Buying a Nikon D5100...accessories?

[drebo]

So my wife and I have decided to invest in a better camera as she's due with our first child later this year. I'm pretty set on the Nikon D5100...we tried one out in the store and both liked it a lot. I like the features performance...my wife likes that it can take 4 shots per second.

Only question now is what accessories are "must have" for the camera.

I'll be getting the D5100 + 18-55mm lense kit that's $650 on Amazon right now. I'll also be getting an extra battery and a 32gb Class 10 memory card and the wireless remote.

I want to get a set of filters (UV, flourescent, polerizer)...is there a notable difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive ones? Or is it more a question of build quality in that they'll last longer?

Is it worth getting an external flash right away or should I wait until I have a real need for one? The built-in flash seemed pretty decent and the low-light capabilities were damn good, as well. I like the idea of a diffused flash, though, for things like taking pictures of the baby's room... I was looking at a Polaroid TTL flash...I'm not "prosumer" enough to be able to accurately manage manual flash settings. This is the one I was looking at: http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-10...dp/B00400094S/ Reviews seem pretty good and the price is definitely right.

To start, I don't think a telephoto lense will be necessary, but the 55-200 is pretty inexpensive. Should I just wait and get a 55-300 later on?

The 35mm lense is pretty highly recommended. Probably worth getting that rather than the telephoto at this point.

Any recommendations of camera bags? Don't want one that's hugely expensive, but it should be well made and relatively comfortable.

Anything else?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Throckmorton]

Why get a fluorescent filter? You can just do color correction in post processing or set it on the camera. If your lens rotates to focus, a polarizer will be a pain in the ass.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

In my opinion, it's worth it to get a flash with a head you can swivel/tilt and can trigger off-camera via a PC jack. The flash you linked doesn't appear to do either. The D5100 doesn't have a built-in PC jack, but a hot shoe adapter doesn't cost much. I guess I don't know how much advantage you'd gain over the built-in flash with the Polaroid flash.

A tripod is really nice, IMO. The D5100 doesn't weigh much so you don't really need a heavy-duty one. If you're gonna have the wireless shutter release, you might as well have something to mount the camera to. Maybe you already have one and didn't mention it.

I purchased the D5100 bundle from Costco, which included a 4GB SDXC card, camera bag and the 55-300mm lens. I thought it was a pretty good deal at just under $1100 after tax. I loved the D5100 a lot, but I ended up returning it to get the D7000 instead. I have no problem recommending the D5100, though, and it was pretty nice to have that 55-300mm lens. It's a pretty good value, if not a real top-of-the-line lens.

 

[CuriousMike]

Before buying any lenses and extra crap, get the camera in your hands and use it for awhile.

I've never bought a second battery for my D5000 -- it's unbelievable how long the stock battery lasts.

Wireless remote is inexpensive and infrequently very useful... with a tripod.

I purchased a SB400 flash strictly for bounce flash... it makes a world of difference for indoor shots.

 

[CuriousMike]

In two years, i've been thru 3 bags... shoulder bag that was too big, holster bag that was too small and now I'm living with this thing called a Crumpler 5 million dollar house that's about just right.

I also bought a crumpler neck strap because a) it looks legit and b) it makes me look more pro than the stock Nikon strap.

Plus it matches my bag.

edit: holy crap Crumpler stuff is currently overpriced on Amazon.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

In two years, i've been thru 3 bags... shoulder bag that was too big, holster bag that was too small and now I'm living with this thing called a Crumpler 5 million dollar house that's about just right.

I also bought a crumpler neck strap because a) it looks legit and b) it makes me look more pro than the stock Nikon strap.

Plus it matches my bag.

edit: holy crap Crumpler stuff is currently overpriced on Amazon.

To springboard off your post, I purchased a Lowepro Slingshot camera bag, and I love it. I pack my D7000, the 18-105mm, a 70-300mm, and a 50mm, plus my SB-800, and all my necessary accessories (air bulb, lens brush, battery charger, mem cards, etc...)

I got myself a Blackrapid RS Sport strap and it's pretty awesome, too. The Slingshot goes over one shoulder and the strap crisscrosses it over the other shoulder.

 

[Sid59]

Before buying any lenses and extra crap, get the camera in your hands and use it for awhile.

.

3rded. I've owned a D40 and D90 since the release of the D40. There were a few times when a flash would have came in handy but those instances were far apart and other than gadget-envy, I never splurged to get it.

Shoot with the 18-55 and take a look at all your shots. Did you need wider? Longer? Faster? Try to avoid gadget-envy, easier said that done. hahaha.

 

[SecurityTheatre]

I say you should get a flash, especially if you're shooting your baby indoors a lot.

