After moving to Denver and planning on enjoying all Colorado has to offer the Wife and I decided we wanted to graduate from our point and shoot to a dslr. We ended up with a Nikon d3100 and are happy with it so far but we would like some advice when it comes to accessories. We want to get a nice bag/case for it and I’d like to pick up a tripod as well. Looking for some suggestions on what to buy, brands that are good, things to look for and things to avoid. Any other suggestions one things we might want to buy would also be appreciated, but I’m not really looking for a new lens right now. I’m just going to stick with the kit lens for now until I become more familiar with the camera and how to use it.
I myself shoot with a Canon Rebel T1i and love being in the DSLR game. For tripod I went middle of the road and bought a pistol grip sunpak from bestbuy, sturdy enough for my needs, works until I can afford something better. For bags I would suggest a back back, I bought a shoulder bag and its the biggest pain ever. http://www.bhphotovideo.com has some awesome camera stuff, bags, everything youll ever need. Also amazon is your friend for smaller things, lens cleaners remotes and even lenses
Honestly, If you are going to buy a tripod and you want to just do it right… spend the money and get a nice tripod so it doesnt break from the slightest fall. I have had to many issues with cheap tripods (to light, base loosens when barely moved, bent legs, snapped the entire head off of one from hitting a rock when falling off my backpack)
As for a bag, I really love my Tamrac speed pack that I have.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=216076173&listingid=88431893
The backpack allows you room for lenses, your camera, some extra gear for cleaning… also a pocket on the top to fit a couple bottles of water and snack. perfect for a decent day of hiking.
I have been looking for a backup that would also accomdate a macbook pro 15" in addition to camera gear.