grip or flash??

Just upgraded from the XTi to the 40d and now I need some advice.
Should my next addition be a grip or a 430ex flash?

Which would be the best to do first?

My 430EX opened up a whole new world to me when I first got it. The grip on a XTI just made it feel "normal" like that's how it was supposed to be in the first place. The ergonomics and weight of the 40D are so much better than a gripped/ungripped XTI that I think you could go without a grip for a while.

Yep, when I got my 430ex, I didn't know why I didn't purchase it first. It made indoor picture taking 11000000000000000 times easier!!

Flash, opens up new things to do with your photos.

Grip really is just convenience, it does not add any new functionality that can effect your pictures.

Get the grip if you want everybody to think you have a 1D and don't like charging your batteries between shoots. I've never seen the need for the grip. I have two batteries and have never drained one of them on a shoot.

Flash, definitely.

Grips are a luxury at best.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Now, is there really a big difference between the 430ex and the 430ex II. Would the 430ex be ok to use?

the 430ex should be fine.

msowsun wrote in post #6386067
here are the improvements of the 430EX II over the 430EX:

1) Metal Hotshoe
2) Quick release mechanism
3) Silent recycle
4) Faster recycle
5) FEC adjusted in 1/3 stop increments
6) Nine Custom Functions (vs 6 on 430EX)
7) In-camera Flash Menu with Digic III or IV Cameras
(40D, 50D, 1D III, XSi, XS, G9, G10 etc.)

Also might look at the 420ex if on a budget, I picked up a 420ex for quite cheap and it works wonderfully for my needs (mostly used as bounce flash on my 30D).

puttick wrote in post #930632
Having replaced my 420EX with a 430EX, and knowing that there are probably others who are considering the same, here are my observations:

1. Very slightly smaller
2. GN essentially the same (43 vs 42)
3. Bounce/swivel the same, but controlled by just one button
4. Faster recycling
5. Controls via LCD menu - a huge improvement over the 420ex
6. FEC on flashgun - another huge improvement. This alone would make the 430ex a good buy for someone with a 300d/Rebel
7. Manual flash control from 1/1 to 1/64 power - very useful indeed
8. Zoom head now linked to crop factor, so better compatibility with APS-C sensor cameras (less waste of light)
9. Wide angle diffuser panel built into head (like the 580), when flipped down covers 14mm
10. A much nicer carry case
11. Automatic setting of camera WB for flash

Altogether, this is a significant improvement over the 420ex, well worth the extra if you are choosing between the two, and IMO well worth the upgrade if you already have a 420ex.

Nigel

+1 for the 430EX, Flash really opens up a new world of photography...

Flash for sure!!! You can go on without a grip but without flash and proper lighting your going to be very limited.

The grip won't give you better image quality. The flash will - especially when compared to the worthless onboard flash.

J.

Yes, the flash first. The grip has a use, but not in all circumstances. When I shot sport it was Indispensible. Since I not longer shoot fast action sports I do not have a grip.

why is it indispensible when you shoot sport???

because you shoot in portrait mode and there are an extra set of shutter controls.

j.