Telephoto Lens or external flash?

[manwez]

Quick painless question/poll...if you had a body and 55ml lens, and could buy ONE piece of equipment to add to it, would you buy a telephot lens or an external flash? And why, if you do'nt mind. Hubby is taking me shopping tonight and its one or the other!

[LoveDSLR]

Flash in my case because my DSLR does not have a built-in flash. Otherwise, I will get a telephoto lens.

[disappearingmist]

I have found my telephoto lens to be amazing for shooting wildlife and other things in the distance. I don't have an external flash yet, so I can't be a good judge of how essential it is (though I hear it is very essential!)

[Woody]

Hello up on the Gold Coast,

It depends on what photos you like to take. I have both an external flash and a 70/300 lens for my 450D. I use both about the same amount. Indoors, family gatherings functions etc the flash is indispensable. I also take a lot of outdoor shots including surfing and other sports and my long lens is also a treat. Tell him to buy you both.

Cheers,

John W

[manwez]

Thanks for the input! I'll end up with both evenutally, its just which do I want first? Think I'm going to go with the telephoto lens. I generally like to do a lot of portraits and outdoors stuff.

John I like your thinking Can you pls talk to my husband?

[Woody]

Only if you talk to my wife

[sunithshyam]

If you are doing a lot of portraits, I would suggest an external flash. You can add a lot to your portraits using a simple off camera setup... my fav photographer, Zack Arias uses this technique for amazing effects...
Zack Arias - Atlanta Music Photographer

Check out the strobist website too for details...