Camera accessories - what is the complete list? What do I need?

Hello everybody!

So, I just picked up this hobby, having a blast!
Anyway, I just got a camera, two lenses and a crappy CF card but now I need some basic accessories I reckon every photographer needs, so I'm placing an order at Amazon, but I'd like to get everything right the first time around so I don't have to order and re-order.
What I got on my list so far:
- 8gb 133x CF
- Giottos Rocket Blower
- Lenspen
- Shutter release
- Two 58mm UV filters (the cheapest ones, which are probably just a waste of money, but I'd like to see what all the fuss is about concerning filters. I've seen 77mm filters for 150€ and I'm just wondering: what in the hell do you need those for? Filters are primarily for keeping your lens scratch-free, right?)

I'm wondering if I need to pick up a tripod already. I don't like to cheap out and end up smashing all my gear into the ground. I really like macro photography and I actually want a tripod that has a sideways middle-bar thingy (if you know what I mean), so you can extend the tripod also to the side (like the Manfrotto 190xprob). Those tripods are sorta outside my budget though.

Last question is if I need to pick up some microfiber cloth and lenscleaning fluid, or are a rocket blower and lenspen enough to keep my stuff clean?


Regards, Tijmen

It's impossible to get everything right the first time. As you grow in the hobby you'll find new things that will be of benefit to you that you couldn't possibly think of at this time. Have fun, shoot often, and don't worry about the accessories.

luciddreamer wrote in post #11807875
It's impossible to get everything right the first time. As you grow in the hobby you'll find new things that will be of benefit to you that you couldn't possibly think of at this time. Have fun, shoot often, and don't worry about the accessories.

Ok, thanks! That is, after all, the best advice anyone could give me! I'll just order and continue what I like doing so much!

Good plan! You will grow with the hobby, just let it take its natural course.

TijmenDal wrote in post #11807767
Hello everybody!
- Two 58mm UV filters (the cheapest ones, which are probably just a waste of money, but I'd like to see what all the fuss is about concerning filters. I've seen 77mm filters for 150€ and I'm just wondering: what in the hell do you need those for? Filters are primarily for keeping your lens scratch-free, right?)


Regards, Tijmen

That was a mistake. The filters are primarily for protecting the front element, yes, but high end ones cost more for a reason. Any glass you put in front of your lens will degrade the quality of the light entering your lens somewhat. Cheaper filters are not coated to reduce flare, whilst the more expensive ones are multi-coated to do just that, and the cheaper filters will most likely not be of as high quality glass as the more expensive ones, nor as flat, so there may be distortion. Granted, if you don't plan on using your gear in harsh lighting conditions, or on printing large size photos, you probably won't see much of a difference.

If you find you need a tripod for your macro work or anything else, there's a sticky under accessories on tripods. There are also other threads on what accesssories are useful as you're starting out.

Sirrith wrote in post #11808381
That was a mistake. The filters are primarily for protecting the front element, yes, but high end ones cost more for a reason. Any glass you put in front of your lens will degrade the quality of the light entering your lens somewhat. Cheaper filters are not coated to reduce flare, whilst the more expensive ones are multi-coated to do just that, and the cheaper filters will most likely not be of as high quality glass as the more expensive ones, nor as flat, so there may be distortion. Granted, if you don't plan on using your gear in harsh lighting conditions, or on printing large size photos, you probably won't see much of a difference.

Thanks! I figured the quality of the glass matters, but apart from that that was pretty much new to me!