Advice needed.....Another one!

Hi all,

I am having a issue. I have my first child due in 8 weeks or so and am wanting to obviously take as many photos as I can. I am also moving into taking more people shots, portraits and group shots. I am considering adding a lens with better low light capabilities...or should I be getting a flash. My current considerations are Sigma 30 1.4, EF-S 60 2.8 macro or a 430 EX.

What does evey one think?

Budget is somewhat limited so I can probably only convince the treasurer to let me have 1

I would go with an external flash. The built in is nice but very limited and even diffused, it's harsh. An external you can diffuse, bounce off the ceiling or a wall, set the power as conditions demand and more. It will be of more use indoors right off the bat and you wont be limited to shooting in locations where light is available, even for a lens with a larger aperature.

You may even want to consider refurb or previously owned flashed. Most major on-line retialers carry both and will definately please the "treasurer".
I purchased a refurb 430 from Adorama and I love it. Happy hunting!

Cheers,

I will now start hunting for a 430...still like the 30 1.4 though. Might brush up on my negotiation skills!

Buy the flash.

red snapper wrote in post #8476989
Hi all,

I am having a issue. I have my first child due in 8 weeks or so and am wanting to obviously take as many photos as I can. I am also moving into taking more people shots, portraits and group shots. I am considering adding a lens with better low light capabilities...or should I be getting a flash. My current considerations are Sigma 30 1.4, EF-S 60 2.8 macro or a 430 EX.

What does evey one think?

Budget is somewhat limited so I can probably only convince the treasurer to let me have 1

Tell me, does your first born have a college fund already?

Borrow some of it, get a 5D II, 35 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.2

....Its not like he or she will notice for another 18 years...

In all seriousness, id go with the flash, more versatile

Absolutely get a flash. The lenses you have should cover every situation.

I agree completely with the others. If you can only afford one, get the flash. It will make more of a difference in all of your photography.

I'll chime in for the flash, too.

That way you can kick your lens decision down the road and get what you really want/need and not let the current situation dictate what you get.

+1 for flash

After you've purchased the flash, and have some money left over after diapers and formula, buy what you need to get it off the camera - light stand, bracket, umbrella or softbox (depending on funds) and Ettl sync cable. Will improve your pictures way more than another lens.

hahaa another flash vote... for kids indoors its a must - and you can get great shots of new bubs with your flash bounced around with some added window light... like this - single flash and an omni diffuser...

AND BY THE WAY get your portrait style shots fast.. i was a bit slow and maaaan at 6wks our new bub is heaps bigger and no so new born!!!!

Flash.

+1 For flash...

Had my child 9 months ago.. actually ended up using my 50 1.4 a ton with natural light and no flash (50d)!!!!

Ummm............, I am guessing I should get the flash. thanks for the advice all