I'm heading to London for X-mas/New Years and want to make sure I make the most of the trip from a photography point of view. The problem, of course, is limited funds. The two items currently under consideration are a 430EX flash or the 50mm f1.8 II prime lens. Which one (only one) would you suggest getting for this trip.

I currently have a 30D w/ 17-40 f4 and 70-200 f4. I have taken a few shots with the 17-40 where the lens hoods casts a shadow with the built-in flash, so that does factor in to the decision. But there will also be a lot of night shots of the city where the fast lens would come in handy.

Thoughts?

 

have you considered a tripod?

 

Yes, but it's going to be pretty cold and we'll be moving around a lot, so I don't plan on standing in one place for too long. Also, I have heard that many places don't allow tripods (indoors) and was considering a monopod. I actually have a cheapo tripod that I used over Thanksgiving weekend that I might bring. Nothing fancy, but it does have a quick release

Still, for this trip, it will most likely be one of the above mentioned items.

 

Flash, hands down. Get it well before your trip though so you can practice a little before you go. It's quite a bit different than shooting with the built-in flash.

 

A 430EX was the best purchase of my gear. You can tell a huge difference with a larger flash over the camera's.

 

Even though I probably can't use it in museums, castles, etc. and with all the night time city-scapes?

 

There isn't one item you could buy that would be ideal for all of your shooting conditions.

To me, it sounds like a tripod would be the best option. There are many times when even the fastest prime isn't fast enough. The 50mm f/1.8 is really too long for cityscapes. The 17-40 on a tripod would be the best bet. If you're worried about lugging a big tripod around, get a small table top tripod that you can set up on a bench, planter, or garbage can to get the shot. You just need to be a little creative.

A flash would be very useful for indoor shots where you're allowed to use it.

 

If you plan on doing nighttime cityscapes, you'll definitely need a sturdy tripod. The flash is a must-have accessory as well, as has been pointed out. Sounds like you need both based on the type of shooting you'll be doing.

 

Damn, after reading this I really want to go get a flash now. I already did my annual "merry Christmas to me" gift though so the flash is going to have to wait a bit.

 

How about a monopod....

 

Yeah, the camera and lenses were supposed to cover a couple of years worth of gifts, but there's always something else to get.

Thanks for all the input. I'll give it a little more thought and decide in the next couple of days.

 

Not for night photos.

The only time I ever use one is for motorsports.

 

Yeah, I was thinking for wildlife down the road, but even with the "feet" it wouldn't be stable enough for outdoor/night photos.

 

So, how fast does the 430EX eat through batteries? I'm debating about getting rechargable batteries or just using regulars - especially for the trip since the quick charger is rather large/heavy and I'd probably want 2-3 sets of batteries ($40-50 for charger and batteries). It would be much easier to just bring 4-6 sets of regular AA batteries ($8-12). It's going to be cold, so the batteries will probably drain a bit faster than usual.

 

I've never tried alkaline AA's but I can get between 200 and 400 flashes (depending on power) with 2400mAh rechargables.

 

dude, rechargeable ftw. I have 4 sets of 2500's and they rock - charger was $30, 4-pack was $7 or something. Get 3-4 sets, charge em before your trip, and fuggedaboutit.

 

Okay. I'm guessing going with any of the major brands would be fine?

 

I have to recommend Energizer

 

my thoughts exactly, best thing for a trip

 

I went to England last year and walked around day and night with only my D100 and my 24mm 2.8. Nothing else. I think I used the built in flash maybe once. But I think it depends on what you want to focus your photography on that will help make your decision.

When I flew over I bought my body, 4 lenses, a tripod, and 2 light meters. But I only used the body and the 24mm. I really wish i had a 12-24DX zoom. But the 24 did me just fine.

I posted the pics at the beginning of the year. If you want a link let me know.

 

I decided to get (and just ordered) the 430EX and the 50 f/1.8. The only reason I added the 50 was because they just dropped the price again - so it was $70.

I also ordered a cheap diffuser and picked up some rechargable batteries over the weekend for the flash.

I'll keep my eyes open for a small tripod. Aside from the bulk and weight, the idea of handling metal in the freezing cold doesn't sound too appealing And although carbon tripods are nice, they'll definitely have to wait for my bank account to catch up to my spending habits.

Either you guys are really persuasive, or I'm just weak minded and easily manipulated

 

Great choice. I also ordered the 50 f/1.8. My account is running low as well. So far I have the XT, kit lens, 50 f/1.8, and Lowepro SlingShot 100 AW. Next on my list is the 430EX then the BG-E3 grip.

I am starting to realize what I got myself into, my account took a big hit with these purchases but I am having a lot of fun learning