Noticed a scary trend on this board

[cochranjd]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).

[soliwit]

very scary indeed............I think it is time for a CA...........Canon Anonymous

[-MasterChief-]

Photography is just like any other hobby. if you are really into it and enjoying yourself doing it, its going to get expensive!!

i started out with the original Digital Rebel (300D) and the kit lens. :p

[Saint728]

Its pretty bad when all you have are dreams about Canon lenses, lol. Also waking up at 5:30am to check out this website and see the new posts.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[gjl711]

Ah.. the quest for ultimate sharpness and low noise. The more one looks, the less satisfied one is with their current gear and questing for that holy grail of noisless razor sharp images.

[darosk]

I don't think I can remember dreaming about cameras or lenses, but I have fallen asleep thinking about them - which leads me to assume that one of these nights I'm going to have an Alice in Wonderland experience with L lenses and focus charts.

[cochranjd]

Yeah, it is probably a bad sign, speaking of Alice in Wonderland, that if I heard "through the looking glass" my first questions would be things like:

is that glass prime or zoom? IS? AF? Good at low light?

[Headshotzx]

I started with 400D + 17-40L and a bag.

15 months later, I have this: My Gear (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8090169&postcount=1834)

And I'm only 16, which is the scary part.

Thank God for good parents, but yeah I did contribute about SG$2k to that, or about 1.3k USD with my own money / selling off stuff.

[bacchanal]

Haha, you're absolutely right...but I'm behind the curve, it took my like 3.5 years.

It's not a hobby, it's an addiction and an obsession...and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

[n1as]

Part of the issue is that so many of the cameras & lenses are built down to a price. Corners are cut in an effort to get something the market will buy, the P&S being the prime example. For many, many people, those items are good enough, but when you get more involved in the hobby, you quickly find the limitations of the affordable (and I use the term loosely) gear and you're initial resolve to spend only $XXX quickly melts away when you realize what you want to achieve can't be done that cheaply.

[AlanU]

Photography is a great hobby.

I casuallly have fun racing my 11 second street car (1965 beetle) at the 1/4 mile track. One year I exploded a $4000 tranny in a matter of seconds....hmm.....yes photography is a cheap hobby in comparison.

Now I buy "glass" instead of expensive high quality car parts that explode.

[bebud]

I hate the "wish list" features at the online stores because mine constantly has 3 or 4 items

[bacchanal]

Photography is a great hobby.

I casuallly have fun racing my 11 second street car (1965 beetle) at the 1/4 mile track. One year I exploded a $4000 tranny in a matter of seconds....hmm.....yes photography is a cheap hobby in comparison.

Now I buy "glass" instead of expensive high quality car parts that explode.

Well, that's true as long as you don't drop you 600L in the lake. ;)

[gjl711]

my 11 second street car (1965 beetle) at the 1/4 mile track... 11 second beetle.. You have got to post a pic.

[Tawcan]

Funny you mentioned that, I recently blogged about why hobbies are so bloody expensive. (http://tawcan.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/why_are_hobbies_so_expensive/) (warning profanity).

The way I see it, it's better to have a hobby or two so you're stimulate your mind & body than having absolutely no hobby at all and sit in front of TV all day.

[[Hyuni]]

completely agree.

Ignorance really is bliss...

If it weren't for POTN, I most likely would have been completely satisfied with my original 40D 28-135mm combo. haha

I've seen the light, and it costs a pretty penny!

[Trainboy]

I had a rebel XT and a 28-105 last spring...whoops.

[Headshotzx]

;8139148']
If it weren't for POTN, I most likely would have been completely satisfied with my original 40D 28-135mm combo. haha

I've seen the light, and it costs a pretty penny!

Can't agree with you more. I would be S$5k richer now.

[dgoakill]

I'm surprised how many people have never used a good 'ol SLR. As the OP stated it begins with I bought a "digital" (insert series here).

Very few have experience with film and a darkroom. I don't think you can truly appreciate the strides made in noise reduction and control unless you've shot high speed film.

