Need help with a semi big decision.

[tropikal]

I need your advice guys in this decision. I finally got around to hide and save money to invest back in to the company. Ok, I can either buy a much needed lens which will be a Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD or, a CowboyStudio 2 Photography Flash Strobe Studio Lighting kit.

There both in the ball park of being under $125 each.

The reason I need the Tamron is because I find it extra hard to shoot those pesky weddings I've been doing lately without struggling not to get to close to the subjects. And I'm kinda interested in macro and nature shooting on the side and thought this would be a great inexpensive tool. As of now, I only have and use the 18-55mm lens kit.

On the other hand, I'm really excited about getting around to studing and working with a strobe kit. I've read so much about strobists that I'd love to set up a mini studio and practice and learn about remotes and directional strobe lighting and offer studio shots and not just on location settings. I've been using available light (natural or fluorescent) but it's not always bright and sunny in my Miami. The kit comes complete with a wireless remote shutter button!

s/n. I got a 43" 5-in-1 Light Mulit Collapsible Reflector coming in Wednesday.

Help?

[zona5101]

Do you have an external flash now? Like a SB900 or ex580? More money but more functional. Do you have a 50f1.8? About the same money and more functional. Although it's always fun to get new gear, I don't see the point in getting subpar equipment for your business...

[tropikal]

Thank you Zona5101

I'm not too familiar with the 50f1.8 or how that would work for me right now. 90% percent of my sessions are outside and that's why I thinking of the telephoto lens or the light kit for possible dusk/night pictures or an indoor session. I rather get these inexpensive gear for now, work and learn them and then move on to better gear later.

[zona5101]

Given your currently working 90% outdoors and only have the 18-55 then if I could only pick the lens or the lights, I would choose the lens. Not only does it allow you to "pull" things in closer. The longer focal length changes perspective, produces compression and provides a shallower depth of field.

[tropikal]

Thank you zona5101

Perfect. lol, that's 1 more point for the lens.

[AdrenoJunkie]

I agree with Zona about going with the lens. If you have a reflector flashes aren't really necessary outdoors. Besides, the light kit you're looking at appears to be AC power, so unless you plan on also purchasing battery packs it's useless outside anyway. Not to mention 45ws is weak for studio strobes. If you want something you can use outside then get an external flash. You can get a Yongnuo for around $60 or a Lumpro for around $120. And if you wanna splurge then go for the mack daddy flash and get a 580EXII. Those things are awesome.

[Shokinen]

Hey Tropikal,

There is a very interesting post right on the main page:
10 Techniques for Amazing Portraits
Section 4 has some very nice examples of what you can do with a fill flash so even if you shoot outside, it can be very cool.

If you read a lot on strobist, they tell you to learn how to light before spending on expensive glass so +1 on the flash hehehe.

But ! You don't need an ex580 to create artificial life. External flash are just convenient and easy to carry/use. I've seen people doing wonderfull shots with lights they took from their place.

A 50mm f/1.8 is probably the cheapest way to get bokeh in your pictures (blurry background) and that cannot be reprodused with stuff you grab from your place hehe. Of course photophop has some filters you can use but it's not the same.

Food for though

[tropikal]

Thanks to AdrenoJunkie and Shokinen for the info.
U guys are def making my decision much easier.