Flash or Tripod choice?

[cjtinkle]

First off let me confess to being completely new to both photography and my 10D. I'm indulging in a lifelong dream here, so I've a fairly decent setup already.
(I think!)
Anyway, I'm torn on my next equipment purchase, not sure which I need more, a flash or a good tripod? I don't have a flash now, I do have a cheap old tripod (maybe $50 range?).
I can't say what type of photography I will be shooting most, as right now I am having fun shooting everything I can think of. However, my husband trains German Shepherds, and I'm thinking a bulk of my shooting may be at tracking and herding events.
Thanks for any input, these forums are wonderful and I read them nearly every day!

[RichardtheSane]

From your list of equipment I see there I would recommend a tripod.
I say this because I see a 100mm macro, a 100-400 telezoom and a 20mm wide angle. So you will use it for landscapes (tripod for ultimate sharpness and level horizons) a macro for closeups. Most closeup shots will benefit from a tripod and any long lens (200mm and over) will also benefit from a tripod.
Just my opinion from what I can see, if you want to let us know what sort of photography you enjoy most then we can make a more accurate recommendation.

[Longwatcher]

If you are using the 28-135IS a lot, you will benefit most from the flash, if using the 100-400 most there is no point in getting flash, tripod more important. the primes could go either way.

Just my opinion.

[Andy_T]

Simple answer:

You'll need both!

Given the list of equipment you already have, it also won't bankrupt you to get both... (that is, unless assembling that list of fine equipment hasn't yet achieved that :)

Otherwise I tend to agree with Richard.

Kind Regards,
Andy

[cjtinkle]

Oh you're so right, I do need both! LOL but I'm only going to be allowed one in the near future. I have hubby's Nikon flash, but it of course doesn't use the Canon features.
I appreciate the responses, and will probably go with the tripod to start with.
Thanks!

[Belmondo]

I photograph virtually everything outdoors, so for me, the tripod gets a great deal of use. If I needed my flash attachment right now, I'd have to go hunting for it, probably in the deepest, darkest corner of my closet.

The fact is, however, only you can decide which is going to best most useful to you. My only recommendation is: when you buy your tripod, spend a little extra and buy a good one. Also in my closet are at least three consumer grade tripods that worked 'okay' with my G2, but are totally inadequate for the mass of a 10D and a 400/5.6L lens. I finally found a used Bogen tripod that serves me quite well. I think I paid a little over $100US, and I consider it as much an investment as any lens in my bag.