It's so funny to me that I'm looking for a good P&S right now, I'd really need / want a digital rangefinder but for the price of one I might as well go FF instead. I know I want the LX3 and I've read many reviews and seen many images at various ISo's. For how good that camera is there are still reviewers whining about the noise at the higher ISOs.

I don't remember having the same wants when I shot film that I do now with digital. People complain about noise at 1600 even on "any" dslr, go shoot some Neopan 1600 B+W and then tell me you have issues with noise on your dlsr at 1600. hell even Illford HP-5 400 B+W is grainier than most dslr's @ 1600. With film we just accepted it.......Now it's I need FF or If I had L glass......

[westernminnguy]

Hello All,

Here's the deal.

You've got to put this hobby into perspective. :)

Years ago, when my daughter was younger, we owned horses. That is, horses, a pickup and trailer plus all the tack. All that paid for and then the monthly fees as well.

Essentially you could buy a nice(mid pricey) lens or camera every month to every other month for what we spent on horses over a 7 year period of time.

Now, don't get me wrong. The horse hobby was wonderful for my daughter and taught her all kinds of good things like responsibility.

So, to me, photography...very reasonable.

:D

[Methodical]

Well I remember back in October '08 when I got my 50d (1st Dslr) and telling myself that was all I'll need and did not need ISO over 800...now here it is I just purchased a 1d MkIII because I needed better high ISO performance because I shoot in the early mornings (bird photography)...I find myself using ISO 1600, 2000 etc without a blink of the eye. I also thought the 300 f4 IS would be fine...then I purchased the 400 5.6 after going to photograph Eagles and looking at a gentlemen's photos he got with the 400. Now what...the 500f4 IS. I dare not tell myself that I don't need this lens because the opposite tends to happen...but in do time though.:twisted: I am officially obsessed...but it's better than being an obsessed drinker or drug user. My wife now teases me, saying she's going to have to dress like a bird for me. It's good therapy for me though because I was a workaholic and this has put me a calmer state now...so is it worth it...uhmmmm

As stated above, it could be worse. I could be spending my money on alcohol or drugs, instead I choose to spend it on a hobby that relaxes my spirit. So for me it's well worth it.

[RobertZ]

I caught the bug as well, Xt to Xti to 5D2. This hobby is nowhere near expensive as my other two, home theater and Porsches. On projector upgrade is equivalent to a 5D2 and a box full of L lenses. Deciding between keeping a new unopened 40D or upgrading to a 5D2 instead was not as difficult as most of my audio or HT decisions.

[Headshotzx]

...now here it is I just purchased a 1d MkIII

You got everything in your gear list... in less than 9 months? :shock:

[weedwhackers]

i unfortunatly am one of who you speak of.....

i got a free 50d (traded amex points for it) 3 months later and thanks to POTN i bought everything in my signature.

This hobby is like cocaine, if you take a likeing to it, it will control your life, or you may end up just a weekend user... hahahaha

[nicksan]

Some hobbies are expensive.
Photography, guitars, golf, cycling, boats, cars, hunting, skiing...on and on.

If you have the means for it, you spend money on what you enjoy. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I agree. POTN is a rather "dangerous" place for a gear-head. I certainly have been "victimized" on occasion!:lol:;):lol:

[algold]

guess I'm in the minority here and regressing :), last week I picked up a PowerShot A590IS just to have something small at hand all the time, but still better than my phone camera :), 135L is still on the wish list though :).
Any way you look at it, photography as a hobby is still a whole lot cheaper than diving, paragliding, biking, gambling, drinking etc. etc. :)
'togging as a hobby is great and pretty harmless and life is short - enjoy it and have lots of fun!

[nicksan]

I don't view this as a bad thing.
Photography isn't some exclusive activity. If you think it is, then get off that horse you are riding on! Perhaps it used to be. I wouldn't know. I've been snapping away for years on P&S cameras even before digital, but entered the SLR world when it became digital. It just made sense. (And yes, I am a lazy dude.:lol:)

Whenever someone brings up how things are just not the same as when film and darkrooms were the rule and all that, I can't help but wonder what the source of that discontent is. Complaining about ISO 1600? Go shoot this and that, Ilford this and that...I mean, how constructive is that? That's like telling people that complain about MS Word to go use a typewriter. Then you tell them to shut up because they don't know how good they have it?

