Just bought a DSLR....Now I need some tips!

[MinniesYooHoo]

Hi folks! I just bought myself a Canon Rebel T1I. I haven't had the opportunity yet to read the manual or watch the discs that come with it but I was wondering if y'all had any quick tips for this newbie!? I need particular help with firework shots, and low light shots. Thanks!

 

[MinniesYooHoo]

Sorry. I'll need another lens of course. Which do you reccommend for this extremely entry level gal?

 

[PixieTl]

for fireworks I use a canon EF-S 55-250mm with image stabilizer, i've gotten some good shots with it. And a tripod!!
The lens it comes with isn't half bad, much better then the old lens they put on the
Rebel imo...
Play around with the settings and see what you get! Do read the manual, it has good stuff in it, wish I hadn't waited so long to read mine, might have discovered that I like shooting in 'M' much sooner!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

The 55-250 lens is really nice, and you couldn't go wrong with it.

But if you want low light, why not try for the 50mm F/1.8. It's only ~$99. That will give you very nice low light performance. You could always get the 50mm f/1.4 (~$350), or say the 70-200 f/2.8.

The sky is the limit when it comes to lenses. It all depends on how big your budget is.

 

[MinniesYooHoo]

Thanks! I'll be the first to admit that my budget will be on the low side for a while. I will definitley read the manual. Now I'll have to learn how to shoot in "M" mode.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I am assuming that you have an 18-55 lens. Before purchasing any lenses you will need to determine what type of photography you plan on doing and then develop a list of lenses that will help you get there. As far as shooting fireworks, almost any lens will work. I'm a believer that wider is better. You will need a tripod and a remote control ( I use a wireless). If you don't have a remote then the shutter delay function can be used. The goal is a stabilized long shutter speed at your lowest ISO with a f-stop between 8-11. If your camera has the bulb mode, I would use that. I usually use manual focus out to infinity then back it off slightly. Here is a picture taken from the Dessert Party area that way and it was slightly cropped to take out an overhang.


Dessert Party FW by Gianna'sPapa, on Flickr

For lowlight shots that will be a combination of your usable ISO and the lens. I'm not a Canon shooter so I'll rely on the Canon folks to comment on your usable ISO for your camera. As far as lowlight lenses that will be determined, again, by the type of photography you do. An example, I shoot lowlight sports and therefore a 70-200 f2.8 lens is almost mandatory. That can be an expensive lens. Because I shoot a stabilized body camera (Pentax), mine cost $800. A stabilized lens will cost more.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Great fireworks shot Gianna'sPapa!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks!! Its one of my favorites and it actually earned a 2nd place in a Dpreview challenge.

 

[SrisonS]

I agree with everything Gianna'sPapa said. But play around with whatever lens you already have, and decide on what you're missing with that setup; whether it's a wider lens, or more zoom, or whatever. And although the 50mm ($99 version) is highly recommended, it might not fit your style. I haven't used it, but I have a Sigma 30mm; and I after using that, I know I'd be unhappy being constrained to that 50mm range (I'd like a prime a little wider actually). But then again, that's just my personal preference.

As far as the low light ability, I find that the natural 3200 range is about as far as you'd want to go. Anything more might create too much noise for your liking. But if you like to shoot a lot in low light places, definitely consider getting some type of prime lens. I used to think I could manage with not having one. But now that I have one, I just love having that option in my bag.

 

[MinniesYooHoo]

I think primarily for now I just want more zoom. So will the 55-250 be what I would need? Please excuse my ignorance, I really am quite new to this!

 

[ssanders79]

For fireworks I would suggest a sturdy tripod (you get what you pay for) and a remote shutter release. Then you will not need to crank up your ISO and you will get the nice fall off of each burst.

 

[photo_chick]

I think primarily for now I just want more zoom. So will the 55-250 be what I would need? Please excuse my ignorance, I really am quite new to this!

Yes. If you know you want more reach, then the 55-250 would be the entry level tele zoom to look at.

 

[ThurlFan]

Haven't seen the obligatory recommendation to read Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure on here yet, so here it is. More important than the manual, almost! I've had my DSLR for just over a year and this book has been a fabulous learning tool.

 

[rdunative]

Check out the Manfrotto line of tripods and joystick head. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[bob100]

I think primarily for now I just want more zoom. So will the 55-250 be what I would need? Please excuse my ignorance, I really am quite new to this!

Canon 55-250IS is a good option, $185 at Adorama with free shipping and one year warranty

http://www.adorama.com/CA55250AFSR.html

 

[MinniesYooHoo]

Haven't seen the obligatory recommendation to read Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure on here yet, so here it is. More important than the manual, almost! I've had my DSLR for just over a year and this book has been a fabulous learning tool.

Thanks.....I will absolutely read this book! I'm very excited to learn the most I can about this camera. I'm not expecting to ever be able to shoot as lovely and artistic photos as some I've seen here. I just want to get some great and memorable shots of/for my family. However, I will say that my fetish is the fireworks photos! That is one thing I would love to get downpat!