DSLR Accessories

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  ilsan0 on 22/02/2012 - 18:25

  Best site to buy is http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au I have purchased on multiple occasions. Fast delivery
  Get the lens cleaning pen, very handy.

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  guohao on 22/02/2012 - 20:09

  What about filters? There's UV filters (questionable use - but may prevent scratches to your lenses), circular polarised filter (makes skies bluer) etc - try cheap ones first from Dealextreme… :)

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  neil on 22/02/2012 - 20:47

  I too am looking for cards and bags. My friend told me to get a UV filter for the reasons above. I saw that Meritline has a sale on lens hoods. I assume a lens hood is similar to the filters?

  Stupid question but with the SLR bags, do you just throw the camera connected with the lens or do you have to disconnect them and put them in separate compartments?

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    BuyoTheCat on 22/02/2012 - 21:27

    unless it is a BIGGGGgg lens, you do not need to detach the lens.
    that is if you have a camera bag that fit it with a lens on. Go to a camera shop and try it out. There are so many different type of camera bags.

    Personally, i like crumplers. They look less like camera bag.
    I also do not like to use UV filters unless there is a particular reason to protect the lens. like protecting it against sea spray. but plenty of people use uv all the time. usually lens come with lens hoods which i find are quite adequate to protect against things scratching the front element.

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      neil on 23/02/2012 - 11:45

      OK. May buy the lens hood. I just bought the Pentax K-X.

      I checked out crumpler's bags and like http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/Haven-S.h… but that shows the camera detached into 2 parts. It would be good to have something similar that would hold the entire camera in one padded compartment. I suppose it's not terrible to have the camera be detached in 2 parts but there is always the chance of dropping it.

      • 

        Phesto on 23/02/2012 - 13:30

        From what I can tell, the photo is just showing the entire camera (with lens attached) PLUS an extra lens.

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        BuyoTheCat on 23/02/2012 - 13:42

        the havens are a camera pouch for a bag.
        so if you have a big sling bag like the complete seed, which has no camera compartments, and you want to carry a camera, you use the haven

        something like the 4 million dollar home will be a bag with removable dividers for camera.
        the more million, the bigger the bag for bigger camera and lenses. I think a 4 million will be adequate for the k-x with a lens on, plus something like a 70-300 type lens

        http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/4-Million…
        it does not looks obvious how the camera fits, but when you see it, you will know.

        I recommend the crumpler clearance store on glenferrie. good some good deals there.
        If you want some help I'm happy to help shop for one in the city.

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        neil on 23/02/2012 - 15:10

        Ah yes, didn't see that. OK that will work out well. According to my partner, Crumpler are having a 20% off sale as of today/this weekend. I'm guessing that's in-store. Ideally, I'd like to use the Haven (or something similar) which I'd stick in my backpack.

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        Tycn on 23/02/2012 - 20:36

        Using a backpack means you won't be able to change lenses without some difficulty.

        You might not know it yet but the reason you bought a DSLR was so you could use interchangeable lenses.

        Crumpler is not worth it at 20% off IMO. I bought mine at 50% RRP and at that price it's okay. It's a bag.

        Considering the wide availability of nice old lenses on eBay, I'd also suggest something more substantial.

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        neil on 24/02/2012 - 01:35

        Hmmm, OK. You both make good points. I usually bring a backpack when I travel which contains an iPad, headphones, point and shoot camera, and other random stuff. I'm just trying to figure out how I'd go with carrying a backpack and also a camera bag.

        Crumpler is expensive but the lady seems pretty set on buying from there. I just need something for the time being so I don't look like a tourist.

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    spineiro on 23/02/2012 - 14:01

    I always keep a lens on my camera body at all times. If the attached lens fits in the bag, I leave it on. If it doesn't, I change it to my standard lens and put it in my bag attached. One reason why I do that is I try to avoid as many lens change as possible. Just reduces the amount of durst getting into the sensor. Also, in the event you want to take a photo of something urgently, you save time by having a lens on it already.

    Regarding filters, I buy most of my filters from maxsaver.net. They sell genuine products that are cheaper than retail stores here and have free shipping. The only negative thing is that you if the product you want is not in stock, you can't backorder and have to keep checking until it is. Support-wise, I have got a response within 4 hours with all my enquiries to date.

    I have a UV filter on my lenses at all times. It provides a little protection from small objects that may damage the lens glass/coating.

    Lens hood have a different purpose from filters. Lens hood is to reduce/prevent flares. It offers some protection from light bumps but I've seen someone drop a camera with a hood attached to the lens. The hood snapped on impact and didn't appear to provide much protection at all.

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  ilsan0 on 23/02/2012 - 08:48

  If you are after something 2nd hand, I would visit OCAU. Lots of gear offloaded over there.
  I have bought CPL filters over $100 for about $25.

  Lot of professional photographers on that forum.

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  PlasticSpaceman on 23/02/2012 - 16:20

  I would buy a 50mm prime lens (f1.8 or f1.4 if you can afford/justify it) and a lenspen (to properly clean the lenses - can get on eBay). Filters are a good idea - I use them instead of lens caps. If you want to ensure you get the best photo possible (even the best filter can sometimes introduce artefacts, if minor), you remove them but for the most part you leave them on and it both protects the lens as well as enables you to take a quick photo without having to fumble around with the cap…. just use the lenspen to keep the filter clean… and replace the filters if they get scratched.

  After those, I'd then consider a tripod (combined with a remote you can then disable the anti-shake system on the camera/lens and get the sharpest landscape/portrait photos) and a separate flash (so you can bounce the flash - get an extension cable and you can move it away from the camera) - all depending on what sort of photos you take.

  But the lenspen and a 50mm lens would be on the top of my list. Frankly I'd live without a special camera bag or filters and put the money towards the prime lens first. And I'd put the kit lenses in the cupboard and only use them if there's no other option….