How Much is Too Much?

[ilya]

How much money have you spent on Photography this past year?

That includes everything, hardware, software, books, PC upgrades, lenses, etc ... everything.

Any regrets? More then you expected? Has anyone budgeted and stuck to the budget?

This could be a nice illustration for those just starting out... :!:

[Scottes]

I've just been completely sucked in.

[cgratti]

I've just been completely sucked in.

I havent spent as much this year, but I have close to $10,000 of stuff if you include my PC's.

[tamash]

I'm right in with the 50% crowd, (photo only, no computer $ included).
Also sucked in and completely without budget constraint, much to the chagrin of my wife.

Bill

[Belmondo]

2003 was a watershed year for me. I declared myself officially retired (although that proclamation was possibly a little premature). I gave up one expensive hobby in exchange for another --- digital photography. After I sold everything from the former hobby, I had an amount of cash which because of pure selfishness on my part, was earmarked strictly for rolling over into the new hobby.

During the year, I bought two 10Ds, several lenses, flash attachments, carrying cases and bags, memory, a printer, and a small mountain of other items, either directly or indirectly related to photography. I also purchased a faster computer, larger monitor (both of which were replaced again in 2004), and a new laptop more capable of dealing with image editing on the road.

The spending orgy is over for now. I’ve decided to pull in my horns a bit and hold off on any significant purchases for the foreseeable future. I’m going to be a bit more analytical about which direction I head next. I intend to start looking for ‘deals,’ and will start seriously shopping eBay for a couple pieces I’d still like to own.

I don’t really regret any of the decisions I’ve made to this point. If I had been able to anticipate where I’d be right now, I probably would have skipped a couple purchases. A couple consumer level lenses I purchased were little used and eventually replaced by L glass, and the second body, although very convenient at times, is probably a little difficult to justify strictly from the standpoint of need. If I hadn’t bought it, I’d now be $1,500 closer to a 1D Mk II. Still, no regrets.

[ilya]

Thos, I think if I had 2 10D's and a whole lot of glass, I'd part with the bodies and maybe a lense to get into a Mark II for nearly zero cash. :wink: You'd still have 26 ways to get to 400, and 12 ways to get to 50 :lol:

Personally, I"ve spent in excess of $6,000 last year, with the 10D, flash, the lenses, the Photoshops, pods, 3 bags, filters, monitor, more RAM, printer, CF cards, etc etc etc. There is also ink and paper which add up, though I haven't added those up. This year, I'm going to be more judicious - another tripod and head, a 2X TC, and then I don't know...

I didn't plan on spending that much, but you get sucked in. If I didn't get the 70-200 2.8 IS restriction slapped on me, I would have mindlessly kept going. That was a win-win in my book, as I had time to sort out what I really needed :roll: For those that weren't around to follow that saga, in exchange for buying the 70-200, I concluded a binding legal agreement with my wife to restrict purchases of bodies and lenses for a year, and a cap on discretionary purchases for a year as well, with a "cooling off" period which just expired. :lol: :twisted:

[msnow]

2003 was a watershed year for me. I declared myself officially retired (although that proclamation was possibly a little premature). I gave up one expensive hobby in exchange for another --- digital photography.

Just curious, if you don't mind sharing, what was your previous expensive hobby? Diamonds? Ferrari collecting? Rare three legged asses?

[Belmondo]

Ilya:
I figure that if I can avoid any more major purchases for the next few months, I'll be able to unload one of the 10Ds, that silly 50mm f/1.0 lens that I'll never use, and step up to a Mk II. Anyway, that's the general plan. The biggest challenge is to supress my impulsive nature. Today I was in the camera shop and bought another backpack, although I really do need it. See: http://www.tamrac.com/787.htm

The deal was just too good to pass up. It's brand new, and I bought it for less than half of what B&H sells it for. Maybe if I can limit myself to just the irresistable bargains, I'll eventually get this thiing under control.
:oops: :wink:

[Belmondo]

2003 was a watershed year for me. I declared myself officially retired (although that proclamation was possibly a little premature). I gave up one expensive hobby in exchange for another --- digital photography.

Just curious, if you don't mind sharing, what was your previous expensive hobby? Diamonds? Ferrari collecting? Rare three legged asses?

