New Lens or New Flash?

I'm going to do a little shopping next week, and wanted to get some opinions.

I'm looking at either getting the 50mm f/1.4 or an external flash. I only have the onboard flash, and I gave away the 50mm f/1.8 to my sister-in-law.

The flash is a Promaster somethin'-or-other (forget the model; looked at it only briefly). It has ETTL, which I would want in a flash. My dilemma is that, right now, I don't know that I would use either the flash or the lens on a regular basis.

When I shoot concerts, I normally use the 70-200mm f/2.8L. I also never use flash when I shoot concerts. However, after shooting a wedding last weekend, with a rented 580EX, I can certainly see the benefit of having one of those.

I figure the lens would be about $300.00-$350.00, and the flash would be about $200.00. I'd also want a cord to use the flash off-camera, assuming I opt for the flash.

I can certainly see the benefits of having either, but neither of them would get a great deal of use. I don't like using flash, and I have the 50mm focal length covered with the Sigma 17-70mm (a great lens, by the way). Still, I file it under the heading of "nice to have it when you need it".

So, assuming I don't go off on some unforeseen tangent and decide to buy something completely different, which would you recommend, and why?

Muchos grassyass...

If I had to give up either my 50 1.4 or 430ex the 50mm would be out the door. I don't like using a flash as a main source of light but I think using a flash for fill light is invaluable. You could always pick up a 430ex and the 50 1.8 for about the same price as a 50 1.4, it's never easy deciding what toys to buy.

I would recommend flash if shooting concerts outdoor when the subjects are in midday sun light. I'm actually thinking upgrading my 420EX to something because of that. But I guess you might not photograph outdoor concerts.

I have redundant primes in my bag because f2.8 just isn't fast enough for some concert situations I face. IS can help, but when the shutter times are around 1/20 - 1/30 seconds, the performers' motion blur is hard to control for me.

Well, it's a tough choice, as you already "have" both (50mm focal length and a flash, that is).
I like my external flash because in house parties I can just point it at the ceiling (if the ceilining's white and there are other reflective surfaces), put my camera on manual mode and fire away (I don't care if the lighting is a bit undramatic, since I don't want to concentrate on photography all that much at those times). I also need a (more) powerful flash unit for fill light in general outdoor photography (also, 5D does not have a pop-up flash, but that's not relevant in this context).
I like my 50/1.4 because of the amount of light it passes to the censor (in concerts) and because of the creative opportunities f1.4 provides me in the field of "creative" or "artsy" photography (here is an example gallery, all photos taken at f1.4, hand held after sunset)

I'd go with the flash since you have the 50mm range covered. Yes having a fast 50mm would be nice vs a slower zoom that covers a 50mm. But having a good flash may do more for your needs now.

I'd buy a good flash like the Sigma 500 or the Canon 430EX.

If it were Promaster or no-name flash versus a 50 f/1.4, I'd get the 50. But if it were a 430EX or a 580EX, I'd get the flash over the lens.

I would go with the flash (wait, I already did ) My advise is to stick with the Canon SpeedLites, preferably the 430 or 580. I'd recommend the 430EX as you can always add an ST-E2 or 580EX later for off-camera or multi flash work and the 430 will be compatible.

Would the Sigma 500 be a good alternative? I imagine it wouldbe a tad less expensive, although I don't know by how much.

What's a Sigma 500 goin' for these days?

From your gear you list I'd say opt for a flash. It may not be something that you use very often but not having it means rental if you need it.

As far as Sigma goes I've heard the build quality compared to Canon is not very good. However, they are quite abit cheaper and would be a good alternative if budget requires.

As for me I went with a Canon 430 and now I wished I'd got the 580 and will most likely get one when the funds are available. It's not the power/guide number so much as some of the other features that I'd like to have now, strobiscopic function for one, not required for most images put something added to the 'magic bag'o tricks'.

A flash will always be handy to have in the bag Steve.

You could also consider getting a nice used 550EX.

---- Gavin

A rough description of Sigma 500 Super:
- Costs about as much as Canon 430EX
- Has about the same features as Canon 580EX (very close, if I've understood correctly)
- Has more power than 430EX and less power than 580EX (rather obvious)
- Has a somewhat flimsier construction compared to 580EX
- Doesn't work as a part of a wireless E-TTL -setup (works manually wirelessly) - but other than that, there seem to be no other compatibility issues.

I've been thinking of upgrading my 420EX to that. See fredmiranda.com for user reviews.

I would go with a 430EX or the 580EX. I have a 580EX and do not use it very often but am sure glad I have it for when I need it.

Steve I feel your pain. About a month ago I was planning on what my next purchase would be. I have been wanting to change out a few lenses but also get the grip for my XT and a flash. I wanted the flash unit for indoor shooting and outdoor fill. My mind was made up when a POTN member offered up some goodies for sale. I have never been more pleased. The 430EX I got has helped me create shots that a fast prime wouldn't have got me because of DOF. I am still learning about flash photography but otherwise it produces amazing results. Take the plunge on the flash. I know you just recently picked up your first non-Canon product but for the flash I would stick with Canon.

Ideally you want/need both. However, you have the 28mm f/1.8 and that's [Sortof] "normal". You also have the 85mm for the "portrait". If I were in your shoes I'd be thinking flash. It'll open up a lot more opportunities than filling in the prime gap, IMHO.

I had the Sigma Super and it was fine...but I ended up selling it to upgrade to the 580EX. If you can swing the 580EX, then it's well worth it. It sounds to me like you could, since you're also considering a lens that's around the same cost.

Oh, I can definitely swing the flash.

I'm leaning towards the flash. I was considering the 50mm f/1.4 not because I "need" it, but because it's a great lens, and I just gave away my f/1.8 verison. I've got the focal length covered.

When I shot my first (and last, thankyouverymuch) wedding on July 2, I definitely saw the benefit of having the flash. I rented a 580 and, even though I didn't really have a clue as to what the Hell I was doing with it, things turned out well.

It's always nice to have new glass but, in this case, I think I need to go with the flash...