Flash or lens (what should i get?)

13 years 7 months ago #2593 by mr_flakey
Help me, I can't decide on what to buy?! I'm looking for some thoughts from the educated/informed/experienced masses...

I've got about a few bucks to spare in my Paypal account that I can spend. I've recently got a Canon 5D MII with 24-105 lens.

I can't decide whether to get a flash (580sppedlite EXs2), or a lens (50mm f/1.4) next. I enjoy taking photos at social events, indoors, with poor lighting.

I've never been a fan of results with the on-camera flash on my 400D, so tended to use a 50mm 1.8 lens a lot (but that lens is now broken). Since getting the 5D2 I've been experimenting with an old flash that I'd picked up along the way, and have been a lot more pleased with the results (particularly where I can bounce the flash off something) - so I may be coming round to flash photography (although I'm still concious of using the flash when taking photos canidly...

Given the choice, which would you get?

I've actually got a social event tomorrow evening in London, so any recommendations on where I could get one of the above in Central London (I have a couple of hours spare during the day) at a comparable price to what I'd pay online?


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13 years 7 months ago #2595 by ManiLibrodo
Given that you like shooting indoor with poor lighting condition, 580EX2 is much better than getting a prime lens.


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13 years 7 months ago #2598 by Normanlaresto
Tough decision man, just keep in mind that your flash is only good for 6-8 meters. Flash = small groups, lens = bigger venues
:)


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13 years 7 months ago #2610 by ratesh123
I'm not sure if I'm qualified to answer this as I can't really say that I'm educated/informed/experienced when it comses to photography. but I do own a 580EX2 and it's excellent!

Assuming you're able to use flash at the events you attend, I agree with Vince. Buy a 580EX2 now and pick up a 50 F1.8 when you have around 100 bucks or a 50 F1.4 when you have a few more to spare you can get both.


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13 years 7 months ago #2633 by flyingv
I would go with a lens.


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13 years 7 months ago #2787 by darknight5
I'd say lens, sense you're shooting people and indoors. You dont wanna blind em! ;)


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13 years 7 months ago #2815 by Game Plan
I'd get the lens, worse case scenario you at least have the stock flash on the camera till you get a different one.


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13 years 7 months ago #2869 by ladyluck
I would go with the lens you will get a lot of use out of it right now.


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