Grip & flash or lens?

Hey,

Not as yet decided on a lens, so methinks (treating myself for christmas) rather than buy potentially the wrong glass, would it be better to buy the 430EX or 500DG Super and the BG-EN grip to beef up the body a bit (admittedly a little small in my hands) until I've come to a decision on the glass?

Was thinking of the Tamron 17-50

L

430EX and a 50mm f/1.8

If you go the grip route make sure you get the right one. You mentioned the BG-EN (which I don't think exists), the xxD-series can use the BG-E2n (or BG-E2), the 400D uses the BG-E3 which is about half the price of the BG-E2n.

I understand the benefits of a grip but it will not improve your pictures
just make it feel like youve got a 'bigger' one
id say flash or glass for sure

elader wrote in post #4301824
430EX and a 50mm f/1.8

I second this. Grip is a luxury you can live without in the meantime.

I got a grip when I bought two spare batteries (aftermarket, non Canon) for my 350d - never use it... Only benefit I can see of my grip is that it allows standard alkaline abtteries to be used in an emergency. But I expect the day I need that then I won't have it with me.

Go for Flash or Glass.

While the grip is useful, I think other than the actual camera this is my most used piece of camera gear its not as important as a flash or lens. If you don't already have a flash, I would suggest this first, lots of things you can do with a good flash.

Tamron 17-50 is a fine lens. A flash on a bracket is a good idea too. Both is even better. I don't see the benefit of a grip, other than the battery advantage (mentioned above) and the vertical shutter release. However, if you prefer ambient light photography, fast primes would be the way to go.

I vote for the grip. Ive seen them sell used for $60. Also look at the opteka grips I loved mine on the 20d. I'd probably have one now on my xti if it didn't come with the canon model.

I had a gripped 300d then a gripped 20d. When I switched to the xti, i found it terribly tiny. I can't hold it comfortably without a grip.

For flash options, The 420ex is a great flash often available in the $120 range used, and the 550ex around $200-250.

Cheers

flash and lens

Grip is nice to have but as others mention, it wont do much to improve a photo you take.
A flash and especially a good lens is what will do that. If it were me, and I shoot mostly outdoors ... YMMV, I'd skip the grip & flash and get good glass if the budget is tight. On the other hand, if you shoot mostly indoors than a flash is a must.

Sooo ... 1) Glass, 2) Flash, 3)Grip

I already have a Soligor automatic flash, but am getting a bit flustered with the thing. If it wasn't the 17-50 it'd be the 50 1.8 hands down.

True, I can live without the grip. I just can't figure which'd be the most useful, the 17-50 or the 50 itself.

L

What sort of photos do you take, then work back from there.

cheers
Ali

this is where it gets complicated lol. I'm loving cityscapes atm, but hanker after something wider for people shots, but again, that could change if I move and have more space.

L

17-50. forget the grip in the meantime. try to squeeze out the money for the 430ex too. im trying.