Confused on what to get next (Lens or Flash)

Rafiki

Rafiki

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Name
Bhav
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Hi all,

I've got a Nikon D90 with the standard 18-105mm (3.5-5.6) lens. I bought a
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D and I'm very pleased with the results of both the lenses. However I've now got a choice of getting one of the following:

1) Nikon SB-600 flash (used)
2) Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.8 G DX Lens
3) Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Di II LD Nikon AF Zoom Lens

I've selected the two lenses as they would be perfect for indoor use as I don't like using flash for my indoor shots.

Maybe getting the flash would be a new avenue for me to explore...

However I'm quite confused on what to get next.
Any suggestions/guidance?

Thanks
 
As you already have the nifty fifty then get the flash as why would you want a 35mm & 50mm when you can have either one & a flash :shrug:
 
+1 for flash,it makes the difference between being able to take a shot and not being able to, its streets ahead of the onboard flash.. also get a diffuser of some kind for it, I use a little lumiquest soft box myself..
 
Definitely the flash first as it opens up a lot of opportunities. Also since you've got the 50mm, learn to use it before spending on another 35mm.
 
Although not a Nikon user, I was going for a 580 flash speedlite, settled for the 430exII + 50mm f/1.8II for the same price, glad I did.
 
At the risk of sounding boring... FLASH!

I noticed a HUGE difference when I started using a sb400/600 rather than the onboard one.
 
In terms of lenses, the obvious gap is in the super-wide area, like 10-20mm-ish. But since you haven't mentioned that i guess it's not high on your priority list.

In which case, IMHO the flash will do far more to expand your photography than anything else you've listed. It will make your existing picture taking much better, and also open up a whole new area.

You have to learn to use it properly though. Get this book, Joe Mcnally's Hot Shoe Diaries for a whole dose of inspiration and an entertaining read http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hot-Shoe-Di...ations/dp/0321580141/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top It's a great book for anyone, but he also happens to use Nikon.

I would respectfully suggest that the reason you don't like flash is because you have only seen it used badly. There's even a fair chance that some pictures that you've seen and admired have actually been taken with flash, by someone skilled that you have not noticed as flash. Flash is a fantastically creative tool, and a lot of it can be done pretty much automatically with iTTL control. Loads of cheap accessories available :thumbs:
 
Thanks everyone...
Guess the flash gun is the equipment I'll get and use it.
And then later on get the Tamron fast lens to use without flash. Guess the 35mm would not be needed then if I get the fast zoom lens.

HoppyUK,
Just been looking at the book you mentioned on Google Books and it's a good one.
 
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