Essential/Helpful DSLR accesories for a beginner?
I'm finally buying my first DSLR, and I'm curious as to which accessories are most essential, what they are, what I absolutely need in order to shoot, and what's down the road.
I'm looking for any info--links to blog posts, a product on amazon, anything. Or just your opinion on what I need. I have absolutely nothing except photoshop, my Nikon d3100, and the kit lens 18-55mm it came with.
This was literally me a couple years ago. Right now, I have acquired a set of filters, a remote, a 18-105mm lens, a large tripod, and an external flash. Honestly, do I think you NEED anything? No, I think that is perfect to experiment with for a while. After learning more about your camera (maybe consider purchasing a book about it, like I chose to do), you should invest in the telephoto lens if you plan on remaining a hobbyist. The other little accessories are not necessities, but may be useful to eventually experiment with different kinds of photography (portrait, macro, landscape, etc.).
Right now all you need is a UV filter to protect the front element of your lens from sticky fingers, mud and rain.
The inexpensive wireless remote would be a good idea too if you decide you want to take light graffiti photos. With it you can hold the shutter open until you have finished writing the graffiti in the air.
You also need a few 4 gb SDHC Class 10 memory cards and a holder for them.
That should do it
The first thing you need is a UV filter for your lens. Along with that, you can pick up a circle polarizing filter. On both of these, get something decent, don't just get the cheapest ones on Amazon. A hot shoe flash would be handy, but they can be pricey.
http://www.amazon.com/...0040HYMI0/
You will eventually want a tripod and/or a monopod. Start with a tripod. Get a decent one, but don't spend a ton of money on it unless you want it very light and get carbon.
Remote triggers are nice. Extra batteries are good. You will want at least 1 decently sized Class 10 card, and probably 2. Beyond these little things, ten you start getting into more lenses, and there are lots of ways to go with that depending on what you enjoy.
Better glass. Throw that kit lens away and get a 600mm super-tele. (its only 10, 000 USdollars)
Do not waist your money on a UV filter, your lens is already UV proof. If you stick a cheap filter in front of your lens you may lose allot of sharpness. Use your common sense and your lens hood for protection, if you're clumsy invest in a good strap.
Filter worth buying:
Circular polarized filter.http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/polarizing-filters.htm
Neutral density filter.http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/neutral-density-filters.htm
Graduated neutral density filter.http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/graduated-neutral-density-filters.htm
Hoya & B+W are both good brands.
A good tripod can be handy, cheap tripod tend to brake after a year or two if you use them often, so if you buy a tripod, invest in a good one, this way it will last you most your life. Manfrotto make good product.
If you think you'll be doing allot of long exposure then a remote control can be very handy for exposure longer than 30 secondes. A cable released cost about $20, they allow you to lock the shutter for the bulb mode.
I mention a strap earlier, I think you should get one even if you're not clumsy, the original strap from Nikon pretty much suck, a neoprene strap is way more comfortable, but you should buy it in a store, this way you can try them on.