Tripod or Flash?

[Brendan7]

Hi all,


I recently bought a long-awaited 300 f/4 for use with my 7D for wildlife photography.


Next on my short list: Flash OR Tripod.


I am wanting a flash (580 EX II + better beamer) to eliminate shadows and add contrast to my wildlife photography and for general use with my 24-105. (duh!)


I have also looked at Gitzo tripod legs and good ballheads.





As of now, I can only afford the flash package OR tripod package.


I am a relative noob and don't know which to prioritize.


For the others who do bird photography here, which of these two (flash, tripod) would be a higher priority? Note: the tripod package is about $500 more expensive.





thanks for all your help ! []


brendan

[ddt0725]

Hi Brendan!


I just bought myself a 300 f/4 and was facing the same exact question this week...flash or tripod? The flash won and I should have the 580 EX II in a few days [].


So of course, take one off the list put one on the list ...abetter general purposelens or tripod? My budget is forcing meto look at more of the "gently used" merchandise for awhile.


Does it ever end?? [:P]


Denise


P.S. I hope you are enjoying your new lens as much as I am! []

[Brendan7]

Does it ever end?? [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

It seems like we both have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)

abetter general purposelens or tripod?

tripod

I hope you are enjoying your new lens as much as I am! [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

thanks! probably more, though![H]

[ddt0725]

Maybe Bryan should start a 12-step program for us on this site!



Hi, my name is Denise and I suffer from GAS! [:P]


Anyway, I chose the flash over the tripod figuring what goodis a tripod if my photos are lacking a great deal from the internal flash I've been using. For me, the tripod could wait until the ice & snow melt in Wisconsin and I do more outdoor shooting in the spring but yes, it is definitely next on my list.


Even though I didn't practice what I preach ...maybe you should go with the 430 which is also really nice and put the cash saved toward your future tripod.


Denise

[travis]

I'd buy a monopod and a 1.4 tele converter.


The monopod will do the trick and will allow you to go in places a tripod wont allow you to go plus the 300mm f4 has IS.


The canon1.4 tele converter will give you a 420mm 5.6 IS lens and will give you that xtra reach for your wildlife photography.

[SupraSonic]

Flash

[Sean Setters]

Honestly, I use my flashes a heck of a lot more than I use my tripod... ;-)