Photography Gear Help

[Johnnyone]

Tryin to get into the photog thing and was wondering a few things. 1: Lens for auto and architecture pics. Instead of buying a 17-50 f2.8 and 11-16 f2.8 could I just not get this lens Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-55mm f/2.8G? What would be the advantage and disadvantages of going with the two lens instead of the one lens? 2: Tripod What makes a good tripod and what should i look for in one? 3: Bag I really like the backpack style, is there a certain brand that is more popular than others? Where is the best place to buy one?

[tbg35c]

1. You can start with 17-50mm f/2.8 first (Tamron is good and cheap), then decide if you need wider lens than that. The Tokina 11-16 is a wideangle lens and is good for landscape, interior/tight spaces, rig shots, etc. The 11-16 however is not typically used for portrait, so its more of a specialized lens.

2. Manfrottos are good. I have the 055XPROB with 498RC2 Ballhead and they are solid. Stability, durability, and ease of configuration determines good tripod from bad one. If you want a step up you can get carbon fiber, but it depends on your budget.

3. I use Kata DR467i. Its good bag up if you have 2-3 lenses and a flash or two. Beyond that you need more serious bag. Good luck.

[Johnnyone]

^ cool thxs. Yea i was looking for a wide angle for landscape, tight spaces and rig shots etc... Someone else recommended Manfrottos, must be good being that the one i seen was like $260.

[NFSP G35]

Manfrottos pwn.

+1 to all tbg35c's comments. You can always get the wide angle Tokina later. You'll want to build a rig when you get it

[Dranom]

try looking for gitzo tripods on ebay been searching for a good buy myself. lol
backpack style bags try looking at KATAs. I myself have a kata 123-go-20

[soundmike]

Tripod: Bogen/Manfrotto's are always a good bet. If i had to do it all over again, CF is it. Once you start carrying so much gear, saving a few lbs here and there really adds up. That said, my aluminum one (don't remember the model) works just as well. Go for one that allows you adjust the middle extension horizontally, it always comes in handy. Those with hooks or notches to add weights are also good ones to have.

Bag: For casual use, i love my Crumpler (4) million dollar home. An SB-600 and D90 + 17-50 fits just fine and is easy to get to when that perfect instance for shooting comes along. When i need to carry more gear, and know i'll be in a crowded area, the Lowepro Flipside backpack tags along. I really like how when it's on my back i feel secure no one will "accidentally" open a zipper and pull something out of there -- mainly because the opening is towards my back, that is you can't pull something out of there unless you take the bag off your shoulders and/or flip it over to your frontside (which is actually quite nifty, it's like a mini-table right in front of you, no need to put the bag down to switch lenses, etc). It fits pretty much my entire arsenal of lenses, flashes, grip, filters, batteries and memory cards, plus a few other goodies.

[Johnnyone]

thxs for the info guys.

Finally got a camera! New Canon XS with 18-55 kit lens, 8 gig, 4 gig and Dolica tripod.


now i gotta get a wide angle lens, would you guys buy a used lens?

[NFSP G35]

^As long as it doesn't have any problems.

Good read on the subject:

Originally Posted by tbg35c

Check this out

http://www.petapixel.com/2010/10/08/...on-craigslist/

[Johnnyone]

^ cool it was a good read, appreciate it. The searching continues...

[Johnnyone]

[quote=soundmike;5508981]Lowepro Flipside [quote]

Thanks for the info on that bad, i really like the design and will prob go with it.

Trying to decide which lens to get, thoughts

$600 new tokina 12-24 f4

$479 new Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

or this one
$325 Tamron SP AF 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

[tbg35c]

why tokina 11-16mm 2.8 is not in that list? It is superior than tokina 12-24 f4 and price is the same. you have your 17-50mm already, so the 16-24 range is covered, no?

[NFSP G35]

^I was thinking the same thing.

[Johnnyone]

U guys have a good point.

[Johnnyone]

Got a Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens this am! And here are some pics that took last nite and this am. Let me know what you think.











these were taking with a canon 100mm macro lens. I love the weight and build of this lens! Can't wait to take pics of bugs and stuff in the spring time.

[NFSP G35]

I think you need to clean your sink faucet