New DSLR owner, buying guidance

donegalphotographer

Senior Member
Hi guys, I made a post last week about which ittl flash I should get and the response was amazing so I'm back with needing some more advice :)

I'm purchasing a d5100 to learn the art of photography with the intention of starting a baby photography business and event photography in the near future, after a few years I also plan to upgrade to a d7100, while I'm learning I will also be doing a lot of landscape work as this is a big interest to me so any guidance on what you think I need would be great here is a list to start :)

Manfrotto 055xprob
Manfrotto 498rc2
D5100 with 18-55kit
Colin p series filter kit
Nikon sb 700
Lexar 16gb UHS 1 card
Spare battery
Maybe a wide angle zoom for landscape


If anyone could advise on other items ive missed or would change any of the above please let me know

This equipment won't all be purchased at once it will be in stages

Many thanks

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
I am pretty sure that while you are learning you will discover things you need to buy as you go along.
There are always new models (of all equipment) coming out so making a specific list of makes and models at this point seems futile. You could probably gain more by pressing that shutter more often.
Good luck and keep us in the picture. :)
 

fotojack

Senior Member
It would be nice if you could tell us what part of the planet you're on, as prices and equipment vary worldwide. And what Lawrence said..........needs no further explanation. :)
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
I'm purchasing a d5100 to learn the art of photography with the intention of starting a baby photography business and event photography in the near future, after a few years I also plan to upgrade to a d7100, while I'm learning I will also be doing a lot of landscape work as this is a big interest to me so any guidance on what you think I need would be great here is a list to start :)

If it was me, I would buy a D7000 or D7100 body only. I don't like kit lenses since they normally require more light to get better exposure especially as you zoom in.

I would get a 35mm f1.8G DX lens ~ $200 USD

Nikon 50mm f1.8G $217 USD
Nikon 85mm f1.8G $497 USD

Or Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 DX zoom lens

Nikon SB 700 flash

You can also look for used lenses to save a few $ here and there.

These equipment can provide better overall experience and image quality especially if you have plans on earning some income in the future.
 

Geoffc

Senior Member
Hi guys, I made a post last week about which ittl flash I should get and the response was amazing so I'm back with needing some more advice :)

I'm purchasing a d5100 to learn the art of photography with the intention of starting a baby photography business and event photography in the near future, after a few years I also plan to upgrade to a d7100, while I'm learning I will also be doing a lot of landscape work as this is a big interest to me so any guidance on what you think I need would be great here is a list to start :)

Manfrotto 055xprob
Manfrotto 498rc2
D5100 with 18-55kit
Colin p series filter kit
Nikon sb 700
Lexar 16gb UHS 1 card
Spare battery
Maybe a wide angle zoom for landscape


If anyone could advise on other items ive missed or would change any of the above please let me know

This equipment won't all be purchased at once it will be in stages

Many thanks

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

If you are new to photography I'm impressed that you're going to be at a level where you charge for it in the near future. I've been at it for years and I took a long time to get consistency with my shots, especially when using flash. In fact I still have many surprises when I look at the results. Maybe I'm just a slow learner.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
If it was me, I would buy a D7000 or D7100 body only. I don't like kit lenses since they normally require more light to get better exposure especially as you zoom in. I would get a 35mm f1.8G DX lens ~ $200 USD
I agree completely. Buy a D7000 or 7100 body and tack on the 35mm, or 50mm, f/1.8G instead.

The SB-700 is a good choice, the tripod/ball head are solid but I'd dump the filters (Cokin? Really??).

.....
 

carguy

Senior Member
Jack guessing from his name, Donegal is in Ireland, but?

Dont forget to get yourself a good bag.
Good tip. At least two, one to store most of your gear at home or in the event you need a lot of gear to go someplace.

Another for on the go, enough to carry maybe the body/lens, extra lens and flash. Sling bags are good for this.
 

carguy

Senior Member
If it was me, I would buy a D7000 or D7100 body only. I don't like kit lenses since they normally require more light to get better exposure especially as you zoom in.

I would get a 35mm f1.8G DX lens ~ $200 USD

Nikon 50mm f1.8G $217 USD
Nikon 85mm f1.8G $497 USD

Or Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 DX zoom lens

Nikon SB 700 flash

You can also look for used lenses to save a few $ here and there.

These equipment can provide better overall experience and image quality especially if you have plans on earning some income in the future.

This is a solid response.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
A lot of great recommendations have already been stated. But I would suggest patience and a lot of studying and practice before trying to go into business selling your work. There is soooo much to learn just to take great photos, not to mention the business end of things.

A good postprocessing like Photoshop or lightroom is another great thing to add to your list.
I hope you do great! :D
 
Top