Accessories for first camera.

[big_apple_ken]

So my new camera (40D w/ Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS lens) is coming in the mail today. Was curious what kind of accessories I need to get. My basic idea is:

- Extra battery
- Camera Bag (going to the Crumpler store in NYC after work)
- Filter (what do you guys recommend for my lens?)
- Maybe a new camera strap (since stock ones are usually not that great)

Anything I missed? I'm holding off on the flash for now since I am just starting out but I will definitely invest in a nice one once I get the hang of it.

[showngo]

Extra battery for sure, extra CF cards is always good. I would also say you should look at getting the battery grip, they are great. Balances the camera, adds another battery and a vertical shutter release.

As for the filter there is a big debate about UV / Protective / Skylight filters, there is a sticky at the top of the lens forum I believe. But get a Circular Polarizer (CP) for sure, these are invaluable.

As for the camera strap, that is a personal preference, I have heard good things about the Domke Gripper straps though.

You should also think about a tripod and cable release, especially if you are doing night shots or landscapes.

Go out and play, enjoy!

[RPCrowe]

A decent camera strap. I use both the tamrac Boomerang and the OPTECH Reporter Straps and like them both (the Reporter Strap is designed to carry 2 cameras without tangling straps).

Extra memory and a battery or two. Don't worry about buying the most expensive CF cards. Only some full-frame DSLR cameras can take advantage of the fastest card.

Get one or two extra batteries. I have had no problems with non-OEM batteries. They are a fraction of the cost and seem to work as well.

If you intend to use longer and/or heavier lenses inthe future; think about a battery grip. The extra weight and bulk tends to balance a larger lens on a Rebel (series) camera.

Whether you need rain protection for your camera/lenses depends on the amount of rain in your area and the expectation of shooting or being caught in rain (or water spray) while shooting. Rain-type covers and UV filters also do a good job protecting your lens from dust and debris while shooting.

Rain covers for cameras and lenses rum the price gamut from:

A small plastic trash bag at a cost of only a few cents to raincovers specifically manufactured for cameras/lenses which cost from $4.50 each (OPTECH RAINSLEEVE) to $219 (Aquatech SS-600 Raincover).

http://www.penncamera.com/store/index.asp?DEPARTMENT_ID=394

Since I live in Southern California which is in a long-term lingering drought, I carry a pair of OPTECH Rainsleeves (one for each camera). If I lived in Seattle or some other area in which it rained often AND if I wanted to shoot in the rain, I would probably get amore substantial cover than the OPTECH Rainsleeve.

[beepclick]

2nd the motion for the battery gripl.

[Jon]

Strap - follow the link at the top of the page to the POTN store and get the POTN strap.
Filters - yep. See the Protective Filter FAQ, and consider a good circular polarizer too.
Battery - Sterlingtek has 'em for under $20 including shipping - beats needing to recharge every night just in case.
I'm not one who believes a grip helps balance a camera, if you're holding it properly (support with the left hand; your right hand is only there to press the buttons and spin the dials).
Bags - unless you're planning on adding a lot of junk real fast, a Domke F-3x or F-5XB will be plenty.
Tripod - you're talking a couple of hundred dollars for a good one unless you want to haunt eBay instead of taking pictures. The Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 488RC2 head is a safe combo.