Basic Accessories for newbie

[nyfkenny]

I intend to buy Nikon D90 with vr 18 - 105 len kit. What other thing should I get? Below are a list of thing I intend to get but is it necessary for beginner? If a camera is not store in a dry box is it ok?

UV Lens filter
Dry Box
Camera Bag

Thanks for your help.

[luna_sea83]

a cleaning kit

[shierwin]

Originally Posted by nyfkenny I intend to buy Nikon D90 with vr 18 - 105 len kit. What other thing should I get? Below are a list of thing I intend to get but is it necessary for beginner? If a camera is not store in a dry box is it ok? UV Lens filter Dry Box Camera Bag Thanks for your help.

A good Tripod
Maybe a CPL filter
A small dry cab is better than a dry box

[jnet6]

Don't store in dry box is ok, just bring out and shoot everyday.

UV filter for yr lens, you didn't ask to get when purchasing yr camera + kit lens???

Camera bag, just see which of your current bag is able to fit in yr cam + len and don't allow it to stretch by other things inside, can use towel to wrap around to protect it.

[hefraz]

Consider a tripod down the line, that was one of the first things I bought and it proved to be very useful..

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by hefraz Consider a tripod down the line, that was one of the first things I bought and it proved to be very useful..

go out and shoot first, see what limits you and will know when to get the tripod.

[nyfkenny]

Originally Posted by shierwin A good Tripod Maybe a CPL filter A small dry cab is better than a dry box

What does a CPL filter do? Sorry for noob qns.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by nyfkenny What does a CPL filter do? Sorry for noob qns.

better to google for answer as pictures will be shown to tell you the difference which can't explain in words.

[zac08]

Cleaning kit

Later on, you'll decide if you'd need a flash or tripod, etc

[burrppp]

hving the same Q too... for far the list are

Tripod
CPL filter
Dry cab
UV Lens filter
Camera Bag
Memory Card
Extra Lens ???
Speed Light ???
Software ????
Battery Pack ???
Remote Cord ???


Is this the Standard Kit Pack

* Nikon D90 body
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR Lens
* Body cap
* Front lens cap
* Camera strap
* Rubber eyecup
* USB cable
* Quick charger (MH-18a)
* AC power cord
* Li-ion battery (EN-EL3e)
* Accessory shoe cover
* Plastic LCD protector panel
* PictureProject CD ROM
* Quick start guide
* Instruction manual
* Warranty and registration card

CHEER

[zac08]

Originally Posted by burrppp hving the same Q too... for far the list are Tripod CPL filter Dry cab UV Lens filter Camera Bag Memory Card Extra Lens ??? Speed Light ??? Software ???? Battery Pack ??? Remote Cord ???

Yeah... the standard items should be there.

Now those listed above,

Dry Cab
Camera Bag
Memory Card

these would be more of necessities.

The rest are optional depending on how you like to shoot. E.g. A macro or landscape shooter would love a good tripod. Remote cord should go along with this purchase. A good speedlight for the macro, event, wedding or night shooter.

Battery pack or vertical grip for those who like events, portrait shooting.

Lenses will come in later when you realise you need more reach, a different effect, specialised lens, etc...

As for filters, pls do a search, it has been mentioned before many times.

[bruggink]

These are the must-have list.
- Tripod
Is a must for DSLR owner. Plenty of brands in the market and I'm sure you can find one easily that meets your needs and budget. Of cos high end ones are more steady, better build/finishing and of cos more expensive. If you are looking for budget tripods, i will recommend Fancier or YongNuo. Both in the range of $100 and can be found easily in CS forum.

- Dry cab

- Filters
At least an UV filter. May wanna include CPL, ND filters, depending on your shooting needs.

- Camera Bag
Likely you will add a few more lenses to your collection (aka B&B Syndrome). You may not bring all your lenses out but it will be good if it can hold 3-5 lenses. There are many many brands/designs out in the market, for eg Lowepro, Crumpler, etc.

Memory Cards / External HDD
- You should consider to get 1-2 more memory cards as a form of backup. On top of that, you may wanna consider getting a external HDD that allows you to direct transfer your pictures from the memory cards to the external HDD. It's useful if you are going for long vacations without a laptop.

- Cleaning Kit
Consist of the blower, brush, lens tissue (Must-have! I'm sure you dun wanna wipe your lens with the normal tissue.), etc.


Good to have
- Flashes
I was considering whether flashes should fall within Must-have or Good-to-have category. I bought a 2nd hand SB-800 and the previous owner told me that he sold the flash because it was under utilised. I have been using it for 1 year without any problem so I guess the previous owner had said the truth and not because the lens is faulty, etc. Flashes are really useful for events, low-light conditions, etc. Without flashes, you have to use a tripod and a longer shutter speed (which may impact your shooting).

- Remote control
Helps you to take shots without worrying of camera shakes. The pros are for you to find out. =)

- Vertical/Battery grip
Looking pro with a DSLR is never enough. A battery grip makes you look more pro. Nonetheless, it provides an additional shutter release button for you to take protrait shots without exposing your armpits. Prolong the battery life of the camera.

The above write-up definitely wont help you as it introduces more things for you to buy...

