Time to add accessories What do you have, what do you want

[Budman]

Okay, I now have (or have picked out) all the lenses I want, and of course have my camera, now it is time to start looking for all that other stuff. So what do I need, and what brands/models are you using?

Here is what I have

Nikon D80
Nikon 50mm 1:1.4 lens
Tamron 28-300 1:3.5-6.3 Macro Lens
spare batteries
High speed SD cards
Monopod/walking stick (leave me alone, I am getting old)
Crappy case

What I am considering

Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens

A backpack set up for my camera and my 17" laptop. I have found a nice one of these, but it is almost $300, so I am looking for good/less expensive alternatives

A tripod... I would like to find one that goes pretty tall (I am 6'4") but is not too huge/heavy

Looked at add on flashes, power packs, and lots of other trinkets, but can not come up with thier usefulness.


So what do I need, what would be nice to have, and what woudl be gee whiz stuff to buy if I just have extra cash laying around?


As for what I want to do with this thing... Same thing we all do with it. I would like to be set up to take all kinds of pictures, and maybe one day get paid for it.

[Tiffany]

Definitely the Sigma (if they will let you take a few shots with the lens you can review the sharpness of the glass...occasionally you will get one thats not sharp); Tripod, I have to agree with Jeffro on the you get what you pay for. THe cheapie one I had worked fine for a pinch, but I picked up a aluminum one that is lighter, sturdier and in general just works better.

As far as backpacks/bags go...I have fallen in love with Crumpler. The one I picked up is lightweight and holds all my current gear with room for plenty more. They are pricey but I know folks who have had the same bag for 8 years and the bag still looks brand new.

[Rhino95]

Tripod and the Lens

[Jeffro600]

Lenses aside, id get a SB-600(external flash) or the 800 if you can flip the 300 dollar bill...and a GOOD solid tripod.