Confused on what to get for my XSi

Hey everybody, I'm not quite sure on where to go on accessories for my recently bought Rebel XSi.

So far I have the kit lens, a "nifty fifty" lens, nice camera bag, and a Sandisk Ultra II 4GB card.

Filter(s): I was aiming to get a cheap Quantaray UV filter and B+W CP filter, but all the different kinds of focal lengths on the B+W scared me. Should I be going for the 77mm F-Stop one?

Tripod: IN PROGRESS - Manfrotto 055xPROB w/ 488RC2

Lens: As for lens, I'm at a loss on where to go. The kit lens seems okay for my everyday needs so far, but sometimes I wish I had a bit more zoom to it. I may be dragged around to take pictures of people and events (indoors and outdoors), so I bet that will be a factor too of what lens I should go for. But I personally do not think I need more lenses when I obviously need accessories instead at this starting point.

External flash: SOLVED - Canon 430EX

My budget is around $800. I'm hoping to not spend all of it, so deals are always a good thing.

Many thanks in advance!

I do not think either of your lenses takes a 77 mm filter. Take a look at the front of the lens and it will have the filter size there.

I would get a tripod and a flash first. Check out the Canon 430 EX, or possible a used 420 EX. The sigma flashes are also well thought of around here, but I have no experince so cannot suggest one. As for a tripod, People seem quite happy with the Amvona Dynatran tripods (not sure I have those spelled correctly, but you get the idea). Search the forum and you will find a great deal of information on these.

Oh, duh, I should have known that already. I have a 18-55mm and fixed 50mm...so I guess I should go for a 50mm filter?

I'll be around searching around for info on the Canon 430 EX now; thanks!

55-250 IS: $270
430EX: $230
UV: $20

The kit lens uses a 58mm thread for filters I believe: http://hvstar.net …ction=VIEWPROD&​ProdID=103

The 50 1.8 uses a 52mm filter.

What kit lens do you have? 18-55mm? If so, it takes 58mm filters.
And don't buy cheap filters! Make sure you get filters designed for a digital camera, not a film camera. The CCD and CMOS sensors used in digital cameras react to light differently than film. The newer filters designed for digital applications take this consideration into account. The Hoya Pro-1 for Digitals work great (I have 6 of them).

I agree with the above post: Start with a flash and tripod. Consider the Canon 430EX flash unit as a start. As for tripods, they range in price from real cheap to expensive high tech (like my Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod). With tripods, you get what you pay for, so try to get the best one you can afford.

Alright, I have the 430 EX in the amazon.com shopping cart (buying from Adorama Camera).

Still confused about the whole B+W thing, but I think I'll wait for somebody to explain it all for me.

The reason why I'm getting that cheap UV Quantaray one is just to protect the lens; I heard it doesn't affect image quality, so it should work out.

Tripod, I'm still overwhelmed by the choices. I'll be using it indoors and outdoors, and a beach is nearby, so I may be on unstable ground (rocks).

Oh, and should I buy a hood lens? Wouldn't it help when I'm outdoors? Or will the B+W filter take care of everything?

the mm in filter is the thread size not focal length.

HyperYagami wrote in post #5900814
the mm in filter is the thread size not focal length.

Thread size meaning how it screws on, right?

So this is the model I should get, I assume.

EDIT: Or this one...it's $30 more, dunno if it's worth the price difference.

Not a "must have" but, certainly "nice to have"

An aftermarket strap by OPTECH or Tamrac really makes carrying your camera easier on the back and neck. They usually cost less than $20.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5900949
An aftermarket strap by OPTECH or Tamrac really makes carrying your camera easier on the back and neck. They usually cost less than $20.

Yes, I did see your post on this thread. I'll keep it in mind, but I need to get the tripod and filters out of the way first.