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  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
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    1

    A new lens or a new flash?

    Hi! I recently bought the EOS 40D Camera with EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM lens kit. I'm still new to photography, especially with this digital SLR.

    What do you suggest should be my next purchase? A new lens or a new flash. I want to get the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens and the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash, but can't afford both right now. It's one or the other. Which one would you recommend?

    Thanks,
    K

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Greenville, KY, USA
    Posts
    522

    Re: A new lens or a new flash?

    You would probably get more mileage out of the flash right now. Choosing lenses is generally based on the type of shooting you want to do. For sports, you need long fast (ie f2.8 etc.) lenses and for many other types of shots less expensive glass may be appropriate.
    Daniel - PixElite Photography

    http://www.pixelitephotography.com
    http://www.actionphototips.com
    http://www.maxpreps.com
    I use Nikon Professional gear.

  3. #3
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Paris, France
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    3,367

    Re: A new lens or a new flash?

    If you're really really into doing photos in low light then that might be a reason to choose the 50mm f1.4 although there are other things to consider:

    - the 50mm f1.8 is much cheaper and almost as good
    - the IS on your 17-85 allows you to do photos in low light as well (as long as the subject isn't moving too fast
    - I don't understand why so many people buy a 50mm. On film it was the standard lens and it was useful, on APS-C sensors it's a weak telephoto and not a focal length I use very much

    No I think a flash has to be your next purchase. As soon as you start getting trapped into doing pictures for other people (because you have a "good" camera) then you have to come up with the results and you absolutely have to have more control over the light. A flash is a life-saver at all sorts of events
    Charles

    Nikon D800, D7200, Sony RX100m3
    Not buying any more gear this year. I hope

  4. #4
    Senior Member WsW-WYATT-EARP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    UNION GROVE, WI
    Posts
    852

    Re: A new lens or a new flash?

    Quote Originally Posted by Franglais
    - I don't understand why so many people buy a 50mm. On film it was the standard lens and it was useful, on APS-C sensors it's a weak telephoto and not a focal length I use very much

    The 50mm is cheap and sharp - what other lens can you get that is f1.8 for $100 ? Get a reversing ring and you have an amazing macro rig. The possibilities are endless with the 50mm ....

    But I do agree that a flash should be your next purchase ... will use it much more than a 50mm
    Ben

    Bodies: Nikon D300 - Nikon D50

    Lenses: Nikkor 50mm f1.8 D - Tamron 17mm - 50mm F2.8 - Nikon 70mm - 200mm F2.8 VR - Nikon 1.7 Teleconverter

    Lighting: Nikon SB600 speedlight - AlienBees (2) B400's - Polaris Flash Meter

    Stabalization: Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod - Manfrotto 3265 joystick head

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