Newbie's Equipment

coastexplorer · 05 Jul 2015, 3:11 pm

Hi everyone,

Just seeing what you would suggest that I should get seeing as though I am a complete beginner.
What are the main pieces of equipment I need?

Camera - What are the best camera's at the moment? I am a student at the moment so bear in mind cost...
Flashlight - At the moment I have a Dolphin Mini, but am definitely looking at getting a few other's as backups are important.
Gloves - What gloves can people recommend?
Respirator - What respirator's do people use?
Shoes - At the moment I have a pair of good adidas runners which have a good sole and grip. Is there a particular shoe I should get?
Anything I've missed?

Thanks
Coastexplorer

phytrix · 05 Jul 2015, 3:40 pm

I think the D3200 is the best in terms of pricing and usability. That being said, you'll need to fork out another 300 or so for a decent lens eventually.

For torches, the $20 Bunnings torches are surprisingly effective. If you're looking for something a bit more suitable for light painting (pretty much any nighttime photography that isn't naturally lit), the mid-range Led Lensers are pretty good. Check out the torches thread for this.

Gloves aren't really necessary for exploring in Brisbane imo. If you're climbing cranes super regularly, then maybe, but the temperature doesn't really warrant it.

Respirator isn't necessary.

Some good work boots do the job, they'll keep your feet dry in some drains when it's low tide, which is nice at times. I use some leather steel caps with a really thick sole. They're good for abandos and drains, not so much for climbing.

coastexplorer · 05 Jul 2015, 3:57 pm

Awesome thanks

DFEX · 06 Jul 2015, 2:25 pm

Common sense is probably the most important tool to have with you!

coastexplorer · 06 Jul 2015, 3:58 pm

Yeah of course haha!

peterh13 · 11 Jul 2015, 2:10 pm

I've never worn gloves unless abseiling or dealing with sharp rusty bits of steel. Leather riggers gloves are good for this. For lighting I carry 3 or 4 cheapy torches and a really good headlamp plus a couple of glow sticks. I'm in love with my Sony DSLR but most of the guys on this site seem to use Canons. My wife is a great fan of Canons.
I only got the Sony because all my old Minolta auto focus lenses fitted it.
I tend to wear military boots. (Garmonts)
As far as clothing, don't dress like a commando or a ninja and you won't standout. Have fun.

Voodooz · 11 Jul 2015, 11:02 pm

Iv always preferred Canon! As they are very easy to set up with the 'Quick menu'... A 700D or 600D are very good for there prices!

Light Knight · 14 Jul 2015, 7:10 pm

coastexplorer wrote: Flashlight - At the moment I have a Dolphin Mini, but am definitely looking at getting a few other's as backups are important.

The brightness of the dolphin torch range is awful. You can pick up some half-decent AAA torches (between 100-200 lumens output) for less than $20 in Bunnings. Also consider a headlamp to free up your hands. I recommend the Varta 5 LED headlamp from Bunnings, less than $15, and bright enough (as anyone who I've looked at in a drain will attest to).

Regarding Canon vs Nikon, choose which one feels best in your hands!

coastexplorer · 15 Jul 2015, 11:22 am

Thanks guys, ended up with the Nikon D3300 and a few different torch variants including a headlamp which is awesome.

Bexa · 20 Feb 2016, 5:01 pm

No+Pro · 20 Feb 2016, 7:06 pm

Bexa wrote:i am apart of a minor army organisation.

Whut? Salvation Army?

Bexa · 20 Feb 2016, 9:14 pm

its hard to explain its like reserves, but dialed down

magpie · 28 Feb 2016, 10:03 pm

Bexa wrote:its hard to explain its like reserves, but dialed down

Cadets?

Midget · 03 Mar 2016, 7:55 am

Neighborhood gang?

alex0000 · 03 Mar 2016, 2:17 pm

Mafia?

iso · 03 Mar 2016, 5:07 pm

Camera - I use the one in my phone.
Flashlight - The $10 Chevron torches from Big W are pretty good, come with a ton of batteries too. The little $10 Dolphins are also pretty good, and waterproof.
Gloves - A pair of $15-25 demolition or riggers' gloves from Bunnings
Respirator - A $10 disposable P2 mask (with organic filter) from Bunnings
Shoes - A $5 pair of cheapo canvas shoes from Big W or Kmart if you're doing drains, a pair of steel capped workboots for abandonments, etc.
Anything I've missed? A can of VB and a can of Canadian Club...

Midget · 07 Mar 2016, 8:21 pm

The green text oddly reminds me of playing MUDs...