Building up an SLR Cameras Outfit continued

Lenses

The most important additions to the camera outfit are the extra lenses. If you have always used a standard lens on your camera, you may not find it easy to decide which would be the best lens to buy next. Obviously, you want to start with the one that will be the most versatile for your type of photography. As a first buy, most photographers choose a wide angle lens (28mm) or a telephoto lens (135mm). If you like taking scenic landscape pictures or you want to include a wide area without having to step back with the camera too much, then a wide- angle lens is a good choice. A 28mm lens is the most popular type of wide angle. Lenses of 24mm and wider give more image distortion and can give an interesting special effect but, with care, they can also be of general use. For portraits, sport and other general types of photography, buy a 135mm telephoto lens. Most of them are lightweight, easy to use and reasonably priced. Later, you can invest in a longer focal length lens (200mm or more) for distance shots.

On the other hand, many photographers now buy a zoom lens as an alternative which means that they get, in effect, three or more lenses in one compact unit : which also means there’s less weight to carry about. Both wide angle to normal (28-50mm) and short- telephoto to long-telephoto (80- 210mm) zoom types are available, and some even offer a close-up, ‘macro, setting. A zoom lens may well be cheaper than a set of three or four lenses of fixed focal length.

Some independent lens manufacturers make interchangeable mounts so that, if you decide to change your camera later on, you can keep your lenses and simply buy another mount.

Camera supports

A tripod, or a similar form of camera support, is essential for any long exposure shots. There are many tripods on the market, from table-top models to heavy-duty studio stands. Look for one which is sturdy but lightweight and portable (most are made of aluminium). Quick release legs and an adjustable pan and tilt head are useful features. Simpler and more portable camera supports include a monopod (a single leg tripod) or a G-clamp, which attaches to a table or similar surface and has a tripod screw to support the camera in any position.

Looking ahead

As your photography develops you may want to add items such as a flashgun for indoor photography or fill-in lighting outdoors, or perhaps a motor-drive for fast action photography, if your camera will accept one. At a later stage, you could get an extra camera body, so that you can shoot black and white and colour at the same time, or use two different lenses without having to keep changing them. But remember to buy only the items that you will really need, otherwise you could end up with a gadget bag full of expensive hardware which you never use.

Hiring equipment

It is always worth discussing with your local photographic dealer the possibility of hiring certain items—either for very occasional use, or before you decide to buy. You may feel that the high cost of a long telephoto lens or a more powerful flash unit would not be justified by the number of times you would use it.

Insurance

Once you start accumulating valuable equipment, it is wise to consider insuring it all. Although there are separate policies for camera equipment, most companies advise amateurs to add their equipment on to an existing household contents policy. With an `all risks’ extension, the equipment should be covered for accidental loss or damage, even on location. But check with your insurance company, or a broker, for more details.

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