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NinaGoulet
12
Mar 27, 2018
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What are some good tips and gear for the Canon Rebel t5i?
Mar 27, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6f
135
Mar 27, 2018
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NinaGouletYou have an APS-C camera, which means your sensor is smaller than full frame. There's nothing wrong with this, you just need to be aware of what that means with regards to lenses. The answer also depends on if you have plans or if there is a possibility you will obtain a full frame camera in the future, so the lenses can be optimized for both.
So what it means is that basically, a photo taken with a 50mm lens on a full frame camera looks like it, but the same 50mm lens on an APS-C will look like it was taken with an 80mm lens. The 50mm lens is an awesome general use lens to have on a full frame, and 80mm is a good medium length for portraits, so that could be a good choice depending on what kind of photos you take.
Other than that, the same tips and gear for other cameras is just as applicable. If you tell us what kind of photos you want to take, what kind of situations you'll be taking photos in, we can offer more specific recommendations.
Mar 27, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 27, 2018
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b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fI'm not sure what you're trying to say but yes I know I don't have a full frame camera and I do want to get one if I can.
Mar 27, 2018
Djghost1133
22
Mar 27, 2018
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NinaGouletWhat he's trying to say is that cropped sensors have a zoom of sorts on lenses. Canon's is 1.6x so if you're using a 50mm lens, it will in fact be an 80mm on a cropped sensor.
I believe he also meant that keep in mind when buying lenses, if you are ever going to buy a full frame camera. A full frame lens costs significantly more, but will benefit you if you do ever decide to upgrade. Using a cropped lens on a full frame sensor often causes a heavy vignetting effect on the sides.
Mar 27, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6f
135
Mar 27, 2018
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NinaGouletI'm trying to save you money and plan for the future so you don't buy lenses that won't be as useful when you do get a full frame (since APS-C lenses have issues on a full frame). So thanks, that makes it easier to recommend specific things.
Also, are you interested in portraits? Events? Sports? Landscapes? This, again, is for strategizing what lenses can serve you at both cropped and full frame.
Mar 27, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 27, 2018
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Djghost1133Ok but I am only 15 so I cannot afford a full-frame camera at the moment.
Mar 27, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 27, 2018
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b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fI am interested in doing nature and events. I want to eventually get a full frame camera when I can but I am trying to save up still.
Mar 27, 2018
Dr.McCoy
345
Mar 27, 2018
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NinaGouletIt's a good camera. What, specifically, are you hoping to use it for? Are you more into videography or photography?
Mar 27, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6f
135
Mar 28, 2018
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NinaGouletOkay, that helps a lot. One more thing. What lens(es) do you already have? We don't want to have too much redundancy.
For events, it's very helpful to have a flash as indoor light is very variable to non-existent, plus a diffused flash can be more flattering to people. It's also useful for outdoor events since you will have backlight situations and hard light, and you can create more flattering and amazing photographs that way. You can get other brands but the Canon Speedlite has this thing called ETTL that is an automatic mode, plus it can be remotely triggered by line-of-sight. The 400 series is fine, don't worry about the more powerful flashes—they pack more power but it's rare you'll actually need it, plus they're heavier and bigger. You want to learn what's called "flash metering".
Flash and strobe is a very deep subject, but for events you'll want some way to diffuse the light. You can buy diffusers, softboxes, beauty dishes, etc. but you can also build one out of a cereal box and paper (I did). Save money where you can. For example, a reflector is very useful for studio/portrait photos, it acts like another flash. You can make one out of cardboard and aluminium foil. Protip: You don't even need a flash to use one. Set up a person by a window on a cloudy day then reflect the light to their other side.
For nature you're probably already set if you have a wide enough zoom lens (not sure how landscapey you want to get). If you do macro (close-ups of stuff like flowers) then it may require other lenses, and you may want a tripod. If you intend to be in a photo, then you'll definitely want a tripod. If you do not foresee this than save your money and learn camera anti-shake technique.
If you do want a tripod, note that pro tripods are just the legs. The head (the thing that moves your camera) is separate. Whatever head you get, if it has a quick release, prioritize Arca-Swiss compatibility. You'll find more gear is compatible with that and it's nice to not have to take the plate off.
You might have heard about filters. I say skip them for now. UV filters are debatable. Circular polarizers can be useful to shoot through water, but do you need to? Also for people who wear glasses, but there is a way to mitigate glare. Just tell them to face a different way until it goes away or is minimized. For nature photos you may want ND (neutral density) filters but you'll know you need them when you actually need them. They basically block light if it's too bright out, or if you want a long exposure (e.g., silky smooth waterfalls).
As for a way to transport the camera to the event, you can use whatever bag you have now. When you need to bring multiple lenses and other stuff, then you'll want to protect them. Could be as simple as neoprene sleeves and cardboard in a bag, or a camera bag with dividers. You'll cross that bridge when you get there.
Don't stress too much about upgrading to a full frame. I started with an APS-C too, it's a great camera, and technique and style is far more important then gear. Takes time to learn, and you'll never really outgrow it anyway.
Mar 28, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 28, 2018
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Dr.McCoyThank you and photography mostly.
Mar 28, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 28, 2018
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Mar 28, 2018
Tchdrgn
0
Mar 28, 2018
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NinaGouletIf you are looking for a great wide angle zoom I suggest the Canon EF-S 10-18. It's a great little lens you can get for under $300.
Mar 28, 2018
notdylanlee
1
Mar 28, 2018
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NinaGouletI would go for the canon 50mm f1.8. It is $125 on amazon and will be the best deal you’ll find for that small an aperture. The downside is that due to the crop factor on your camera, the true focal length is about 70-80mm. this makes it a great lens for portraits for a relativelu low cost
Mar 28, 2018
notdylanlee
1
Mar 28, 2018
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notdylanleeIn addition, I would look into buying used lenses. You can usually find them for as low as 60% of the msrp for a lens in good condition. I know a lot of photographers will upgrade their gear and sell off their old stuff in great condition. I purchase all my gear second hand and have had no issues. I would check out adorama, b&h, and Fred Miranda for good deals on used gear.
Mar 28, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 28, 2018
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notdylanleeOk thank you!
Mar 28, 2018
NinaGoulet
12
Mar 28, 2018
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TchdrgnThanks!
Mar 28, 2018
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