best accessories?

[michabo]

I was looking around for some photography tips when I found a page on some of the best filters for landscapes. Polarizers and graduated neutral density filters came out the big winners, and there were a bunch more recommendations. When I started looking, I was really impressed by the differences that a neutral density filter can bring (here and here)! But I was also thinking about some of the polarizing filters that are out there, not only the standard, but the blue-gold filter from Singh-Ray.

I have some money to spend right now, and after buying a new macro lens, I'll still have about four or five hundred left. I'll probably get some sort of camera case to carry a spare lens or two and some filters, but after that I don't know what filters or flashes or other equipment to get. Are there any recommendations? What are the necessities in a basic camera kit? Filters? Lenses? Flashes? Diffusers? Reflectors? (I've already got a very nice tripod.)

(I've got a Canon Digital Rebel, BTW, if that makes a difference)

 

[NerdySurfer/rick]

wow, thats one nice set up you have there. seriously

 

[michabo]

Yeah. I've been interested in it for a long time and have been saving up for a year so I was able to afford something. And I've been working a second job to pay for accessories, and my paycheque finally came in

 

[Stonjie]

Hey Michabo

If you are comfortable using a camera, you know what you are doing. then try a couple of things. The question, however, is do you know how to use them?

My advise is get a circular Polarizing filter. And a UV lense to protect you camera and lense and filters.

After that experiment.

 

[michabo]

I've got a UV filter for the lens, and I've rented a few lenses, but I'm overwhelmed by the amount of toys and trinkets to buy. I didn't realize how expensive this hobby would be...

 

[Mr Hako]

I have a range of neutral dennsity filters. In my opinion the best are by LEE.

leefilters.com/home.asp

the site has some good examples of how their filters can be used.

Neutral density filters are used because slide film cannot capture a wide brightness range.
generally, slide film will capture 2 and a half stops either side of a midtone. So if your bright sky is 4, 5 or 6 stops brighter, then it will appear white. (ditto shadows, but they will appear black).

If you're shooting digital, I'm not sure what brightness range the CCD on your particular camera can handle.

a polarizer is essential.

That blue/gold polarizer is a gimmick. give it a miss.

If you need any advice, please ask.

 

[michabo]

If you're shooting digital, I'm not sure what brightness range the CCD on your particular camera can handle.

I did some comparisons with my camera and some tungsten slide film, and we were getting about the same range. Very few highlights at 3 f-stops, and black/white around 4-5 stops.

I think the polarizer sounds like the thing, and after that I'll try the graduated neutral density filters and leave lenses and flashes for later.