Help needed for Canon 1200D

Crizzie wrote:

As a retirement present I bough myself a Canon 1200D starter kit. At the moment I have not progressed passed the auto mode but would now like to buy a couple of small attachments to move to the next level (I hope).

I would like to take photos out of a moving vehicle through the window, I understand that I need a polarized lens but there are so many. I would also appreciate any other advice such as cheap attachments that I may need.

Congrats on the retirement. Let the tours begin!

As has been mentioned, there are a number of challenges when shooting out the windows. The first is countering the reflections coming off the inside of the glass.

First get yourself an appropriately sized rubber (multi-stage) fold-down lens hood. Don't press it against the glass until the focus is locked though (rotating front element). Don't press it against the glass if the motor is running (vibrations). Bring along a yard of black felt to wrap around the lens (or even to cover your face if the sun is shining in).

A polarizer might not do a heck of a lot for you when on the bus (great when off though). It'll slow your shutter speed down, and you may often need fast shutter speeds to counter blur. Shoot bursts for added stability when the light gets low (get yourself some nice big memory cards).

Watch your exposure closely ("Blinkies" on the LCD, and check the histogram). I like shooting in Manual Mode for its consistency. Choose a single AF point (it'll be faster and more accurate).

Smaller apertures will give you more depth of field, but will slow your shutter speeds. You'll have to find a balance there. Expect to bump up the ISO at times to counter this (expect more noise in your images - process in Post). You'll also need to color correct many of your images afterwards also (hard to white balance through the window). Shooting through the windows will also rob you of contrast and saturation. Shooting RAW will give you the best results (or RAW + Jpeg).

A nice little travel tripod will be great for the times you are stopped. Ball heads are fast to operate.  Get a little remote too (or use the 10-second self timer).

I really like the LowePro Topload line of cases. They can hang over your neck or on your belt. They hold your camera with lens attached, and have pockets for an extra battery, memory, or filter, etc. And best of all the top flap opens the "right way!"

The OP/TECH camera straps are very comfortable. Necks are padded and they have some give to them. I like wearing straps over the head and around one shoulder when out and about.  Mine also has quick-release connectors.

Love the SanDisk Extreme memory cards.  Photive batteries.  Lensmate brushes (I use only the brush side).  Zeiss pre-moistened lens tissues (come in single packets).  Boxes of them can be found in the W@lmart optical dept.  Clean up after the lens tissues (streaks) by breathing on the lens and wiping with a Kleenex.

Lastly, strike up a conversation with the driver before you go. Ask him/her if there are any good opportunities for pictures along the way (maybe they can stop for a few?). Give him/her a $20 and tell them lunch is on you that day.

Take a lot of pictures.  The "film" is cheap nowadays, and you might not get back that way again.  Happy Trail(ways)! 

R2