Actually, I was (still am) a model railroader. I had spent the previous 30-odd years collecting handbuilt brass models, some of which were pretty valuable. I kept a few of my favorite pieces, but unloaded the vast majority of it. It was apparent that as my wife and I downsize our life, a model railroad was just not in the works, and the things I had collected, although rare, were not going to increase in value beyond what they were when I decided to sell them.

Sorry. I know that's not very interesting.

Thos.

[ilya]

Thos,
It truly is addicting. I have B&H as the first link on top of the Internet Explorer. The only saving grace is that once in a while I'll pop a nice shot, that others will appreciate. Makes it all worthwhile.

If you think about the psychology of digital. For people like most on this forum, who love the buttons and the gizmos and the advents of technology, this is heroin. Compound this with the quest to continue to improve (in part justifying the investment), and you have the perfect drug. We need help. Actually, no we don't. This is probably one of the greatest hobbies you can have, and I have no regrets.

[msnow]

2003 was a watershed year for me. I declared myself officially retired (although that proclamation was possibly a little premature). I gave up one expensive hobby in exchange for another --- digital photography.

Just curious, if you don't mind sharing, what was your previous expensive hobby? Diamonds? Ferrari collecting? Rare three legged asses?

Actually, I was (still am) a model railroader.

Sorry. I know that's not very interesting.

Thos.

Actually it's very interesting. Fasinating in fact. I love model trains.

[Belmondo]

Part of my rationale for getting back into photography (I've dabbled with it off and on for most of my adult life) was that it was something that would force me to get my lazy butt up off the sofa and outdoors. I enjoy my days with the cameras, and really don't care if I get a 'keeper' or not. It's all fun, and probably the most relaxing thing I've ever undertaken. Like you, I get occasional compliments from my wife, and that's the greatest reward of all. Anything that I can do that meets with her approval is worth almost any price. She is surely my biggest fan. (mainly because she doesn't know any better, but that's okay with me.)

[NILOLIGIST]

belmondo,

How much would you like for the "silly" 1.0 50mm?

NiL,

[Nolz]

damn this website damn it to all damndom! its cost me a fair bit of change :)






but i couldnt be happier :D

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

I started out in 2003 with the Canon so that was a VERY VERY Expensive year for me, I bought all the lenses and accessories, so I opted for $ 6000-$8000 but I'm afraid it was a "bit" more, but with that figure I can live withmyself (hardly).

Great poll (not) :twisted:

Greetings,
Frank

[IanD]

This is supper.....
http://www.pbase.com/image/26212596.jpg

and this is desert.....
http://www.pbase.com/image/26171291.jpg

The above for the next six months...enough said
:lol:

[dds]

Starting from a C3000z this year was year 0 (more or less) than:
300D + 18/55
70/200
Larger bag
UV filter

That's 1000-3000 $. :shock:
DDS

[CyberDyneSystems]

I went over the 6K line as well :(

Scary. :shock:

Prior to the 10D,.. the most expensive thing I had ever purchased was a car @ $1,300.00.....

2004 has started with a bang,.. with the purchase of a Mkii!!!! :shock: :(

That said,. I did sell two of my lenses for a total recoup of about $1,250.00.... which, needless to say wasn't really a recoup,.as each of them were replaced with costlier models ... :roll:

With the new body,.. I am doomed to spend more,. I will need an extra battery and a few other body specific acc..

But my "kit" is nearly complete.

My dreams now include only the following.

Lighting: Bare minimum,. a 550ex.. but perhaps at some point a small portable studio setup.

Lens: More fast primes. at the affordable side,. an 85mm f/1.8 for sure.
In the middle,. a 135mm L, and I still need a real macro lens.

At the high side, I have recurring dreams of the fabled 200mm f/1.8... :wink:

[Cadwell]

So far this year (according to the costs I worked out for insurance purposes) it's £5,250 GBP which at today's mid market rates is $9,850 USD.

I suspect there's another $1,100 USD's worth to go... I have my eye on this lens you see.... :oops:

D'OH! I forgot the insurance costs... that takes me over the $10K for sure.

