Help me make a wish list

[QuietOne]

Mom is telling me to think of some gear I might want for Christmas. I can think of some things, of course, but I'd appreciate input, both specifics, such as a particular lens and general things I might not think of.

Though it's not impossible that she'd pay for something like a macro lens (used, if it's a Nikkor) it's likely she's thinking in the $300 to $400 range rather than the $1,000. This means non-OEM equipment is definitely on the table, in addition to used. Software isn't an option at the moment, since none of the computers in the house will handle anything beefier than PSE, and I won't be upgrading motherboards any time soon.

So what would be on your list, if you had not much equipment? Iguanasan suggested a Nifty Fifty at one point, and I should probably have some kind of flash. What kind, what brand, what else? Feel free to throw in pricier items, just realize they're less likely to show up under my tree.

[casil403]

A tripod should be a must if you do not have one. As for lenses it depends what you are interested in shooting. If it is landscapes, a wide angle is sweet to have, for birds and wildlife, go for a nice 200-300mm zoom. I have noticed you do a lot of close up photography so I would suggest a 100mm macro lens as another option.
But if you do not have a tripod, then that is what I would start with most definitely. A good kit bag never hurts either.

[Iguanasan]

It would be easier if I could remember what you have now. Casil is making some great suggestions. I love my new 70-300mm zoom from Sigma. It was only $289 Canadian and I know they make one with a Nikon mount (since you mentioned Nikkor). I still love my nifty-fifty too and at $140 for the Canon one it was very well priced.

[Bambi]

don't forget filters and flashes too.

[QuietOne]

Iggy, I have a D90 with the 18-105 kit lens.

Casil, I seem to shoot at extremes. Closeups, yes, but once the larger birds start moving around again (migrations in the fall, the eagles hunting the river in January) I'll want something longer. To some extent I already do, since things like the rafters and the shy ducks in the middle of the pond are already out of my range. For landscapes, right now I'm not in circumstances where I can take day trips for them.

Since both you and Bambi mentioned accessories (for lack of a better term), here's what I have so far.

A cheap full size tripod and a Joby Gorillapod with a set of spike feet. Possibly a better tripod is in order, but even those would sometimes get carried away by the winds!
An extra battery (learned that one a while back)
2 SD cards (2G and 8G) and a card reader. Because if I'm coming back from an airshow a reader is faster and easier on the camera battery.
A Cpol, a set of closeup filters, a couple of ND filters, and a protective filter. Branches poke me in the eye often enough, and I wear glasses. I figure the lens isn't any safer, and try to keep some kind of filter on it.
Very basic cleaning supplies (microfiber cloths, lens tissue, a brush, lens cleaning fluid). I try to not need them.
A fishing vest. I stuff things in the pockets, especially if I'm clambering around rocks.
A smallish camera bag that holds everything, including the camera manual. I use it mostly to transport everything. I wouldn't mind a backpack of some kind or some sort of belt system, but stuff tends to fit me poorly. I'm 5' 10" and 115 pounds. Despite a generally skinny build I'm proportionally full through the hips. If you know any niche manufacturers I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Other ideas?

[Matt K.]

Iggy, I have a D90 with the 18-105 kit lens.

An extra battery (learned that one a while back)
2 SD cards (2G and 8G) and a card reader. Because if I'm coming back from an airshow a reader is faster and easier on the camera battery.
A Cpol, a set of closeup filters, a couple of ND filters, and a protective filter. Branches poke me in the eye often enough, and I wear glasses. I figure the lens isn't any safer, and try to keep some kind of filter on it.
Very basic cleaning supplies (microfiber cloths, lens tissue, a brush, lens cleaning fluid). I try to not need them.
A fishing vest. I stuff things in the pockets, especially if I'm clambering around rocks.
A smallish camera bag that holds everything, including the camera manual. I use it mostly to transport everything. I wouldn't mind a backpack of some kind or some sort of belt system, but stuff tends to fit me poorly. I'm 5' 10" and 115 pounds. Despite a generally skinny build I'm proportionally full through the hips. If you know any niche manufacturers I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Other ideas?

Battery - from eBay - they are cheap there - get two if you can
SD cards ... I'd suggest 4Gig ... if you loose one, then 8 Gig is a lot to loose
A good cpol is going to cost ... but if you get one, get an over-sized one to start with. At least a 77mm one. You can always get step-down rings. But if you get a smaller diameter one, then you might get more than on cpol filter. Unfortunately lens filter threads are not equal I use the 77mm with a step down ring for my 72mm lenses, works great
Camera bag is also a nice thing to have ... a sling bag would be the preferred one ... Kata makes a nice one (3n1), you can wear it as a backpack OR a sling bag.
A good flash is handy. In my research I came up with the NISSIN 866. Around 270 dollars Canadian. Does almost everything the SB900 does, but is half the price. Not sure if the D90 has the capability to trigger a flash off camera ... but if you can, the NISSIN will fire.
Then of course there is that 70-300 Sigma

[JAS_Photo]

Well the Nikon 70-300 5.6 is a pretty good lens and it is in the $500 range. It is excellent bang for your money and fairly light. Jay Maisel, who is one of my favorite photographers, uses it with the D3. In fact, that is his walking around lens and walk around he does. All over Manhattan.

[QuietOne]

Seems like people agree on a 70-300 for a lens. I'll look at both brands mentioned. Keep 'em coming, folks. Mom likes lists with multiple things to consider.

[Iguanasan]

You mention one thing is that you'd like a backpack carrying case. I recently bought this one: Inexpensive sling bag, but look at the photo! - Dyxum forums from Costco for $38 and I'm very happy with it.

It sounds like you have a bunch of the basics but what are you frustrated with the most in terms of your shooting? That's the best thing to ask. We know what you have but not really sure where the pain points are. Where are they?

[QuietOne]

but what are you frustrated with the most in terms of your shooting?

Besides having champagne tastes and a beer pocketbook?

I can't get close enough (the eagles like the trees on the other side of the river, the geese take off from the far end of the pond, the flower is really, really tiny) and it's too dark (heavy cloud cover, especially when things are moving, deep shade, the hangar door is closed). Often in combination. I suspect what I/Mom can afford and what would be ideal aren't going to be quite the same thing. What is affordable will still be quite an improvement. But I'm looking for as much as I can get for the dollar, without sacrificing too much in quality.