Anyone see gaps in my current bag of tricks? New to forum and newbie photographer

Katie1987

Katie1987

Senior Member
I've done some lurking on this site before and have really enjoyed reading camera and lens reviews. I'm a newbie to the forums.

I'll cut to the chase. In my bag currently:

Body:
Nikon D5100

Lenses:
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
50mm 1.8G prime lens
55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G


Do I have any gaps that anyone sees based on what I have so far? Does anyone see any gaps in my current lens lineup?? I'd like to have the most versatility in my bag. Should I be considering adding a lens or switching one out? Or considering any other additional tools??

I'll give a bit of background in terms of my photography usage: I've been shooting for about a year now. My goal of photography is to document my life with my family for the most part, and turn this into more of a "serious hobby" than just the token family member with the nice camera. whether that be portraits during family events or scenic portraits from our family vacations I just want to have versatility in my bag.

My husband and I have our first child on the way in March (which I'm excited to shoot my newest subject!) and I'll generally be using camera for that purpose, at least for foreseeable future. Right now I've been primarily shooting family portraits and photographing our yellow lab, given that I'll be a stay-at-home mom soon I may find that I'll have more time to vary my photography - which I welcome because I also want to get more accustomed to shooting sports/action photos. My husband and I are both avid golfers and like going to sporting events so having the ability to get action shots when necessary would be nice too. We are headed to Hawaii in a few weeks for a "babymoon" so if there's any advice on lenses to take too that would be appreciated! Debating whether or not to bring my entire camera bag and give up my other carry-on
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Given this info - any advice on my current tool belt would be greatly appreciated, whether that be upgrades, adding or deleting lenses or other accessories. I'm pretty well set for now on my D5100 as body, really have liked what it produces.


Thanks!
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
Welcome to Nikonites, Katie. You're off to a good start with your present lens collection. I'm going to make 2 suggestions: an 18-105 walk around lens, and a 55-300 for those long shots that inevitably pop up from time to time. Eventually, I hope you get yourself a good tripod. Every photographer should have at least one. Even a good monopod would be good.
OK...here's a tip I tell everyone: if it moves....shoot Shutter Mode. If it doesn't move....Aperture Mode, Program, Auto.
And....the best tip of all........read your manual! :) Any questions....don't be afraid to ask. :)
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
Welcome Katie - The only things I would add to your want list would be a good CP (circular polarizer), a Giottos rocket air blaster to blow out the dust in your camera and on your lenses (better than wiping the glass and if you change lenses you'll invariably get dust on your sensor), and a decent flash unit for the times you're indoors and need a little extra light.

For the CP, stick with a good brand like B+W, Marumi and others are okay. Just avoid the $18-$20 CP's. For a flash unit, consider an SB-400 or SB-700. The SB-700 has a bit more reach but oth are more than enough for most photographers.

I would also suggest you pick up a good book or two on photography and photographic composition. Lot's of good books out there as well as web sites dedicated to the subject.

And most importantly, enjoy your time making images. It can be frustrating now and then but when you get that one shot that is just amazing it will make it all worthwhile.
 
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Geoffc

Senior Member
Dave is spot on with the flash recommendations. You want one that you can bounce of ceilings etc to give a better light.

My only suggestion lens wise is the 35mm 1.8g as this is a high quality general purpose focal length. It is like your 50mm which is great for portraits on a DX camera, but a touch too long for general purpose use.
 
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§am

Senior Member
Welcome Katie :)

For the kind of photography you are shooting or want to shoot, your current line up is just fine.
However, I would possibly add a 35mm f/1.8G to the mix, as sometimes the 50mm f/1.8G is just a little too long when you're doing family portraits.
If you can stretch the budget, then possibly even consider the 28mm f/1.8G instead of the 35mm as a shorter prime.

The 18-105mm lens is a good walk about lens, but I'd then lose the 18-55mm you have.

As for a flash - go with the SB-700 as a minimum.
The SB-400 is a great flash too, but you'll soon realise that it is more for when you want to take a flash in case you need it, but don't want to carry the SB-700 around. The SB-400 will give you more power than the on body one, and let you bounce (light) off the ceiling, but that's about the best you'll get out of it :)
 
Katie1987

Katie1987

Senior Member
Thanks everyone for the great advice! For those suggesting I change out my 50 mm I can now see why, I HAVE noticed that at times it's a bit slow but wasn't sure if that was user error or not :) I will definitely look into the 35 mm.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
I think the 35 is a great suggestion, excellent value. The 28 would be a bit better for indoor use but expensive. I'd keep the 50mm, it is almost perfect for a portrait lens on the D5100. With a little one running around, you may find the 18-55 kit lens is the best for indoor shots.
 
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pHoToDeMoN

Senior Member
Great advice everyone, I am still researching lenses for my own kit. I was set on the 50mm prime, but I will look into the 35 or 28mm now.
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
The recommendations you have already are very good. All I'd add is that with the cropped sensor of the D5100 your 18mm is really giving you the equivalent of what you'd see at 27mm on a full frame camera. I never thought I'd be one for an ultra-wide angle lens, but when I put one on my D7000 I realized what I'd been missing. I have a Sigma 8-16mm that I love, but there are many good ones. If you like doing landscapes and sunrise, sunset and cloud shots the results with one of these can be spectacular. It won't help you with family shots, but I wouldn't go to Hawaii without one.
 
Katie1987

Katie1987

Senior Member
Jake -- thanks for the tip on the ultra-wide..I've been contemplating adding a one of those lenses...seems like a nice investment to vary some of my shooting. My husband has been doing a reno project in our storage room at our house (building a brewery!) and he's been using my camera to document the project in stages, I've been wondering if an ultra-wide would help with some of his shooting as i'm not sure my lens line-up is most effective for the interior/architecture shots.

I'm looking forward to Hawaii in two weeks - we went there on our Honeymoon last year and I sorely missed having a decent camera with us, all I could muster was a few shots with my iPhone, this time around should be much more fun!
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Your husband sounds like a man after my own heart. Had dreams of starting a brewery at one time, just not the funding, or the partner that I was willing to kill a friendship with. LOL Tell you what, send me a ticket and you can borrow mine, and your husband and I can talk beer and babysit while you shoot away. :)

Oh, and if you haven't seen Ted's post about ultimate photo getaways, know that there are more regrettable places to be caught with only a camera phone than Hawaii. At least you get to go back. Went there 21 years ago on our honeymoon and haven't made it back - too many other great places to see first before we do repeats. Unless of course you take me up on the babysitting offer. LOL
 
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