Starting setup for a newbie?

[cjtinkle]

Hi all,
I've been reading these forums and others for months now. Almost went with the Nikon D100 but opted for the Canon ESO 10D instead.
I'm new to photography period. Well, I have a digital point and shoot that I've used for the last 3 years, but it's all automatic.
My question (probably dumb, lol) is in my choice of startup equipment. Other than the camera body, I bought 3 lenses; the EF 28-135mm f-3.5-5.6 IS USM, the Telephoto EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, and the Super Wide Angle EF 20mm f/2.8 USM.
I ordered a circular polarizer and hoods for the lenses as well.
I still need a flash and a camera bag, but will this round out a start up kit so I don't get frustrated by not having the right tools?
I know someone will ask me what I will be shooting... a little bit of everything! If I get to the point where I need better or other equipment I will, but for now I wanted a decent camera with a well rounded set of lenses so I could shoot whatever catches my fancy.
Thanks!

[justme_dc]

Uhhh.......Maybe I missed something but what's your question?

Other than that, welcome to the board and to the world of canon cameras. I think you've put together a fine starter kit. Take some time to learn about how the camera you just purchased works and you'll be shooting great pics in no time.

Good luck to ya.

[cjtinkle]

Oh, hehehe. My question was, did what I purchase cover the basics, or am I missing some obvious piece of equipment?

[raymond_anthony]

get a stroboframe....best 60 bucks i ever spent

[robertwgross]

No sense in getting a stroboframe until there is a flash unit for it.

I would recommend the Canon 550EX flash.

As for camera bags, the only answer is... it depends.

I have one large Lowepro backpack, and it holds about forty pounds or more worth of gear, so it is easy to throw that one item in the car and I am ready to go.

However, the problem is that it hold forty pounds worth of gear, and that is too much for just walking around and shooting (and enjoying it). As a result, I have one Lowepro shoulder bag, and it works well. The only problem is the extremely cheap solid plastic swivel buckles where the strap attaches to the bag. One plastic part broke within the first week that I was out in the field with it. So, I studied the strap and removed both plastic parts from the whole rig. With proper use of the strap tighteners, the strap is now firmly attached.

For bags like this, you have to decide how much stuff you really intend to haul around. Then get a bag that is about one size larger.

---Bob Gross---

[cjtinkle]

The 550EX flash is on my "want" list. I will have to search and see what a stroboframe is.
The camera bad I like is a Lowepro Street and Field Reporter 400AW. At least I think that's what I want. Having never had one, all I can do is read opinions and guess.

[robertwgross]

If you place your Canon 550EX flash unit on the hot shoe, then that gets good results. However, many times the photographer wants to move the flash unit several inches away from the center of the camera (minimizing redeye). It would be awkward to hold the flash unit in one hand and then hold the camera in the other hand.

So, a flash bracket is used (Stroboframe is one brand name, but there are others). The flash unit screws onto it, and then it screws onto the camera. For most of us right-handed photographers, there is a hand grip on the left, so that we can hit the shutter button with our right index finger.

The hidden fact is that you have to get a special cable that connects the camera hot shoe to the foot of the flash unit.

The convenience of a flash bracket shows when you shoot horizontally and then vertically. Practice a bit.

---Bob Gross---