what is more important?

[Snakeguy101]

Hello, I have about $4-500 to spend on a new piece of equipment but I am not sure what to get. I currently have a D80 with the nifty 50mm and a 70-300mm lens. Here is what I am debating about getting:

A good tripod (my "heavy duty" one broke so I am left with the cheap walmart brand currently)
A decent wide angle lens (I am going to the grand canyon for a few weeks this summer and I think this would be a valuable lens to have there)
A decent macro lens (I would probably use this one the most since I usually photograph things like small snakes but can I get a good one for this price?)
or a sb800? (I currently do not have a flash.)

I am just trying to get some other opinions. I am leaning towards getting a manfrotto but am still not sure. Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Light Guru]

Get a good tripod and head. You can always rent lenses.

 

[tirediron]

Hit Craig's List; if you're in/around or have access to a major centre, I'm willing to bet that you could find both a nice Manfrotto tripod & head as well as a speelight for $500ish. I wouldn't count on an SB800 however; they're rarer than hen's teeth now, and very expensive when they do come up. An SB600 will do you very well however.

 

[Josh66]

For most of the shooting I do, a tripod is an absolute must. For me, it would be the tripod or the macro lens. Tough decision...

 

[manaheim]

I shoud sell my SB800. I never use it.

It's all about priorities.

Make a wish list, order it in priority, put a list of prices next to each item and pick the most important thing from your list you can afford and buy that. Very simple.

Only you know what's most important. No one here can really help you with that.

B&H Photo and Craigslist will tell you the prices of the items that you have on your list. Folks here can help, but so can google.

In other words, you have some more thinking and some more research to do. THEN if you get stuck, TPF can help.

 

[KmH]

I shoud sell my SB800. I never use it.

I did sell mine (and a SB-600), and for the same reason.

 

[KmH]

A decent wide angle lens (I am going to the grand canyon for a few weeks this summer and I think this would be a valuable lens to have there)

Here is a used wide angle for sale that is better than just decent: Nikon AF-S 12-24 mm f/4G.

 

[Ginu]

I think it all depends on which of the items listed you used or would use the most.

Tripod is a must in most cases - check craiglist
Flash, SB600 will do wonders, so I would suggest looking for a used one on craigs once again
Lens can be rented and wide or macro lens run a little expensive unfortunately

 

[KenC]

Tripod. Not much point in a macro lens without a tripod, and you said macro is important to you, so get the tripod and if you can't get a macro lens too, you could at least get a set of extension tubes (I hear Kenko has good ones).

 

[CCericola]

I personally would go with the tripod. Have a great time at the canyon and bring us back some pics!

 

[Snakeguy101]

Tripod it is then. Thanks for your input guys!

 

[Snakeguy101]

I may have found a good deal on a tripod. This is the add:


"The Bogen 3047 head.

Strong and sturdy, supporting up to 16.6 pounds
Three lockable handles and 2 bubble indicators for precise positioning and alignment
Panning range of 360 degrees
Easy transition to handheld filming with quick-release plate
Designed to meet the demands of serious professional shooting
3021 tripod "


Does anyone know how much this is worth and/ or if it is a good tripod? Thank you again for your help.