Batt Grip or Ext Flash - Which do I buy first?

[andreboy]

I'm new to photography and on a tight budget, so I buy my gear one at a time. appreciate your advise as to what i should purchase first, a battery grip or an external flash?

Thanks in advance.

[Drkranger]

Depends on what you're shooting. If it's sports and action, an external flash is mostly useless, whereas a battery grip would be very beneficial. If you're shooting portraits, reverse the above.

[acedrew]

External flash and 2-4 sets of rechargeable batteries, the battery grip is convenient, but the flash will open up a whole new world of photography for you. I have had my 50D for almost a year now, and I still don't have a grip, but I do have some really nice glass, and a 580EXII speedlite.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter | Login | Facebook

[spencer28n]

Originally Posted by acedrew

External flash and 2-4 sets of rechargeable batteries, the battery grip is convenient, but the flash will open up a whole new world of photography for you. I have had my 50D for almost a year now, and I still don't have a grip, but I do have some really nice glass, and a 580EXII speedlite.

Andrew Rodgers

+1
Battery grip is more for ergonomics than anything else. Buying a flash will expose you (no pun intended) to a whole different world of photography. Take a look at Strobist as a beginners guide to flash if you're interested.

Spencer

[LoveDSLR]

A grip is an optional accessory while a flash is essential.

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

A grip is an optional accessory while a flash is essential.

+1 - couldn't agree with you more LoveDSLR

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

true that. even a generic flash is good. i work at a camera shop. have the best all around me, get discounts, yet i still bought the generic "cheap" one. and it works fine =]* considering getting a cheap one if your realy tight for cash, then a grip wont be too much further off.

[Quo Fan]

I bought not 1, but 2 flashes before I bought my grip.

[Bluenoser]

A flash is not necessarily essential. Like Drkranger said, it depends on what you are shooting. I bought my grip long before purchasing a flash. I spend a lot of time outdoors in the wilderness, all weather. In winter having the grip was invaluable since it holds two sets of batteries. Carry a couple extra batteries and you're set. The flash would have been useless, not essential, in my case.

[Daoust]

Interesting perspectives, folks. Great question!

I just wish camera accessories weren't so darned expensive. I can't get a new Speedlight 580 for less than $500, and that's just too pricey, for me, anyway.