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chiefams

Senior Member
Hey guys. Been lurking for a while now. Been trying to learn about the art of photography. Just got a d5500 with the 18-55mm kit lens for my birthday and now I'm trying to get me all set for learning and growing as a photographer. I would like to grow in these areas: nature, astro, action shots- kids in sports/rambunctious toddlers, and portraits for senior photos.

What accessories would you say are necessities for the best learning. Obviously spare battery. Also was given a uv filter.

1. I would like a bag with iPad/laptop sleeve.
2. Book recommendations
3. Post processing software
4. Flash- thinking a yongnuo 568 or 560
5. Tripod- thinking dolica proline gx650b204

Thanks for the recommendations


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cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Welcome to the forum. You have a good setup to start off with in getting acquainted with your new camera. With all of the areas you are interested in pursuing grab hold of your wallet and repeat after me, "I will hold my breath, count to ten, sleep on it and then go hog wild and spend that money." Ha! Lenses are the first thing that comes to mind for purchase. As to the tripod, you will want something sturdy that will support future purchases (heavy long lenses).

I'm sure others will chime in soon and give you much better recommendations. Enjoy the forum.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.

I can't help you on the bag.

For a book, if you want highly detailed and deep technical detail, I'd recommend Thom Hogan's D5500 e-book.
If you want a physical book with less technical detail, then the D5500 book by David Busch is a good one.
If you want and easy reading book, then the Complete Idiot's Guide would do the trick.

I'll leave the post processing recommendation to others since I refuse to rent software which is why I am still using Photoshop CS6.

The Yongnuo flashes are great as long as you realize you get no useful warranty beyond any return policy the seller offers which will basically only replace a DOA flash. By the time you pay shipping to and from China to get warranty service you might just as well buy a new flash.

The Dolica tripod reviews on Amazon scare me a bit and while I don't believe you need a $500 plus tripod, I think I would look for something a little better.
 

Danno

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum. That is quite a list. I am not sure how long you have had your D5500 but getting to know how to use it is a big part of getting started. When started I wanted to learn to control the exposure of the camera and get out of Auto. I spent a lot of time looking at videos on the exposure Triangle on Youtube. I also got a user guide for my camera. The manual was good, but I wanted something that offered recommendations on menu settings.

It is also good to get used to parting with your cash... It just seems to happen. Lenses were my first investment...
 
What accessories would you say are necessities for the best learning. Obviously spare battery. Also was given a uv filter.

1. I would like a bag with iPad/laptop sleeve.
2. Book recommendations
3. Post processing software
4. Flash- thinking a yongnuo 568 or 560
5. Tripod- thinking dolica proline gx650b204

Thanks for the recommendations


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome to the forum

1. I would like a bag with iPad/laptop sleeve. Can't help you there
2. Book recommendations Try youtube first
3. Post processing software. Flash- thinking a yongnuo 568 or 560 I have both Nikon and Yongnuo flashes and I would recommend the Yongnuo flashes
5. Tripod- thinking dolica proline gx650b204 I have 3 Dolica Tripods and love the all. The Proline series is a good value for the money.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Howdy and welcome to Nikonites!

Bags will come and go. Expect a lot of acquisition while searching for the right one. :)

Books... I'd stick with google. There are plenty of free e-books and videos out there to get started.

Flash: I don't think you can go wrong with the Yongnuo.

Tripod: if you have three, do you need a forth? Unless you have a specific problem to solve, that money could be spent capturing images somewhere! ;)

** whoops, its Don who has three tripods. You definitely want a tripod (IMO). I've got two, one more sturdy and one better suited for travel. Do you plan to shoot from home more, or taking the Nikonites jet to exotic remote locations for images?


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Last edited:

chiefams

Senior Member
Howdy and welcome to Nikonites!

Bags will come and go. Expect a lot of acquisition while searching for the right one. :)

Books... I'd stick with google. There are plenty of free e-books and videos out there to get started.

Flash: I don't think you can go wrong with the Yongnuo.

Tripod: if you have three, do you need a forth? Unless you have a specific problem to solve, that money could be spent capturing images somewhere! ;)

** whoops, its Don who has three tripods. You definitely want a tripod (IMO). I've got two, one more sturdy and one better suited for travel. Do you plan to shoot from home more, or taking the Nikonites jet to exotic remote locations for images?


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Thanks for the reply. I love the outdoors. So I will be taking lots outside. And my backyard is about as exotic as I can afford lol


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chiefams

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum

1. I would like a bag with iPad/laptop sleeve. Can't help you there
2. Book recommendations Try youtube first
3. Post processing software. Flash- thinking a yongnuo 568 or 560 I have both Nikon and Yongnuo flashes and I would recommend the Yongnuo flashes
5. Tripod- thinking dolica proline gx650b204 I have 3 Dolica Tripods and love the all. The Proline series is a good value for the money.

Thanks for the reply Don


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

chiefams

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum. That is quite a list. I am not sure how long you have had your D5500 but getting to know how to use it is a big part of getting started. When started I wanted to learn to control the exposure of the camera and get out of Auto. I spent a lot of time looking at videos on the exposure Triangle on Youtube. I also got a user guide for my camera. The manual was good, but I wanted something that offered recommendations on menu settings.

It is also good to get used to parting with your cash... It just seems to happen. Lenses were my first investment...

Thanks for the reply


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

chiefams

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.

I can't help you on the bag.

For a book, if you want highly detailed and deep technical detail, I'd recommend Thom Hogan's D5500 e-book.
If you want a physical book with less technical detail, then the D5500 book by David Busch is a good one.
If you want and easy reading book, then the Complete Idiot's Guide would do the trick.

I'll leave the post processing recommendation to others since I refuse to rent software which is why I am still using Photoshop CS6.

The Yongnuo flashes are great as long as you realize you get no useful warranty beyond any return policy the seller offers which will basically only replace a DOA flash. By the time you pay shipping to and from China to get warranty service you might just as well buy a new flash.

The Dolica tripod reviews on Amazon scare me a bit and while I don't believe you need a $500 plus tripod, I think I would look for something a little better.

Thanks for the reply


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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