External flashes

[Southpaw]

So my dad has said he'll get me something for my camera for Christmas, as long as I show him exactly what I want lol.

I don't know if I want a new lens, or an external flash. Right now I just have two lenses, an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. I rarely use the 18-55, most of my pictures are of Juno running around outside, and she's never that close to me lol. So I was looking into 70-300mm lenses, just for a little more zoom.

And then I start looking into flashes but I don't know much about them. Would a flash make any difference if I'm out in the backyard taking pics of Juno?? Or are they really more beneficial for indoor photos? I don't shoot much indoors, but maybe I would if I had something better than a crappy built-in flash. They just look like they'd be fun to play around with...

Halp? Whatever I don't get for Christmas I'll probably just impulsively buy for myself later on, but ya know... I'd like some solid suggestions.

 

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

If I were you, I'd go with the 70-300mm lens. I used to be the same way with Holly, always outdoor pictures of her running around, and I also have the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm lenses. However, I now hardly ever use the 55-200mm lens because Chloe doesn't ever stray far from my side. And I also take a lot more indoor pictures. If it were me, of course, I'd want the external flash, but for you, I'd go with the lens. Especially since you may buy the other later anyway.

 

[Michiyo-Fir]

A flash rarely helps with pictures outside, especially with subjects that move a lot.

With a flash, the fastest shutter speed you can use will be 1/200, not good enough for action shots.

I would probably go for a 55-300mm lens and sell the 55-200. It's just easier not to carry so many lenses. Plus I assume distortion is not a huge problem with you since you don't do a lot of building or landscape shots?

 

[InLimbo87]

It sounds like you're looking for reach at the moment, and then the 70 - 300 would be the best choice. An external flash is a great tool, but I would recommend doing some research before you jump into buying as to how they are used and what situations they are beneficial. You may find you won't use it much, especially if you don't understand it.