Just starting what other gear do I need

gonzogolf wrote in post #14036587
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.

Correct I did read that, I have also found that a good CPL will run upwards of $75-$100, and thats just not happening right now I have also read that shots over distances of water using a CPL can take away some of the "blueness" of the water.

Also I am just starting so another item to worry about, should I put this on should I take it off, or hang on guys let me get this shot for a 3rd time but I am putting on this filter lol. I can see it now my wife and daughter giving me the evil eye on day 2 when I grab the camera for our walk to the beach.

The photography is not the primary reason for the trip, so at this point I will take the advice given by some and focus on getting the best I can with what I have either way it will be an amazing trip.

Thank you everyone for your insight and help .... still looking for a good book to pick up for the flight over.

Then buy a cheap one. You can always sell it on craigslist when you get back. A lot is made of buying the best gear possible on this forum, and generally I agree. But I've used a couple of the CPL's sold at best buy and while they arent the greatest, they can do a pretty good job in a pinch. Especially when you are trying to make blue skies blue. Dont let the search for the perfect keep you from experiencing the good.

That is absolutley the worst question you could ever ask on this forum...

gonzogolf wrote in post #14036799
Then buy a cheap one. You can always sell it on craigslist when you get back. A lot is made of buying the best gear possible on this forum, and generally I agree. But I've used a couple of the CPL's sold at best buy and while they arent the greatest, they can do a pretty good job in a pinch. Especially when you are trying to make blue skies blue. Dont let the search for the perfect keep you from experiencing the good.

I liked two filter kits that I found on Amazon about middle of the first page, would either of those work for just trying them out?

mtimber wrote in post #14036805
That is absolutley the worst question you could ever ask on this forum...

I see that lol. I have learned tons even by having suggestions that cost more then the camera did lol.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #14036822
I liked two filter kits that I found on Amazon about middle of the first page, would either of those work for just trying them out?
.

Without a link I cant comment. But dont buy the very cheapest.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #14034515
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.

Here is the post that I liked them in I see quite a few CPL's (not in a kit) in the $10-$15 range as well which is about max that I want to spend right now (trying to keep as much set aside for the family vacation as I can).

I would think double that amount is about where you should start looking.

gonzogolf wrote in post #14036971
I would think double that amount is about where you should start looking.

Thats what I figured, which puts it out of my range for this trip still will have more fun then with my old point and shoot.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #14034515
Would this be a good book to get even tho I have the T3 (not the T3i)?

Yes. The principles of how to best use the camera remain. The book will show you a shot and how the author achieved it using the camera. I read the T2i version and would recommend the series to all beginners.

Highly recommended.