[Stress]

Take it easy......Usually when you buy the D90 kit, they will throw in free bag, maybe tripod, cleaning kit, etc.....if not ask for it (be alittle thick skin is OK), times are bad!
What likely you'll need is a normal Hoya UV filter to protect your lense (abt $20 to $30), if you really want invest in a dry cabi just to make sure your gears are not damaged by fungus cos Singapore is a very humid place. The rest you can take your time to buy 9that's the fun of it). You should concentrate on your skill rather than gears. lastly, enjoy your new toy......

[zhaowei]

I highly recommend a second battery. You'll never know when you run out of juice. And you don't want to be left stranded when that happpens.

I would hold back on the tripod if I were you though. Unless batteries, which are a no brainer (just buy Nikon originals lor), tripods require a lot more research before you can choose the right one.

And yes, don't hesitate to get a dry cabinet if you haven't already...

[Slash56]

This is a good thread.... especially for noobs like me!

Thanks!

[kaixiang]

I suggest saving up the money you are intending to spend now so that you can use it when you have an actual need to buy something as opposed to having to ask people what to do with your money. Many people are going to make recommendations based on their own needs but what you need might be different. If I were in your shoes I would spend the money on flash but you might not like to shoot portraits much or you might prefer to shoot outdoors in natural light. I also see some people recommending getting a tripod but I have not used mine in a long long time. You're better off saving the money than spending it on something you are not going to use. I'm not saying that the recommendations are bad, but when it comes to photography there is usually no generic answer that fits everyone's needs.

Also, if you don't have any needs for now but really want to buy something, get a dry cab. You don't really 'need' one now since you only have 1 camera and 1 lens and fungus doesn't grow overnight but its nice to have a place ready to store your future purchases.

Finally, it would be helpful to list what you intend to shoot so that people can make suggestions that are better tailored to your needs.

I hope that helps

[pooQy]

Originally Posted by zhaowei I highly recommend a second battery. You'll never know when you run out of juice. And you don't want to be left stranded when that happpens. I would hold back on the tripod if I were you though. Unless batteries, which are a no brainer (just buy Nikon originals lor), tripods require a lot more research before you can choose the right one. And yes, don't hesitate to get a dry cabinet if you haven't already...

IMO, you can hold back on the batts as well.
A full charged D90 batt can last me for 2 shooting sessions. (and i usually leave my cam switched on throughout the shooting seesion)

As agreed, tripod can get at a later time. Doesn't come cheap you know.

For myself I've survived w/o a tripod/flash til now, although sometimes i do wish i had one. But how often do I utilize them since i do day shoots most of the time? Shoot more... then you'll eventually know what you need to get. Dun get drawn into the bind gear chase, which most newbies do.

[shelomoh]

It all depends on what kind of pictures you shoot.

Dry cabinet. A must for some, not required for some. So it is subjective. You need it if you don't use your camera often. But some will say that they can survive without a dry cabinet. And those who said it, has D2! So it isn't cheap.

Filter. A must for lens to protect the lens and reduce flares. But some who don't need it. Depends on you.

Diffuser for flash. Some use it to make the shadow not so harsh for portrait shoots or indoor shoots. So just angle the flash to bounce off the ceiling. So it's subjective.

Lens cap. Most will have. Cause it comes with lens unless lost.

Camera cleaning kit.

Camera Strap. It depends on how comfortable you want.

Camera bag. You can't carry your dry cabinet around, so you get a bag. Whether you need the bag to be functional, fashionable or both, it depends on you.

Tripod. To reduce vibration so that you can shoot picture with better quality. Almost a must have for night shooting. Again subjective. Some will say they have good photo taking technique or they know how to make use of lighting conditions.

Flash. To help in low-light conditions. Useful for night photo taking or indoor photo taking. Again subjective. Some will say they use high ISO, lens with low f like 1.4f.

Rechargeable battery. For flash or camera (if applicable). Again subjective. Some prefers those that you buy, use and throw. Some prefers to charge it.

Lens hood. To prevent stray light from coming into the lens. Some don't put it on anyway.

Protector for LCD.

Eye cup.

[DrSpock]

Originally Posted by nyfkenny I intend to buy Nikon D90 with vr 18 - 105 len kit. What other thing should I get? Below are a list of thing I intend to get but is it necessary for beginner? If a camera is not store in a dry box is it ok? UV Lens filter Dry Box Camera Bag Thanks for your help.

Dun know abt everyone else but when I bought my first ever SLR back in 90's the Nikon F-401x, I just had a small bag, Kenko filter and that's it. It served me well for a couple of few years and even went to Aust & NZ until the mold/fungus got to it so the most important one thing is the dry cabinet to store all your lens, body,etc inside unless you take the cam for an outing. Another must have would be the tripod for night shots or self portrait (otherwise non of the photos would have you in it!) Just my 2 cents worth!

[nyfkenny]

Thanks for all your explanation. I think I now know what are the thing that I need to get for my basic need to start off.
UV Filter
Camera Bag
Dry Cabinet
Tripods (For landscape shooting)
Flash (Night shoot)

btw is it ok to get a sec hand dry cabinet?