Ridiculous thinking. Technology marches on...and it marched right past film. End of story. Sorry fellas. Digital makes things a lot more accessible. Do I sense at least some people feeling threatened by this mass entry into their "turf"?:lol::rolleyes:

Why does it matter anyways? I see it as something positive. More people are getting into photography. I think that's exciting.

So yeah...give me my 21MP FF ISO25600 piece of machinery. Oh yeah...I already have one in my 5D MKII...and I certainly love all my L lenses.

If that makes me ignorant...then...it's certainly bliss.:p

I'm surprised how many people have never used a good 'ol SLR. As the OP stated it begins with I bought a "digital" (insert series here).

Very few have experience with film and a darkroom. I don't think you can truly appreciate the strides made in noise reduction and control unless you've shot high speed film.

It's so funny to me that I'm looking for a good P&S right now, I'd really need / want a digital rangefinder but for the price of one I might as well go FF instead. I know I want the LX3 and I've read many reviews and seen many images at various ISo's. For how good that camera is there are still reviewers whining about the noise at the higher ISOs.

I don't remember having the same wants when I shot film that I do now with digital. People complain about noise at 1600 even on "any" dslr, go shoot some Neopan 1600 B+W and then tell me you have issues with noise on your dlsr at 1600. hell even Illford HP-5 400 B+W is grainier than most dslr's @ 1600. With film we just accepted it.......Now it's I need FF or If I had L glass......

[S.Horton]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).

If you noticed, it is already too late!

Enjoy the ride!

Buh bye, budget!

:cool:

[itzcryptic]

Whenever someone brings up how things are just not the same as when film and darkrooms were the rule and all that, I can't help but wonder what the source of that discontent is. Complaining about ISO 1600? Go shoot this and that, Ilford this and that...I mean, how constructive is that? That's like telling people that complain about MS Word to go use a typewriter. Then you tell them to shut up because they don't know how good they have it?



I think the point that most people are making when they say that is, that great pictures have been around for years, and you don't need to worry so much about ISO, or FPS, or megapixels.

[cdifoto]

It's cheaper than street racing and almost as legal.

[nicksan]

...and I find that line of thinking confounding. If all of us followed that kind of logic, there would be no progress at all.

I think the point that most people are making when they say that is, that great pictures have been around for years, and you don't need to worry so much about ISO, or FPS, or megapixels.

[SQMazda6]

That is why i tell people never to try out a L prime! I have only been doing this as a hobby for a year and a half. Way to intresting to spend money on lights glass , etc.

[bsaber]

Scary indeed, I started off with a Rebel XT and 18-55... now look what I have.

[fly my pretties]

I went from a 450d to a 50d to a 5d MK II in under 9 months. That being said, my skill level with cameras rose very fast and so did my business. Each purchase is justifiable, and I have recouped way more than I've spent and it's now my sole source of income, but it's scary how much gear can cost.

You could easily spend 40-50k if you really wanted to cover yourself for every kind of shoot.

[itzcryptic]

...and I find that line of thinking confounding. If all of us followed that kind of logic, there would be no progress at all.

I think if more people followed that line of thinking, there'd be less people in debt. Given the choice, I'd rather have less noise, but my budget allowed for a 50D and not a 5dMkII at this point.

In my case, my lack of skill is way more a limiting factor than the camera's noise @ 1600 ISO.

[SuzyView]

The scary thing was googleing a site that could help me with my new 10D in Oct. 2005. I wasn't sure what I was getting into. I saw this site and I thought I might join, always in the back of my mind that I was livid with my 2 teenagers who joined gaming forums without my permission and talking to total strangers all over the world. I was desperate to learn, so I joined. My equipment was decent, but as I started reading all the threads and seeing the best of posts, I got inspired, more than anything else. It's part equipment and part practice and skill. So, if you can afford it, buy it. If you can't, save for it. That's basically what I did, save for the gear I wanted. As you see in my signature, I have a lot of pro gear now, over the last 4 years or more. So, don't be depressed or anxious. Read all the threads you need to and decide how much you want to improve and have a plan.

