lens, flash or tripod?

The_TailGunner · 19 May 2010 at 12:01

hey all

i have saved up a couple of hundred euros and its time for spendies

problem is, im not sure what to get!

i currently own:

1000d (with authentic battle damage)
canon 18-55 non-is
sigma 70-300 dg apo
cheapo 3-section tripod with a video head and a quick release
lowepro compudaypack bag

i usually do outdoor photography- landscapes, birds, achitecture, urban/street.

I tend to avoind indoor photography because the on-camera flash is lame. I was looking at the Sunpak PZ42X (€179)

my tripod is kind of short (im a shade over 6' tall) without using the centre column (which i dont use), and is a real cheap and cheerful jobbie. It does the job ok (i have taken some decent, sharp 30s night exposures using it), but it could do with replacing with a decent one at some point. I was looking at the SLIK Pro 500DX AMT (€149) because it's decently tall and looks like a quality piece of kit.

for a lens, I was considering the canon 28-135 or 28-105 (second hand!). the 105 looks good as its very inexpensive (can be had for about £100 on tp forums) and recieves good reviews (im aware that i need to be careful not to get the older version, and to buy the 28-105 USM II).

what do you all think?

cheers!

TG

bigsharn · 19 May 2010 at 13:37

50mm f/1.4 is a nice lens if you can get hold of one, or a 35mm would shoot landscapes and streets brilliantly.

The_TailGunner · 19 May 2010 at 15:02

agreed, both are decent lenses, but the idea of the 28-105 etc is that it would be nice to have a decent walkabout lens that covers most situations.

When I photograph, I tend to just go for a walk with my camera and my eyes open. I could be photographing anything from buildings to birds, and have been known to sit and read til it gets dark because i think a spot will make for a decent night shot.

if i were to get the 28-105 i could probably afford a second hand nifty fifty as well

Im still not decided on getting a lens yet though - i have that focal length covered and maybe the money could be put to better use. im really not sure what to get at this point.

my question still stands- lens, tripod or flash?

swinnie · 19 May 2010 at 15:31

I'd go with what is limiting you the most. By the sounds of it it's the tripod or flash gun.

Stupot_ · 19 May 2010 at 15:35

I think flash too.

Get a 430ex mk1 off ebay for £130 or so. Then, get a cheapo ebay wireless kit, or an ebay off camera cord. Lots of fun to experiment with and will open up decent portraiture, macro (maybe pick up a reversing ring for a couple of quid?) and add something different to street photography.

Phate · 19 May 2010 at 15:37

Flash! Flash!

I had my equipment about a year and a half before I bought a flash....can't believe how much it changed the way I shoot!

Incase you didn't heat me.....FLASH

The_TailGunner · 19 May 2010 at 15:43

hi phate.

im not sure what you mean, could you clarify?

Phate · 19 May 2010 at 15:48

The_TailGunner said:
hi phate.

im not sure what you mean, could you clarify?

FLASH!!!!

Better?

Stupot_ · 19 May 2010 at 15:52

I think he wants to see your... bits.

The_TailGunner · 20 May 2010 at 08:19

Phate said:
FLASH!!!!

AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! saved every one of us!!! doo doo do do!

The_TailGunner · 20 May 2010 at 08:28

Stupot_ said:
I think he wants to see your... bits.

who doesnt?

i think ive settled on getting a flash. maybe due to phate's subtle subliminal messages...

anyone have any experience with yongnuo flashguns? they seem remarkably inexpensive (less than £70 for the canon fit ettl jobbie. i would likely add a wireless trigger set to that for some off camera tomfoolery). YongNuo-YN467-YN-467-TTL looks reasonable?

TG

bigredshark · 20 May 2010 at 08:40

On the other hand I bought a SB800 years ago and have hardly used the damn thing at all, I don't tend to use my SLR for indoor shots much and I don't take the sort of outdoor shot which need fill in flash much (or more accurately I can't be bothered to shoot the sort of shots which need it)