Just starting what other gear do I need

I just picked up a T3 (not T3i) a week and a half ago. I am headed to Hawaii in a couple weeks and I have been adding to photo bag for the last week lol. I currently have

T3
18-55mm kit lens
55-250mm lens
(3) 8gig class 10 sd cards (I have some others from previouse cameras not sure the class ratings)
Spare battery
Tripod

I am in my shopping cart and will order this week
Lens hoods for both lenses
Remote shutter release
Lens cleaning pen
Rocket dust blower

I am not sure what all I plan to shoot after vacation, probably a bit of everything till I find what I like best. I have a feeling I will prefer to use natural light over studio lighting. So is there anything else you suggest I look into?

Thanks guys I have spent many non productive days at work ready this forum over the last week and a half, I have learned so much but still have TONS to learn. I know my gear is not top of the line, but I dont have real deep pockets either lol.

How about set of filters UV, CPL etc. You will most likely enjoy taking landscapes using polarizing filter.

A battery grip would be my choice.

You will thank me.

a couple ND filters for the 18-55 would be good if you got a couple bucks to throw around.

If you are going to be walking around a lot (usually you do on vaca...) possibly a sling strap to give your neck a break and keep your camera handy. A little pricey, but my neck much appreciates me looking to get one with some heavier lenses

Hawaii?! You gotta have a wide angle lens for Hawaii! A sigma 10-20mm or 8-16mm would be awesome. If not those Sigmas, try the Tokina 12-24mm

Hawaii, great you will be in my neighborhood. I started out the same as you with a Rebel T21, 18-55, 55-250, 50 1.8.

Having live here in Hawaii for a while now, you will be doing a lot of sunset, sunrise shot at coast and beaches.

1. I recommend a small light tripod as it is the most essential tool for landscape/seascape
photography. You already have a remote trigger so it is a good start.

2. A polarizer.It doesn't have to be fancy just a cheap $30 for will do for now since your thread size for your lenses are only 52mm. Essential to cut down glare and also as a 2 stops Neutral density filter. Great for seascape and waterfalls.

3. If you can afford to, add a Wide Angle lens (10mm-22mm), but if not your 18-55 should do for now.

4. Just get a good book for your camera to learn the basic. It is a long flight to Hawaii so read up on the in-and out of photography.

I think that is all you need really.

Grab a 50mm f/1.8 II.

jrmy wrote in post #14033575
You will thank me.

Would this be a good book to get even tho I have the T3 (not the T3i)?

Also whats your guys take on these two sets of filters
http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1331044​416&sr=8-5
or
http://www.amazon.com …/B002N67ONK/ref​=pd_cp_p_2

I know they are not top of the line lol probably at the bottom, but for a few bucks if they are "ok" I would pick them up to try out and if I find myself using them alot invest in a better set down the road.

The quality of your pictures will reflect the weakest link in the chain---Crappy filters will yield crappy pictures even with the best of lenses. My advice--buy a good circular polarizer like B+W or Hoya. Don't bother with the UV filter as it is basically worthless. Look into a 430 EXII flash, as it is nice to have an external flash for people shots, especially with those slow kit lenses. Also, don't forget about a nice bag/pack to cary around your gear.

Have fun in Hawaii--Lots of awesome scenery around there to shoot.

A flash. The built in flash is a terrible thing and should be avoided whenever possible. Flash isnt just about adding more light to your photos, but making sure the light is coming from the right direction.

Jptenberg wrote in post #14035073
The quality of your pictures will reflect the weakest link in the chain---Crappy filters will yield crappy pictures even with the best of lenses. My advice--buy a good circular polarizer like B+W or Hoya. Don't bother with the UV filter as it is basically worthless. Look into a 430 EXII flash, as it is nice to have an external flash for people shots, especially with those slow kit lenses. Also, don't forget about a nice bag/pack to cary around your gear.

Have fun in Hawaii--Lots of awesome scenery around there to shoot.

Thanks Jptenberg, I took a look at the Hoya filters and found a couple in the $25 range (thats about max budget for something like that right now before the trip), is it a must have for Hawaii? If not I may hold off till I return to pick that up.

An external flash is on the short list just gotta save up for that still (the camera went on a c.c. the rest is out of pocket ) I have my trusty backpack that I am in the process of retro fitting to carry my gear in (I have an 8 year old that vacaions with the soon to be wife and I, so I have to have other stuff with me on day trips, snacks, water, jackets ... dad is the pack mule lol)

To be honest, as the suggestions above prove, there is always something else you could buy, but my advice would be to stick with what you have for now. You've got a set up that is capable of really great results. You're only just starting out (from the sound of it) so have a go with your gear and see how you get on. The other things like filters etc. may just make things a bit too complicated.

Madweasel wrote in post #14036076
To be honest, as the suggestions above prove, there is always something else you could buy, but my advice would be to stick with what you have for now. You've got a set up that is capable of really great results. You're only just starting out (from the sound of it) so have a go with your gear and see how you get on. The other things like filters etc. may just make things a bit too complicated.

Thanks mark, the more I was reading the more I realized I have a long way to go before filters are needed lol. I am still working on getting the "shot" that’s in my head onto the screen. I am also finding that the hood does somewhat of the same thing as a CPL, both have their advantages and disadvantages but a good CPL is still out of budget.


On another note what books would people recommend, anything camera specific or just general photography books?

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #14036213
Thanks mark, the more I was reading the more I realized I have a long way to go before filters are needed lol. I am still working on getting the "shot" that’s in my head onto the screen. I am also finding that the hood does somewhat of the same thing as a CPL, both have their advantages and disadvantages but a good CPL is still out of budget.


On another note what books would people recommend, anything camera specific or just general photography books?

This is wrong. A CPL can filter out reflections from water and atmospheric haze, I've yet to see a hood do that. If you are going to shoot scenic shots of hawaii you will encounter both in abundance. A CPL will give you more saturated skies and foliage.