HOWEVER, the flash is only useful if the head can swivel both to the side and up/down. As a rule, almost never point the flash at your subject. Point it at the ceiling or wall. This will "diffuse" the light and make it look like daytime. (sometimes you can't help it, if you are in a black room, or somewhere with no nearby surfaces)

Pointing it at the subject is often awful and makes people look like racoons with red eyes and shiny skin and nasty shadows on the wall behind them.

Here's a good comparison between bounce flash and direct flash using the same flash and same settings. Look for the hard shadow and shiny skin to indicate direct flash.

But the D5100 is perfectly fine. Just be aware that the D5100 (and lower models) can't autofocus with older Nikon Lenses (they must be the newer AF-S type).

I would stick with the kit lense to begin and upgrade later if you find a need. Having multiple lenses as a noobie will make you think too much.

 

[CuriousMike]

The SB400 can only swivel up/down, which means it's imperfect for portrait orientation.
The example you gave is with the SB400 (/Nikon-SB-400-Bounce-Direct-Flash-Compared-2.jpg ).

With limitations, the SB400 is useful.

HOWEVER, the flash is only useful if the head can swivel both to the side and up/down. *snip*
Here's a good comparison between bounce flash and direct flash using the same flash and same settings. Look for the hard shadow and shiny skin to indicate direct flash.

 

[drebo]

Good points and good info, all. Thanks.

I think I'll take your advice and skip additional lenses to start. I still would like to get a second battery, though...my wife tends not to pay attention to things like charging and I'd prefer to accomodate her. Good points about the filters as well.

I think I'll skip the Polaroid flash for now...you bring up good points. I'll take some of the money I'm not spending on a lense and buy the SB-400. I don't do portraits so I don't think swivel will be that important to me...at least starting out...and at $200 more for the SB-700 over the SB-400, I just can't justify it.

Thanks for the recommendation of Lowepro...I saw this bag and it looks like exactly what I need: http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Rezo-1.../dp/B0007X2GIO

The wireless remote's only $10, so for the 3-4 times per year I might use it, I think it'd be justified. Also, tripods are only like $20, so I think I'll get one as well, for exactly those same times.

Other than that, you guys are totally right...I need to reign in my gadget-envy.

 

[SecurityTheatre]

Yep, as long as the flash head can aim *away* from the subject, it should be fine in most "around the house" situations.

Using a camera-mounted flash aimed directly at people is why "flash photography" has a negative stigma, needlessly, because it can be so great when properly diffused.



Pick up any Nikon i-TTL compatible flash head with a full swivel. Seriously, there's not much intelligence in the flash head, the camera just commands it to fire at certain times - the only value is in the build quality. I have never used this one, but I found it online:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...hoe_Mount.html

Or try this one:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...le-Retail-Free-shipping/701997_446207803.html

I'm not specifically endorsing any of these stores or brands (though B&H Photo is a well known and reputable shop in NYC), but just pointing out that there are cheap alternatives that should give you the swivel head. I might read a few reviews about the build quality and controls, but for the most part, the real intelligence is built into the cameras, not the flashes, so it's not an image quality problem.

Good luck!

 

[drebo]

I like that Bower flash. It seems smaller than the other one, and it's the same price as the SB-400, roughly. Might have to get that one.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[sixone]

If the D5100 uses the same remote as the D5000, you should be able to find one for about $3 on ebay.

 

[jhansman]

Ditto on the wireless remote. It's small, and can be easily lost. Also, invest in a better strap than the stock Nikon one. I favor the OpTech Classic:

http://www.adorama.com/OTCLSGN.html

Oh, and a good bag, one that is meant for photo gear. Lowepro makes several excellent choices; I have the older Flipside 300 and it has proven to be the perfect bag for travel and general storage.

 

[Silenus]

I will reiterate much of what's been said already:

1) You don't need any of the filters, except for maybe a circular polarizer. Even then get it after you know you will start doing a lot of outdoor landscape or car photos. Indoors you won't use it.

2) Absolutely get a flash. In fact, if you get nothing else, at least get a flash for bouncing. You were considering the SB-400 and that is a great flash mostly because it is VERY small and light, and lets you at least rotate the head in one direction. It is a bit limited in flexibility though where other flashes can swivel behind you and to the sides, which helps open up a lot more options for giving the light some direction other than straight up off the ceiling. Having said that...you CAN creatively use even an SB-400 in portrait mode...you just need to look out for doors, walls, refrigerators...ect that are not crazy colors to bounce off from the side (see photos below)

3) The 35mm f/1.8 is a no brainer. For most people I'd probably suggest this lens before a telephoto, but it depends what you want to shoot. For family shots, indoor shooting, and a baby on the way definitely go for the 35/1.8. Amazing what you can do with a fast prime.

4) Wireless remote can be handy and fun. Very inexpensive, so why not?!

5) Bag options I'll leave to you. There are a huge amount of options and you've gotten some recommendations already.


