What should I get?

[jfs4819]

I had asked for Amazon gift cards for Christmas from my family so that I could get additional accessories for my Canon XS. I have absolutely no idea what to get. After many years being out of photography, I have only recently jumped back in so my accessories at this point is limited. Any help would be great! What is the one accessory that you can't be without?

[Doug Pardee]

If you don't know what you need/want, save your money.

It's really easy to buy a bunch of junk that you'll never use.

Personally, I get by with my body, one lens, some memory cards, a few spare batteries (I took it on a few two-week vacations), and a bulb blower. And it's been going on five years.

But that's for my style of photography. Different people need different things, depending on their style. When you figure out what your style is and what you'll need to support that style, then you'll be ready to buy something.

[Skyyton]

You can never have enough good quality lenses! Here are other things I use all the time, in no particular order:
Good quality tripod
580EX flash
Sekonic Light Meter
Backpack to hold it all
Books, books, and more books (on photography of course!)
Spare memory cards
Spare batteries

[jfs4819]

Thanks for the responses! I have been thinking of getting another lens but of course I'm lost as to which one I need so maybe I'll wait on that and explore a bit more. One thing that I have been thinking of is something for my flash or maybe a new flash or a reflector. I try to put a sock over my flash to diffuse some of the harshness. I was thinking of trying to find one that was not directed so much towards my subject.

[Skyyton]

I think you answered your own question. You definitely have the right idea about how to use flash. You can do amazing things with an external flash. You are right about needing the ability to swivel. Check the link below for some great information on how to use flash. I read his book and it changed the way I use it forever. One basic point he brings home is that your subject should never see any part of the face of the flash. You need a swivel flash to accomplish that.

http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/

[jofrost]

I agree with previous comments that you really need to tailor your accessories to what you want to do . I do think a spare battery is a must and a good quality bag for your gear .

I bought my Rebel XS to take shots of model airplanes in flight so I needed a lens with a longer focal length ( Thus my 70-300 Tamron ) As of late I have been taking inside photos and decided it was time for a good tripod . Next up for me will be a macro lens and perhaps a bounce flash . These are just things that fit my style of what I want to do .

Cheers ,
-John