Best Place to Put My Money

sepplett

As someone who is fairly new to all this, I was wondering where the BEST place to put my money in accessories is at this time. I am shooting with the kit lenses and would REALLy like to upgrade those, but is that the best place to start? And if so, where can you get good USED glass? I am shooting and Olympus E-620.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

Cygnus Studios

What do you shoot or what would you like to be able to shoot that you cannot currently?
The upgrade choice really depends on what you do or hope to do. There are also equipment choices such as a good tripod, flash, mem cards, filters and bags that can assist you in your photography journey.

Shane422

I have bought used lenses from Adorama.com, BHphotovideo.com, and KEH.com.

ziggy53

Lenses are almost always a better investment than bodies, but the image relies on proper lighting. I recommend a few speedlights, they can be dedicated and wireless master/slave flashes or simply some auto/manual flashes with simple optical and/or radio slaves, as well as an assortment of flash modifiers and stands, etc.

Lighting alone can make or break the image, more than either lenses or bodies.

Spend some serious time learning how light works to form the image and then assemble what you need to make light work for your needs.

Miguel Delinquento

Make sure you are not buying solutions looking for problems. Allow time to unfold your shooting capabilities and pleasures.

Lenses are very important and it usually makes more sense to purchase glass that will be useable on future bodies you may upgrade to. Craigslist may have some good leads, but research if there are Oly-specific marketplace sites (and the big auction site in the sky can be good and can be rotten so know what you are aiming to purchase).

A tripod will improve most any shot. Consider a classic used Manfrotto/Bogen that is frequently sold. Then I'd recommend an UltraPod 2 mini-tripod for on the go light packing. I use it mostly as a chest-supported tripod and it is wonderful. If you need something larger, look for a hiking monopod, or a travel tripod. Cullman makes something some folks like a lot. Also find a cheap (<$10) wireless remote.

A decent strobe that works well with your camera body electronics is necessary if you plan on shooting inside or outside in more challenging environments.

Finally as you sink more money into gear, check your insurance policy. You may need a rider on a homeowner's policy. Very much a valuable accessory (no, I don't work in the insurance industry. . .)

M

Art Scott

sepplett wrote:

As someone who is fairly new to all this, I was wondering where the BEST place to put my money in accessories is at this time. I am shooting with the kit lenses and would Really like to upgrade those, but is that the best place to start? And if so, where can you get good USED glass? I am shooting and Olympus E-620.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

Oly's "kit" lenses are really a few notches above what the canon or nikon shooter gets as a "kit" lens .....your kit lens which 14-XXX zoom......
Where to buy used oly.....how many of the 4/3 forums do you subscribe to......get subscribed to as many as possible......ebay{this link takes you to some really great deals on the 1st page}.....by keeping a level head and asking a few questions...you can get great buys on ebay......
but not knowing your shooting preferences I cannot recommend lenses for you....well except one....the 12-60 should be attached to one of every oly owners bodies....hat is equiv to a 24-120 in 35mm format and that would be my main choice for a lens.....

sepplett

Thank you all!

Let me try my best to answer some questions you asked.

My shooting preferences are people. Either posed or not. I LOVE to capture the candid moments, those times when they don't know they are being photographed. I am okay in this area for skill, there is always room for improvement. And my weakeness is lighting. I love natural light, but it doesn't always love me

I have also found that I enjoy shooting macro, with the capabilities I have, but since I don't think I will be making money in that area, that could wait.

I have begun to experiment and step out of my comfort zone and take pictures of everything.

I know one investment will be some lighting equipement. I can't learn to use it if I don't have it and my first paying photo gig will buy that next week. I have a little other money to play with now and am looking to increase what I have. Since I shoot so much people, should I put it there? External flash and glass is my thought...........what then would be the MUST HAVE is the next question. Also is a polarizer an absolute must have?

Thanks again.......you guys will make me a star yet

Stephanie