Split thread. Got a new Xti, what accessories should I buy?

[jjswee]

Some items I am thinking about getting: (Been meaning to make a thread about these, but waited)

1) 70-300 zoom lens. I am trying to go cheap here, just to have it.

2) CP. I've seen some Hoyas and Tiffens for around 60 bucks.

3) Some set of ND filters. With my future excursion to Hawaii I would like to come prepared. I figure I want one solid ND filter for long(ish)-shutter day-pics for the waterfalls. I would like to get a Grad ND set, but its not in the budget. Maybe I can just buy one or two to start out with. What do ya guys think?

4) Should I get the 50 1.8? a) 50mm zoom seems kinda long to me, especially with the 1.6 crop. b) I would only use it to randomly photograph friends, dogs, etc. no real studio setup c) the sigma has 2.8 at wide zoom, and that should suffice.

5) Do I want to get a grip? The Xti is sorta small in my hands, but again, its could be needless added cost.

6) Anything else?

[Stime187]

1) Canon 75-300. Search on BHPhoto for it... its around $200 I believe. Nothing special but it will work for your needs (cheap and good range). It'll definitely give you some experience before you spend some real money on anything in that range.

2) Yeah, I'd definitely get a polarizer and make sure you read up on how to use it. As for the brand, I don't much there. I think mine is a Tiffen.

3) 3-stop ND filter should be great for you. Make sure its the screw-on type and nothing fancy. Also, make sure you can use it AND your polarizer together for added slowing of the shutter speed and the needed polarization when shooting water especially. Note that some companies do the "stops" in weird ways, I know at least one is .3 = 1-stop, .6 = 2, .9 = 3, and 1.2 = 4. You would want a .9 or 1.2 in that case.

4) The 50 f/1.8 rocks and its cheap. I'd pick it up if you possibly can. Fantastic lens, crop or not.

5) I wouldn't bother with a grip, but then again, I don't really care how a camera feels in my hands. I rarely am actually holding it to shoot. So my opinion might be worthless. I'm also cheap.

6) Make sure you have a good trip. A remote release might be a good idea. Plenty of memory, did it say you only got 1GB? You might want to pick up a 4GB card. 1GB will run out awfully fast, especially when shooting RAW.

Other than that, get out and shoot ASAP and as much as you can. Gear isn't an issue at this point for you. As long as you have a camera and lens, you're set.

- Scott

[jjswee]

Thanks for the reply Stime.

1) I may pick up a used 75-300. I heard Cow is selling his? haha

3) I will see if I can find a cheap 1.2. I heard it is super hard to get long exposures during the day.

6) A laptop should be along with me on the trip, so I will be able to download each day. 2GB btw.

[Stime187]

Thanks for the reply Stime.

1) I may pick up a used 75-300. I heard Cow is selling his? haha

3) I will see if I can find a cheap 1.2. I heard it is super hard to get long exposures during the day.

6) A laptop should be along with me on the trip, so I will be able to download each day. 2GB btw.

No problem, glad to help. We've all been there.

3) If you're trying to get long exposures during the day, you need more than 4-stops... more like 7 or 8. 4-stops will be good in the morning and evening or on really cloudy days. But in normal light, you'd be surprised just how much it takes to really get the exposures slowed down.

6) 2GB should be much better, sorry I must've mis-read. But if you ever see a good deal, grab another 2GB just to have when you need it. Running out of memory is never fun.

- Scott

[thechickencow]

Yeah, I'll be selling mine, its a 70-300 quantaray. PM me (but I'll be out for the next few days)

[distorto]

3) If you're trying to get long exposures during the day, you need more than 4-stops... more like 7 or 8. 4-stops will be good in the morning and evening or on really cloudy days. But in normal light, you'd be surprised just how much it takes to really get the exposures slowed down.

- Scott

or turn your f-stop way down.

[Stime187]

or turn your f-stop way down.

The above advice is assuming a fully stopped down aperture. That alone won't be enough.