DSLR-related present

[lliang_chi]

Hi PS''ers!

I know a lot of you are big camera buffs, so I figured I''d post this query here.

My brother has just started "serious amateur photography." He has a Canon xSi he bought an "extended kit" (for lack of a better word). He''s got 2 lenses, the one that came with (18-55mm I think) and the next one up (80mm - 300mm, I''m not sure if that top # is correct). He has a Lowepro bag and a proper tripod. Any ideas what else I can get for him? I was thinking of a flash or maybe some other kind of lens. Maybe I can get him Photoshop. He doesn''t have that.

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/1/2008 2:14:30 PM
Author:lliang_chi
Hi PS''ers!

I know a lot of you are big camera buffs, so I figured I''d post this query here.

My brother has just started ''serious amateur photography.'' He has a Canon xSi he bought an ''extended kit'' (for lack of a better word). He''s got 2 lenses, the one that came with (18-55mm I think) and the next one up (80mm - 300mm, I''m not sure if that top # is correct). He has a Lowepro bag and a proper tripod. Any ideas what else I can get for him? I was thinking of a flash or maybe some other kind of lens. Maybe I can get him Photoshop. He doesn''t have that.

Thanks,
Lisa

Post processing software would be pretty good. Check online today for cybermonday rebates.

An external flash would also be great...really helps include quality of pics.

Not as sexy would be an extra battery, which is helpful (I am finding!)

 

[Pandora II]

The Canon 580 EX2 flash is amazing - DH has that one and loves it. He also has the macro-flash ring, but we haven't got to grips with it yet.

If you want to get 'useful' things that don't cost the earth, then I'm a huge fan of skylight filters - one on each lens. That way, the filter gets scratched/bashed/damaged and saves the much more epensive lens.

Other fun things are various softening attachments for flash, reflectors (I found a great fold-up one on ebay which is white one side and silver the other), soft-box light tents.

For tripods, I have always bought Manfrotto - they do a great lightweight model, and also very useful is a monopod.

I LOVE the Kata range of camera bags, holsters etc - the company also makes bullet-proof vests and the camera bags are pretty bullet-proof too. They also have yelloop interiors which really helps keep dust to a minimum.

All depends on how much you want to spend - Canon lenses, whilst not as bad as Nikon, bring tears to your eyes. The last one DH bought was over twice the price of the camera itself.