After All That...

[Mum2J&M]

I have now been told by the bread-winner (my husband) that we cannot afford to get a different lens - after he went from $500 to $1,000 on the price 'allowance'. So all I have to work with is the 18-55 he bought. I know there's a thread here with good pics taken with it, but I'm definitely having a serious meltdown moment right now. :( I was so ready to get a lens after, as so many of you know, a week of agonizing over which one to get. Maybe now is a good time to take a break. I have to re-group and stop thinking about it for awhile. Sorry for the sob story. I just figured if anyone would understand, it would be you guys! This stay-at-home Mom stuff just doesn't friggin pay - and so much work to boot. :evil:

[Jon, The Elder]

It's his loss.

A) An unhappy wife is the worst thing that can happen to a man.

B) You could have been a Pro with that lens

[Mum2J&M]

LOL Jon. Can I have him give you a call? ;o)

[samnz]

Take a photo of his most prized possession - OUT OF FOCUS. That should convince him. ;)

[Jon, The Elder]

Oh Boy, you betcha.

Sharon got tired of me running off to horse shows every weekend. Twisted my arm til she hugged her own 20D. Forced me to replace her 28-135 with a new 70-300 and is now lusting after a sigma flash like mine.

Part that ticks me off is that she now accounts for 40% of sales.....and her gleeful, insane cackle is drivin' me nuts.

[Mum2J&M]

Wow Sharon! You go girl. ;o)

[Mum2J&M]

In hind sight, I should've stuck with the XT (instead of selling it for the D80) and just bought more glass. Let that be a lesson to me.

[harleygirl239]

Keep track of all your hours spent raising HIS children, cooking, cleaning, keeping the laundry, outside work and then present him with a bill for the cost of a new lens.........:lol:
Good thing my hubby just roles his eyes when I buy new toys........but then he calls me a lens snob YESSSSSSSS
After you give him the bill then tell him about all the amazing photo's you can take with your new lens. Look pitiful:cry:

[Jon, The Elder]

Not at all. That 30D should produce truly top notch photos for years to come. I just got one and it is a definate improvement over my 20D's.

Now...poke around and find a good used piece of glass on this forum. Show ol'-whats-his-name that you are trying to economize. Ply him with all the sneaky tricks that wives know, to soften him up. then strike.

[Mum2J&M]

LOL you guys crack me up. Actually, let me re-phrase that, I really do like my 30D... I meant I never should have ventured to the dark side. I would've had more equipment by now. I'll give it the old college try, but don't hold your breath. We've got a mortgage and rent since we're having trouble selling a house elsewhere. It's a long story. So it's tough to justify a new lens. But it was pretty exciting while it lasted. Someday...

[Tee Why]

Sorry that you're not upgrading the lens, but you can still do a lot with the kit. So go ahead and keep shooting. Let's keep things in perspective. You have a nice camera, kids, and a husband. That's not bad in my book.

[samnz]

You could always try a bit of the old "No headache tonight dear"... ;)

[Mum2J&M]

Yeah - the headache excuse stopped working a couple of years ago. ;o)

[Mark_Cohran]

Don't worry, in time I'm sure you'll get the lens you want.

Mark

[Mum2J&M]

The other day I was holding the 17-55 in my hand at the camera shop and the guy was paying no attention to me while helping another customer. I was thinking... hmmm... how hard would it be to sneak this sucker out of the store. LOL.

[pvibes]

Sorry to hear that you can't ge the lens at the moment. Start a little "lens jar" and try and throw all your coins in at the end of the day. It is surprising how quickly it adds up. Don't forget to hunt out the hubby's spare coin when doing the laundry.

Big hugs and I'm sure you will still take great shots with the 18-55.

Trish

[Mum2J&M]

Thanks Trish. But the kids have the upper hand on the coins. We've got a bucket full o'coins we were planning to take to the coin machine this week (kind of exciting for them). Maybe I'll just dip in to their college fund (joking, joking).

[PhotoJourno]

Mum2J&M,

If you run with the 17-55, keep in mind that they do not allow cameras in prison. Even if they did, it would make no sense to bring a grey card with you. (some will get this joke).

I am sorry you cannot get the lens you had planned. Maybe you can turn this crappy feeling into something positive. Sigma has great lenses to offer. The 50mm 1.8 is another great lens to photograph with. $80.

