Need Help Spending $

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

I have about $150 in Adorama gift cards/certificates and it's burning a hole in my pocket. I'm looking for some advice on how to spend it. Here is a rundown of what I own:

• gripped XSi
• wireless remote
• 50 1.4 (no hood)
• 24-105
• 10-22 (no hood)
• 70-200
• Manfrotto grip tripod head (no tripod)
• cheap light tripod with attached pan-tilt head (came with an old video camera)
• Crumpler 7 MDH
• Lowepro Fastpack 350
• rocket blower
• lens pen and cleaning cloth
• various UV and CPL filters (need a ND filter for waterfall shots)

I was thinking of finally picking up a nice tripod, but I don't want to spend a ton. I'd really like something relatively compact that I can hike with. I also don't have a flash, but I was thinking about waiting on the 430EX II. My focus/interest is mostly outdoor landscape photog, and I use my 50 1.4 indoors, but I know I could use a flash. I also have a trip to Italy lined up this October and could use this opportunity to further prepare for that.

Should I drop $100 on a 6- or 10-stop ND filter? Should I put the $150 towards a carbon fiber tripod or a 430EX flash? Should I pick up a E-1 hand strap? Maybe hood for my 10-22?

What would you do?

[TheHoff]

ND filter is pretty useless without a tripod, IMO.

A good hiking tripod for $150 isn't in the cards unless you're going to add cash to the deal.

A handstrap is nice as is a hood but neither will make a huge difference in your images.

Of all the choices, I'd say a flash is the right way to go. Though considering your interest, a tripod may be a good choice, too. It depends on your definition of "good hiking tripod" in terms of stability, weight, and price, as to whether it is in your budget.

[SYS]

Assuming that you'll be taking thousands of photos while traveling in Italy, you'd need to think about a portable storage plan -- unless you already have something... And some extra cards and batteries...

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

I have about 10 GB worth of SD cards. I really am torn between flash and tripod. I know I will be getting both eventually. As for the ND filters, I already have a cheap tripod, but I know I need something better.

I've been eyeing Adorama's Flashpoint CF tripod ($170), the Slik 613 CF tripod ($210), and some of the Bogen-Manfrotto aluminum tripods. I'm looking for a good value, something I can hike with, but something that will not be too shaky.

[Jon]

I have the Slik 613CF for travel; It's nice, it's light, but it's short. If this is going to be your only tripod, I'd look for something bigger.

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

I don't mind that it might be short. That would actually make it smaller and lighter to pack and carry. As long as it holds my gear steady to take pictures.

[Bryman]

That's a tough choice between flash and tripod. I think I would go with the flash since you already have a cheap tripod.

But on the other hand, you have a built in flash on your XSi.

I guess it boils down to your shooting style. I would personally feel more prepared for a trip to Italy if I had a tripod. So I vote tripod, final answer

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

Bryman, thanks for the input, but I don't think I'm any closer after your response. Seems your as indecisive as me.

In any case, I did pull the trigger and purchased the Slik 614 CF tripod. I guess I'll have to ask Santa for my flash. The handstrap is probably unnecessary. The filters I can get from HVStar.com and the hood for the 10-22 will come in time. Thanks to all.

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by imtrashed

Bryman, thanks for the input, but I don't think I'm any closer after your response. Seems your as indecisive as me.

In any case, I did pull the trigger and purchased the Slik 614 CF tripod. I guess I'll have to ask Santa for my flash. The handstrap is probably unnecessary. The filters I can get from HVStar.com and the hood for the 10-22 will come in time. Thanks to all.

i just sold my slik 614. it is a great travel tripod that i took to africa. i used it with the manfrotto 484 head and with center column removed it weighed 2 lbs.

ed rader

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

Thanks for the endorsement and reassurance. I have the Manfrotto 322RC2 grip head, but I think it might be a bit big/bulky/heavy to travel with, so I was thinking of getting that ball head. The 484RC2 with quick release plate probably makes sense for an extra $15 (over the 484), right?