Help me pick camera accessories

So my girlfriend has a Sony a200. She has the big bright flash attachment and a second lens with a good zoom. I plan on getting her a tripod, monopod and bag for her camera for Christmas.

She's pretty talented in my opinion. (I haven't been able to get any good shots with her camera and she gets some cash about two times a month when she takes pictures for fun, weddings, babies, families, senior pics and engagements.)

So what I'm wondering, is there anything that I could get her for her camera that goes on the lense? I'm thinking filters and stuff. Most of her photography is still shots of nature, scenery, and people.

Also, what kind of tripod would be recommended? She often walks from location to location in parks and downtown on photoshoots.

I'd like to stay within 60 dollars for lense attachments.

 

Graduated neutral density filter


I don't think you'd want both a monopod and a tripod, just sounds like too much gear doubling up.
The only real reason for a tripod is for in studio, low light, or when you have a very planned shot. Anti vibration lenses take care of most everything else.
Monopods are for people with very heavy lenses (I'm talking 10lbs and such). The only lens that is close to being "heavy" for Sony is the 70-200mm, which is still fine for handheld.
If you can avoid having to use tripods/monopods, so much the better because they are hard to pack around and take time to set up. If you insist, look here for recommendations.

I'd say if you want to dump money on something,

-upgrade her lenses to better quality lenses. It sounds like the zoom lens can stick around, but the other lens might be what came in the box. I think my recommendation would be the 50mm f/1.4. It's inexpensive, and if it's anything like the 50mm Canon makes, it feels like it's impossible to take a bad pic.

-Buy her Adobe Lightroom. Wonderful software, powerful without being difficult.

 

Thanks. Very helpful. I'll search for an adobe lightroom trial too

 

+1

 

I think a tripod and filters would be a waste of money at this point.

The fast 50mm prime mentioned is probably the best 'accessory' at this point, especially for portraits.

 

outdoor photography? she isnt well armed without a polarizing filter. it darkens the blue sky and makes the clouds pop. of course max filter affect is at 90 degress from the sun. (aim thumb at sun, the index finger will be pointed at the area the filter does the most "affecting")

 

A good tripod is never a waste of money. But remember to get a good tripod

 

I'd tend to agree with you, but the OP indicated the type of shooting as "weddings, babies, families, senior pics and engagements".

At this point, the OP is better off getting a fast lens and lights (Speedlights or strobes) rather than spending $800 on a tripod and head combo.

But I guess if the OP is committed to a tripod, I'd go with a Really Right Stuff head.

 

You don't need to spend $800 on a tripod. I have less than $200 in my tripod and it is a great setup

Slik 500DX legs-$100
Smith-Victor BH5 ballhead-$45