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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> essential gear to start with?
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01/21/2007 11:20:52 PM · #1
I'm borring a great nikon d200 from my school for yearbook. It's great for sports which I love and which I get to use often. I'm starting to get some equipment. But I'm on a tight budget. What are the essentials I need for outdoor and portraiture, not studio. I love taking photographs of kids, and landscape. And what are the best sites or stores to buy from? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Message edited by author 2007-01-21 23:30:35.
01/21/2007 11:25:59 PM · #2
Originally posted by sweetness:

I'm boring a great nikon d200 from my school, which I get to use often. I'm starting to get some equipment. But I'm on a tight budget. What are the essentials I need for outdoor? And what are the best sites or stores to buy from? Any advice would be appreciated.


What are you planning to shoot outdoors? Sports, landscape?

If landscapes, I highly recommmend a grad ND filter, a tripod (doesn't have to be expensive) and a polarizer. I wouldn't skimp of $$$ when it comes to filters. As far as lenses, you DON'T need an ultrawide for great landscapes. Find a lens that suits your sytle and use that.

If outdoor sports, a good fast lens. Usually longer is better but like above it depends on your shooting style. A monopod comes in handy.

Hope that helps.

Message edited by author 2007-01-21 23:26:28.
01/21/2007 11:37:36 PM · #3
I guess since you are borrowing this D200 that you are asking what gear you would need to start your own collection?

In that, I'd suggest starting with a Nikon D70 or Canon Rebel with kit lens and either of their 50mm 1.8 lenses (great for portraits).
01/21/2007 11:40:18 PM · #4
Read the manual :P
01/21/2007 11:51:55 PM · #5
My opinion - spending a few $$$ on a decent flash will give you more improvement per dollar than spending money on lenses. A flash means you can create your own interesting light rather than waiting for nature to oblige.
A tripod isn't really important for sports and portraits but crucial for landscapes - generally (im not saying all the time) good light for landscapes only happens when the sun is low in the sky and you need a shutter speed of a few seconds - so you can't hand hold for that long.
01/22/2007 02:18:49 AM · #6
I would start with a good tripod, just one solid lens, and a camera you are comfortable with (sounds like you have a great one to me though!) Anyway, someone mentioned the 50mm f1.8 which is a great lens, and not terribly priced at all. Check out the lenses on //www.bhphoto.com

Honestly the lens is the most important thing. The next most important thing is to shoot like crazy.

Good luck
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