[Qurlyjoe]

I got my 10D in June, so there's only half a year's worth of expenses for 2003. A quick guess puts me just under the 3K mark. I already had lenses from my old Rebel (nearly 10 years old) so I was able to hold off on any new ones.

Of course, I also didn't spend about $600-800 on film and processing and printing this year.

A significant proportion of the total expense for me has been shifted to ink cartridges and paper for my Epson PS2200.

Even so, after getting the 10D, I quickly realized it's like getting a Barbie doll. The initial purchase is just that, the first one, and then you get to buy all the accessories. Not that I'm complaining.

[kraterz]

Fortunately, I haven't spent much this year. In fact, this was the most I've spent in a couple of years or more.

I don't shoot digital, and my only expenses are film (2-3 rolls a month slides + developing) which is pretty minimal. I traded a zoom and a prime for a used 28-70/2.8L ($750 minus $250 for my old stuff) which is a beauty by any comparison, and a cheap but tough no-name bag ($40) to go along with it for the added weight.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Wednesday I made a stop at "Sam's" discount club... 45lbs of Dog food (not for me)... and yes a 12 pack of Kraft Mac & Cheese!!!! (under .50 cents a box in bulk! :shock: )

[rick barclay]

I bought my first camera in late December, a Digital Rebel, and being
the impulsive person I am, was immediately hooked on photography.
Ever since I spent that first $1200, I've been perusing the web night
and day for L lenses, IS lenses, Prime lenses, Epson 2200 printers,
Epson 8000(?) printers, EX550 flashes, Manfrotto tripods, monopods,
etc., etc., etc. In my dreams, I've already spent at least $20,000 on
photography equipment during my first two months as a photographer. :D .

Well, fortunately, it has recently dawned on me that my house needs repair, and if me and my wife ever hope to escape the frigid confines of
New Jersey, then I'd better wake up and start setting money aside for the
new septic drainage field that's going to set us back $4,500. So, I've since
awoken, and though it pains me much to realize that next year will probably be the soonest I see any new camera equipment, if I see any
at all. Boo, hoo.

[Phil Hall]

Well the 1Ds pushed pretty close to the $10,000, new backpack(s), a nd a few other gadgets did it. Then a new laptop and desktop. I hadn't realized being semi-retired was going to be so expensive. Nayhow, it is a lot of fun. Gave my D30 and some stuff to my daughter. Now thinking of trading in my 1D for a MK II. It never ends.

[Belmondo]

Well the 1Ds pushed pretty close to the $10,000, new backpack(s), a nd a few other gadgets did it. Then a new laptop and desktop. I hadn't realized being semi-retired was going to be so expensive. Nayhow, it is a lot of fun. Gave my D30 and some stuff to my daughter. Now thinking of trading in my 1D for a MK II. It never ends.

Phil:
Sounds like your retirement is progressing very much like my own. BTW, I really love your part of the State. Except for Solvang, it's really one of California's best-kept secrets.

[jfretless]

It's a good thing that the ability of the photographer is directly proportional to amount of money he spends on equipment.

Sarcastic John.

[BearSummer]

Wow was this ever the wrong thread to read, made me tot it all up, real bad idea. It's not my problem, my problem is my wife, she likes photography too. Instead of saying "No dont buy that" she says "There's room in my bag for that old lens", so even my old gLass doesn't go against the price of new gLass. Expendature last year on gLass, cameras and computers was £18,300 plus £600 for insurance, or $35.2k.

I will have to be good this year, I will stop the hunt for a 200 1.8 and the 50 f1, I can be good, i know i can, i know i can, i know i can't :(

Best regards

BearSummer

[msnow]

Well the 1Ds pushed pretty close to the $10,000, new backpack(s), a nd a few other gadgets did it. Then a new laptop and desktop. I hadn't realized being semi-retired was going to be so expensive. Nayhow, it is a lot of fun. Gave my D30 and some stuff to my daughter. Now thinking of trading in my 1D for a MK II. It never ends.

Phil:
Sounds like your retirement is progressing very much like my own. BTW, I really love your part of the State. Except for Solvang, it's really one of California's best-kept secrets.

I agree, good people, good surroundings, good wine, what more could you ask for?

[Anders Östberg]

Spent way too much.

