing our own personal photography. We have amassed a considerable collection of gear in 30 years of doing this, and we simply can't take it all with us everywhere we go. Consequently we try to choose very specific gear for specific types of photography. As Bill says, there is indispensible but unique gear in each that is useless for another.
There is one thing that moves between camera bags as we shift, accompanying us on all shoots no matter what. That's a small tool kit with just the right allen wrenches, wrenches, lens cleaning tools and supplies, gaffer's tape, stuck filter remover, spare model releases, pencil, business cards, and more. It's about the size of a regular sandwich, though I tend not to skimp on the stuffings in my sandwiches or this kit. My wife has her own similar kit, since we often shoot at different locations.
In addition, the manuals for each body and strobe travel with them. You never know. I also have accumulated a fairly extensive set of 3x5" cards with notes on them for unique shooting conditions- everything from northern lights to star trails to split ND filter use. On longer trips I also transcribe sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset and tidal info to a 3x5" card that goes with the set.
The one most important "item" to me other than camera and lens is - time. And this takes into account having the subjects I love close by so I don't need to travel too far.
A week in a place you love, even with the most rudimentary gear will likely yield better images than having all the gear you could dream of and only the occasional weekend to use it.
Thanks to all who have replied so far!
Bill, to answer your question, I plan to do a little of everything. Living so close to the rocky mountains, I have no shortage of amazing landscapes & wildlife to shoot. I'd also like to get into some macro, as those pictures have always interested me a great deal. Thanks again.
I think a tripod and good quality head is one of the items that has benefited me the most. Although time, Hank's suggestion, and all of the other suggestions are important.
Welcome to NPN. I been a member for a year now and living in the wilderness about 2,000K north of you, it is not an exaggeration to say NPN is my single greatest photo resource.
One of the things often mentioned in this forum is the non-photographic things essential to good photography. If you are headed into the bush for several days are your clothes suited for the weather? Have you extra food? Enough gas in the car?
You may be quite familar with this sort of thinking, but I teach photography night courses here and was amazed, with temperatures of -40C in the winter, how many people don't dress properly when trying to photograph the Northern Lights. More important than a second set of warm batteries!
Welcome to NPN You will find this site an invaluable resource.
I agree with all who have commented so far. I remember when I got my new camera and lens and contemplated my next addition. There are three items I feel are most important for most styles of photography. One is a very good tripod and ball head. The second is a good flash. The third is Photoshop CS2 or Elements. Of course, lenses of many focal lengtrhs, various filters, and other stuff will come in time as your needs mature.
You mentioned you have a nice tripod. I would browse the threads on this site and others re good tripods. I in no way mean to degrade your equipment. However, I thought I had a good tripod too; until I really started to do serious work. I quickly discovered I needed a much sturdier and reliable and versitle support. Along with the tripod goes a high quality ball head. There are many of inexpensive models that are marketed as high quality pro level gear. However, I would again suggest you browse the threads on this site re ball heads. you may save some $$ by buying a lesser head only to ultimately spend more replacing it with one that really stands upto the rigors of true high quality work.
The flash is also important. You can use it for fill in most nature work from landscape to macro. While I do not use it all the time, my flash is used 50% to 60% of the time for fill on flowers, and about 30% for wildlife.
All the images you take, assuming you are using digital, will have to be processed. Some type of Photoshop or equivalent is mandatory. Most of us use PhotoShop of one version or another.
After these three there comes extra CF cards (or what ever format your camersa uses) and possible a portable storage device for saving images in the field.
Hope this helps.
Most importantly have a large appetite for having a LOT OF FUN.
Welcome Jeff! Great responses so far, and I'm sure more are on the way. I'm just the guy who washes the windows around here, but you have found a gold mine of expertise and really nice people to guide you.
We look forward to you being part of the group!
Posted by Robert Helms on July 25, 2006 at 9:43 PM
Welcome to NPN, Jeff. If you are wanting to get into macro photography I'd first make sure your tripod is capable to getting low to the ground. If not then I would replace it with one that does. Then I would look into a dedicated macro lens. The best one's can be had for around 500.00 or less for in the 100mm focal range.
I personally love having a polarizing filter and though I do not use it all the time I can see it's use for macro photography as well as landscape and I wouldn't want to be without it.
I also have to agree with Bill on the GND filters they are also very handy. Singh Ray are suppose to be the best though they are expensive. If you have the money for them it is best to start with Singh Ray instead of a lesser quality brand and then upgrading in the future. However, if money is an issue there are alternatives that will get you by e.g Hi-Tech brand are ok.
