What do I need?

I am relatively new and have finally started taking my camera off auto mode (xsi, 18-55is, 55-250is). Actually had the camera for over a year and decided to sell it because I couldn't take a good picture to save my life. Picked it up when we finally moved and have enjoyed it ever since, good pictures or not. What basic extras do I need or want. I have several tripods but that is it. What else would be helpful? Thanks in advance.

Flash unit would be the first thing I'd invest in. What do you like to shoot?

The kids (4 of them) playing, fighting, running, sports, ballet...etc. Nature, friends, parties. Nature shots have been grabbing me lately.

How do you judge a flash unit or are they all created equal, which I doubt.

Flash would still be first on my shopping list. Followed by a circular polarizing filter, and maybe a neutral density filter. Do you have lens hoods for your lenses? I'd also think about a fast prime like the 50mm 1.8 for lower light indoor situations.

mishymama wrote in post #10633248
How do you judge a flash unit or are they all created equal, which I doubt.

They vary in their light output and feature sets. Depending on your budget, the 430ex is a good starting point. There are also third party flashes, such as those from YongNuo, that are compatible with Canon's metering system and can be had for much less money than Canon brand flashes.

You need to get out and take pictures.

What a lot of people here on POTN will claim that you need, is a heap of gear.

What you "need" to get better pictures, is knowledge. Learn drawing. Seriously. Your pictures will be much better off.

Gearwise, it depends on you in particular. Use your gear, and don't worry too much about it. If you see that you'd like to take pictures in darker conditions, then the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 II springs to mind. The great thing about it is that it relieves you of something you'd otherwise be worrying about: zooming.

Feel free to PM me if you don't want to ask questions about what I've written in this thread. And don't listen to people who will immediately say "L-LENSES!!!"

Now go take pictures, and have fun with your family.

mishymama wrote in post #10633235
The kids (4 of them) playing, fighting, running, sports, ballet...etc. Nature, friends, parties. Nature shots have been grabbing me lately.

Ballet, you're going to want a fast, longish lens if you don't want to alienate everyone else with your flash going off during the performance/rehearsal. The 85 f/1.8 might do if you can get fairly close to the performing area. A fast lens will also be good for them playing or fighting in the house, but the 85 would be somewhat long. There, however, you could use a flash and rest comfortable that as soon as they see the flash and realize you're photographing them, they'll stop whatever it was they were doing. So it'll help keep order as well. :{)# Parties want wide, you could maybe use a flash with your existing lenses, or look for a fast lens (maybe the Sigma 30 f/1.4 for something inexpensive). And if you mean "wildlife" when you say "nature", the 55-250 is a tad on the short side - look for something around 400 mm for starters. If you're thinking plants, bugs, butterflies and the like, a macro or extension tubes would be the answer.

So what would help you the most really depends on where you feel the limits of your present equipment. What areas do you think you're having the most trouble with? And are they the ones that are most critical to your interests?

Thank you all for your time and advise. How about an external flash...how much should I spend for a good one (not great), I am now going to research some lenses...thanks again!!! Sounds like my Christmas list is forming.

mishymama wrote in post #10633965
Thank you all for your time and advise. How about an external flash...how much should I spend for a good one (not great), I am now going to research some lenses...thanks again!!! Sounds like my Christmas list is forming.

I haven't bought an external flash yet but I'm mostly looking at the 480ex II for my needs. It's not the most expensive, more middle-of-the-road.

My two cents. A few inexpensive accessories...

If you want a low cost lens then look at the nifty-fifty (Google "EF 50mm f1.8 II"), you should find it for under $100 (on average). It may be all plastic and slow AF sometimes but the pics you can get out of it are great at f2.0. Great for portraits and low light situations.

Do you have a wireless remote? I bought this one (see link below) through Amazon, works perfectly with my T1i for single shot and self-timer mode. Your model is listed so technically it should also work with your XSi too. Currently listed at $12.95. Great for night time landscape shots while using your tripod, or also having yourself in the family photo without pushing the shutter button and then running to your place along side your family.

Opteka RC-4 Wireless Remote Control for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, T1i, T2i, 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras (Canon RC-1 Replacement).

http://www.amazon.com …/B0019RGQVU/ref​=pd_cp_p_2

If you want great pics then read how others are doing it. Learn through their pics. For example, here's a fellow POTN'er web site which listed their settings for just about every pic shot. Note they're using the kit 18-55mm lens, along with various filters, on a 300D.

http://robertmekis.dev​iantart.com/gallery/

You have to get out there and play with your camera more. As for me, I'm stuck with a broken foot at the moment so lugging around a backpack right now is a no-no. So instead I shoot the dying flowers in my yard while standing on crutches.

Jonta wrote in post #10633438
You need to get out and take pictures.

What a lot of people here on POTN will claim that you need, is a heap of gear.

What you "need" to get better pictures, is knowledge.

Great advise.

Thanks so much...again!! Those are totally in the price range of this stay at home mom with 4 kids. You also mentioned filters? I have one on my lens that I bought because the Ritz girl told me to. Basic I would imagine.

Just saw a picture of a lens hood????? Need? Helpful? Purpose?

Need: Yes.
Helpful: Yes.
Purpose: Protection from impact and stray light.

mishymama, I bought two hoods from Meritline.com this month for the EF-S 18-55mm and 55-250mm. Cost less than Canon's. I'm still waiting for the 18-55 to arrive in the mail since I recently ordered so can't vouch for the fit yet but the 55-250 fits perfectly (snug). They ship these directly from their China warehouse, about 2 weeks to the US by postal mail.

55-250mm
http://www.meritline.c​om …hood-canon---p-43306.aspx

18-55mm
http://www.meritline.c​om …-lens-hood---p-37895.aspx

Lots of discussions about different filters on POTN and in various price ranges.