Recommended "First-Timer" Gear

There's many choices and here's the one that I flat-out love.  It's just GREAT and, combined with your growing skills, will result in exceptional photographs.

This camera will do most things.

Canon EW-63C Lens Hood

The SanDisk Extreme PRO is probably the best SDHC card and 32GB is a lot of space.  Many prefer a few of these to one larger card.  I tend to have 3 on hand at all times.  Consider This Card Reader for downloading.

This is an amazing bag.  Fits everything, is super-durable, very stylish and is uncannily not wide.  The zippered pockets and extra compartments really top it off.  It's less expensive to do it right the first time.

One of the most classic of all lenses.  Ideal for portraits, indoor sports, street, etc.  Astounding image quality.  Exceptional for low-light and beautiful backgrounds.

Canon ET-65III Lens Hood

Boost saturation and contrast (and reduce haze and reflections) for rich landscape and sky colors in bright sunlight.  Rotate clockwise (to not unscrew) for desired effect.  Step-Up Ring to use with 58mm lenses.

One of the many advantages of DSLRs is the great battery life so chances are that you won't need a 2nd battery, but something to possibly consider for extended trips or vacations.  Always buy original Canon. 

You'll always need an on-camera flash so I'd keep it simple and start here.  Even if you go all-in one day with off-camera lighting you'll still get a lot of use from this one.  Very easy to operate and the ideal place to start.

The Panasonic eneloop pro Batteries are the best rechargeable batteries that I'm aware of.  They seem to never run out, but the charger is included anyway.  This charger also works with eneloop pro AAA batteries.

An extremely simple "mini softbox" that sits on top of your flash for when there's nothing to bounce off of.  Produces beautiful soft light.  Rotates 360 degrees.  Made of silicone and will fit anywhere.  Comes with MagGrip.

This is a stunning option.  Possibly all that you'll ever need and a tremendous value.  Just be sure to turn the image stabilization off on your lens when on a tripod.  Superior lever-lock design and extends to 59.45".  15.75" closed.

The Canon RS-60E3 Shutter Release will come in handy when on a tripod.  You can use the camera's timer, but this will ensure that there is no camera-shake.  And I personally prefer the simplicity of wired (to bluetooth).

The highest-quality neutral density filter available (from Breakthrough Photography) for long exposures - flowing water, clouds, etc.  6-stops is the one to get if you get just one.  Step-Up Ring to use with 58mm lenses.

I LOVE what they did with the new T8i (ergonomics, video, etc.), but I'd still stick with The SL3 unless you need Back-Button Focus/AF-ON (important for sports) or use non-Canon lighting.

Canon EW-63C Lens Hood

The image quality from this lens almost doesn't make sense for the price.  A very good choice for outdoor sports/events or indoors where the light isn't terrible.  An extreme value.

Canon ET-63 Lens Hood

An ultra-wide-angle lens for real estate, vlogging, landscapes and creativity.  An UWA lens is generally not used in landscapes to get it all in, but to get up close to highlight the foreground.

Canon EW-73C Lens Hood

This is an amazing lens offering phenomenal image quality.  Paired with The Canon SL3 for the best travel camera known to man.  Consider This Step-Up Ring for 67mm filters.

Canon ES-52 Lens Hood

A world-class portrait and general-use lens for the serious enthusiast.  Will definitely give you the tools to reach a very high level.  Consider This Step-Up Ring for 67mm filters.

Canon ES-68 Lens Hood

A revolutionary device for handheld vlogging or when needing a small travel tripod.  Brilliantly engineered for outstanding function and ease of carry.  Use with or without the ball head and/or Cell Phone Tripod Mount.

This is worth it (if you don't mind the high cost).  Use your camera's White Balance settings or do a Custom WB to calibrate your camera to mixed lighting for spectacular results.  It's easy and periodically important.

The industry standard for consumer mics that produce superior audio.  Very user-friendly.  Consider This Windshield for filming outdoors.  The instruction is excellent, but also check out my blog post on DSLR/Mirrorless Video.

