New Flash or a Tripod?

[Aw3033]

Since I dont have much money to spend, i have to pick one of the two. Which should i get first, new flash, or a tripod?

 

[PhotoXopher]

Depends on what you shoot really...

What do you find yourself missing more?

I asked the same question when I started and I now have a tripod that I rarely use and I'm looking for a flash, I made the wrong choice.

 

[Inst!nct]

if youre shooting portraits and stuff, probably flash

else tripod, how much money you have to spend?

 

[sinjans]

Get both used. You wont be happy until you have both. Unless you will only shoot landscapes. or only shoot portraits.

 

[Overread]

Aye like the others we have to have an understanding of what sort of budget you have to spend as well as the typical subjects/situtaions you shoot/shoot in. In addition some idea of where you feel your current setup is letting you down when you shoot as well as the current gear you have to use.

 

[Stamp]

If your camera has an on camera flash, get the tripod first... Your on camera flash should be able to get you buy until you can save some coin for a new one.

 

[iolair]

"On camera flash"? *Shudders*... OK, it has it's uses - such as fill-in on a sunny day, or photographing objects - but for people it's normally worse than using no flash.

As others have suggested, your choice should depend on your budget and what you like to shoot ... I work with second-hand flashes that cost me almost nothing, and wireless flash triggers - doing something similar would leave you money for a tripod.

 

[IgsEMT]

but for people it's normally worse than using no flash.

Unless you use it correctly

 

[Aw3033]

I dont want to spend more than 150...the SB400 is 115-135 depending on where i order it from. Im a beginner so i took pictures around the house for now (to busy to go out and take shots) and posted pictures and everyone was telling me i needed a better flash, thats why i brought this up.

as for what im probably going to shoot more, i would say id be more interested in shooting landscape, anything outdoors.

 

[t00sl0w]

if you are more interested in landscape, or non-moving objects...get a tripod, and learn exposure...

 

[kundalini]

I'll be the voice of reason......

Put the $150 in a side account and continue to add to it. When the time comes that it's not a strain, then buy what you need.

 

[KmH]

...because frankly, the SB-400 doesn't have a lot going for it beyond what the built-in flash can do. I would get a Vivitar 285HV ($90, new) and a $22 eBay radio trigger set. You won't have TTL (through the lens) with the 285HV but you can use it off the camera. Strobist

 

[PhotoXopher]

For what it's worth, I have (and use) the SB-400 and love it for around the house shots! We have an 11 foot ceiling and I can successfully bounce flash off of it for very nice subtle flash shots. Also get the SC-17 cable so you can use it off camera, the SB-400 is quite handy on a monopod!

For the money it's a keeper, and works quite well!

Other option for around the house shots that I also enjoy is the Gary Fong Puffer, $20 and works with your popup flash.

A lot of people don't care for either one of these, but they also typically have over $500 in flash unit(s), and time to set up their shots. Myself, I don't particularly care to have a huge flash on my camera all the time, although I do plan on getting one down the road.

 

[Aw3033]

So should I get a tripod first?

 

[SrBiscuit]

you can snag a decent tripod for $50.
it wont be anything spectacular ready to mount a 10lb lens on, but it should suffice.

you can easily get an off brand flash that swivels and angles, and a decent tripod for 150. youll probably have to use the flash in manual mode, but eh...so what.
thats my opinion anyway.

if i had to pick ONE...
i agree with kundalini...put it aside...save up for a SB600.

http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/home.php?cat=256 some decent stuff there. they even have a 2 flash package with triggers for 189.
is it 2 sb900s and PWs?...no, but it should get you strobin.