Having trouble deciding..

[ethan_chan]

I'm stuck between what way to go. Right now I have a Canon XSI w/kit lens, 50mm f/1.8. I know that I definitely

need more range than the 55mm I have right now. I am into generally most types of photography, wide-angle

cityscapes, close up portraits, and sports/nature photography. I think that I need a telephoto for sports and nature.

 

Should I get.

 

EF-S 55-250mm IS (250$-ish)

Canon 430exII/580exII external flash (300-400$)

 

or

 

EF 70-200mm f/4L (450$, give or take)

 

I know that the built in flash with the XSI is quite limited, but I can't decide whether to get the external

flash, or the nicer telephoto lens.

[wujuice]

Ethan, take a look a this recent thread:

<p>

http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00QgOZ

[ethan_chan]

Yeah Justin, I checked out that thread earlier =P. It seems that the 55-250, is a good value for the money, but I have a limited budget..so I was wondering what would be a better addition to my setup.

[neil_fraser1]

If it was me, I would buy the 70-200 f/4L and wait a while until you can afford to buy the flashgun. If you are just starting

photography then you probably already have enough on your plate learning about using your camera. Flash photography -

or rather flash photography that doesn't look terrible - is a whole new can of worms. Just be careful if you do buy the 70-

200 though, Lcoholism can wreck lives...

[john_g10]

I suggest to spend a little more than the 55-250mm. 70-200mm is a beautiful lens.

[mark_pierlot]

My FD 80-200/4 L has produced some of my most gorgeous images. If the EF 70-200/4 L is in any way comparable (and I have no reason to believe that it isn't), I wouldn't hesitate.

[alan_green4]

with an add-on flash unit like the 430 you generally get the same type of image, just more flash output. while you can tilt the flash head, add diffusers, etc, to soften or improve the image it's basically the same type of image as your on-board flash can produce. easiest way to improve pix with the built-in flash (if you haven't already done this) is to dial in about -1 2/3 stops flash exposure compensation, and use flash only to fill shadows not as a main light. this will help balance the ambient light level with flash output.

 

getting (good) images with strobes is not easy and often requires quite a bit of equipment. would go for the 70-200 for now, and save flash photography for down the road. it's a great lens

[chris.sager]

The lens and flash hands down. There is no replacement for bounce flash. The 55-250 is great, and an excellent value IMHO. I liked my 70-200F4L quite a bit, and although its image quality is a bit better, the effective 3 stop IS and reasonable optical quality make the 55-250 the perfect choice on a limited budget.

[mark from thailand]

I'm with Neil. I love my 70-200 f4/L but ... it did set off my serious Lcoholism & now I ONLY have L lenses & even I can tell

the difference.

[henrik_lauridsen]

Also, take a look at this thread - http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00EHlL . The 70-300 f4-5.6 IS might be an alternative to the 70-200. The price is the same, but you get some extra reach. I am saving up to get a replacement for my EF 55-200 f/4.5-5.6 II USM myself, and have a hard time deciding between the two.

[scott_thompson17]

In rresponse to Henrik's post about the 70-300 IS lens, I do have it, works extremely well for outdoors with dayligght, but is horrible for indoor/lowlight shooting, even at ISO 1600. I have it on the XSi body.

 

Myself, I am now saving for the 70-200 F2.8 IS.

[casey145]

Go for the Quality Glass. 70-200 f4/L. you'll change bodies a few times before you swap this one out.

 

 

It will pay dividents in the long run.