Howdy all,
I've been in to photography for some time now, and my ever-expanding collection of equipment is begging for a new neighbor. Currently, my 90-percent-of-the-time set up is a 28-85mm 3.5-4.5 nikkor and a D7000. Currently, I'm debating whether to get a new lens or a speedlight.
My main interest is landscape photography; however, I also do various other styles depending on where I am. For example, when I travel I enjoy architectural photography. Still life in my backyard and general neighborhood during the spring is especially interesting to me as well. I live in California (the Central Valley to be specific), so Yosemite and beaches and so on are typical scenes for me. Additionally, I do a lot of photography for special family events.
Since I like landscapes, I do enjoy my 28mm widest focal length, but sometimes I find even that to be somewhat restrictive. I would very much like to be able to utilize an ultrawide. Currently, the lens that I would buy is a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. I'd love to have the f/2.8 aperture as well as the focal range. I've heard/read/seen very good things about it and would buy it in a heartbeat (if I could afford it right now, that is).
On the other hand, I am looking at acquiring an SB-700 speedlight. I would consider buying an SB-600, but since they've been discontinued the prices have gone up, so it's a gnat's fanny of a difference to me between the two price-wise. I can think of a million uses for a decent speedlight, first and foremost being the family gathering photography and extending into creative outdoor photography, or even silhouette photography. It's another (admittedly completely different from wide landscapes) creative style that I also would like to experience.
Naturally, a price difference comes in to play here, as the speedlight is right around $320 US and the Tokina is about $600ish (I could get it from Adorama for 600 even, no tax or shipping). I could afford the speedlight right now if I made that choice. However, with a couple more months of saving I could achieve the 600 beans necessary for the lens. Waiting isn't really a problem for me since I saved for over a year for my D7000.
If you have any questions or if I was vague in my OP, please say so and I'll do my best to explain.
I vote for a new lens. I think you should get something like a 35 1.8 though, its a better all-rounder (even though it's not as wide as you'd like). Our own [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/latircoleetti/]Latircole[/url] shoots almost exclusively with it.
Lenses take priority over everything, IMO. 2.8 and up are limiting apertures and a speedlite won't give you DOF options or illuminate an entire mountain.
Speedlites give you control over the dynamics of a contained amount of light, while lenses change the dynamics of how its captured, which is vastly more important.
It seems like you don't really need the speedlight considering what you're into, but you would probably really enjoy a new lens.
I had the same problem as you, Quad. But I guess I'll go for a new lens too.
alrighty. I'm going to get both eventually anyway, but I suppose I'll get the lens first.
[editline]31st March 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=bopie;28906283]I vote for a new lens. I think you should get something like a 35 1.8 though, its a better all-rounder (even though it's not as wide as you'd like). Our own [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/latircoleetti/]Latircole[/url] shoots almost exclusively with it.
Lenses take priority over everything, IMO. 2.8 and up are limiting apertures and a speedlite won't give you DOF options or illuminate an entire mountain.
Speedlites give you control over the dynamics of a contained amount of light, while lenses change the dynamics of how its captured, which is vastly more important.[/QUOTE]
the f/1.8 would be nice, and I do plan on getting the 35mm 1.8 later on. personally I'm currently after the field of view more than depth of field, though, and my 28-85mm technically covers 35mm. I might be traveling this summer (well, more than usual) and I'd really love to be able to capture cathedral ceilings and so on. your suggestion is a very valid one though, and i'll get the 35 soonish.
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