Currently living on bread and water, and will for a good part of 2004. :)

[scsmith10D]

10D - $1,500
Lenses - $1,200
Flash - $240
Cards - $240
Laptop - $1,700
Monitor - $250

Getting to shoot a digital SLR starting last July and becoming unofficial church photographer ------ Priceless!!!

[PacAce]

This is supper.....
...

and this is desert.....
...

The above for the next six months...enough said
:lol:

Sheesh! Am I the only person who can afford this hobby? I spent more than $8000 on this hobby last year and I'm still eating gourmet foods.

http://www.fancyfeast.com/cuisine/variety.aspx?form_id=1

However, I DO have to tell people I'm buying it for my non-existent cat!

:mrgreen: :lol:

[IanD]

This is supper.....
...

and this is desert.....
...

The above for the next six months...enough said
:lol:

Sheesh! Am I the only person who can afford this hobby? I spent more than $8000 on this hobby last year and I'm still eating gourmet foods.

http://www.fancyfeast.com/cuisine/variety.aspx?form_id=1

However, I DO have to tell people I'm buying it for my non-existent cat!

:mrgreen: :lol:
Ting! Ting! Supper is served :lol: :lol:

[Phil Hall]

Santa Ynez

Is pretty nice, but we now have an Indian (Chumash) Casino which does nothing for the valley. Anyhow there are lots of photo ops: wildlife;cowboys and cowgirls; experimental planes at the airport. And then there is solvang.

[Mills]

I dove in head first in 2003, purchasing everything, including new computer equipment and software. I think I did because the digital format is truely outstanding. Photography has been a significant hobby since highschool. Now, I would like to try to take it farther. I have some interesting opportunities before me in active fire scene photography, including incredible access. It will be interesting to see how it goes. It also plays havoc with ones sleeping schedule. I guess I need to justify the expense to myself. And sleep is overrated!

By the way, I sold all of my film stuff. I have not missed it at all, but I still wonder if I will want a film body again.

[Guillermo Freige]

I've spent a lot (at least to me) in digital cameras and lenses in 2003 but most of the money came from old equipment I sold.
I used to have a Sony P1, so I sold it at $350 and bought the S50 + 256MB CF for $700. I've also bought an used Toshiba Satellite notebook from a friend to be used as a storage device (another $550).
Then the Rebel comes, and the "big spending" begun :)
So I sold my EOS 5 / EF 28-80 USM kit, a Meopta Opemus 6a enlarger with a Color4ES color head, and a Kodak RFS 3600 film scanner, and bought the DRebel with another 256MB CF for $1450 (I've sold the used equipment in $1200 so in fact I've put less money to pay the Rebel than with the S50 :))
Of course I already had a 28-135IS and 75-300IS from the EOS5, but that wasn't enough, so I bougth a Sigma 20/1.8 and a used Canon 50/1.8, so $430 more to the account :)
And of course, the notebook was big, so why not to buy a portable storage device as the Xdrive?. So I bought it too ($300) and lately (already in 2004) I bought an used 1GB microdrive at $170, because I always wanted one of those :)

That sums a grand total of $2050 for actual cash, but a whooping $3600 of camera value. Probably my vote wasn't totally accurate (I voted for the $1000-3000 option) but as the actual cash was lower than $3000 it seemed to me the most representative option.

[EKreyl]

I have been following this forum closely since purchasing a 300D with a kit lens in December. The advice provided here has been very helpful in my purchases since then although it hasn’t led to purchasing any L glass.

The 300D replaced Fuji 4900Z point and shot. Before that there were various film cameras going back to a Minolta ST100 SLR and Durst F60 enlarger in 1975. The choice of the 300D was based largely on price. This is strictly a hobby.

Other purchases since December:

Canon 50/2.5 Macro: At first I considered going with primes for quality and wanted a macro. In practice I found that I missed having zoom capability. This is a nice sharp lens that provides a good benchmark for comparison to the zooms.

Sigma 70-200 2.8: I went into a camera store looking for the 70-200 4.0L. They had the Sigma and it is highly rated. It felt good on the 300D in spite of it’s weight. Next came a Sigma 2x Tele-Converter (Good long lens are just too expensive).

