Thoughts for Thursday: Advice wanted for new D-SLR camera users (lenses, camera bags, etc)

As a brand-new inexperienced D-SLR camera owner, I have a few questions for those of you who more experienced using cameras!

I am looking into various lenses.  Reading this article about choosing lenses really explained a LOT.  My Nikon D5000 came with a 18-55mm kit lens and I also bought a 55-200mm zoom lens.  Both are nice for now but I really feel like I also need a Prime Lens.  I have gotten great advice from photographers Michelle, Chriselda and Jen who all say I really should get a 50mm f/1.8 or 1.4 (if I could afford the upgrade!).  I am also interested in a  lens for Macro photography.  What would I want to use for that? If you own a D-SLR camera, please tell me what lenses you own, which is your favorite and what you use it for??

When I bought my camera last week with the two lenses, I felt it was necessary to get a camera bag that would hold it all.  The bag is huge, much bigger than my purse! I am actually in need of a new purse too, so I don't know if I should get a smaller camera bag for just the camera (and one smaller lens) or if I should get a bigger bag that could dual as both camera bag and purse.  Is there such a thing that is both stylish, protective and functional? I am used to always carrying a camera with me but right now that just isn't happening until I figure out a better solution.  What do you use for a camera bag? Any ideas on where to look?

I bought a tripod with the camera and I would also like to get a remote control.  Are there any other necessities that I should look into???

Thanks for any advice and for answering my questions!

Comments

[Hope]

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKML2C/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

It's probably the nicest purse I own. :p

It's actually a fantastic camera bag, fits my 40D, a couple of lenses and a lot of accessories. And it has enough pockets that I can throw my wallet, cell phone, keys, etc. in it.

The fact that it's cute is just an added bonus. ;)

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Thanks Hope, it is a very cute camera bag!

[Ang]

buy a prime lens! they are so much cheaper than other lens options and simply amazing! I have a 35mm f/1.8 and I haven't taken it off my camera since I bought it. It's SHARP!

I use a bag similar to this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Lowepro-SLINGSHOT-300-AW-Pro-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Bag_W0QQitemZ260520708247QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca83e8897#ht_4434wt_1084
I like the slingshot, rather than a double straps system (i find it's easier for quick access to my camera as it has a side opening). It holds a few lenses, depending on size (currently holds all 3 that I have, plus my camera), there is a pouch type compartment on front for cords, mem. cards, etc., and it has a small compartment on the top. I find it useful for photography trips as it holds a phone, wallet, etc. I would not use this as a everyday purse though.

Remotes are great to have as is the tripod... other than that, I wouldn't overdue it. get started with what you have and learn your camera. Have fun, play with all the settings and find what works for you!

[Michelle Sauer]

Considering you bring your camera everywhere, I would go with something like Hope suggested. Fashionable and functional. I have a GIANT purse that functions as my purse and camera bag when necessary but I don't bring it everywhere with me.

As for lenses, primes are where it's at. I love my 50mm. The 1.4 is more of a splurge, but if you can swing it, go for it. Otherwise, the 1.8 is perfect for beginners. I also own the 85mm 1.8 and I LOVE IT. It has the most beautiful bokeh and is tack sharp.

I don't use a macro lens so I have no thoughts on that one, but I would go read reviews on them, you will find a lot of useful information on amazon actually, a lot of sample pictures, etc.

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Michelle, can you help me understand the difference between the 50mm and 85mm? What are the advantages of one over the other?
Thanks!

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Looks like I need to find out what the difference is between 35mm, 50mm and 85mm.  Man, so much to learn still!
Thanks for your suggestions :)

[lisaschaos]

Love my 100mm for macro work, but yeah a 50 can come in pretty handy too. :) I LOVE my crumpler! I always use it when I travel, looks kinda like a purse but is padded and I can stick camera with lens and 2 more lenses + batteries and cards in it, sometimes I stick a flash instead of a 2nd lens. Dunno if you can see it, but it's here http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2258726549_a6904be1be_b.jpg

[lisaschaos]

special for you http://lisaschaos.com/can-a-cow-crumple-a-crumpler/ :0)

[Denise H]

I would DEFINITELY get a fixed lens. I have the 50mm 1.8 and LOVE it! It's actually the lens I use 90% of the time. The only problem with it is that it is fixed so you can't zoom in on your subject but it is so sharp and light.

The difference between the 35, 50 and 85 is the distance it is fixed at. 50 is right in the middle which is why I chose that one. But 35 will allow you to shoot more in tighter places. As the 50mm doesn't allow me to get in on the tight shots because it's fixed at 50mm.

I also want to get the 24-70 but it is SO EXPENSIVE. I have heard that it is the PERFECT lens. So one day I will have it.

