which do you suggest?

[joshuasky]

I'm currently shooting with a Nikon D3000 and I am finally comfortable enough that i'm ready for some more serious equipment than my current tripod/remote haha. And the fact that I am most often shooting in slightly lower-light conditions I am in between either the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens which supposedly takes good photos in low-light situations and the SB-600 speedlight which I'm afraid might have to severe of an effect.

If anyone has comments/suggestions on either product thay would be greatly appreciated!
-Joshua Sky ( Flickr: Joshua Sky's Photostream )

[yrot.tory]

the lens seems fine from the nikon site, it says lightweight, perfect for low-light conditions, and some other stuff, yeah thats fine. but the speed light, i would not suggest a nikon. i tested a nikon speed light, and a metz speed light, the results were that the nikon picture came out a bit harsher looking with the lights, and the metz one came out softer, and better in comparison with the nikon.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by yrot.tory

i would not suggest a nikon. i tested a nikon speed light, and a metz speed light, the results were that the nikon picture came out a bit harsher looking with the lights, and the metz one came out softer, and better in comparison with the nikon.

I'd say that you tested wrong. There are also other factors that apply here, other than the supposed "harshness" of the light.

@joshuasky: The 35mm f/1.8 is likely to be your best bet, either way. It'll help in low light and in getting shallow depth of field for portraits.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

I've got both, the SB-600 and the 35mm f1.8 and I'll tell you straight up. I almost never use the SB-600. It's good for what it does, but it's not as useful as a "first prime" is. I've learned so much in terms of composition (and patience) with the prime. With the exception of that wickedly rare time when I want the wide end of the 18-55mm kit or the long end of the 55-200 tele-zoom, it's the only lens I use. Day in and day out. I love it.

And lest I walk away without having view-whored a bit, here's all my flickr uploads using that lens:35mm �/1.8 - a set on Flickr

[Shokinen]

I would say it depends on what you are planning to shot the most. I have both as well and I'm using my 35mm mostly when I want a nice blurry background (bokeh).

My brother plays in a band and the SB600 is the one that served me the most in that situation. They move too fast and f1.8 is way to narrow. If you learn how to play with bounces and learn how to work with RAW files, a good flash can be really fun as well.

Almond is right, the 35mm did also help me with my composition and yes hehehe my patience