What can I buy next...

[sando]

... because I'm running outta ideas!

Bought a 30D last week, along with a Sig 18-50.

I know what lenses I'm getting, but Im unsure still on the little things!

I bought an OpTech USA strap, 4 x 2GB CF Sandisk ExtIII cards, a WhiBal and I have a remote release in the post.

What other little things do I need, or to put it another way... what little things do you all have that you found useful?

[Scoobs]

A decent tripod with a nice head. The best extra you can buy.

[sando]

Oh, forgot to say! Got a crap tripod, but will replace it with a goof one when I have £200 spare. :)

[Snapman]

How about spending your spare cash on some trips out to take pictures? You live in one of my favourite counties, so shouldn't have much difficulty finding places to photopgraph.

[sando]

That's not a problem... a 5 minute walk and I'm into the peak district. :D I'm also off work for 6 weeks after next week too.... :)

[LotsToLearn]

Grip, hand strap, bag, microfiber cloth, polarizer.

[JennB]

How about a flash?:)

[SuzyView]

A good bag?

[Mum2J&M]

I'd second the flash (even though I don't have one at the moment, lol).

[DavidW]

A good bag is important. A LensPen is always useful for cleaning optical surfaces 'in the field'. The proper hood for all your lenses is a good idea as well.


Many of the other bits and pieces that fall into the 'miscellaneous' category in my bag only apply to my gear. For example, there's some allen keys, which get used for adjusting my flash bracket - but you won't need them. I'd try to avoid gadgets - most of them are of no lasting value. I have a WhiBal, which I wouldn't want to be without - but you said that you already had one of those. Many of the more 'accessory' type things in my bag are flash related. The one exception is a compass, which can be useful for knowing the direction of sunrise and sunset.


I would try to keep saving for quality equipment. A good tripod and head is worth having, as is an external flash. A circular polariser is also worth having - I recommend saving up for a decent multicoated B+W, Heliopan or Hoya. All my screw-in filters are B+W MRC.

I'd let your future shopping list be dictated by wherever you find your gear is weak during your photography, rather than start with a huge long wishlist and start ticking items off.


Another thought is software - Lightroom, Photoshop Elements or even Photoshop CS3 may be of use. I wouldn't want to be without Lightroom and Photoshop CS3, also Breeze Downloader Pro is a firm favourite. All these programs have trial versions.



David

[RedHot]

... because I'm running outta ideas!

Bought a 30D last week, along with a Sig 18-50.

I know what lenses I'm getting, but Im unsure still on the little things!


I recommend waiting and use what you have. You'll realize what limitations you have and that will dictate what you should buy next based upon your needs instead of the idea of buying extra things to have them now.