My setup

Here's an introduction to my first set of DSLR:

The package

Package Contents: Nikon D7000 body, Nikkor prime 50mm f1.8D lens, Nikkor standard zoom 18-55mm VR lens, Nikkor telephoto 55-200mm VR lens, SB-700 flash gun, ML-L3 infra-red remote trigger, EN-EL15 spare battery, Tokina CPL filter x 1, Hoya multi-coated UV filter x 3 (1 for each lens)

I got the whole package from Parisilk via a 'group buy'. Some of the lenses were cheaper with the purchase with purchase we negotiated. Overall, I saved a few hundred bucks off standard retail price!

Freebies!

Freebies: Nikon SL168 tripod, Kingston 8Gb Class 6 SD card, Nikon card reader, Nikon bag, 3" LCD screen protector, cheap set of cleaning kit

Basically, the only useful items are the card, reader and bag. Please DO NOT use the tripod on your expensive equipment. It's better to get a more expensive and sturdy tripod!

The basic 'Must have' items

Lenspen LP-1 (S$18, Parisilk)

Lenspen is a wonderful invention! One end is a retractable brush and the other is a lens / filter cleaning tip that is made of a special compound that will 'never dry up'. I got this for $18 from Parisilk. I think you can get better prices if you source for them. It's a must have item in your bag wherever you go! You can quickly clean away dust and stains on your lenses wherever you are!

Standard Cleaning Kit (S$7, FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point)

Next important thing you should have is a cleaning kit. The blower is a must have to blow away large dust particles before you clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth. The set featured above has all the items you need. I got it real cheap ($7 as you can see) from FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point. I was quoted $15 for the same thing at Parisilk. Bring the blower with you when traveling. The lenspen + blower + microfiber cloth combo is good enough for cleaning your equipment on the move!

Tokina CPL (Circular Polarizing) Filter (S$28, Parisilk)

This is a must have item in my list. It basically reduces glare from water / glass surfaces. It's similar to other filters but there is an additional ring for you to turn to manipulate the light entering the lens. Notice that it's not clear glass? Here's a great guide you should read! It helped me understand filters and what I need. I'll post some pictures I took with this filter for comparison later.

Hoya Multi-coated UV Filter [HMC UV(C) grade] (S$16, Parisilk)

UV filters: I fit one of these over all my lenses for protection rather than UV reduction (read the guide to understand more). This is an added protection for your lens in case you knock them into some sharp items. It's so much easier and cheaper to replace compared to your lenses. Some people argue that this extra piece of glass creates glare / ghosting in your pictures. I say this is not true for most cases. If you find it happening, just unscrew it off your lens and take your pictures. It's just so convenient!

That's the end of my introduction! I've still got some gear not documented (haven't taken the pictures yet) but they will appear in later posts once I'm ready. By the way: I'm not affiliated with Parisilk in any way. They just happen to offer the best prices for most of the items I need, that's why I keep mentioning them.