Flash or Lens?

Eyetattoo · Sep 24, 2009

Right now I cant get both so Im going to have to choose between getting a speedlight or a new lens (somthing like a 55-200mm or 70-300mm) Which would you go with?

I shoot all types of photos, from family snapshots to low light parties to sporting events to landscapes in Yosemite when I have time to make the drive.

PhotoXopher · Sep 24, 2009

In that case - flash.

If you were talking fast glass I'd say a lens...

Lyncca · Sep 24, 2009

N0YZE said:
In that case - flash.

If you were talking fast glass I'd say a lens...

+1 :thumbup:

By the way, I have my 70-300 for sell if you are interested

SrBiscuit · Sep 24, 2009

flash

KmH · Sep 24, 2009

2 or 3 Vivitar 285HV's ($90 each) and an eBay radio trigger set with 2 or 3 receivers ($50).

PT-04 C Radio Wireless Remote Flash Triggerâ2Shoeâ3RX - eBay (item 280395195474 end time Oct-09-09 01:28:01 PDT)

[Dillz] · Sep 24, 2009

If you think you really need the lens then go with that. Otherwise get the flash!

CSR Studio · Sep 24, 2009

In your case I would go with the lens. Light can be manipulated in other ways.

Antithesis · Sep 24, 2009

I find that lenses get used a lot more often than flashes. A flash is a nice thing to have, but you already have an onboard flash, so the only time it would make that monumental of a difference would be when bouncing indoors. I absolutely love the look of bounce flash, but you'll get more use out of a lens IMO. You should post a price range so we can give you some advice on what to get. The 55-200 is not a horrible lens in my opinion, but everything I've heard about the 70-300 is that its rubbish.

Eyetattoo · Sep 24, 2009

Antithesis said:
I find that lenses get used a lot more often than flashes. A flash is a nice thing to have, but you already have an onboard flash, so the only time it would make that monumental of a difference would be when bouncing indoors. I absolutely love the look of bounce flash, but you'll get more use out of a lens IMO. You should post a price range so we can give you some advice on what to get. The 55-200 is not a horrible lens in my opinion, but everything I've heard about the 70-300 is that its rubbish.

Ive read the same recently, so if I go with a lens it will probably be the Nikor 55-200mm AFS VR. Havent really priced them out yet but Im sure it will cost more than the flash.

schumionbike · Sep 25, 2009

nah, the 55-200 AFS VR shouldn't cost more than $200, you can probably get it for $150 new. I got my as a bundle for $100 extra.

Lyncca · Sep 25, 2009

Antithesis said:
...but you already have an onboard flash, so the only time it would make that monumental of a difference would be when bouncing indoors. I absolutely love the look of bounce flash, but you'll get more use out of a lens IMO.

The onboard flash is trash. A hot-shoe flash is better even if you are pinging your subject straight on over the popup. The only time I use my popup is as a commander for my other flashes, which even most times for that I will use my SU800 commander instead.

You also don't have to bounce it, you can remove it and use your camera as a commander to get directional light. (I assume, not sure what the D3000 does.)

PhotoXopher · Sep 25, 2009

D3000 doesn't have commander mode.

Could you swing an SB-400 and 55-200 VR?

Village Idiot · Sep 25, 2009

Antithesis said:
I find that lenses get used a lot more often than flashes. A flash is a nice thing to have, but you already have an onboard flash, so the only time it would make that monumental of a difference would be when bouncing indoors. I absolutely love the look of bounce flash, but you'll get more use out of a lens IMO. You should post a price range so we can give you some advice on what to get. The 55-200 is not a horrible lens in my opinion, but everything I've heard about the 70-300 is that its rubbish.

I rarely ever use a camera without using a strobe of some type or other.

Flickr: Strobist.com

All strobed shots ^^

None with the onboard as a primary light source. Most without having a strobe on the camera itself.

Goontz · Sep 25, 2009

I ordered an SB-400 earlier this week on N0YZE's recommendation. I don't really do any strobist type stuff [yet?] so I really just wanted the bounce capability for indoor stuff.

I have a 55-200VR and love it. Of course the next day I gave in and ordered a 50mm f/1.8 too

J Rock · Sep 25, 2009

I bought my sb-600 and my 50mm 1.8 around the same time. I don't use my flash all that much but I have to say it's night and day between the on board flash, and the bounce ability makes all the difference in the world. I do want a new lens but I am trying for something like a 70-300 for a little more reach.