Tamron 28-75 2.8 Macro: Sharper then the kit lens but not quite as sharp as the 50/2.5 Macro. This lens is on the camera most of the time.

Tokina 20-35 2.8: Faster than the popular 17-40 4/L and supposable has less distortion. This one was from Ebay last week and hasn’t arrived yet.

Canon 550EX Flash: Seriously considered the Sigma and Metz but the 550 seemed like the best match for the 300D.

Photoshop CS: Couldn’t pass up the upgrade deal. Thanks guys.

Tripods: Vanguard VT-950 (fairly sturdy and heavy) and Sunpak 3300 Pro-B (lighter for in the field). Not Gitzo, but better than my old garage sale special.

Total including 300D, camera bag, backpack, filters, rc-1 remote, extra batteries for camera and rechargables for flash, something over $4000. All of it is reasonably well rated although there is the long term compatibility issues with the non Canon products.

Hopefully, the spending is done for awhile. Thanks again for all of the good advice in this forum.

Eric

[pradeep1]

Wednesday I made a stop at "Sam's" discount club... 45lbs of Dog food (not for me)... and yes a 12 pack of Kraft Mac & Cheese!!!! (under .50 cents a box in bulk! :shock: )

The way you are spending, you'll need to stock up on dog food and Kraft Cheese and Macaroni! :P

[roanjohn]

WOW!!! Canon is rich rich rich!!!

Well, I started with my tiny s400 right when it debuted. By then I was hooked.........bought myself a photo printer - the Canon i850 (still a great printer BTW).

Then upgraded to the G3 after a year...........three months later, realized that its just an s400 with an ND filter and manual controls, I decided to purchase a Rebel.........

Eversince, I added in my arsenal the 50 f1.8, 70-200 f4 L, Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and more recently the 85 f1.8 (great lens).

Oh........and a 17-40 f4 L is on its way........

And this doesn't even include bags, tripods, straps, filters, hoods and etc...

Uy!!! Am I addicted or what?? I always tell myself.........."You only live once"........then I swipe that card like there's no tomorrow :-)

Ro1

[msvadi]

A more interesting question would be "what fraction of your income do you spend on photography?" Sorry, it's just hard to overcome my economics education ;)

[wnoble]

I had two interests until recently. One is cars (see below) and the other computers. I've now got a 300D which as far as I can see is just another excuse to spend money. Since aquiring it a couple of months ago I've added a 28-105, 17.40, and a 550EX. I don't even want to think what I've spent with car, computer and now camera. I think I'll go and lay down! :)

[/img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wnoble/morganplus8.jpg

[martcol]

I've just been completely sucked in.

ditto

I just can't cope any more

Martin

[wnoble]

[quote="wnoble"]I had two interests until recently. One is cars (see below) and the other computers. I've now got a 300D which as far as I can see is just another excuse to spend money. Since aquiring it a couple of months ago I've added a 28-105, 17.40, and a 550EX. I don't even want to think what I've spent with car, computer and now camera. I think I'll go and lay down! :)


I'll try again!


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wnoble/morganplus8.jpg

[timmyquest]

You guys worry too much.

Spend your money now, it does you no good when your dead ;-)

[Lamplight]

Since this time last year (taxes included):

Olympus C4000 Zoom: $450
Crappy plastic Walmart tripod : $25
64mb Smart Media card for the Olympus: $45
Lowepro bag for Olympus: $30
Digital Rebel with kit lens: ~$1100
UV filter for kit lens: $10
Lens hood for kit lens: $20
256mb CF card: $80
Larger camera bag, generic brand: $25
75-300mm Canon Zoom lens: $230
UV filter for zoom lens: $10
Extra 256mb CF card: $70 (ordered from B&H this time)
Extra battery: $50

So around $2100 so far, although I plan to purchase yet another bag soon and of course I need to replace my awesome tripod (:D) with one that is actually better than duct taping the camera to three twigs. :lol:

[Volatile]

All startup cost for me, went from nothing (not nothing, I had a Slik U-212 tripod) to low-budget amateur kit. Let's see how it breaks down:

300D = $900
EF-S 18-55 = $100
50 f1.8 = $60
Tamron 200-400 = $175
70-200 f4L = $550
380EX = $140
512MB CF = $90
Lowepro mini-trekker = $75
misc = $100

That's around $2200. I can't count my computer, but I would have to add in the i950 printer and associated supplies.

