Going strobist or buying new glass

[spencer28n]

Hey all,

So the holidays are upon which means money. Which means new photo gear. In anticipation, I've been doing research and a lot of thinking. Buy my first speedlite/strobist set up or buy a 100mm macro.

The Strobist Bug
Basically, I've gone through the motions of learning about flash without actually having one. Read Strobist consistently, went to a Joe McNally lighting seminar, and researched the different gear associated with flash. I would most likely go with a 430ex2 with a custom extended TTL cord. Then a Zumbrella (Westcott softbox diffusion on an umbrella) with a generic light stand.
There's an amazing amount of different things you can do with off camera flash, as I'm sure everyone here knows.

The Glass
The (Canon) 100mm 2.8 Macro. I salivate. Considering the only two other lenses I have right now are the 50 1.8 and a Sigma 18-50 2.8, the 100 would be a super addition. It's tack sharp for portraits as well as macro work, and I need a longer focal length. Although new it's about $700USD, it can be found used for about $500, a stretch but possible.

I've spoken to other photographers I know and it's a mix up, so I want to hear your voice. Which would you do and why? It'd be great to hear some opinions even if I have to make the decision in the end.

TIA
Spencer

[SusanH1970]

During the fall I had the same decision to make - I ended up going with an Alien Bee setup as well as a 580EX II. The reason? So I could work indoors without having to rely on perfect natural window light.

You've already got some pretty decent lenses for portrait work, so my advice would be to go with the lighting (also because you've been reading up and attended the workshop, so you're not going into it cluelessly!).

Strobist.

I'd also recommend bumping up to the 580exII. I own both, and the 580exII is more powerful (good for bouncing off walls and ceilings) and the buttons are easier to press (seems dumb, but it's true).

Glass is nice, but adding an off-camera flash opens up a whole new world.

[zona5101]

depends on what you like to shoot...but lighting gear is always handy...

[RustySterling]

Not only do your needs for flash/glass depend on what you want to shoot, but how you want to shoot it.

I've become a real fan of the Dean Collins school of light. And you would be absolutely amazed at what he could do with one light and a couple of modifiers.

Also don't forget that photo is Greek for light and graph is Greek for drawing. So essentially, photography means drawing with light. What that says is that light is essential to photography.

All that said, get a good strobe unit. It will serve you well once you learn the many ways you can use it -- off-camera and on-camera.

I'm glad I have the glass I have but I'm finding that the strobes in my bag are becoming as essential as the glass I have. If you can't light the photo/subject properly the glass does you no good.

Oh, and if you can go there, get the 580EX II as your first speedlight. You will never regret it.

[PnwGuy]

No question, get the 580EXII. For all the reasons stated above.

[spencer28n]

Thanks for the tips. I'll defintely go for the 580. Thinking about getting this TTL cord that came across the strobist blog a few days ago. Then a light stand and zumbrella if there's any money left.

[RustySterling]

Highly recommended. I have the same cord, love it and when it is needed I'm very glad to have it. And I agree about the zumbrella. I'm definitely going to get one myself. For location work it really looks handy.