As for a bag, I got one for Christmas from my hubby which is a backpack type one which will be good for when we are camping, going on vacations etc.. but I want to get one like what Hope listed for my sessions and everyday shooting. That way it looks more like a purse than a camera bag.

Other items would be a flash (down the road) and a diffuser for your flash. I have a tripod but I rarely use it and I don't think I would ever use a remote as the timer on my camera works perfect for when I need it. I would also get an extra battery and memory card. Oh and make sure you use a UV filter on your lens to protect the glass.

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Thanks for the link to the bag, Lisa!  So, a good macro lens is 100mm? That migt be down the road a ways, but I really want one at some point!

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Thanks for explaining the lenses a little better to me, Denise.  I think I will just need to play with each of them and then decide which one I think I would use the most but it sounds like the 50mm is the perfect size since it is right in the middle like you said

[Nicole]

On bags check out Crumpler.
I also love Denise's expl. - Thanks :D!
If you need Info on a fairly cheap, but good remote, drop me an email and I look up the name of mine.
Got it via amazon.

[Jientje]

I'm learning a lot here myself, I'm just an amateur Kirsti, I still need to get to know the Big Guy. The lens came with the camera, it was a package deal, it's a 17-85 mm zoom lens. ( I had to go look, ROFL!) I love Hope's camera bag, I would not mind getting one like this one! There's a lot on my wish list since I met the Big Guy!

[Jen]

Hi Kristi,

Yes I used a zoom lens for that squirrel shot. I have an old (manufactured in 1989) nikkor zoom, it's 75-300mm. I also have my kit lens, the 18-135mm and I have my prime, a 50mm (f/1.4). I use the prime the most.

I use a Lowepro 200. It's a backpack, but it holds all my gear (I also have the SB 600) and I can get to everything quickly.

You are shooting on a cropped sensor (the D5000 isn't full frame) so you need to remember to multiply your focal length by 1.6 to get the focal length your camera is reading. So for example, when I am shooting with my 50mm, it's really more like an 85mm. My 300mm zoom becomes more like 400mm. And so forth.

Full frame sensors are what is in the 35mm film cameras, and also the 'pro' DSLRs. I think the Nikon D700 is the first in Nikon's pro line...might be the D300. Don't know.

Also, I don't know if your D5000 can meter with older lenses, my zoom was made in 89, but the D80 can meter with it, and control it, or I can set it to manual. Refer to your users manual to see what lenses you can attach - otherwise you could short out the camera (worst case).

Hope that helps!

Happy Shooting!

[Kristi S (sweetsauer)]

Hi Jen,
Thank you for your feedback and explainign the lenses to me a little more.  Still unsure which lens I will get first..... the 35mm or 50mm!

[chriselda]

hey hey!
so... without reading all of the comments - i am sharing my thoughts. forgive me if i am repeating someone else. :-/

first and foremost... i have QUICKLY learned that no matter WHAT camera bag i have... (i have everything from a think tank to a crumpler to a lowepro to a backpack) that NOTHING compares to my shootsac. it's just... so darn versatile and ... accomodating.
and you can change out the covers like WHOA! the neoprene is a nice little touch of comfort too!

as for the lenses - your camera has a crop sensor on it. sooooo... a 50mm is going to be like an 85mm on a full frame sensor. this isn't a BAD thing. it just means your sensor doesn't expand "widely" to really get the REAL benefit of those wide angle primes.

so if you GET the 35mm (which i'm assuming is going to be accompanied by a nice sticker price) ... it will generate an output similar to a 50mm on the full frame sensors. this doesn't mean DON'T GET IT. it just means that if youre going to spend THAT much money on a wide angle... use it instead to buy a camera with a full fram sensor. the difference is astounding.

here is an example of a 50mm lens on your sensor in comparison to a full frame

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/1329338799_74baa853c3.jpg

as for a macro lens... 100mm macro. hands down. no contest. end of story. they are sometimes hard to find (at least for canon) but so worth it. and are quite pricey. and again... if you have the money to spend... upgrade your body instead.

not that your camera won't "do"
it just that these lenses are so expensive and you won't really get the full "experience" on a crop sensor.

99% of the time i recommend the 50mm f/1.8 plastic fantastic. it's a great starter lens. and a very good prime, considering it's price. learn that one first. get used to shooting with it. and then get other lenses. i think the most common mistake we ALL make is getting EVERYTHING at once. when it really isn't necessary.

a good 50mm lens.

sell your kit lens. esp if it has a variable aperature. use the money to go to an off-brand 24-70mm f/2.8 (tamron, sigma, etc). those kit lenses are ridiculous and you will quickly outgrow it. especially if you're shooting indoors at all.

i think i've rambled enough.

chriselda