Which lens is it that you really want?...

[Jon, The Elder]

You could get at least $10,000.00 for a healthy
8-10 year old on E-bay. Then make another when things get better.

I'm pretty sure thats what my folks did with me.

[Mum2J&M]

Yeah, I was thinking about that 50 again. I'm wondering if I should sell the 18-55 for it, or if I'd feel too limited with the fixed focal length. Got to love that 1.8 though.

[Mum2J&M]

I'd probably get less for my kids - they're only 2 and 1/2 and 4. Not as cute as babies and not as independent as pre-teens. :op

[Mum2J&M]

Woops - that smilie was supposed to be a tongue sticking out - not a red faced embarrassed person. LOL.

[samnz]

Prayers are answered for those that wait. I guess you can say ... Canon is a 'religion' not a hobby.

Look there's even a DEVINE TRINITY (Moderators + L Lenses + Credit Cards),

there are the BIBLES (Understanding Exposure - Tim's FAQs:) )

and of course there's the FELLOWSHIP (Forum).

POTN Shop would gladly accept a 10% tithe by the way.

[bieber]

Geez, people. If they can't afford it, they can't afford it. What do you want the husband to do, go into debt? Somehow make more money appear? If it's seriously not affordable, it's not affordable.

Anywho, the 50mm f/1.8 was my only non-telephoto lens for a very long time, and even now that I have the 28 f/2.8 (a pretty crappy lens, IQ-wise, as it turns out, only used when I REALLY need the wide-angle) it's still by far my most used lens (other than for wildlife and sports, obviously). You can't go wrong with the nifty fifty.

[samnz]

Geez, people. If they can't afford it, they can't afford it. What do you want the husband to do, go into debt? Somehow make more money appear? If it's seriously not affordable, it's not affordable...

pss pss...........perhaps - umm.... [cough] - a 24-105 on a separate credit card - he'll never know :p

[PhotoJourno]

Geez, people. If they can't afford it, they can't afford it. What do you want the husband to do, go into debt? Somehow make more money appear? If it's seriously not affordable, it's not affordable.

Anywho, the 50mm f/1.8 was my only non-telephoto lens for a very long time, and even now that I have the 28 f/2.8 (a pretty crappy lens, IQ-wise, as it turns out, only used when I REALLY need the wide-angle) it's still by far my most used lens (other than for wildlife and sports, obviously). You can't go wrong with the nifty fifty.

Anyhow, I have no idea where my thoughts come from. :( ???

Mum2J&M, have you thought of the most excellent Sigma 24-70 EX 2.8 Lens?... I bought one used for less than $500 last year. Ended up upgrading later on, but it was a great lens. Specially with the wide focus, imagine a non L version of the 24-70L.

[Mum2J&M]

No worries. We are already seriously in debt. What's another thousand...

[Mum2J&M]

Oh - and Samnz - would you like to let me borrow some stuff? Looks like you've got a boatload of gear!!!

[samnz]

Oh - and Samnz - would you like to let me borrow some stuff? Looks like you've got a boatload of gear!!!

Hehe - I started off DSLR Photography on the bones of my a-se with a 2nd hand D30. Came with a 50mm and I purchased the 28-105.

Over time I just worked my way through the For Sale columns and when funds were available, bought it.

It's been a long journey going from 50/1.8 on a D30 Mar'2k...to a 17-55 IS f2.8 on a 30D...but it's been so rewarding! I'll have to admit tho' my gear list doesn't stand a chance next to MOST members on this forum. :oops: Modest but TRUE!:lol:

[JeffreyG]

Sharon got tired of me running off to horse shows every weekend. Twisted my arm til she hugged her own 20D. Forced me to replace her 28-135 with a new 70-300 and is now lusting after a sigma flash like mine.

Does she have the 70-300 yet? How well does she like it?

[PhotoJourno]

No worries. We are already seriously in debt. What's another thousand...


That's what I say, at least I get to photograph them taking my stuff away!!...

It makes for great stories at the shelter.

:lol:

I hope it all works out. If nothing else, at least whatever is best for J & M.

Cheers,

[Mum2J&M]

Hmmm... maybe I could pawn my engagement ring...

