Manfrotto tripod or 430 ex?

[gregrocco]

I am currently trying to decide between buying a new tripod (my first REAL tripod, as opposed to the cheapo Sunpak one I use now) or a Speedlite 430 ex flash. What would be a good starter model for a tripod? I'm looking at various Bogen models, are there other brands in the same range? I know I will probably see more use and greater benefit from the flash, so that will more than likely be what I get first, but I'm just curious.

[Jim G]

Well... do you feel the need for a better tripod? Between having a cheap tripod and a flash and a good tripod but no flash... well the cheap tripod and flash is obviously more versatile. If you'll use a flash.

[Grentz]

190XPROB (or 190XB) for a bit smaller and cheaper. 055XPROB (or 055XB) for a bit taller and sturdier. The XB versions are a tiny bit shorter, cheaper, and do not have the ability to make the center column go horizontal. One of those combined with a ball head like the 488RC2 makes a great combo for most people and it is in the $200-$300 range.

I might go for the flash though first, as it really can make a difference in a lot of situations.

[The Outlaw]

depends on the person but i personally went for the tripod and have used it in the house once and never left the house with it and i've had it for probably 8 months. i should have spent the money on something else.

[SYS]

You're going to have both a flash and a tripod eventually, so get the flash first as it'd open up a whole new dimension to your photography. Besides, while you're using flash you won't need a tripod in most cases.

[JeShUa]

I'd say get the flash right now. A tripod is going to limit you to what you can shoot, how fast.

[ed rader]

I am currently trying to decide between buying a new tripod (my first REAL tripod, as opposed to the cheapo Sunpak one I use now) or a Speedlite 430 ex flash. What would be a good starter model for a tripod? I'm looking at various Bogen models, are there other brands in the same range? I know I will probably see more use and greater benefit from the flash, so that will more than likely be what I get first, but I'm just curious.


that's like asking if you should buy a loaf of bread or a pair of shoes :D.

ed rader

[Rey.dos]

get the flash first...

[dima1109]

Put it this way: a flash won't light up a landscape, and a tripod won't freeze a running child.

It all of course depends on your shooting preferences, but like someone said earlier, a flash and a cheap tripod is better than no flash and a good tripod.