Future plans include a 1.4 TC and the Tamron 28-75 2.5 DI to replace the kit lens. That's future as in 2004 timeframe. The wife doesn't know this yet...

[ilya]

A more interesting question would be "what fraction of your income do you spend on photography?" Sorry, it's just hard to overcome my economics education ;)

Its going to be 2% to 10% of pretax income for just about everyone on this board*. That covers a very large range, because the percentages are obviously driven more by income then the amount of the purchase.

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how many spend more then 10% of their gross income on photo equipment. Those would really be the Mac & Cheese crowd... that 10% becomes about 14% of the net take-home pay ... ouch ...:lol:
* doesn't apply to those on fixed income who may have drawn on vast savings :D

[Tom W]

Fear not, Ilya, for the government gets way, way more of my income than Canon could ever dream of getting. A lifetime of photographic equipment can't even compete with 3 months of taxes.

[AzzKicker]

In 2003 I spent:

Canon G3 : 799.99
Lensmate 52mm Adapter: 27.00
Polarizer : 20.00
UV Filter: 11.00
Camera Bag: 27.00
CF card: 39.99

Then I sold it all for 450.00 this past March.


In 2004 I spent

Canon 300D : 899.99
Canon EF 70-210 f/4 : 125.00 used
Canon 420ex flash : 169.99
2x256mb CF cards : 100.00
Polarizer : 27.00
UV filter : 21.00
Yellow filter : 14.00
Camera Bag : 29.99

[NILOLIGIST]

I haven't spent enough. LOL...You want it, you have to spend it to get it. This topic has been visited time and time again. Really, I don't see the point.

If you look at what you have spent in your lifetime for most of what you have, most items you purchase don't get as much use as your camera or give you as much joy.

Like I said, I don't think I have spent enough.

NiL,

[Blues67]

I put myself at about $3000, but I didnt include the PCs. Was going to get them anyway. That would add another $3500. Are you counting the camera equipment for the kids too? Add $700. Hell, my kid's hockey cost damn near as much. Its all still cheaper than a friend of mines hobby of collecting ex-wives, four to date. plus child support on three. I expect this year to top another $4000 for camera gear. I'll probably still spend more on sporting goods. I will spend the money from not buying St.L Blues season tickets and 280miles travel per game on camera gear, thanks collective bargining agreement.

[ssim]

Here is what I amassed in the short period of 2003. I didn't really start until May.
Canon 10D
Canon EOS-3
EF 100-400 L IS USM
EF 16-35 f/2.8 L USM
EF 24-85 USM
EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM
EF 50mm f/1.8 II
EF m100 f/2.8u
Remote Control Timer TC-80N3
Speelight 550EX + Off camera Cord
EF 24-70 f2.8 L USM
Tele Extender 2.0
EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM
Canon S50
Underwater housing for S50

A couple of the non-L lenses I've retired to my son.

All in all it was an expensive year at over 15,000.00 CAD.

[Tom W]

Well, up until mid-January, I had amassed nothing but an Elan II, a 28-105 USM lens, and a 50 1.8 metal mount, plus a 380EX flash and a 12 mm extension tube. I was happy and all was in harmony in the world.

Then I got the 10D....
And the 50 1.4
And the Sigma 70-200
And the Sigma 1.4 TC
And the 17-40L
And the 24-70L
And the 550EX is on order

And I have my eyes on either a 100-400L or the 300 f/4 in the future. Of course, no lens collection could be complete without the 100 mm macro.

Its crazy.... :)

[ron chappel]

I had juuuuust enough money last christmas to buy the dslr that i've wanted for years
a whole lot of things came together all at once. :) :) which allowed me to spend the biggest chunk of cash in years.In fact the camera is 'worth' at least twice as much as my car.... :lol: :lol:
I really am in the lowest spending bracket here.I don't even spend on lenses because i deal in secondhand camera gear and so just use whatever is in stock right now....life is good 8) 8)
but with a couple of white lenses it could be gooder! LOL