Tripod or flash

[Thursday]

I'm at a crossroads right now, I've had my XT for a few weeks now and I can't decide which move to make now, I can either get a 430ex or go for a tripod both will run me around $260. I really can't decide which to get, I will end up getting both in the future but I'm stuck on which to get now. Any suggestions or things to think about to help make the decision easier?

[BSBXTi]

My question: What would you use more?

[crn3371]

Two different tools for two different jobs. I'd go for the flash first as you'll probably get more consistent use out of it.

[Thursday]

I was trying to figure that out, which i'd use most and I honestly can't say becuase I've yet to venture down the flash photography route, although I am very interested in it and really want to learn it. since i'm just starting out I shoot everything; people, scenery, animals, portraits.

[BSBXTi]

To me a tripod maybe a better choice, because it would allow you to get shots that you couldn't hand hold.

[DDCSD]

My flash is on my camera at pretty much all times. I rarely use my tripod. That's just me though.

[Thursday]

yea I was looking at a tripod first becuase of camera shake but my 55-250IS has yet to suffer from it. I would love to get a flash so I can start practicing bounce flashing and fill flash and things of the like.

[rdricks]

If you are taking mainly photos of landscapes, scenics, macro etc I would go for the tripod. If most your photos are people definitely the flash.

At least that is how I look at it!:)

[johnny0415]

If I were you, I would get the flash.

Although it does not eliminate the need for a tripod, it lessens the need for it at least. Because I could carry the flash around everywhere in my camera bag, but a tripod I would only bring it out when I know I will be needing it and eventually leading to not using it much. That's just me.

Besides, tripods have many replacements like poles, rocks, walls, etc.

[medic583]

Ha... being a complete rookie myself... the first thing I grabbed up was a tripod from my parents old camera. The flash... I just ordered... but it's been about 6mths since I got the camera... one of the last things on my list.

Learning how to use the different AV/TV modes, setting up the speeds and apeture, playing with the ISO settings... one step at a time... and being able to compare pictures that were identical (by using the tripod) with just setting changes has helped me tremendously.

I set the camera up on the tripod to see how the pictures look from one apeture setting to the next. I set the camera up at night... try the timed exposures. I set the camera up to try the different focal lengths with mulitple shots from the same position...

So now that I'm getting the hang of the different settings and how the affect the overall look of the scene's I'm seeing... I've realized that... hmmm... there is a built in flash on the camera that I've never seen pop up :)...

Flash photography... wow... this is going to be fun :) and really can't wait till the speedlight shows up....

Starting from scratch again (trust me... I'm still a complete rookie)... I'd make the same choice... buying the flash after I'd played with the camera/tripod and the effects the different settings can have...

[Lowner]

For me it would be the tripod. While I've got a 550EX, I rarely use it.

My tripod on the other hand, gets used constantly. Even my monopod gets more use than the flash.

But as you've already been told, it depends what photographic interests you have. For me its landscapes and motorsport and I'm not interested at all in people shots.

Richard

[ben_r_]

BOTH! NOW! ;)

[Thursday]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm pretty set on the Manfrotto 055xprob w/ 486cr2 becuase they have the $25 rebate which brings the total to around 220 so I'm gonna jump on that and wait for a good deal on a speedlight either on here or ebay.

[tplyons]

For me, it's a no brainer. Cheap $30 tripod now, flash now. Replace the tripod when I can afford something better.

[Thursday]

see i've done the buy something cheap then replace, but the way I see it is I might as well live without something now and get something that is going to last me years and also something I can turn my back on and trust to hold my camera stuff up, I've heard too many people preach about if theres one thing you don't go cheap on its the pod.

[tplyons]

I suppose... thought I've had this one since I took photography my freshman year of college. Was on a college budget then (still am) but I never step too far away that I can't catch it.