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I learned several things about buying photo
equipment over the years. The most important was that it requires
a lot of money, so it's better to do it when you have a job.
Still, I managed to put together a decent package of equipment when I
was in college and grad school. For what it's worth, here is my
advice on what to buy and when. Prices and models are for the year
2000. I am describing Canon equipment for the most part only
because I know it better; you wouldn't go wrong with equivalent
equipment from Nikon, Pentax, Minolta or any other major manufacturer.
Year 1 - College Junior
| EOS Rebel 2000 camera |
$270 |
Comments: A bit ambitious on price for the
first year (make Christmas and your birthday count!) this is a
good basic outfit that you can build on. |
| 28-80mm zoom lens |
$110 |
| 75-300mm zoom lens |
$185 |
| Tripod |
$50 |
| Holster Case |
$50 |
| Camera Bag |
$50 |
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Total |
$615 |
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Second Year - College
Senior
| 100mm macro lens |
$600 |
Comments: Not much for the second year, but
this lens will be your workhorse. You might want to get the USM
model for about $150 more if you can swing it. |
| lens case to fit on belt |
$40 |
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Total: |
$640 |
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Third Year - Graduate School
| 380EX Flash |
$180 |
Comments: Time to step up from the
on-camera flash. The extension tubes, filter and extender
will give new life to those 2 lenses in your bag. |
| Off-camera Flash Cord |
$50 |
| Extension Tubes |
$100 |
| Circular Polarizer Filter |
$50 |
| 1.4x Extender |
$390 |
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Total: |
$770 |
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Fourth Year: Graduate School
| Vivitar 19-35mm lens |
$150 |
Comments: Time to get serious about
macro. The Vivitar lens can't be beat for the price. |
| ML-3 Macro Ring Light |
$270 |
| Benbo Tripod |
$207 |
| Kaiser Ball Head |
$70 |
| Camera Case |
$100 |
| Total: |
$797 |
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Fifth Year: Graduate School
| Nikonos V Camera |
$700 |
Comments: Time to get wet and get an all-weather
camera. |
| 35mm lens |
$440 |
| Pelican Case |
$110 |
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Total: |
$1250 |
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Future Years: If you're still in grad school, take it easy; if you have
a job, be more ambitious. At this point your camera is a bit tired; you
might want to look at a better model. A good telephoto lens would also be
a good buy, as would flash and extension equipment for the Nikonos. Two
last thoughts - you will never run out of things to buy, and everything will go
digital and your whole setup will be worth $100 at a garage sale or on ebay.
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