flash or lens..which one to buy first

i have a tight budget my money is can buy one of the two for now..a flash or the 85mm f1.8.. which one to get first....

more info needed... what do you shoot?

I'm a little confused...according to your signature, you've got the 18-55 and 50mm. Although the 85mm f1.8 is a great, sharp lens, the added 'reach' of the 85mm won't be very significant over the 50 or 55 end of the zoom. So, why are you looking at the 85? For reach 'differential', I'd probably go for the 100mm, if you're looking to go with a prime.

I'd also consider selling the 18-55 and replacing it with the EF-S 18-135 f3.5-5.6 IS. That was once my favorite 'do all' lens (I've since upgraded to "L" lenses) and has a great zoom range with minimal obvious distortion (barrel distortion, largely). It's shortcoming was indoors without a flash. But you've got that covered with the 50mmm f1.8.

As mentioned above, 'what do you shoot?'.

If you're doing mostly indoor work, then a flash would definitely be #1 priority. A used Canon 580EX mark I or mark II would be a fantastic all-around flash for a long time to come. While the 440EX would probably suffice, I've always gone with the big brothers as I never know when I'll need the extra lumens. The 580s can also act as a master unit if, in the future, you opt for additional flash capabilities.

For outdoor work, like I said, I really liked the 18-135. The 55-250 would also be a good choice if you're looking for some added telephoto that 'fits' nicely with your 18-55.

I shoot mainly portraits....85mm is way better that the 50mm...i want to do some creative staff....of camera flash those thing

bryjosh9385 wrote in post #15630804
I shoot mainly portraits....85mm is way better that the 50mm...i want to do some creative staff....of camera flash those thing

agreed about the 85/1.8 - it is a MUCH better lens then the 50/1.8. While I think a flash is essential for any photographer to have, you can do a lot of portraiture without one. Personally, I would look toward the 85 and sell the 50 to fund buying a used 430EX.

85mm used to be considered the perfect FL for portraits on 35mm. I think it's a little tight on crop.

The Yongnuo flash units are pretty good - I use one alongside my 430EX - and the newer ones work with the wireless trigger on the 600D. Might be worth going for this cheaper option if you're at the experimental stage.

At normal subject distances and apertures, there isn't too much difference between the 430EX and 580EX (GNs 43 and 58 respectively) but the wireless control flexibility of the 580EX is worth having if you ever buy a body without wireless or internal flash.

I was in a similar boat and ended up buying a 580EXII on sale. The 430EXII is selling very cheap at the moment and I think you can also use it wireless with the 600D. Lots of fun.

you might also consider getting a reflector for lighting portraits, such as a 2 sided light gold/white one. it requires an assistant, but it's very useful for soft lighting

JohnB57 wrote in post #15630824
85mm used to be considered the perfect FL for portraits on 35mm. I think it's a little tight on crop.

The Yongnuo flash units are pretty good - I use one alongside my 430EX - and the newer ones work with the wireless trigger on the 600D. Might be worth going for this cheaper option if you're at the experimental stage.

At normal subject distances and apertures, there isn't too much difference between the 430EX and 580EX (GNs 43 and 58 respectively) but the wireless control flexibility of the 580EX is worth having if you ever buy a body without wireless or internal flash.

Have to respectfully disagree - I prefer 135+ for portraiture on full frame, and the 85 on a crop gives an angle of view equivalent to 135mm.

As for getting a 580: it is true that it can be a master, but in order for it to be meaningful you need another flash to act as slave - and the 430 fits that bill. In a tight budget, I would suggest getting the 430 now and later on if you need to have a flash as master THEN get a 580 to trigger the 430.

In the meantime, the 430EXII could be triggered by the camera's integrated speedlite thingy.

timbop wrote in post #15630837
Have to respectfully disagree - I prefer 135+ for portraiture on full frame, and the 85 on a crop gives an angle of view equivalent to 135mm.

As for getting a 580: it is true that it can be a master, but in order for it to be meaningful you need another flash to act as slave - and the 430 fits that bill. In a tight budget, I would suggest getting the 430 now and later on if you need to have a flash as master THEN get a 580 to trigger the 430.

Hi. 85mm on crop is a little tight for me, given the space I have. It wasn't a black/white comment! Looking back at my best portraits, the best crop ones were taken at or around 50mm, so that kind of bears out my own needs and preferences.

Equally, on the 580EX, I was only offering the advice based on my own experience that it may offer future flexibility with a second cheaper unit.

The best advice merely explains all options based on personal experience, don't you think?

No question about it.. indoor portrait photography will benefit the most from a flash over another lens at the moment. You can take some great portraits with the lenses you have right now and a good flash. I love my YN-468 flash that only cost me $99.00.

Here is an amateur shot with the kit lens you have and the YN-468 flash. I bounced the flash off of the white ceiling to fill the room with light.:

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JohnB57 wrote in post #15630922
Hi. 85mm on crop is a little tight for me, given the space I have. It wasn't a black/white comment! Looking back at my best portraits, the best crop ones were taken at or around 50mm, so that kind of bears out my own needs and preferences.

Equally, on the 580EX, I was only offering the advice based on my own experience that it may offer future flexibility with a second cheaper unit.

The best advice merely explains all options based on personal experience, don't you think?

Yes, so I was giving counterpoints to your points

And now for a windowlight portrait at 100mm on 7d:
http://www.facebook.co​m …5577795999&type​=3&theater

Having another 1.8 lens will give you a little more compression but it won't improve the quality of your light.

Light is what photography is all about so I would upgrade my lighting first if I was doing portraits. I use my 50 1.8 for portraits a lot on my crop bodies. The FL on a crop is good for 1/2 body and up, even 3/4. Constant light can be an inexpensive option to improve your lighting for portraits if you don't want to spend a lot.

With out reading all the reply's and know your specifics, I can say since I went off camera on flash, it has opened up so much more creative outlets for me. Instead of more lenses I bought another flash and now wireless triggers to get me more flexibility with the flashes. And Yes Flash will help outside and in bright light too!
So my vote for you is FLASH