If you think it's scary, for some it is. But for many of us, it's been the best thing that ever happened. I've been happier since I discovered this passion and followed my dreams. I travel all over the world to shoot. It's great.

[dgoakill]

I don't view this as a bad thing.
Photography isn't some exclusive activity. If you think it is, then get off that horse you are riding on! Perhaps it used to be. I wouldn't know. I've been snapping away for years on P&S cameras even before digital, but entered the SLR world when it became digital. It just made sense. (And yes, I am a lazy dude.:lol:)

Whenever someone brings up how things are just not the same as when film and darkrooms were the rule and all that, I can't help but wonder what the source of that discontent is. Complaining about ISO 1600? Go shoot this and that, Ilford this and that...I mean, how constructive is that? That's like telling people that complain about MS Word to go use a typewriter. Then you tell them to shut up because they don't know how good they have it?

Ridiculous thinking. Technology marches on...and it marched right past film. End of story. Sorry fellas. Digital makes things a lot more accessible. Do I sense at least some people feeling threatened by this mass entry into their "turf"?:lol::rolleyes:

Why does it matter anyways? I see it as something positive. More people are getting into photography. I think that's exciting.

So yeah...give me my 21MP FF ISO25600 piece of machinery. Oh yeah...I already have one in my 5D MKII...and I certainly love all my L lenses.

If that makes me ignorant...then...it's certainly bliss.:p

Chill dude, I didn't mean it as a negative thing. the more people get into photography the more the medium develops in terms gear and content. that is a good thing in my book.

What I was getting at is that in the film days if your shot was soft or +/- exposure, the first thing you did was insert another role of film and go back out and shoot again. Now when the same thing happens people run to the web and find out that the reason their image came out as it did was because their camera or lens is somehow lacking in one respect or another. This then in turn influences them to upgrade. there's been a lot of threads where people have $5000 of gear and $2 of photographic knowledge.

Digital has made us more demanding in terms of quality and speed. I never upgraded bodies in the film days nor did anyone I knew, only when the camera actually broke did they buy a new one. Now people with practically brand new bodies are switching up and in most cases for features they don't need or even truly understand, just because it 's the latest and greatest.

Digital anything seems to be a double edged sword. Photo gear is getting like cell phones. My first cell phone was 5 years old before I upgraded when it finally died, now I've gone through four phones in 5 years.

we might as well just start leasing cameras and glass....:cool:

[sapearl]

Impatience,
Lack of discipline,
Too much surplus cash,
The need for instant gratification.
Lack of focus & concentration on the basics,

But then that's just my grumpy old opinion ;). - Stu

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).

[Sfordphoto]

2.5 years ago i started off with a rebel xti and kit lens...


;)

[Willie]

Hobbies are for rich folks. :)

[cdifoto]

Long live consumerism. My BlackBerry was half price and my cameras were 75% less than MSRP.

[S.Horton]

Hobbies are for rich folks. :)

There are all levels of hobbies.

Above me are:
1. Harley owners
2. Custom auto owners
3. Boat owners
4. Exotic car owners
5. McMansion owners
6. Barfiles
7. Ford owners




:cool:

[nicksan]

Chill dude, I didn't mean it as a negative thing. the more people get into photography the more the medium develops in terms gear and content. that is a good thing in my book.


I am "Chilled"...."Dude"...


What I was getting at is that in the film days if your shot was soft or +/- exposure, the first thing you did was insert another role of film and go back out and shoot again. Now when the same thing happens people run to the web and find out that the reason their image came out as it did was because their camera or lens is somehow lacking in one respect or another. This then in turn influences them to upgrade. there's been a lot of threads where people have $5000 of gear and $2 of photographic knowledge.


So you don't think people did similar things back in the days? I think the medium really doesn't matter. You'll always have folks with experience cameras without much knowledge about photography.


Digital has made us more demanding in terms of quality and speed. I never upgraded bodies in the film days nor did anyone I knew, only when the camera actually broke did they buy a new one. Now people with practically brand new bodies are switching up and in most cases for features they don't need or even truly understand, just because it 's the latest and greatest.