Hank mention of a took kit is a great one and I learned this the hard way when I was out and one of my leg locks on my tripod came loose and wouldn't really hold up under the weight of the camera and lens. Now I carry a wrench in my bag that fits those locks.
Sometimes it's those little things that one forgets that are truly the items one can't live without.
Posted by Kent Staubus on July 26, 2006 at 2:20 AM
For "general" outdoor photography, I think quality zoom lenses are an excellent choice. For longer lenses, ones with a built in rotating tripod collar are nice, such as the 80-200mm f2.8. My most important accessory is my tripod/head. My tripod should costs three times as much as my camera. A set of three ND grads plus a holder is very basic, and I honestly can't imagine not having a polarizer. I use Nikon's best flash quite a bit any more for fill flash in the field to even out shadows.
----> Don't try to spend all that money just because you have it. As you gain experience you will have a clearer idea of what you need. Save your money until you see a NEED for something. Never buy something just because someone says it's great for them. It has to be great for YOU.
I would have to say a good tripod and cable release. You can have the best lenses and cameras but if you cant keep them still when you snap the shot it wont have the best quality.
Posted by Eric Fredine on July 26, 2006 at 7:58 AM
Just start making photographs with the equipment you have and buy stuff only once you know why you need it. No shortage of stuff to photograph around Calgary.
Hi Jeff & Welcome to NPN - you're in a good location to start making photos. I, myself, am rather new to 'serious photography' so I'm no expert on equipment list. Like me, I suggest you learn as much as possible with your current camera & lens before you dive into the unknown. The only thing I've purchased for my camera since joining this group is a polarizing filter. It will be a while before I upgrade my camera (oh the 5D calls my name) so until then, I learn & practice with my current camera & just try & get good at 'making pictures' before I move up to 'play with the big boys'. Just make sure you're also HAVING FUN!!
Here is some "essential" gear I try to always carry in the field that will not cost you much. Small plastic garbage bags (they are great for rain protection, and to carry out trash you either find or create). A rain poncho. I have one of those Coleman ones and it folds small and can be stuffed in a vest pocket or back pack. It doubles as a ground cloth in certain situations. A small notebook and pen/pencil. A small flashlight. I like to carry a compass.
For macro work, I keep a pair of those mason's kneepads in my bag/car.
I also would echo two of Kent's items: The polarizer is a near essential for certain conditions in all kinds of nature work. Second would be a flash to provide fill and/or even out shadows. I find that with the flash and extension cord to get the flash off the camera is critical.
Last, but not least, is some type of carrying system. You will find the threads here on that topic very informative and useful--and you will find that there are different opinions about what works best.
As for the rest, if you can borrow, or use another person's gear that you are shooting with, or even rent--in some instances, do it. You will find certain things that fit your personal style that will become essential to you.
Discussion
19 repliesMy first post on an amazing site! I'm just starting to get myself into any attempts at real photography (I just bought my first decent camera a couple weeks ago), and I'd really appreciate any input from all of you out there.
I previously used an EOS a2 (didn't use it much), so I have a few (lower end-ish) lenses. I also have a nice tripod. What I'd like to know from you folks is what items you use that you just couldn't see yourself without. Any items at all. But don't bother suggesting $3000 lenses, becuase that's just not in the budget. I'm talking about things like filters and camera accessories.
Thanks a lot, everyone. I look forward to your help.
Jeff Wiebe
Calgary Alberta Canada
For landscapes, I would have to say Singh Ray Graduated Neutral Density filters are the item that make the most difference for me - definitely don't leave home without them.
photoflex reflectors/diffusors if you're interested in macro photography
subscription to NPN and/or membership in a friendly photography club
1 metric ton of patience (that's just a bit more than the ordinary ton of patience).
Pete D.
We have shot professionally for quite a while in a wide range of venues including "nature." while pursuing our own personal photography. We have amassed a considerable collection of gear in 30 years of doing this, and we simply can't take it all with us everywhere we go. Consequently we try to choose very specific gear for specific types of photography. As Bill says, there is indispensible but unique gear in each that is useless for another.
There is one thing that moves between camera bags as we shift, accompanying us on all shoots no matter what. That's a small tool kit with just the right allen wrenches, wrenches, lens cleaning tools and supplies, gaffer's tape, stuck filter remover, spare model releases, pencil, business cards, and more. It's about the size of a regular sandwich, though I tend not to skimp on the stuffings in my sandwiches or this kit. My wife has her own similar kit, since we often shoot at different locations.