Coming back to the SB-400...and bouncing it in non-traditional ways. Here are two from vacation in Hawaii. I only brought the SB-400 because it's small and light and working within it bounds here are two portrait shots where I bounced it sideways of walls, curtains, or a refrigerator door:


Hawaii Visit 2012-96 by Kvothe, on Flickr


Hawaii Visit 2012-75 by Kvothe, on Flickr


Here is a more traditional ceiling bounce:


Hawaii Visit 2012-79 by Kvothe, on Flickr

 

[Anubis]

In two years, i've been thru 3 bags... shoulder bag that was too big, holster bag that was too small and now I'm living with this thing called a Crumpler 5 million dollar house that's about just right.

I also bought a crumpler neck strap because a) it looks legit and b) it makes me look more pro than the stock Nikon strap.

Plus it matches my bag.

edit: holy crap Crumpler stuff is currently overpriced on Amazon.

not really, its cheaper on zon than it is listed for on crumplers site


I have the 6 million dollar home, its a great bag, i also have a backpack from lowepro when i want to carry more crap. on the flash question id ignore the SB-400 and go righ to the 700, the 400 may seem nice but it is really lacking, my brother in law has one and hes upgrading to the 700 because the 400 simply isnt powerful enough for a large indoor room

for lenses id just start with whatever the Kit is and them move on from there, however the 18-200 is a great all around lens that works well enough for pretty much everything.

id ignore all filters besides a polarizer

 

[tenthumbs]

You should get the 70-300 VR lens instead of the 55-300.

I also have a lowepro bag and love it.

 

[SecurityTheatre]

You should get the 70-300 VR lens instead of the 55-300.

I also have a lowepro bag and love it.

The 70-300 VR is a $500+ lens, the 55-300 is sometimes under $300 and the 55-200 is often found well under $200.

And their quality goes in that order. It depends on the budget, really.

But unless they're shooting portraits and sports, the longer focal length is often not well used by beginners anyway.

 

[RampantAndroid]

For a bag, I just got this: fits well, holds my D7k, 18-200 on the base, 35mm prime, 70-300 FX lens, 11-16 tokina and has a little space left in the side pockets that a flash could go in.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Might help if I posted a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Clik-Elite-CE7.../dp/B004TLIK58

 

[drebo]

So I bought the camera. I've decided that the 18-55 lens that comes with it is NOT sufficient. At this point, I'm torn with which telephoto lens we want to get. I really like the idea of the 18-200...but it's $900. Alternatively, I might just settle for the 55-300.

Other than that, we both really like it. I like the bag I got, the Lowepro 160AW. Great bag, fits everything I need.

Ya'll were right about the SB-400, too. I should have held off and just gone with the SB-700. Oh well. Live and learn. It does some decent bounce for landscape orientation, but it is limited. My wife likes how much better it looks than her old point-and-shoot.

Fun fun.

Incidentally, what are peoples opinions on 3rd party lenses? Should I just stick with the Nikon branded ones or are there decent discount lenses that are "almost as good"?

 

[Silenus]

Don't sweat the SB-400. You can always sell it for a minimal loss and it's cheap to begin with. If it's not cutting it then get one of the bigger flashes.

Is the 18-55 not cutting it on zoom range? Any of the 55-200, 55-300, and 70-300 are decent telephotos, with the 70-300 being the best (also most expensive and biggest).

However...you might consider something like the 16-85, or 18-105 kits lenses to get more range and forgo the long telephoto completely. Unless you know that you really need lots more than 100+ mm on the long end these are an alternative.

One last reminder. Don't forget about the 35/1.8 lens. It is tremendous bargain at it's price. A fast prime adds a lot of versatility to your already nice setup!

 

[drebo]

Yeah, it's the zoom range. The picture is great and the focus is great on the 18-55...at least to my untrained self. We'd just like a bit more zoom. I'm thinking the 55-300 is probably where we'll end up. The 18-200 would be awesome because it's more versatile, but it's so much more expensive.

 

[fralexandr]

you could always try the sigma or tamron 18-200, 18-250, or 18-270
there are some problems going with super zoom type lenses such as distortion on the wide end and softness on the long end.
super zoom lenses exemplify some of the benefits and costs of having a zoom lens.
the primary benefit is the versatility of extra focal lengths without switching lenses
the primary cost is slower lens with poorer optics

sigma and tamron make pretty competitive lenses, which provide similar optical quality to the major camera makers. that said, you often lose out on camera specific benefits such as in body distortion correction (especially useful on the wide end)

 

[tenthumbs]

The 70-300 VR is a $500+ lens, the 55-300 is sometimes under $300 and the 55-200 is often found well under $200.

And their quality goes in that order. It depends on the budget, really.

But unless they're shooting portraits and sports, the longer focal length is often not well used by beginners anyway.

Knowing that the telephoto is not on his list of priorities, it would be better to save and get the 70-300 VR rather than the other two lenses mentioned. It's within the realm of possible for anyone on a budget. We all know it can get crazy expensive from there.