What's Better To Improve My Low Light Shoots? A Lighter Lens Or A Speedlite?

Ansatgip · Nov 4, 2012

Hi, i'm trying to become a professional photographer, an i would like you to help me with something. I think i can begin making some profit as a photographer by improving my low light photography, but the only equipment i have is a 18-55mm with a bult in flash. My question is, do you think i should buy a speedlite (Youngnuo YN568EX) or a lighter lens like a 50mm? Thanks for your time

MLeeK · Nov 4, 2012

OH DEAR.
If you knew enough to be selling photography you would already know the answer to this question.
Please start here:Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials
Once you have mastered how to control exposure, composition and focus using the shutter speed, ISO and aperture, then you can add in a flash.
For professional work you're going to need the 50mm and about 2 more professional grade lenses, a speedlite and an off camera setup, then the knowledge in how to use the speedlite and off camera set up.
If you REALLY think there is money to be made in this business you have to be the best of the best and trust me at $25 per 8x10 no one is making a ton of money. Please read this for more information on the $$$ end of this.http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/general-shop-talk/304732-finding-your-codb-your-hourly-rate.html and this http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-its-not-answer-what-do-i-charge-for____.html
Then read this post on starting the business endeavor.http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...ng-business-building-house-2.html#post2707594

MOREGONE · Nov 4, 2012

Ansatgip said:
I think i can begin making some profit as a photographer by improving my low light photography,... My question is, do you think i should buy a speedlite (Youngnuo YN568EX) or a lighter lens like a 50mm? Thanks for your time

Short answer, both.

I would probably start with a fast lens, then move to flash.

pixmedic · Nov 4, 2012

DejaVu...here we go

MULTIPLE fast lenses, MULTIPLE flashes +the equipment and ability to use the flashes on and off camera. your first flash should be whatever OEM brand is made specifically for your camera. IE: Nikon or Canon speedlights.
mastering the exposure triangle doesn't hurt either.

o hey tyler · Nov 4, 2012

Full frame body

And at least like 2-3k in glass to shoot with.

Don't look at starting a business with a best buy starter rig.

KmH · Nov 4, 2012

I would recommend just the opposite - flash unit, then fast lens.

Using flash (strobed light) effectively, particularly off camera flash (OCF), is a key to professional looking photographs.

See Strobist: Lighting 101 and flash photography techniques « Neil vN – tangents

MLeeK · Nov 4, 2012

Wait... your other posts say you don't even have a DSLR yet. So, you intend to be a Best Buy Photographer? As In I buy a camera today and tomorrow I am a professional?
Yeah, NO. Doesn't work that way.

MLeeK · Nov 4, 2012

pixmedic said:
DejaVu...here we go

MULTIPLE fast lenses, MULTIPLE flashes +the equipment and ability to use the flashes on and off camera. your first flash should be whatever OEM brand is made specifically for your camera. IE: Nikon or Canon speedlights.
mastering the exposure triangle doesn't hurt either.

There's a lot of this going on around here lately.

Buckster · Nov 4, 2012

KmH said:
I would recommend just the opposite - flash unit, then fast lens.

Using flash (strobed light) effectively, particularly off camera flash (OCF), is a key to professional looking photographs.

See Strobist: Lighting 101 and flash photography techniques « Neil vN tangents

^This.

Get the Yongnuo flash, but also get a light stand, umbrella and a set of radio transceivers to get the flash off the camera and soften it. Yongnuo makes some nice, inexpensive transceivers as well. The Yongnuo RF-603 transceivers are popular and not very expensive at all.

Learning to light will make the biggest improvement to your photography for the buck.

Mully · Nov 4, 2012

Save your money until you know what you need....a hobby photographer would ask this question a professional would not.

Sw1tchFX · Nov 4, 2012

Get a 645 camera and some packs of Delta 3200

Derrel · Nov 4, 2012

I would buy a GOOD flash unit first.

dbvirago · Nov 4, 2012

I'm brand new to this forum, but I am really beginning to like it.

rexbobcat · Nov 4, 2012

KmH said:
I would recommend just the opposite - flash unit, then fast lens.

Using flash (strobed light) effectively, particularly off camera flash (OCF), is a key to professional looking photographs.

See Strobist: Lighting 101 and flash photography techniques « Neil vN – tangents

I wouldn't really say it's key, but it helps. Lol

Village Idiot · Nov 5, 2012

MOREGONE said:
Ansatgip said:

I think i can begin making some profit as a photographer by improving my low light photography,... My question is, do you think i should buy a speedlite (Youngnuo YN568EX) or a lighter lens like a 50mm? Thanks for your time

Click to expand...

Short answer, both.

I would probably start with a fast lens, then move to flash.

You have more flexibility in what you can shoot with additional lighting vs. a faster lens. Try shooting in near dark with a f/1-f/2 lens vs. a f/5.6 with at least one external flash. You're going to be shooting wide open with a razor thin DOF with very high ISO and a long shutter speed and the camera will have to be stabilized vs. shooting at a reasonable aperture for shooting more than an eye ball where shutter speed doesn't matter as much with the ability to properly expose even a moving subject.