Lenses

[angelwolf326]

Ok WW what is a firmware???  Teach me the ropes please...  Also I need a uv filter right? 
Should I get a filter kit, uv, polarizer?
Any other things I need that are necessary? 
Should I get a remote release for tripod shots?
Shoud I get the battery grip?  I read that the batteries last a long time, so I was thinking about just getting another extra one?
Extended warranty?

[Surfer_Dude]

[Wrightwood]

Yes you want a UV filter for both lenses to protect them. It's cheaper to replace a filter than the lens. You can hold off on the polarize filter unless you'll be shooting around water right away and it has to be the right type for your lens - (circular polarizing).

Hold off on a bunch of accessories like a cable release until you get the camera unless the money is burning a hole in your pocket. There are a few different cable releases and you'll want to figure out the best for your type of work. Personally I have the one with the built in timer and multi shutter release and love it but it's over $100 and not something that's used all that often.

I have battery grips on all mine and would not shoot without them. Wildman brought his camera by yesterday and didn't have his battery grip on and it was very awkward to me with the 100-400 lens on it.

Firmware updates are released by the cameras Mfgs when they have either a bug in the cameras software or wish to offer an enhancement. Rarely is it a critical that the firmware update "must" be done but it does happen and that's why I'm asking about Nikon's latest policy as there were some upset Nikon owners when I bought my first digital Canon.

You definitely want 1 extra battery. If you buy the battery grip you need 2 extra batteries besides the one that comes with the camera. When you buy extra batteries do not buy the Canon as they are way too expensive and not as good as after market. You can get a more powerful after market battery (1800m Ah) for about $20.

Don't forget to have a second compact flash memory card and if you don't have a USB 2 card reader for your computer it's highly recommended. The card reader should not be any more than $20-$25 and fits 15-20 different types of memory cards.

[Nick]

Whats a battery grip? I have the Canon Digital Eos Rebel

[Chuck]

[Nick]

[Wrightwood]

There is a BG-E3 designed for the  EOS Digital Rebel XT only .
http://www.zoommania.com/icabge3.html

Here's a much cheaper after market one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDB1II/sr=1-2/qid=1139196715/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5992606-2359253?%5Fencoding=UTF8

[Nick]

Ya..I dont have the xt...it came out a month after I bought mine.

[Chesslike]

Here is another review site that really likes both the Canon and the Nikon:

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/professional-digital-cameras-ratings.html

[Mrs. Hillbilly]

I have the Rebel XT with several lenses that I am pleased with. I totally recommend the 50 mm 1.8, which is light, superfast and cheap and under $100. I also have the macro 50mm 2.5, which is nice for both soft portraits and macros of flowers, bugs, etc. I also have the 85 1.8 for indoor concerts or school plays that allows me to shoot low light with no flash. I also totally love my Tokina 12-24, which allows for awesome wide angle shots at only about $500. Finally, I love my Lensbaby, which gives you that cool Holga look for more artsy photographs. I bought the LBO, which gives a more dreamy look than the LB2. But everyone has their own preferences.
For more information, check out www.lensbabies.com

Another super site for lens reviews and recommendations is www.fredmiranda.com

[Wrightwood]

Mrs. Hillbilly the Lensbaby looks very interesting. How about posting a few samples that you've captured.

[Mrs. Hillbilly]

I'm working on a series of photos that I will post soon...It really is a cool lens at under $100.