No one complained about using a typewriter until the Word Processor was invented. No one complained about complained about the horse and carriage until the automobile was invented. Heck, no one complained when there were no cell phones, internet, airplanes...This line of thinking just doesn't make any sense. Who's to say that the person upgrading their body each year didn't have a need for it? That's a pretty snobby thing to say, don't you think? I don't need my 1DMKIII, 5DMKII and all my L glasses. Heck, I probably don't even need my SUV. I can just buy a bicycle and get by. Pretty silly though, if you ask me. What's even more silly is folks complaining about all this. What do you care what people buy and how they use the things they buy? I don't. I never did. I never will.


Digital anything seems to be a double edged sword. Photo gear is getting like cell phones. My first cell phone was 5 years old before I upgraded when it finally died, now I've gone through four phones in 5 years.

we might as well just start leasing cameras and glass....:cool:

This, I would agree with. With all the new stuff coming out at extremely short intervals, it difficult to keep level headed with all this. Yep, I've have 4 or 5 cell phones in the last few years myself. Guilty as charged!!!!

[Willie]

There are all levels of hobbies.

Above me are:
1. Harley owners
2. Custom auto owners
3. Boat owners
4. Exotic car owners
5. McMansion owners
6. Barfiles
7. Ford owners




:cool:


I know. I have several myself, and I'm far from rich.

[nicksan]

McMansion...mmmm...that sounds yummy. I'll take some fries with that please.:lol:

There are all levels of hobbies.

Above me are:
1. Harley owners
2. Custom auto owners
3. Boat owners
4. Exotic car owners
5. McMansion owners
6. Barfiles
7. Ford owners




:cool:

[vipergts831]

I bought an XSI in January and am already getting close to my next purchase. A 5dM2 with the brick.

As one said: its the quest for clarity and lower noise. I just love how the images come out and enjoy post processing. I can never go back to P&S.Only as a last resort to not carrying my slr.

[itzcryptic]

I bought an XSI in January and am already getting close to my next purchase. A 5dM2 with the brick.

As one said: its the quest for clarity and lower noise. I just love how the images come out and enjoy post processing. I can never go back to P&S.Only as a last resort to not carrying my slr.

I can relate to you there. I didn't want to take my SLR to the race track the other day, so I took the first digital camera I bought. Takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and the shutter lag must be over 1 second. I found it very difficult to use.

[oaktree]

From Feb 2007 until now: 2 DSLR bodies and 8 lenses. The fun never ends.

I'm already waiting for the 5DMkIV (I'm skipping the mkIII):)

[dgoakill]

What do you care what people buy and how they use the things they buy? I don't. I never did. I never will.


I don't, this thread was about the "hobby" of Photography and how much people spend on it. Obviously if you're a pro, then you need whatever is going to allow you to make money and produce the best images possible.

However, from a hobby standpoint, I was just trying to point out that practice (which is free) and maybe a book or two may go a lot further to produce better images than dropping a few grand on gear. the old adage of upgrading what's behind the camera and all that.

but again, I wasn't trying to pi$$ in anyone's cheerios just pointing out that in some cases a perceived fault in their equipment takes the blame over user error and as such leads them to keep chasing the photo gear dragon.

[omg516]

If you would have told me 6 months ago that I would spend $1,700 on one lens this year, I probably would have just stayed away from dslr's in general. It definitely is a black hole.

[mattograph]

There is a saturation point. Its somewhere between "your credit limit is reached" and "whats the cash value on my life insurance?"

[nicksan]

When things go wrong, it's always the gear, not me.:lol:;)

And I prefer Honey Combs over Cheerios...:p

I don't, this thread was about the "hobby" of Photography and how much people spend on it. Obviously if you're a pro, then you need whatever is going to allow you to make money and produce the best images possible.

However, from a hobby standpoint, I was just trying to point out that practice (which is free) and maybe a book or two may go a lot further to produce better images than dropping a few grand on gear. the old adage of upgrading what's behind the camera and all that.

but again, I wasn't trying to pi$$ in anyone's cheerios just pointing out that in some cases a perceived fault in their equipment takes the blame over user error and as such leads them to keep chasing the photo gear dragon.

