Canon Equipment advice

Hi all..

I just got a nice little ~$350 bonus from work and thinking about picking up some new gear. I've got a Canon T3i, a cheap but sufficient tripod, the 18-55 EF-S is kit lens, a 50mm 1.8, and a old 70-300 which everyone tells me it sucks, but I get great shots with it. I like shooting mostly wildlife, my family and some car stuff of course. I've been thinking about a speedlight but don't want anything too big/heavy. Also thinking about the new 40mm 2.8 because I love my fixed lens, but it's just not wide enough for my tastes. Any suggestions?

Get the Yongnuo speedlight and some triggers. Its only $150.

Also if you have the 50mm already, the 40 doesn't make much sense since its not very different. If you want a prime, go for 28, 35, or the sigma 30.

Talk to Lee, Caveracing on mx5atlanta, he shoots with Canon and just got a speed light I'm sure he would let you try it out!

1 or 2 Nikon SB-28's from Craigslist or Ebay ($40 - $60 and bulletproof) and some Phottix Strato 2 Triggers

That setup and spending some time on Strobist will change your Photography forever... http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Thanks for the tip on the strobist, amazing stuff on there! Flash it is.. On the plus side the t3i already has a flash trigger for off camera firing.

I splurged and ordered a canon 430 ex II :) taking a vacation in coming weeks so hope to really get some use out of it soon.