What next???...Please Advise!!

[jacobiteboy]

Hi purchased my first camera last month and decided to fork out for a Canon 50D with an ef-s 18-200mm lens.

So far i'm loving it and am using it at any given opportunity but I have already started to think about what to add next and was hoping for some feedback on what the best / sensible option is...I have two trips planned to Venice and Paris soon and wanted to be best prepared kit wise

Do I first add..

A tripod..which is a good buy?
Flashgun 580 EX?
or more lenses have looked at the canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L as I love shooting people and streetlife (is this the best option?!?...)

Any other suggestions?

Any advise please..

[PhotosGuy]

A tripod..which is a good buy? Everyone should own at least one. The best buy is one that you'll take with you. A heavy one might be steadier, but if it's sitting at home, then it's useless & not the best buy? ;)
This Tiltall (http://www.plumeltd.com/tiltall.htm)is not a big, heavy tripod, but one that I've had for 40 years & it has held up well. I have others, & while it's not as fast to set up as others, it's the one I keep in my trunk & use the most. I used to do a lot of travel for PJ work & it's the only one that went with me then, too.
Others will give you other opinions.
have looked at the canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L as I love shooting people and streetlife It's a nice lens, but your 18-200mm has you covered for daytime shots. Think about a faster lens, like the 50mm f/1.4, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 to use at night.

[KCMO Al]

My shooting style would require something wider than you have, but that's me.
Carrying a full-size tripod can be a pain. I purchased a Gorilla pod and carry it with me all the time. It's definitely a compromise since it's only about a foot tall, but you can usually find something higher (table, bench, etc.) to set it on.
As you may know, Venice has very narrow pedestrian lanes so you'll be in tight quarters. Paris is more open but some parts of town are tight as well. That's why I recommend something wider than you have.

[jacobiteboy]

Thanks for the advise, appriciated..I will look into it and see where it takes me!

This is probably a dumb question but if the streets are narrow why a wide lens?!

So a 50mm lens for night shots?

Any thoughts on the flash gun, although I do think I'll go for the tripod first

Thanks again

[neilwood32]

Thanks for the advise, appriciated..I will look into it and see where it takes me!

This is probably a dumb question but if the streets are narrow why a wide lens?! Sometimes its not about just taking a shot of the width of the street, other compositions might be better.

So a 50mm lens for night shots?

Any thoughts on the flash gun, although I do think I'll go for the tripod first Sigma 500 Super for the flash, its pretty much all the flash you will ever need unless you go to multiple flashes

Thanks again

Definately go for the tripod - it is worth carrying the weight for the effects it can have on a photo. A 1 min exposure (to blur people out or to smooth motion) without a tripod? No chance.