Hard Decision

[Camo 757]

I just got my 20D and 28-135 and was going to buy one more thing before I call it quits for a few months and was undecided on getting a new lens (sub $700) or 580EX

I take a lot of family pics and want to do portraits of everyone. On the other hand I get very excited about shooting landscapes and wildlife local to my area.

It's dumb question but if someone has an idea of the order I should go in I would appreciate it?

[bauerman]

I would get the flash and maybe a 50mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4 as an inexpensive portrait lens. I think that would be a great combo for the rest of your money - for now.

[condyk]

It's a hard decision and you can only answer yourself by identifying what you want to shoot in priority order ... at least roughly!

Wildlife and landscapes need different lens as they use different extremes of range. The 28-135 is not great indoors and so maybe a flash might help, other than the camera built in unit. The 50mm II will help indoors without necessarily needed and external flash, though might be nice too, that will leave cash for a zoom or wide angle lens. The 50mm is very cheap but VERY good.

Maybe a wide if you want prtraits of EVERYONE, ie lots of people in rows type thing. Check out Tamron and Tokina as they have some good but less expensive wide options. There is a post about wides on the forum today! I gave a large cross section of options at different prices ... not just super expensive!

Zoom ... I still say 400mm minimum for wildlife and birds. Some seem to think the Canon 70-200 F4L is suitable, but I don't ... way too short and yes I had one. The subject will end up small and image heavily cropped unless they're at the zoo! Good lens though.

Shame you bought the Canon IS as the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 might have been better indoors for family shots and out and about, but it is a decent all rounder.

[EricKonieczny]

for sure get the flash,

but you may want to get some accessories like the BG-E2 grip and extra battery, and lens cleaner and or sensor cleaning kit.

As for the lenses, it really dpends on what subject matter.

[Bruce Watson]

Consider the Sigma 500 series flash, they work with Canon ETTL2 and are much cheaper.

I have 2, using them with wireless setup, they perform very well.

[Medic1]

The flash is a must if your planning on doing some good family portraits (especially indoor).

Your going to need a decent telephoto if you want to shoot wildlife. Depending on the size of what you want to take pictures of.....anywhere up to 400mm or higher

[cfcRebel]

I agree with condyk. People normally use certain lenses for family pics and portraits that are not suitable for wildlife. If your top priority is family pics, then you should get a good lens for that unless you have enough fund for both type of lenses.

[Camo 757]

Just picked up the 580EX, it's huge!!!! that manual is ridiculous.....

thanks for the input, love camera shops that open early...