Newbie question to EOS 450D

[Clouseau]

Hi,

im new to digital slr. These day I will get my Canon EOS 450D with the kit lense EF-S 18-55mm/1:3.5-5.6 IS . I knew that the lens is not the best. But I'm a beginner and I think for the first months it will do his job. If I had enough money I will buy an other lens. Maybe the sigma 24-70 f2.8.

But the question is, what else do I need for the beginning?

Are filters required? UV/Pol ..
Battery Pack?

Sorry if I bother you with my stupid questions.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alfredx/

[24Peter]

Hi Clouseau - welcome to the forum and congrats on your camera purchase.

As far as what's needed for a beginner, different people will have different opinions, but I'd say the only thing that's really necessary are an extra battery, an extra memory card and a carrying case for your camera. There's no end to the list of stuff you can buy once you get into your photography, but I'd say hardly any of that is required. (For me, filters fall into that category - not necessary but can be fun.)

I think it's a good idea to spend time learning how to take good pics with the gear you have, rather than spending money in the hopes that will make you a better photographer. Then you can buy more stuff as you progress.

I can't comment on the Sigma lens since it's one of the few I haven't used, but I'd say consider a telephoto like the Canon 55-250 IS to go along with your kit lens, before getting the Sigma lens.

[GaryS]

I say that the kit lens on the 450D is just fine, and doesn't need to replaced until you figure out why it should be replaced!

Stuff to get in order:
- Memory cards (have 2 to lessen the chances you leave it stuck in your computer when you arrive somewhere)
- Spare battery (same reason)
- Carry bag. (try them out at a shop once you have your camera. there are a million varieties)

- lens cleaning cloth.

- tripod. It depends a bit on what you want to shoot, but I like landscapes and night shots, and its required for stuff like that.

- longer zoom lens. Again, depends on what you are shooting, but a 55-250IS would be a great addition.


Don't worry about filters until you have been at it for awhile. Until you really understand why you want them, they just add to the confusion.

And welcome!

[Clouseau]

Hi 24Pete & GaryS,

thank you for you quick answer and your advice.
Battery will be ordered soon, memory card (3x 2GB ExtremeIII) are already ordered.
I will keep the 55-250 in mind.

I hope I will get the 450D soon :-)

I'm excited to practice with the DSLR.

[Clouseau]

What do you think about the Battery Grip BG-E3?
I read that it makes the camera more manageable.

[24Peter]

What do you think about the Battery Grip BG-E3?
I read that it makes the camera more manageable.

... with bigger lenses, yes. But you don't even have the camera yet - you may find it's fine as is...

[cwphoto]

A flash is always handy: 430EX II?

[GaryS]

Damn it! I forgot about a flash!

Put the 430 in there below the cleaning cloth and above the tripod!

[Clouseau]

Thank you to everyone. I will keep all you suggestions in mind. But 24Pete is right, I don't have the cam right now and I will see what's coming up at the and and what I really need.
I guess I'm to impatient :-)

[Spookonthe8ball]

Clouseau - The kit lens you are getting is a good one from what I have read. Use it for a couple of weeks then decide what you wanted to take a picture of, but your lens wouldn't do it. For example you might want to photograph a bird or other animal and it seems small in the frame, so you might want to explore all the fine telephoto zoom lens available or perhaps you see a flower or insect and wish you could fill the frame with the fine details of it. A Macro lens might be in your future. Some zoom lens work well for that too, but that's another thread. The basics in the above threads are great advice. Get a bag to hold your gear, but allow some extra room to grow. A extra battery and memory is always in order. You didn't say anything about your experience or basic knowledge of photography. A good book to read is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. That may be the best advice I could give you. It's a short read and filled with information that will stay with you a lifetime and will apply to any camera you pick up. The first step to improving your picture quality is having the knowledge as to why it works this way. Enjoy that new camera!!!
Spook