Please help! Grip, lens, or flash...can't decide

[mike93lx]

I have the gear listed below and can't decide on what to buy next. Used or new, doesn't really matter. I am pretty new to photogrpahy as well and want to keep this next purchase as cheap as possible. I know the flash might stretch the budget a bit, but if it considered important enough, I may be able to make it happen.

At the moment, I don't shoot a heck of a lot vertically, but I do have very large hands and the more substantial feel of a grip seems good. I have not run into a problem with using up a single battery yet, but I'm sure that'll change soon.

I only have the onboard flash and I never use it, probably because of it's limitations. I would probably shoot more indoors witha flash, but I'm not really sure on that.

I think the lens selection that I have covers a good range and aside from a long telephoto with IS or a macro, I can't really think of a good, inexpensive lens to buy.

So, where would you spend your money?

[doidinho]

I would get the flash, it's going to expand the range of situations where you can get shots. Forget the grip, there are better things to spend your money on.

The Tamron 17-50 is going to give signifigantly better IQ for about $500. The Canon 10-22 is going to expand your focal length range(about $600).

[crn3371]

I'd probably go with the flash. Unfortunately, when it comes to lenses, good and inexpensive don't usually go hand in hand. The grip won't help you take better pics, but a good flash will. Keep your eye out in the Marketplace forum, as you should be able to pick up a good used flash such as the 430ex, or the older 420ex for a decent price.

[Riff Raff]

I'd go with a flash. Probably the 430EX. Off-camera flash gives you a lot more possibilities. Like bounce flash indoors. And general lack of demonic red eyes. And an autofocus assist light that doesn't trigger seizures in epileptics.

[mike93lx]

thanks for the recommendations. I am going to start looking more at flashes. it does seem like the 430 would be my best bet to start with.

anyone else?

[_aravena]

Flash. It's awesome. I find myself using mine often. Although I still love my light tool. The sun.

[Chiva]

flash will give you a better bang for buck.
get the grip only if you really need the extra size.
you can always just buy a spare battery if you need for power.

when i only had the built in flash, i never used it, but now i have a 430EX i always use some sort of flash indoors.

[_aravena]

Just go to sterlingtek.com and pick up some batteries. I really only ever use 2 but I have 4. They're only $10

[Zebceponaf]

think about what will make your pictures better.
grip should come last imo.

if you want a cheap good flash get a manual one (non ettl) and learn how to use it. They are about $90. Sunpak 383 or Vivitar 285hv are both great.

[mike93lx]

thanks for all of the advice. I ended up picking up a Sigma EF-500 DG Super Flash from the classifieds.

now I just need to learn how to really make good use of it . thanks!

[Magic_Puzzle]

Mike, it were me (and it has been many times), I would buy the accessory that will expand your shooting capabilities. In other words, think about what you are doing now and then ask yourself what you need to let you do it better. If you are limited in your ability to capture images with flash, then you need to go with the flash. On the other hand, if you are happy shooting images that don't require a flash I wouldn't get the flash right now. However, eventually you are going to want to expand your capabilities and that will almost certainly mean that you will need the flash at some point. There is an inexpensive alternative to the flash if you are thinking about what it will let you do. For a few dollars you can pick up a diffuser that mounts on your camera and softens the light of your camera flash. It won't do as good of a job as a flash, but it also costs a fraction as much. I bought one of the lumiquests diffusers and am very happy with it if I am not carrying my Canon 580EX II with me, but there are a lot of diffusers out there to look at. I suggest this alternative because you say that you don't use your camera's flash now, so it may be that you don't really need one until your interests change. With respect to cost, you can easily find third party flashes for very little money on eBay. Just be certain that it is compatible with your camera. The Canon flashes are very good, but they are also a bit pricey. Here again, decide if a less expensive flash would tide you over until you can more easily afford a better flash. I also highly recommend that you visit www.strobist.com for information and tips on flash photography. You will be amazed to learn that a lot of photographers are are getting very professional results with multiple flashes in place of expensive strobes and flash heads. I was very impressed with the results they were getting.