$400 burning a hole in my pocket..What should i get??

[earlyriser]

I currently have the D200 with the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens and a tripod. Now, i have $400 bucks and im wondering what yall would suggest i buy. Im thinking of the sb-800 or a new lens but i dont know which one or even if i can get one at this price. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

[riteflyt]

I would invest in the flash.... 400 wont buy much of a lens at least nothing better than what you have.

But hey what do I know???

[Jake]

You could get a nice fast prime, like the 50mm or the 85mm.
But I would get the flash if you don't have one yet......

[boxofrocks]

either:

A) SB800

B) Sell your kit lens, add a few more bucks, and buy the 18-200 VR.

[CaptainTom]

Either the SB800

or


a nose bleed seat at Sundays Mavs game.

[edwarda]

I'd get a flash, but not the Nikon. i'd get to Sigmas instead that way main and fill flash with the fill being wireless. Try sigma4less that is where I got mine and no I'm not connected to them. I still haven't purchased my 2nd flash yet.

Edward

[Spec A!]

I just bought the 85mm f1.8 :) If you do any low light or portrait work you may want to seriously consider getting the same (or a 50).

Which is more important? Flash or Glass? How about a 50mm f1.8 and a nice tripod (if you don't have one) or and SB600?

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by edwarda

I'd get a flash, but not the Nikon. i'd get to Sigmas instead that way main and fill flash with the fill being wireless. Try sigma4less that is where I got mine and no I'm not connected to them. I still haven't purchased my 2nd flash yet.

Edward

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying , but I've never heard anyone recommend anything over the SB800.

Care to expand on that a little?

[edwarda]

I have not tried the SB800, but the "Sigma EF-500 DG Super NA i-TTL" works great and cost $189 less shipping. It has a lot of features along with the ability to be a master or slave (at least the Canon version can). Just thinking with $400 you get two and for $40 more get two Sof-ten diffusers. I sure either wil do fine just thinking what I would do with an extra $400.

Edward

[hhscr]

Sb800 will slave or master also, it is a grest match for the D200.

[AndrewCCM]

SB800 would be my choice and a 50mm F1.8. Should be able to get both for around $400...

[JohnRushing]

I'd make a donation to the "Help a poor East Texan with a camera equipment spending problem foundation" (namely me! ) and use that as a tax write off!!

Or buy a good flash. If the D200's built in flash is anything like the 20D then it's almost worthless. After getting my 580ex I would never even consider using the built in flash.

Another option is get a really good camera bag to protect that high $$$ investment if you don't already have one. Be sure and get a big one because once the buying bug hits you you'll need the extra room!

[CincoJoe]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

SB800 would be my choice and a 50mm F1.8. Should be able to get both for around $400...

I second that...you should be able to find both for $400.

[ndsimm]

if you haven't already made your choice, go with the SB800 - I have two and before I got my second one, I got the Sigma flash and while it was nice, it didn't really provide the light output that the SB800 does. in addition, the SB comes with a much needed diffuser that you would have to pay extra for with the Sigma...

[shutterflypro]

I have a Sigma 24-70 2.8 that I will part with for $375.00