Fast Prime Lens or SB600 Flash???

I know this has been discussed and debated many times but I want to get some opinions of FChatters before I decide. For a long time now I've been set on purchasing the new Nikkor 35mm 1.8 AF-S for my little D3000. I want a fast prime lens and with the auto-focus sensor compatible with my body I decided on this one. Great price too at ~$200. I'm looking for something to shoot with indoors and in low light. But lately I've been having a slight change of heart. I may be leaning towards getting an SB600 Flash. Bounce capability and an all around great light. I have a media pass to cover the entire Festivals of Speed in Orlando, FL in October, including the Jet Port Reception Party held on a Friday night inside an airport hanger. Light isnt very good, especially when the sun goes down. My kit lens and pop-up flash had a hard time at the same event in St. Pete a few months back so I need to get either some fast glass or bright flash before then.

What do you suggest? I currently have an 18-105 VR and I plan on getting the 35mm at some point in the near future. Price difference between lens and flash is only about $50, then the next stop is the 70-200mm f2.8 down the road.

Suggestions, opinions, comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

 

All I have now is the pop-up built in flash. I was just mentioning bounce capability as a bonus. I havn't been to the event in Orlando yet but in St. Pete the hanger had two G550 private jets, a full bar, about 12 cars and a few bikes, jewelry and other misc. displays, so yeah, it was pretty big. I'm just trying to decide if I should get the flash before the lens.

And the closest place that rents equipment is 2 hours away, in Orlando, but I'd want to give it try for a day or two before I use it so I don't think I'd rent from there.

 

I've looked there also. Almost rented the 70-200 VR for Sebring Raceway but couldn't justify spending more money on shipping than holding the lens for a whole weekend. I'll have to ask around, my friend who shoots Nikon moved and two others who are friends use Canon gear.

So we have a few votes for the prime? I guess my original thoughts were smart.

Just as a reference, here are the photos from the last event in St Pete. D3000, 18-55mm VR (now I have the 18-105), standard pop-up flash. Didn't use a tripod because there was too mny people to be carryin it around. Using that lens hand-held was pretty hard, as you can tell.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pt1202/sets/72157623828212790/

 

I've looking into that for the price point. Only thing is that I need one for lower light and indoor, so how hard is it to manual focus with not much lighting??

 

So I've heard. Been reading that f/2.8-f/4.0 is where it really shines. Probably wouldn't shoot wide open very much if at all.

 

I think I moved back to the 35mm. I've spoken to a lot more people and did some more research. Seems as though the people who are/were deciding between the two chose the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S lens over the light. People I've talked to who have both a prime and a flash say they rarely use the flash, but it is nice to have just in case. I think I'll go with the lens.

Thanks again for all the comments and opinions

Peter

 

Wow really? I didn't know that's how it works! Well for only ~$100 I may have to add that to my bag as well. Thanks for the info

 

Well I finally made my purchase. Went with a brand new Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 AF-S from Amazon. When I bought Halo: Reach (which I sold like 3 days later...) it came with a $20 Best Buy giftcard, so I figured I'd buy the lens online from BB and save twenty bucks. So $199 + tax + shipping was like ~$225, minus giftcard and I could've had it shipped for just over $200 with a week to ship.

I found it on Amazon brand new with warranty from Nikon for $192, no tax, no shipping, and 3-5 day delivery. Save an extra $8-$10 over Best Buy. Sold.

Can't wait. Should be here by Thursday

Thanks for all the help guys,

Peter