What essentials should a beginner buy with a Nikon D90 and kit lens?
Asked 4/13/2011
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I’m buying a Nikon D90 with the kit lens and want to keep my first purchase simple. As a beginner, what items are truly essential to start shooting, and what accessories are better to wait on until I learn more?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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A good tripod is useful in many situations. Basic editing software is also useful, something like Adobe Photoshop Elements (though there are good free alternatives).
Other than this, it really depends on the kind of photography you plan on doing, and what budget you have.
If you plan on doing landscapes, then the aforementioned tripod is a must, along with perhaps a remote trigger, a polarising filter and ND grad filters.
If you plan on doing portraits, then you are better off investing in a good speedlight so you can do some off-camera lighting.
However, if you are only just beginning photography, I would suggest you hang fire on just about all these, except the tripod, until you learn how to use your camera effectively, and get a clear idea of what you like doing with your camera.
Originally by user3205. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3205
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
To start, the only true essentials are the camera, the kit lens, and at least one memory card. A camera bag and card reader are useful but not strictly required.
If you want a small step up in practicality, the most commonly recommended extras are:
- an extra memory card (or two), especially if you shoot RAW
- a spare battery
- a tripod
A tripod is one of the most broadly useful accessories, especially for low light, landscapes, and long exposures. A remote release can also help with tripod work, but it’s optional.
Beyond that, it depends on what you end up enjoying. For example:
- landscapes: tripod, polarizer, ND grad filters, remote
- portraits: an external flash/speedlight
- low light/general learning: a 50mm f/1.8 can be a good later addition
Editing software is also worth considering, including free options.
Best beginner advice: don’t buy too much right away. Learn the camera and kit lens first, then add gear once you know what kinds of photography you enjoy and what limitations you’re actually hitting.
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