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Hi there!
Just got my basically new Canon 20D this week, so I'm going to get myself a nice bag (Thinking of the Lowepro Rezo 190AW), along with a lens cap (wasn't one included, unfortunately) and a cleaning kit.
What else is really worth having though? I've been thinking about getting a tripod, but I doubt I'll be bothered to lug it around, so I've had a look at monopods instead, and whilst they look quite reasonable, I can't afford to buy one with a ball head at the moment, only the monopod.
Also, is it worth getting a basic UV filter for an 18-55 kit lens? And if so, will a £10 Cokin one be OK? I don't want to spend too much on this basic lens, as I'll be getting something with a bit more reach soon.
Otherwise, would you recommend anything else?
Yes get a screw in UV filter - not sure about the Cokin one, but I'm sure someone else will comment.
I'd still recommend a good tripod as it opens up so much more potential. (long exposures, plus if you ever buy a longer telephoto lens, you'll need a tripod).
I'd also be lost without my remote cable, but it's down to personal choice.
The 20D's a very good camera by the way and a good 2nd hand investment these days.
Welcome to EPZ, hope you enjoy your new toy.
I'm assuming it came with came with at least one lens because depending on the sort of photography you want to do that will probably top the list.
If you are definite about not using a tripod I'd consider buying a 'pod' or making a bean bag if funds are limited, with luck you can usually find something to put it on.
As a 20D user I suggest you buy a sensor cleaning kit as they seem to need it quite often.
I've looked at your details and can't find any clues about what your photographic interests are. A bit more information would be helpful.
Welcome aboard.
Cokin is a good name in filters, So should be OK.
Go easy with the Sensor cleaning, There are many sorry tales of those who have damaged thier Sensors, With heavy handed OR other cleaning disasters........BE Careful.
Apart from that the Canon 20D is a classy little camera, It's a great way to start your DSLR experience.
Have fun.......And if in doubt ASK on the forum.
EDIT; Oh! by the way agree with Penny, Get yourself a " Beanbag " OR a " Beanpod " They are a great cheap alternative to a Mono/Tripod, And easy to carry.......!
Get a better lens.
If you cannot afford that get a good lens hood. The basic 18-55 lens is not worth spending money on for a filter. If you must buy one it wont matter how cheap it is as it will not make this lens any worse or better.
A mono pod with a ball and socket head is not overly expensive but will not meet all your needs. I have one and use it rarely.
If you start cleaning the sensor on a 20D I found you need to keep cleaning it. I now use larger apertures and PS to deal with obvious dust spots. I would not use fluids, just a good bulb blower. Generally it won't matter unless you want to sell the images in which case you will want a better lens.
My advice is save up £500 and spend it wisely.
Why does everyone keep telling me to buy a better lens? That's not what I asked.
I was asking for advice on essential accessories, regardless of the lens or camera.
So the Rezo 190AW is an OK bag? Says it has space for 1 DSLR, 4-5 lenses and accessories, and it's waterproof, yada yada yada. Not bad for £40.
I might wait a while then till I have got my new lense before I get either a monopod or tripod. I guess it'd be worth figuring out what I want to take photos of.
At the moment, I'm more of a general photographer, anything and everything, however, now that I've got my DSLR, I guess it's time to specialise a bit... or not, since I'll be able to afford lenses for all situations soon enough (got a job offer coming up).
What would you guys recommend for sensor cleaning? Are those Arctic Butterflies worth £50+ or however much they are?
So it's just the bag, lens cap, lens cleaning kit, and whatever else I find for now.
Thanks for your help.
Michael, the temptation when you get your very first SLR camera is to load yourself up with accessories, some of which you may use but a lot of which will get little use.
Believe me - I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt! 
Apart from a small bag to carry your camera in, a decentish UV filter for the lens (Hoya HMC is fine for the lens you have) ..... well that's all you need. Just get out there and start taking photos - and then upload them to EPZ. In time you will learn, and decide, for yourself exactly what sort of accessories you need.
As regards bags you will almost certainly find you need more than one. Even a cheap holster type bag to start with will be fine. You can add other bags later.
HTH.
Yes all you need is that UV filer to protect your front element - get a second hand one from Ffordes in Inverness and save a few quid, then find what you like shooting and equip for that.
The reason for them saying save up for a new lens is basically they all been in your position before and know the limitations of the kit lens you have.
The Arctic Butterflies are ok, I got one from the 7 day shop and use it often enough.
Bag wise, check out the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. It depends again on what your looking to do. Walk miles up a hill or just a general bag for the camera or do you want space for supplies and so on The Lowepro is nice in that you dont have to take it off to put the camera in and out of it.
Get a UV filter for the lens, for all it will cost it does add protection. Cokin, Kood, Hoya any of these are good. Generally I believe Hoya make just about them all anyway.
If you dont need a tripod the now for the type of shots your going to take then fine. But if you do at some point then again save up your money and get a decent one.
On the Monopod, I think most people buy them and never use them (Unless there doing sports with big high end glass).
Otherwise the one thing you didnt mention is memory cards, you will need a few of these and perhaps a 2nd battery for days when your out for a long while. You can pick up 2-4 gig CF cards very cheap nowdays.
Otherwise get out there and enjoy the camera
Tommy
Quote: Otherwise the one thing you didnt mention is memory cards, you will need a few of these and perhaps a 2nd battery for days when your out for a long while. You can pick up 2-4 gig CF cards very cheap nowdays.
Good point made by Tommy, yes look out for extra memory cards and also batteries. Check out www.7dayshop.com. For camera bags, I'd recommend www.redsnapperuk.co.uk.
Just coming up to my 3rd aniversary since buying my Canon 300D & Kit lens. The first other item I bought was a Sigma 70-300 lens, but that was down to the type of images I wanted to shoot at the time. My next purchase was a tripod, although I later regretted buying such a cheap one!
Many people will knock the kit lens, but then they compare it to much higher spec lenses. In time you may want to buy a better lens, but to be honest it depends on the type of photographs you want to take. These days I use my Sigma 10-20 lens constantly and also a Canon EF 50 F1.8 mk II lens that I bought 2nd hand for £45, which is sharp, compact and great for portraits.
I'd suggest, as mentioned before that you spend wisely. Easily said, as I'm sure I'm not alone in having a drawer full of close up filters, flash difusers and gadgets that never see the light of day.
Anyway, just enjoy it and experiment.
One thing to check before you buy a bag it the zippers.
I got one of thos Lowepro Orion Treckers when they were on offer. Stuffed it full of kit and had the body/grip and the 70-200 in the top section, with the zippers at the top near the handle - picked up the bag, zippers unzipped themselves cos of the weight and camera and lens came tumbling out :-( I now have to ensue the zippers are to the far left or right if I ever use the bag.
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