what are the MUST have accessories??

surfn · May 3, 2007

this is for you Rev!

just wanting to know from all the seasoned camera people out there, what are the must have accessories to have?

here are some of the things i was looking into, feedback is appreciated:

-some sort of side hand strap for the side of the camera, not sure if this is the correct one....but someone linked to one on B&H from another website, but i cant find the link anymore (it was sold out, so i'm guessing pretty popular)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=12984&is=REG

-i need some sort of eye piece extension so i'm not smashing my nose up against the LCD...any good?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=278247&is=REG

-a bit big on the price tag, but i really like this kind of extension for macro pics.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=430420&is=REG

Stixbaraca · May 3, 2007

I was doing some reading of some UK Digital Photography magazines that one of my co-workers is head over heels for...and one of the general consensus for a must have when it comes to macro shooting is this cable...the name of which has totally left my mind...that is almost like a remote control for taking the picture. That way you don't have to touch the camera to take the picture...subjecting the camera to even the slightest movement.

Stixbaraca · May 3, 2007

I guess it would be a electronic shutter release!

revhtree · May 3, 2007

You forgot this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...161&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

divecj5 · May 3, 2007

So are you looking for accessories to use on the camera or accessories such as tripod, monopod, cases, etc.?

I'm assuming from the above that you are looking for on camera accessories. Although i am by no means an expert of this, I just know from the last 3 years of shooting portraits, landscapes, etc. what I've found useful:

If you are shooting landscapes you may want to look into getting a nice set of polarizing filters such as a good Neutral Density filter. Both of these filters can be somewhat pricey but really help when taking pics outdoors. It's like wearing a really nice pair of polarized sunglasses for your lenses
I agree with Rev that the battery grip is a really nice accessory but honestly I don't have one and I have never run out of battery. I do have three total batteries so it's a pretty quick swap and it's back in business
A really nice external flash is always nice to have as well. I have the Sigma 500 DG Super and I have been really pleased with it. It has a lot more capabilities than I use now (such as it can act as a master or slave for studio work) but I know I can grow into it.

You always need a nice case that you can start putting all of those new lenses you have

in to keep scratch free and safe.

I think that you are heading in the right direction with the lenses. I personally believe that although the camera is really important for features and function, the quality of lenses is what really takes the cake. I've seen some wildlife pics from a Canon 300d (which I have) with a really nice telephoto lens that are simply amazing.

So besides taking pics of the tank, what are you thinking about getting into photographing? If you want to see some amazing work, start snooping around this site: www.fredmiranda.com and visit the nature, B&W, and other forums. Simply amazing...

Sorry for the long post...got me started on one of my favorite hobbies