Photography Notebook -- Photography Supplies

Photography Notebook: Supplies

Camera, Lenses, Filters, and Hoods

Canon Rebel XSi: camera body and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer lens.

I also purchased another version of the Rebel, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i: 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD, in order to have some more capabilities and a second camera body.

Lens	full-frame focal length	filters	other
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM SLR	16 mm - 35 mm	77 mm UV filter Adapter Ring CIR-PL filter IR filter ND filters	hood
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR	29 mm - 88 mm	58 mm UV filter Adapter Ring	hood
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II	80 mm	52 mm UV filter CIR-PL filter	hood
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS	88 mm - 400 mm	58 mm UV filter Adapter Ring	hood

Get the Big Gigs

This 16 GB SD card is a wonder--I can photograph for hours on it, even in RAW + JPEG top quality and still not run out of room. The Rebel XSi shows 797 photos available to shoot on this card in RAW + JPEG format. Getting this was the best money I ever spent, because it has saved me time, fumbling, and possible loss of smaller-sized SD cards. My plan is to get a few more of these for longer trips where I need to store photos before transfering to a computer.

Avoid the Big Shakes

The remote is extremely useful for night shots, IR shots and HDR shots. For telephoto shots, this is also useful, as at long focal lengths, your finger pressing the shutter button rocks that camera more than you might think. Use this remote to avoid touching the camera at all to release the shutter for these types of shots. Also useful for shots when you want to release the shutter and be in the photo. Uses CR1220 battery cells.

Get Big Power

I have three batteries for my Rebel XSi. I carry a spare (second) battery pack in my camera utility kit. I keep another battery at home in the charger ready to go. I swap all these batteries regularly. I've never been without power for the camera.

Get Steady

I can't say enough good about this tripod--I've used it for nearly a year, and it fits my needs perfectly. It is reasonably lightweight and compact when folded down. Its ball head allows me to position the camera as I wish. It is reasonably steady--not rock-steady--but sufficient enough for non-gusting winds (you can lower the legs down to a smaller size for more stability in higher winds). A tripod, I would say, is mandatory for night shots, IR shots and HDR shots. For telephoto shots, this is extremely useful, as at long focal lengths, your camera rocks more than you might think.

I also have a Slik Tabletop Travel Tripod which is also fantastic for the same reasons and holds the Rebel comfortably and sturdily in a size that fits easily in a small backpack. For trips I have taken this tabletop version only, and I've been pleased with the results.

Special Supplies

Get some books to increase your knowledge.
Get some cards to hand out when people ask about your photos: MOO MiniCards - $19.99 for 100 unique mini-calling cards. Make people remember you!
You can get some gloves: Terramar Thermasilk Glove Liners which are thin enough to be able to easily operate the camera controls and will keep your hands warm in cool weather.
I have obtained some Modular Organized Durable Storage (MODS) Food Storage Containers by Snapware which hold the camera and lenses in my backpack. These cases provide a waterproof and crush-resistant carrying case which help protect the camera accessories.
If you are on the road, you might want to have an extremely portable computer to post your photos online. I find the EEEPC works well to provide me with ultramobility, and I've posted photos directly from my camera's SD card to flickr using the EEEPC.

Get Level

Double Bubble Axis Level: this clear, two-axis bubble level helps you adjust the camera on the tripod so that it is level. I find this invaluable! The clear plastic shows the bubble very clearly and the bubble settles down quickly. The two axes work for the landscape and portrait orientation of the camera. I have astigmatism and literally can't see straight, but with this level, the photos are level! There are cheaper levels, but I knew that this would be an important tool for me, so I wanted an accurate, durable level, so I went with this Manfrotto model.

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