What to add to D90, lens or flash?

[CharmCityRob]

So I just got received a $250 bonus i wasn't expected and plan to use it for something for my D90 but the question is what?

I have been planning to add either a 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 and eventually a flash. I really want a lens that can do well in low light and is good for indoor photos as I have a baby coming soon but I also want a flash. I was not happy at all with the photos from xmas at my in-laws house where it is wood paneled and has very limit indirect sun.

The $250 would allow me to buy either of the lenses or an SB-600, in your opinion, what should I be looking to add first?

[inkista]

I'm a fast-prime geek, so I'd say the 35/1.8 or 50/1.8.

For me, both of these are "basic" buys--things you will definitely want to have in your kit. But I would put the lens before the flash if you're still new to SLR photography and aren't yet comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. Flash photography exposure is more complex than available light photography. To me, available light photography is like juggling three balls (iso, aperture, shutter speed), while flash photography is like juggling five (iso, aperture, shutter speed, power, distance). Possibly while standing on one foot (shutter speed limits and different effects on ambient vs. flash).

A fast wide prime will teach you more about aperture than nearly any other piece of equipment. And it can do marvelous things for your composition skills when composition simply boils down to "where do I stand?"

If, however, you are comfortable shooting in Manual and raring to go on Strobist techniques, though, then the SB-600 may be the stronger buy--especially since it will work with every lens you own.

[OsmosisStudios]

With a baby on the way: the 35 or 50mm. Likely the former.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

I've got both- the SB600 and the 35 f/1.8.

Definitely go for the lens. Until you've really loooked into lighting in photography- and I don't mean just bouncing off the ceiling- the flash isn't going to help you as much. The 35 does have a bit of barrel distortion, but its a really quick (read: 45 seconds) fix in PS.

Since you have the D90 and it'll autofocus with the 50 and the 35, I'll say go for the 50. It's cheaper and arguably better, but there is the chance that it may be a bit too long (IMHO, I don't think it'd be too long if you're shooting a newborn.)

[GadgetRick]

My solution--get both.

You can pick up the 50mm f1.8 for about $100 (I just got one from Adorama refurbished by Nikon) and you can buy a Nikon SB-600 (excellent flash) for right around $200 (bought mine from Unique Photo).

Just have to save a few bucks and you're all set.

[kirbinster]

I agree get both - go to the used market. You can get the lens for about $80 and the flash for around $150 - $160.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

I agree get both - go to the used market. You can get the lens for about $80 and the flash for around $150 - $160.

Even more better.

[SarahN]

As one who has a D90 and has shot with all 3 of those things in very low light situations, I would say go with the lenses. If you do a lot of indoor shots, the 35mm is a better choice than the 50mm, which can be a bit too tight for getting shots of people indoor.

Used, you could get both the 50mm and the 35mm, which I think would be a good choice.

[Omar]

Originally Posted by CharmCityRob

So I just got received a $250 bonus i wasn't expected and plan to use it for something for my D90 but the question is what?

I have been planning to add either a 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 and eventually a flash. I really want a lens that can do well in low light and is good for indoor photos as I have a baby coming soon but I also want a flash. I was not happy at all with the photos from xmas at my in-laws house where it is wood paneled and has very limit indirect sun.

The $250 would allow me to buy either of the lenses or an SB-600, in your opinion, what should I be looking to add first?

I spent my money on the SB600. A faster lens will get you maybe 2 stops more capability than a kit lens which helps, but won't solve all low light problems. I use the sB600 and bounce the flash off the ceiling for almost all my interior family photography. The bounce solves all the problems of red eye, flat featured faces and dark backgrounds. I've been very pleased with the results.

[Rockapotamus]

Get the Nikon 1.8f 35mm. Perfect for low light and indoors....although I prefer a bit wider. I personally would get the sigma 30mm 1.4f but thats out of budget.

50mm on a crop sensor really isnt that good for indoors....you'll end up taking more head shots...more for portrait photography.

I use a 35mm 1.8f and its pretty much all I use now besides my wide angle zoom (im a wide angle junkie). I got rid of my kit lens. Thats only because im rarely in a situation that needs zoom. I can just crop pictures in photoshop for the few instances. You'll also like the 35mm 1.8f to take more dramatic pictures with more bokeh. phew....those baby pictures with the 1.8 would be very nice!

For a cheap flash thats pretty effect indoors use the Gary Fong Puffer popup. It attaches to your hot shoe and diffuses the light. Not perfect but a damn good alternative.


Nikkor 35mm 1.8f - $199
Gary Fong Puffer popup flash - $20
Dinner with family - $30

vola!

more info of the puffer flash and a youtube video and where to buy!

PUFFER - Pop-Up Flash Diffuser

BTW I have a D90 and this is one of my setups and I feel it takes pretty good pictures indoors without spending the $$$. But theres no alternative for good pictures. you will eventually need a good flash. Just for $20 it can be a pinch in your overall budget...and I imagine it being more portable too.