adding equipment to the basic camera

[welly]

am wondering if I need to get another lens yet. I would like do do close up pictures with lots of detail. my camera came with a 18 -55 lens.

Also someone said that you should always have a filter on the front of your lens because it protects it - is that right and what sort would be best?

And, while I'm in the asking mode, can anyone recommend any good books, once I have worked my way through this site?

Thanks

Welly

[Dave]

am wondering if I need to get another lens yet. I would like do do close up pictures with lots of detail. my camera came with a 18 -55 lens.

I personally would use the lens you have and get comfortable with your new camera, then you will get a feel for what you like best. I too like to take close-up photos of stuff. I have a Tamron 28-75mm that is macro, but does not really get the magnification I desire. I did recently purchase a set of extension tubes (Poor Man’s Macro I call them) and have gotten some nice photos. They do require you to be fairly close to your subject and I find focusing manually works better.

Here are a couple of examples:

Also someone said that you should always have a filter on the front of your lens because it protects it - is that right and what sort would be best?

This one I am not really sure of, I do remember back when I started (film days) that it was recommended to have a UV filter on all your lenses and I did. I currently do not do this but have circular polarizer’s that I put on when needed. Anyone out there have any advice about this one?

And, while I'm in the asking mode, can anyone recommend any good books, once I have worked my way through this site?

Here are a couple I have read. My favorite is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and Digital Photographer’s Handbook by Tom Ang
Dave

[welly]

thanks for that, I'll take your advice on board.

Went out in the snow today, husband had the D3000, I relied on my trusty coolpix compact! our pictures are similar at the moment.

I have found a Nikon owners introduction course local to me in a few weeks and I reckon it will be worth the £140 fee for the day