In addition, the manuals for each body and strobe travel with them. You never know. I also have accumulated a fairly extensive set of 3x5" cards with notes on them for unique shooting conditions- everything from northern lights to star trails to split ND filter use. On longer trips I also transcribe sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset and tidal info to a 3x5" card that goes with the set.
can not agree enough.
The one most important "item" to me other than camera and lens is - time. And this takes into account having the subjects I love close by so I don't need to travel too far.
A week in a place you love, even with the most rudimentary gear will likely yield better images than having all the gear you could dream of and only the occasional weekend to use it.
Guy
Bill, to answer your question, I plan to do a little of everything. Living so close to the rocky mountains, I have no shortage of amazing landscapes & wildlife to shoot. I'd also like to get into some macro, as those pictures have always interested me a great deal. Thanks again.
Nathan
Welcome to NPN. I been a member for a year now and living in the wilderness about 2,000K north of you, it is not an exaggeration to say NPN is my single greatest photo resource.
One of the things often mentioned in this forum is the non-photographic things essential to good photography. If you are headed into the bush for several days are your clothes suited for the weather? Have you extra food? Enough gas in the car?
You may be quite familar with this sort of thinking, but I teach photography night courses here and was amazed, with temperatures of -40C in the winter, how many people don't dress properly when trying to photograph the Northern Lights. More important than a second set of warm batteries!
Cheers,
Dave
I agree with all who have commented so far. I remember when I got my new camera and lens and contemplated my next addition. There are three items I feel are most important for most styles of photography. One is a very good tripod and ball head. The second is a good flash. The third is Photoshop CS2 or Elements. Of course, lenses of many focal lengtrhs, various filters, and other stuff will come in time as your needs mature.
You mentioned you have a nice tripod. I would browse the threads on this site and others re good tripods. I in no way mean to degrade your equipment. However, I thought I had a good tripod too; until I really started to do serious work. I quickly discovered I needed a much sturdier and reliable and versitle support. Along with the tripod goes a high quality ball head. There are many of inexpensive models that are marketed as high quality pro level gear. However, I would again suggest you browse the threads on this site re ball heads. you may save some $$ by buying a lesser head only to ultimately spend more replacing it with one that really stands upto the rigors of true high quality work.
The flash is also important. You can use it for fill in most nature work from landscape to macro. While I do not use it all the time, my flash is used 50% to 60% of the time for fill on flowers, and about 30% for wildlife.
All the images you take, assuming you are using digital, will have to be processed. Some type of Photoshop or equivalent is mandatory. Most of us use PhotoShop of one version or another.
After these three there comes extra CF cards (or what ever format your camersa uses) and possible a portable storage device for saving images in the field.
Hope this helps.
Most importantly have a large appetite for having a LOT OF FUN.
We look forward to you being part of the group!
I personally love having a polarizing filter and though I do not use it all the time I can see it's use for macro photography as well as landscape and I wouldn't want to be without it.
I also have to agree with Bill on the GND filters they are also very handy. Singh Ray are suppose to be the best though they are expensive. If you have the money for them it is best to start with Singh Ray instead of a lesser quality brand and then upgrading in the future. However, if money is an issue there are alternatives that will get you by e.g Hi-Tech brand are ok.
Hank mention of a took kit is a great one and I learned this the hard way when I was out and one of my leg locks on my tripod came loose and wouldn't really hold up under the weight of the camera and lens. Now I carry a wrench in my bag that fits those locks.
Sometimes it's those little things that one forgets that are truly the items one can't live without.
Robert
----> Don't try to spend all that money just because you have it. As you gain experience you will have a clearer idea of what you need. Save your money until you see a NEED for something. Never buy something just because someone says it's great for them. It has to be great for YOU.
Kent in SD
Enjoy.
Eric
Reply posted by Jim Erhardt on 07/25/06 at 8:45 pm EST
..... I'm just the guy who washes the windows around here...
He's also the guy who built the house!
For macro work, I keep a pair of those mason's kneepads in my bag/car.
I also would echo two of Kent's items: The polarizer is a near essential for certain conditions in all kinds of nature work. Second would be a flash to provide fill and/or even out shadows. I find that with the flash and extension cord to get the flash off the camera is critical.
Last, but not least, is some type of carrying system. You will find the threads here on that topic very informative and useful--and you will find that there are different opinions about what works best.
As for the rest, if you can borrow, or use another person's gear that you are shooting with, or even rent--in some instances, do it. You will find certain things that fit your personal style that will become essential to you.
Best of luck