Can't decide: Lens or Speedlite?

[Pickletickle]

Right now I'm trying to figure out what makes more sense to get. I'm currently leaning on getting the 580 EX II, but I am considering on getting a decent zoom or wide angle lens.
Here's the million dollar question that I know everyone wants to know:
"What am I shooting / want to shoot and when?"

Right now I'm leaning more towards photojournalism-esque pictures. I've done enough portraits and events to recognize the usefulness of an external flash, but I also want to build my glass collection. I was looking at the 70-200 4L for a while now (also since I have no zooms other than my 18-55 kit lens). Love to get a wide angle, but I'm not really sure what to get since the these fancy schmancy L lenses are not exactly in my price range (with the exception of the lens I mentioned above). I've been researching up and down the past few days and I have no idea which one I should get.


I do happen to do some low light shooting once in a while, but not very often. I'm also using a cropped body, if that helps anyone.

Suggestions would be great. What makes sense to get first, a new lens or a flash?

[RichardTaylor]

In what way is the camera/lens you have now stopping you from capturing the images you want?

Ie:
Do you need more reach, if so how much reach and in what lighting conditions and for what subjects?
Are you finding you do not have enough working room?
Are you finding you do not have enough light to capture images?
Do you want to add light or have the ability to capture images in available light, possibly hand holding?

You may need to prioritise.
Down the track you may find you have a few general purpose lenses and a few spe******ed lenses. It is just a matter of in which order you purchase them.

From personal experience, as an amateur;
For covering events (like citizenship ceremonies, parades, festivals etc etc, in good light I use a standard zoom for (24-105 on a full frame body) for the general scenes/groups and a 70-200 F4 L on a 40D for the "head shots) if I a have a commitment to an organisation to get some shots or a 135 F2 L if I am shooting for myself.
If the event is in low light, and a flash can't be used. I will be using fast (F2) primes on two bodies at the very least (35 F2 on the 5D & 135 F2 L on the 40D)
The above combinations could double up for a lot of photo journalism and low hand held available light shooting.

For a wide angle on a crop body the only real alternative is an ultra wide zoom. I own a Tokina 12-24 F4 and I am happy with it. It doesn't see a lot of use, only when I am in tight spaces or I am shooting in crowds, and sometimes for landscape.. There are possible better alternatives around in the 10/12-22/24 range now.

I also own some long tele zooms for wildlife and motor sport.

For me a flash would be my first choice if it will be a while before you purchase another lens. It can give you a lot of flexibility in your photography.