Thread: should I get speedlight?

well I don't have the money right now this is more should it be on my christmas wish list (currently my wish list has tripod and lens - although undecided as to which one).

con: I'm not very good but at least my natural light pics have catchlights even if the focus is off haha, I worry I need to nail outdoor/natural light pics first but of course there isn't much time to practice

pro: my house has no decent areas for natural light indoor photography and its getting dark out

Thoughts? Opinions on why you love/hate speedlight?
(I do love the catchlights/natural looking photo's some of you post but I know from when other's here get one its quite a learning curve and I don't know if I"m ready for that)

I am interested in the responses you get, as I have been pondering the same thing. All the windows in my house face the wrong side to get good natural light and it is starting to cool down so I don't want to take DD outside as much.

YES! Everyone with an SLR should have a speedlight...if only for decent indoor snaps. They're probably the least expensive thing that can have the most impact in improving indoor photography. If you're really clever (I'm not) you can get really decent catchlights with a speedlight.

Get one!! And I have to be honest, though I have struggled with other areas of photography, the speedlite is something that I feel came more natural... so for me, there wasn't quite the 'learninng curve' I had expected. Maybe it won't be as huge of a challenge that you're expecting it to be, kwim?

I have one.... I have used it, but need to practice with it. There is a learning curve to it. But with the winter months coming, I say GET IT.

Yup, definitely has a learning curve with speedlight, but I love using it indoors with low light.

I really need to practice with mine. I actually brought it out for the first time in a few months and just took some indoor snaps. Of course they look all hideous cos I havent practiced with it... need to google some tutorials for this I think!

I have the canon 580 x II

Im jumping on the bandwagon saying you need to get it! It really lets you practice in more settings than if you wouldnt have it. It is tricky, but once you understand it there is no stopping you!

i begged my husband for a speedlight before winter arrived because around here the sun only stays up for 3 hours tops during winter and it sucks! hardly any light and i'd seriously have to be outside to get any decent shots. I am so glad I got my speedlight. It saved me so many times. I thought I'd be frustrated with it but it has saved my pictures and I wasn't as frustrated as I'm sure I would have been if I had not gotten it its worth it to get it i say!