The SpyderX Pro calibrates your computer's monitor to the room's lighting for accurate colors.  An extremely cool device and is very simple and precise.  Essential if you get into shooting in RAW one day.

An external hard drive is not a bad idea for backup and this is a great option.  They all say to get at least 2 TBs.  More seems like a little overkill.  Compatible with Windows.  Requires a simple reformatting for Mac.

I often use this for fill light, but will sometimes use the silver side for separation on the hair from the side/rear.  Really nice and easy to use.  Many times you might want to reflect from above to simulate natural light.

This is the secret for blocking out harsh sunlight for portraits.  Duty calls and sometimes you have to do your best regardless of conditions.  Requires an assistant, but you can train them on the spot.  Just the right size.

One of the Canon lens unsung heroes.  The image quality is exceptionally great.  Also doubles as an extraordinary portrait lens.  Works on crop-sensors only and you would typically not use a hood for macro.

Many love this lens for travel and is also an exceptional general-purpose lens.  The image quality is just a very good and a definite step-up from your kit lens.  A great do-it-most solution.

Canon EW-73D Lens Hood

This is a very good lens when you need the ultimate in reach.  Essentially becomes 960mm on your crop-sensor camera.  The variable aperture starts at f/6.3 at 600mm, but that's what you'd use anyway for birds-in-flight, etc.

If you're going to go mirrorless you might as well consider one that's small.  Most lose the "size" advantage with lenses, but the Canon M50 has it all.  Also, it's phenomenal for video and is extremely intuitive.

This lens is an amazing match for the Canon M50; and is as good as it gets for travel.  Possibly start with this.

Canon EW-43 Lens Hood

Consider the Sigma 16mm as a "better" choice for video, but less versatile.

You may want to consider one or two extra batteries; especially when traveling.  This is one of the challenges of smaller cameras although it's not a terrible thing.  Especially important if using this great camera for video.

This is an outstanding camera for more of a "video" focus.  For improved audio (although the built-in audio isn't terrible) consider the Rode VideoMicro or the equally outstanding Rode Wireless GO.  Ideal for vlogging.

The camera comes with USB charging.  Some (like me) prefer a charger.  With this kit you get an extra battery plus a nice charger (designed for travel).  You get about an hour of life when recording in 4K.  A third battery isn't a bad idea.

This 2 light kit is probably the best value of all time for video lighting.  Two 24"x24" softboxes each with an 85W 5500K (which is perfect) CFL bulb and stand.  Comes with carrying case and is everything that most will ever need.

Full-frame cameras aren't necessary, especially with modern crop-sensor technology, but full-frame image quality wins if you're very picky.  I like the simplicity of this over other full-frame options; even if they're "better".

This is what I use for video and is also my general purpose wide-angle lens.  24mm on full-frame is pretty wide.  Wider might be nice at times, but I don't really miss it.  Maybe one day.

Canon EW-65B Lens Hood

I use this lens for travel and am usually able to get most shots.  The image quality/value is ridiculous.  Eliminates the desire for a compact camera; and having just one camera is easier.

Canon ES-52 Lens Hood

The lens for taking that "dreamy" professional look to the extreme.  There is none better.  50mm on full-frame closely approximates the human visual perspective and I prefer prime lens quality over zoom convenience.

"The Lord of the Red Rings"; some say Canon's best lens.  Equivalent to 85mm on a crop-sensor this can be a very useful medium-telephoto focal length.  Interesting, too, for creating very natural looking portraits.

Most will prefer the best telephoto zoom lenses, but I prefer the professional look produced by this at half the price.  You'll be shooting at 400mm anyway.  Just use a fast shutter speed and good technique.

The quintessential webcam to keep it simple, high quality and great value.  A nice update to the C920.

Tremendous for those wishing to add 4K, zooming capability, HDR and low light.  Sort of AWESOME.

A very significant upgrade to your webcam or computer microphone.  Super easy and highly recommended.