What to get? Flash gun or a new lens?

wingo

wingo

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Hi guys,

Right I've been getting an itch for some new camera gear but not sure which route to take so hoping you guys can help. I currently have a 40D with a 67mm Sigma 18-50 f2.8, Canon 50mm f1.8 and a Sigma 10-20mm (which I'm going to sell soon) and I'm not sure whether to purchase a 85mm f1.8 or a flashgun (something like a 430 MKII).

The type of photography I do is mostly candid portraits and some urban street photography. I also been playing with the idea of perhaps buying a Nikon or Pentax (135mm f2.8 K fit) and get a mount for it as I shoot using manual focus anyways. What do you guys think I should get?

Cheers.
 
85mm f/1.8 is very nice lens for 40D but it may need calibration to make the most of it shooting over longer distances. 1 series focus much better. Flashgun is another must have. Maybe get 430EX mk1 second hand (there is nothing that special in mk2) and save for the lens.
 
Cheers for the reply. Didn't realise there is such a problem with the 85mm f1.8, got a source for that as I'm quite interested to see why. How much should I be looking to spend on a mk1 430ex? Whats the difference between the mk1 and 2? The recharge time?
 
For candid portraits the 85mm is probably going to be a lot more stealthy than a flash gun. It is a cracking lens too.
 
wingo said:
Cheers for the reply. Didn't realise there is such a problem with the 85mm f1.8, got a source for that as I'm quite interested to see why. How much should I be looking to spend on a mk1 430ex? Whats the difference between the mk1 and 2? The recharge time?
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Your 40D may be fine with some luck. The problem is Canon doesn't test semi pro models for use with ultra wide apertures, they are mostly concerned with f/4-5.6 range. The problem only really shows up shooting wide open, and others may just treat it as lens 'softness'. This applies to all fast primes.

430Ex should be 140+ on ebay (more than I paid for mine new 2 years ago!).
 
Thanks for the response.
Hmm decisions decisions! So the 50mm f1.8 I have will have the same problem?
The prices are getting ridiculous aren't they, 8 or so months ago I've seen 85mm f1.8 go 2nd hand for £180-190, no chance of that now!
 
daugirdas said:
Your 40D may be fine with some luck. The problem is Canon doesn't test semi pro models for use with ultra wide apertures, they are mostly concerned with f/4-5.6 range. The problem only really shows up shooting wide open, and others may just treat it as lens 'softness'. This applies to all fast primes.

430Ex should be 140+ on ebay (more than I paid for mine new 2 years ago!).
Click to expand...

I would also like to see a source for this information.
 
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