[Mum2J&M]

Come to think of it, this is exactly the same reason I stopped doing photography in the 90s. It got too friggin expensive. I could barely afford the film let alone the lenses and processing costs. Sucks really. Something I thoroughly enjoy doing and I just can't afford it. I'll have to trade the 18-55 in for the 50mm. At least I'll have the low-light option available again since God knows I can't afford an external flash. Should've taken up painting or something. Just seems like such a waste. Ok, rant over. I'll stop posting to my own lame thread now! Chow. And thanks to all for your support in this difficult time, lol.

[WMS]

Mum2J&M, remember there are some on these forums which have spent years building there lens collection. The 18-55 kit lens is a good lens to learn with and will take some excellent photographs, It just doesn't work in low light all that well. Be patient and start saving what you can toward additional lenses which will add to your capability, rather than duplicate what you have. Start a wish list for glass, then prioritize it and buy as you can.

WMS

[-MasterChief-]

hey Mum! stick with the 18-55 and try to sell some outdoor portraits for your neighbors. this should easily fund the 50 1.8. :D

[Fabrian]

Whether we do it or not, we all have crap laying around we can Ebay. Maybe you can start an Ebay fund. There's a great thread around here somewhere for making a very inexpensive lightbox too. Ah, here it is: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524&highlight=lightbox

[timbop]

I hear you - my wife gives me guff when I spend $50 on a filter, let alone new glass. I did work out a solution that might be of interest to you. I have started working with a wedding photog as an assistant/second shooter, and the pay is ALL MINE. It doesn't pay a whole lot and you'll have to look around to find someone to work with, but your hubby will also start to appreciate you when he has the kids all day on saturday/sunday. He may even decide coughing up the cash for a new lens is worth that price ;-)

[kcbrown]

Come to think of it, this is exactly the same reason I stopped doing photography in the 90s. It got too friggin expensive. I could barely afford the film let alone the lenses and processing costs. Sucks really. Something I thoroughly enjoy doing and I just can't afford it. I'll have to trade the 18-55 in for the 50mm. At least I'll have the low-light option available again since God knows I can't afford an external flash.


I'd keep the 18-55 kit lens if I were you. Here's why (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522). And you're likely to get maybe $60 for it if you sell it. Even in your situation, that's low enough that I can hardly see how it's worth selling it. With the price of gas these days, you might be able to save up enough for the Nifty Fifty just by driving a bit less for a couple of months or something.

That thread I linked to is a real inspiration. If I'd read it before I got my 30D, I would've bought the kit lens with my 30D instead of buying the body only. I wound up with the lenses I have largely through a lot of trial and error, but I never really did give the kit lens a chance to prove itself. I'm just fortunate enough (very fortunate indeed, actually) that I can afford good glass.

From your sig it seems you've sold quite a bit of gear. I presume that's because of the financial situation you find yourself in? If your financial situation is that bad I'd definitely stick with the current gear for now until the financial picture improves. Just look back at that thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522) when you need inspiration. :)

[mrfourcows]

maybe you could try one of the third party standard zooms - 17-50SP, 28-75SP, 17-70 DC, 18-50 DC, 24-70 DG.

[René Damkot]

How about this: Learn how to use the kit lens, take a few killer images, sell them, and buy another lens of that. ;)
It's not what you've got, it's what you do with it.

[MischiefK9s]

Start selling unused / no longer wanted items on Ebay. Have the money you make go straight to a PayPal account so that you won't be tempted to spend it on non-camera stuff. You will be surprised how fast the money will add up. People will buy anything on Ebay, and pay crazy prices. I sold old English Springer Spaniel magazines and made enough to pay for my new Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS!!

You may also find a nice lens at a reasonable price on Ebay. My first lens upgrade was the Canon 28-105mm f/3.5 - 4.5 that I purchased from Ebay for less than $200.

[Mum2J&M]

I've done the ebay thing - I've sold tons of stuff there and have 100% positive feedback. It's just finding the time to get things together, photograph them well and list them. I'm not sure anything I have left is really worth selling. For example, I have lots of old kids clothes, but selling them piece by piece may prove more of a headache than a benefit, kwim? Anyway, as far as the kit lens is concerned, I'm sure I can get some good pics from it - already have - and I have had lots of equipment. So I know that other glass can produce better results depending on my situation. I'm not a pro, but do have the experience to know that even though it's more to do with the singer than the song, good glass can also make a difference in the way you "feel" about your skill. I really like the photographer's assistant idea. I would like to think I could do something like that. I have considered contacting the local camera shops to see if they need help. At least I'd be around other photographers.

