My girlfriend bought me a Canon Rebel XS this summer for our anniversary and I am just now really getting into taking pictures, I am just starting on the long learning curve to mastering the camera but want to start looking for a couple of accessories. This summer I borrowed a tripod from a friend of a friend and was able to take some pictures of the Chicago skyline, I had a really great experience with that and such was looking into getting an entry level tripod. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, it seems like having a couple of filters would really set off some of my shots, are there places to pick up decent filters on the cheap? Would you invest in better lenses before buying accessories?
Entry level tripod can be misleading, but I don't think you would be making a mistake to buy one at the same time or before other lenses. Some here will try to sell you on the Gitzo's or other very expensive tripods (which are generally great) but you don't need those to take great pictures with most lenses. My advice is to get a reputable brand and legs as thick as you can tolerate carrying. I assume because you want entry level, you don't want to spend a fortune on carbon fiber legs. Do some searches on this board and you will find lots of advice recommending some tripods in the 100-200 range. Look at Feisol, Manfrotto, possibly Benro or maybe Slik Pro 700.
Other than possibly a circular polarizer (make sure your front element doesn't rotate) I'd say forget the filters. If you are going to invest, invest in lenses.
The Benro and the Silk Pro 700 look like they might fall within my price range, I know that it is often times better to buy correct the first time rather than buying the same thing twice, but I just cannot justify paying about as much as I did for the camera on a tripod heh. As far as lenses go, will I notice that much of a difference going from the no L glass to the L glass? I might be able to afford a lense next March if I go with a non L glass one but then we are getting into the same argument of spending money on the right thing first.
Assuming you only have one of the kit lenses right now, you should pick up a 50 1.8, which will provide you with some capabilities you don't have right now for $100 new or $70 or so used. I'd recommend that before dropping cash on L glass.
Other suggestions would be to pick up a wide lens like the Sigma 10-20, a faster standard lens like the Tamron 17-50, or a telephoto like the Canon 55-250. All of these are pretty affordable ways to expand the capability of your kit.
A good suggestion I have seen here several times is to learn your camera and shooting style a bit to learn where you really want to improve your equipment. You can improve your pictures a ton through practice without spending a dime on new lenses.
"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. This is one that I think should be included in the box with every entry-level camera. You can probably find it at your local library, or pick up a used copy at Amazon.
Check out www.photonhead.com/exposure to see how exposure works by varying shutter speed and aperture. Check out the SIM-CAM at the botom of the page.
+1 on the 50 MM f1.8. This is something else that should be included with every camera instead of a cheap zoom.
Agreed get a 50 1.8, non L but I still use mine every chance I get. I agree with you you want to avoid buying twice if you can. Read the reviews on this site ask plenty of questions you will find the right combination of tripods, lens, filters that will serve you well for many years. The reality is you will replace your camera some day, your lenses will change with time as your skills change, tripods do get old and brittle. Take your time don't rush and you will be satisfied.
Does everything I need and can be had for the price of a (really) good night out. Just make sure you get a remote shutter release as well (my £2 ebay knockoff one does remarkably well!). Otherwise you spend half your time stood there getting beeped at as you wait for the timer.
Manfrotto might be a little outside of my price range but I may be able to save up for it and get it for Christmas. As far as the 50 1.8, I am hoping I can get one of my brothers extra copies, seems like that is by far the best bang for your buck lens out there. I am glad you posted that link to the exposure page, I have a basic idea of how each function works but I feel like most of my shots are underexposed, but it seems to be what my eye sees so I have no idea.
