basic gear for newbies

[Bill4282]

Instead of one or two large SD cards, I carry several 8 gig cards. Allows me to swap out and use a new card on multiple day trips. Eventually, you'll want some kind of external storage device to download to at the end of the day just in case.

 

[John P]

In almost any shooting situation a lens hood provides the protection you need. It's amazing how much protection a lens hood and lens cap can provide if used. If you aren't using them then you are careless.

Apparently that it isn't obvious to everyone. But if you want to waste money on unnecessary equipment and lower the quality of your images, more power to you. I stand by what I said but that's the last I'll say about it.

I concur.
I shoot ton of quick draw street photos. And shoot outdoors the majority of the time.
Rather than using a uv filter. I much prefer my LENS HOODS.
They give me all the protection I need.

The only filters I will use are ND filters, and polarizers.

 

[lestat]

Despite of the little fight, I actually agree with both, I never take out the lens hood unless I'm going to take a picture and I try to keep my lens as clean as I can, however, having something that can protect the lens if you can't be putting it on and off all the time (maybe you loose an awesome moment on that second that takes you to take the hood off) then it seems like a nice idea, I actually would like to take pics when I'm out for a ride with my bike and this is why the sling sounds awesome for this and a filter as well.

On the other side, I have read a little about some crappy cheap filters could affect the quality of the picture, but there are some good filters that could help reduce the glare and reflection of sunlight.

I don't know, I'm still green on this photography subject.

Thank you all again for your awesome suggestions and thoughts.:smile-new:

 

[lestat]

I am in the same boat as you, have just purchased the D5100 and got the 2 lens kits with it and thats it! So much I want! LOL
Good luck and happy shooting! :d

I know right? so much stuff you want to do and this world is all new to me that is quite overwhelming.

Good luck and happy shooting to you too! :smile-new:

 

[carguy]

In almost any shooting situation a lens hood provides the protection you need. It's amazing how much protection a lens hood and lens cap can provide if used. If you aren't using them then you are careless.

Apparently that it isn't obvious to everyone. But if you want to waste money on unnecessary equipment and lower the quality of your images, more power to you. I stand by what I said but that's the last I'll say about it.

I'm surprised at the tone with this one. Different people have different ideas of what they want to do to protect their equipment, no right or wrong, just personal choice.

I agree a lens hood does provide protection to the lens glass, but not as much as a filter. Just not possible. If one solution works best for your needs, that's great, jJust understand that does not apply to everyone. We're all in this for the same thing

 

[Epoc]

Well said Joe. Personally, I am not a fan of UV filters, but my wife swears by them. Each to their own.

Back to the OP, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is cleaning gear. A lens pen for well, cleaning lenses. A rocket blower for those rotten dust bunnies and maybe a wet cleaning kit like Copperhill for that once a year sensor clean.

 

[§am]

A friend pointed this out to me as a novel item (though I am sure there are people that use it in a more meaningful way);
LensCoat LCN18105VRM4 Nikon 18 - 105 Lens Cover, Max4 LCN18105VRM4

Aside from that, I think most of the other basics have been covered off already.

The whole filter/no filer debate has raged on forever not only on Nikonites but many another forum too. I think it's personal choice. As already said, some people swear by them, some people swear at them!
By personal view is, if you're going to get one, pay that little extra and get a respected brand (Hoya, B&W etc).
Also, only you can decide if you need it or not - take a picture with a filter on, and one with the filter off - can you tell the difference?
If not, then again, personal choice, do you want to spend money on something that brings no picture IQ benefit in your eyes, but may offer protection in other ways, or do you want to save that money and risk the chance

On the subject of bags - always get something that is slightly larger than for the kit you have now - you'll love yourself for making that decision in the future!

 

[lestat]

Like I said, I agree with both, I guess only time and my personal experience will tell me what suits me. Anyway it is always good to hear opinions of experienced people like you guys. I think I'll try and get some filters later then see the results. :calm:

Ian, I did ordered one of those Nikon cleaning pens, it was not expensive at all (~9USD) and according to reviews it works like a charm. I will get some more cleaning gear later.

What should I use to clean the viewfinder? cotton swab + (alcohol or cleaning solution)? I wear prescription glasses and I didn't noticed that it was getting a lot of dust particles and maybe some body oil/grease and I thought it was my glasses ha.

Oh, and BTW, I meant lens cap, I use my lens cap all the time not hood... told you I'm a total newb.

Thanks guys.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

What should I use to clean the viewfinder? cotton swab + (alcohol or cleaning solution)?

That's what I use. Don't go nuts with the alcohol, obviously.

Another thing many people overlook is adjusting the diopter on their viewfinder. Doing so can make a very big difference in the sharpness you get.

 

[§am]

LensPen do a kit which has a viewfinder cleaner, lens cleaner and filter cleaner for around £14.
I find the LensPen cleaners very good