[ebann]

How about this: WTT House for lenses... :)

[Mum2J&M]

Ok - so I'm going to cash out some money I have in an inheritance account ($1,000) to get a lens. I know it's probably not so smart, but it's there and I want it. I'm supposedly not supposed to touch it, but it's for a good cause. Thanks to all who have been so supportive. I guess we've all been there. It's not like money grows on trees. At least I will pay minimal tax on it at the end of the year. Hopefully our house will sell by then. My husband has already cashed in most of his stocks, so this is it. We'll just have to start over fresh next year.

[ebann]

Ouch... but as long as the wife is happy, anything counts! I still wonder why you sold the wonderful pair XT+17-40/4L (effectively 27-64mm) and the handy fast prime 50/1.8. It would have been a great starting package with awesome optics as well!

[Glenn NK]

Mum2J&M:

Why did you sell your Tokina 12/24? For the cash?

I'll admit that mine doesn't get a huge amout of use (it's a specialty lens), but I like it's quality.

Glenn

[Mum2J&M]

Eban - were you referring to my gear? Well, I sold all my Canon stuff for Nikon, then went back. That's why. I sold all my Nikon stuff for a 30D. Crazy, but I did it. So I had no money left for a lens! My husband then bought the 18-55 (against what I had to say about it). So there you have it. I sold the Tokina because it was for a Nikon body... I would definitely buy that lens again. I liked it a lot.

[segasaturn]

Hahah. What's another two or three thousand for camera parts. You know that this type of thinking is all POTN's fault!

No worries. We are already seriously in debt. What's another thousand...

[Mum2J&M]

Actually, I blame Canon and Nikon!!!

[Jon_Doh]

The 30D is a terrific camera and the 18-55 is a great lens. It gets undeservedly bashed on the forums. It will serve you well, unless you need to go a lot wider. In that case you should consider the 10-22 Canon or 10-20 Sigma.

[pturton]

Who cooks in you household? The very last person I ever want to peeve off is the cook.
Some things you just want, but quality lenses are a necessity for good cooking ;-)

I could just imagine a tofu diet working wonders here. Stir-fried tofu and veggies instead of steak and spuds for a week would have me surrender to any request from my cook.

[Jon, The Elder]

Gentlemen....What we have here is a VERY determined, passionate Woman.

[Mum2J&M]

I can't cook to save my life! LOL.

[kcbrown]

Ok - so I'm going to cash out some money I have in an inheritance account ($1,000) to get a lens. I know it's probably not so smart, but it's there and I want it. I'm supposedly not supposed to touch it, but it's for a good cause. Thanks to all who have been so supportive. I guess we've all been there. It's not like money grows on trees. At least I will pay minimal tax on it at the end of the year. Hopefully our house will sell by then. My husband has already cashed in most of his stocks, so this is it. We'll just have to start over fresh next year.

Given your financial situation, you clearly want the best bang for the buck. Something that yields good image quality, has a good focal length range, a decent aperture, reasonable build quality, and a good price.

There are two lenses that come to mind, and which one you should get depends on your needs.

The first is the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro. Nick_C (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=66463) swears by it and appears to get very good results from it (as do others, I think).

The second is the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro DF. This review (http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/2470exl) by LightRules (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=31229) shows that it's very similar in optical performance to the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L.

The first question is which do you need more, the wider angle or the more consistently wider aperture? I have a 24-105L myself and find it rare that I need anything wider angle, even on a crop body such as the 30D, so if it were me I'd be tempted by the 24-70.

But that leads into the next question: how much macro capability do you need? The 17-70 has a 1:2 magnification while the 24-70 has a 1:4 magnification, so the 17-70 works better as a macro lens.

B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) sells the 17-70 for $389 and the 24-70 for $429, so both are relatively close to each other in terms of price, and both seem to be excellent lenses for the price. They seem to be out of stock of the 17-70 at the moment, though. :(

If I were in your position, those two lenses would be at the top of my list.
I would also consider the Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS because it's $400 new and has IS, which in my experience is worth quite a bit. But its not as sharp as the Sigmas I mentioned above, and it's not as wide angle as I might want.

This is all based on the notion that the kit lens just doesn't work for you, of course...