Lens or flash gun for Chrimbo

philstanbridge · 10 Nov 2012 at 17:23

I've got a D7000 and a 50mm 1.8G which I use for portraits but I'm after a more general purpose lens now, primarily for landscapes. Either that or a Nikon Speedlight. Budget around £300 tops. I don't know much about lenses but I'd like something as sharp as possible within my budget. But then I may benefit more initially from an external flash. What do you guys think?

Any recommendations?

Columbo · 10 Nov 2012 at 17:29

For £300 I'd say its possible to do both if you are will to go into the used market.

An 18-105mm is an extremely good general purpose lens and can be had used for around the £140 and then maybe checkout a 2nd hand SB600 which should see out the remaining part of your budget.

Dj_Jestar · 10 Nov 2012 at 18:06

The 35mm 1.8G DX is under £140. Possibly the most general purpose focal length you can get, and it's a lovely lens (I am told, as I don't own one yet!)

As for flash gun, I recently bought a Nissin DI-866 Mk2 flash gun and I think it is excellent. It is a serious rival to the SB9xx series but is about 2/3 of the price.

If you're doing portraits, you need a flash. The flash will also be extremely useful for macro.

theheyes · 10 Nov 2012 at 18:12

If you don't know much about what you want from a lens then I would wait until you do.

In the meantime I'd go with the flash (and a book about flash photography). An extension tube in your stocking would be a riot over Christmas.