Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Photo

Question on Kit


  • Please log in to reply
6 replies to this topic

#1
ts1_aec

ts1_aec

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
  • Country Flag

Hi.

I have just taken up photography.

After a little research, I decided to purchase the Nikon D3500 which came with a AF-P DX 18–55 VR lens.

I also purchased a SanDisk Ultra 128GB SD card because I was at a good price.

I have since ordered a spare battery, SanDisk Extreme PRO64GB SD Card, camera cleaning kit, and a bag which should arrive in a couple of days.

I will be doing mainly landscape/wildlife photography but also some random stuff.

 

So my questions are-

1) Have I missed something important for a beginner's kit? Is there a "MUST HAVE" that I should buy?

2) Will the lens be suitable for my intended purpose? (Short term/Long term) or should invest in a different lens now?

3) Is there a recommended mobile battery charger? Either 12V car charger, or from a 5V USB style plug? I am sometimes away from a mains supply for days, and I would like to avoid carrying a dozen spare batteries.

4) Are there any recommended books, youtube videos, online courses or other online resources that would be good for a beginner?

 

Any advice given would be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

 



#2
mikew

mikew

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 798 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNorth East Lincs

The 18-55 will cover basic things like landscapes, family snaps ect, it will not be any use for wildlife, i would do some research as you need a telephoto,

Depending on budget i would be looking at the Sigma or Tamron 150-600.



#3
Merco_61

Merco_61

    Nikonian

  • Premium Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 10,589 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationUppsala, Sweden

Site Supporter

The only thing missing for getting started with landscapes is a tripod. It will not only let you explore low-light photography, it will make you slow down and compose your shot instead of just snapshooting.

 

The 18-55 is a good little lens that performs much above its price point. Use it and learn as much as possible before you get anything else.

 

For wildlife, you will need a telephoto zoom. I agree with Mike on what to look for.

 

When it comes to charging on the road, there are lots of third-party chargers that can be run on 12V. They are very similar to each other and you will simply have to shop around to get one.

 

If it holds the same quality as his previous books, the David Busch book for the D3500 that will be out in January is probably the best for a beginner as his books are good getting started guides, tweaked for the specific camera. https://www.amazon.c...y/dp/1681984768. Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Book series is well written and explains the why as well as the how.



#4
ts1_aec

ts1_aec

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
  • Country Flag

Thanks for the advice.

 

Unfortunately, the the lenses mentioned are way beyond my budget at the moment, so for the time being, I will stick with the 18-55

 

I have pre-ordered David Busch's D3500 book, and also Scott Kelby's Landscape book also due for release in Jan. and I have also purchased the first 2 books  from the series.

 

I have seen many chargers for sale, most come with 2 batteries and cost half the price of an original Nikon battery, so was not sure of the quality, so just wondered if there is a trusted one that others use.

 

I will also look at getting a tripod. Any pointers on what I should be looking for with a tripod?

 

Once again thanks for the advice.



#5
Merco_61

Merco_61

    Nikonian

  • Premium Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 10,589 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationUppsala, Sweden

Site Supporter

There has been quite a few threads about tripods over the years. I think we have covered most price points between lightweight aluminium Slik, Velbon and Sirui leg sets up to Gitzo, Sachtler and Cratoni pro units.

 

The choice between a ballhead and a 3-way head is a very personal thing... So is the choice of latches or rings to lock the legs.

 

It is a good idea to standardize on Arca-Swiss compatible quick releases from the start as all the good attachments for panning and macro work use that standard.



#6
ScottinPollock

ScottinPollock

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 648 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationWest Slope Northern Sierra Nevada

I have seen many chargers for sale, most come with 2 batteries and cost half the price of an original Nikon battery, so was not sure of the quality, so just wondered if there is a trusted one that others use.

 

I have used Wasabi batteries and chargers for both Nikon and Lumix cameras for years without issue. They are based in the US, claim to use Japanese cells, and offer a three year warranty.

 

https://www.bluenook...n-el14-en-el14a



#7
JT's D3500

JT's D3500

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 11 posts
  • Country Flag

Thanks for this information ScottinPollock, just placed an order for these, along wih a Manfrotto Pixi Evo. 

 

John

 

I have used Wasabi batteries and chargers for both Nikon and Lumix cameras for years without issue. They are based in the US, claim to use Japanese cells, and offer a three year warranty.

 

https://www.bluenook...n-el14-en-el14a