Hi everyoneI am really interested in learning about dslr photography. I have decided on the canon t2i kit as my entry level dslr for taking pictures of my 10 month old twins.Since I am really new at all this, I need some help deciding what I definitely do need right now (because I don't have a whole lot of cash to spend right now).I will make do with the kit lens right now but I will need a 50 mm f1.8 as soon as I have more money. Can anybody reccomend a good third party 50 mm f1.8 lens that will work with my t2i?How about an external flash? Which is the best one I can get that won't cost too much. I don't need anything too proffesional, I just want to take good pics of my kids.And, do any of you know of any websites where I could learn how to use an external flash? (I'm sorry about the stupid question but this is all completely new to me) Thank you very much for your help.

Hi, there are no stuipd questions.tm0000wrote:Hi everyoneI am really interested in learning about dslr photography. I have decided on the canon t2i kit as my entry level dslr for taking pictures of my 10 month old twins.Since I am really new at all this, I need some help deciding what I definitely do need right now (because I don't have a whole lot of cash to spend right now).I will make do with the kit lens right now but I will need a 50 mm f1.8 as soon as I have more money. Can anybody reccomend a good third party 50 mm f1.8 lens that will work with my t2i?Canon 50 mm f1.8 is real cheapo, I doubt anyone makes it cheaper.How about an external flash? Which is the best one I can get that won't cost too much. I don't need anything too proffesional, I just want to take good pics of my kids.Here you can consider 3rd party, (have no experience). Ideally I would buy Canon 430 EX II, maybe used one ? Or very basic 270 EX ?And, do any of you know of any websites where I could learn how to use an external flash? (I'm sorry about the stupid question but this is all completely new to me)strobist.blogspot.comThank you very much for your help.

Hi.I own the Canon 50mm 1.8 and it is both good (image) quality and dirt cheap. I didn't even bother with the kit lens, but chose to buy the 50mm as my basis and I'm not sorry.Also, you should perhaps consider Mecablitz for a flash. They're a budget brand and deliver very decent quality for about 2/3rds the price. I own the Mecablitz 44 AF-1 and am very happy with it.

I would hold off on buying the 50 mm lens until you establish a real need for it. I know a lot of people here love it, but I have never been a fan of it. The kit lens will produce fine images when stopped down a bit. If you need low light capabilities, then you can consider purchasing the 50 mm lens.For years I used a 420 EX flash. You should be able to buy a used unit for not a lot of money.Hope this helps -- Jim http://www.pbase.com/jcassatt

I think the need is here, it's perfect for shooting babies indoors. Otherwise I am not as satisfied with it as most people are.Jim Cassattwrote:I would hold off on buying the 50 mm lens until you establish a real need for it. I know a lot of people here love it, but I have never been a fan of it. The kit lens will produce fine images when stopped down a bit. If you need low light capabilities, then you can consider purchasing the 50 mm lens.For years I used a 420 EX flash. You should be able to buy a used unit for not a lot of money.Hope this helps -- Jim http://www.pbase.com/jcassatt

Start by reading the forums and past posts. -- evilbear

Don't buy everything you "think" you need at once. Experiment with the kit lens, with the internal flash, to learn what it can do and can't do. Experiment with all kinds of shooting situations. When you don't get the shot you want, analyze it and see if you can find a way to do it better. Once you know the exact limitation of your existing setup, you know what to add. -- Rick

Your questions do not qualify as stupid.Hang around here long enough and you'll see lots that qualify.No-one other than Canon makes a 50mm f1.8 lens that fits your camera. There is a Sigma macro 50mm f2.8 lens, but it costs more. And there are other Canon 50mm lenses, all of which cost more.Do not rush out and buy the 50mm f1.8. Learn to use the kit lens, and then buy the 50 if you decide you really need it.FLASH -- life is often a lot easier buying the flash that is made for the camera.A Canon 430EX flash will work just fine for twins. It's fully automatic when this matters, and manual when this matters, and all in all, it is the best choice.One important feature is thet the head twists and turns, allowing you to bounce the light so it has nicer shadows.If you have the money, buy the flash now. It will be useful right from the start.

tm0000wrote:Hi everyoneHow about an external flash? Which is the best one I can get that won't cost too much. I don't need anything too proffesionall, I just want to take good pics of my kids.Yes, I'd recommend a good e-ttl flash. look at the 420ex, 430 exI or even a 550ex. They're pretty cheap used and you can basically sell it for the same price if you don't like it (which I highly doubt). There are also third party flashes personally I have no experience but do make sure that ittilts and swivels. You'll know why it'd be so important.And, do any of you know of any websites where I could learn how to use an external flash? (I'm sorry about the stupid question but this is all completely new to me)+1 to strobist.com.blogspot, and neilvn.com/tangents pretty much explained everything I'd ever need and more.Good luck!Thank you very much for your help.

The built in flash will work just fine for your kids. I would really use that for awhile before getting an external flash unless you really need to throw some light a serious distance.