[ShawnBC]

I kinda have the same problem; I always want (not need) new equipment.

I was planning on buying new gear this summer, but I got a wrist surgery last week and won't be able to work for the next 7 weeks.

No money = no new gear.. I truly hate it when things don't go the way I planned them.. Goodbye 85mm 1.8, 10-22mm and 430EX II...

[mentospure]

Did anyone see that film confessions of a shopaholic? I get the same feeling that everying is soooo great when i buy something related to photography. The bigger (pricier) the item the more i GLOW

[WaltA]

What scares me is the number of people driven to upgrade by other peoples opinions.

You know, the "Should I buy a used 30D or 5D Mk 2?" posts.

Your upgrades need to be driven by your needs and your budget.
And your skills ...
and your income ....

OH, OK forget I said anything .....

[X-WoodButch]

Its expensive for sure. I also am a watch collector. Currently, I have 66 in my collection. Varying in price from $79 to $7500 each. Watch winders to boot. It indeed can get $$$$$$$$$;)

[Sibil]

Your upgrades need to be driven by your needs and your budget.
And your skills ...
and your income ....


Well said. That's how I buy all things.

[WaltA]

Well said. That's how I buy all things.

OK, now I'm going to show my age by adding "It would help to make sure your family is fed as well beforemaking camera purchases".

[TooManyShots]

XTI 2 years ago. 6 months ago, 1dmarkIII and 500L...:) Draw your own conclusion...

[Jahled]

You only live life once

[joedlh]

Impatience,
Lack of discipline,
Too much surplus cash,
The need for instant gratification.
Lack of focus & concentration on the basics,
;). - Stu

I quite agree. When I get a shot that has something wrong with it, I ponder my technique. I don't instantly go out and buy the L lens that fits between 55 and 80 mm and think that that's going to solve all my problems.

I grew up on film. My humble 20D gives me better images than I ever got with Kodacolor 400. Some of them are on public display blown up to 3x5 feet and get rave reviews. Consequently, I have no reason to envy somebody who has a camera with a 35 mm sensor. I've seen enough people toting 1Ds and making basic mistakes to realize that it's the wetware behind the viewfinder that takes the picture.

I have nothing against gearheads. But that's their thing. They'll never convince me that their gear guarantees that their images will be earth shattering.

[WaltA]

Too often we are driven by other people's perception of what we need.

For example, I was perfectly happy with Windows 95. Was there any need to have an upgrade every year?

We see the advertisements about how this new technology will make use better at what we do - and like robots we go out and buy it.

I'm one of the lemmings. My tools far surpass my abilities.
And I'm just a hobbyist.

[AlanU]

11 second beetle.. You have got to post a pic.

Here's a low res point and shoot pic

http://members.shaw.ca/aircooled/640greybug.jpg

Another pic

http://members.shaw.ca/aircooled/640sky.jpg


Here's a vid

http://members.shaw.ca/acvolkswagen/backinthe11.htm

Photography is my new hobby that I enjoy. Certainly alot cheaper than speed addiction.

[nicksan]

It "needs" to be driven by my needs and your budgets?

Live a little...will ya?:lol:

What scares me is the number of people driven to upgrade by other peoples opinions.

You know, the "Should I buy a used 30D or 5D Mk 2?" posts.

Your upgrades need to be driven by your needs and your budget.
And your skills ...
and your income ....

OH, OK forget I said anything .....

[cochranjd]

I totally agree you shouldn't buy due to public "pressure" or opinion.

To be fair though, as a beginner, in alot of those threads I think people are simply trying to find out where their budget and features they would like to have best meet.

For me it was between a 20D/30D/Xti.

It wasn't that I wanted to get the "cool" camera - I wanted to know what was best about each. It came down to me wanting a more solid built. larger camera and I enjoyed the screen size advantage of the 30D over the 20D.

I didn't "need" any of those, but if I'm dropping $400+ on a camera, I want to make sure that I get as many of the "I'd like this" features as I can.

With that said, I do agree with the idea that somebody who takes time, reads, studies, and practices constantly can likely outperform someone who just spends time upgrading gear, even if the first person has inferior gear.

I also think that there is something to be said about buying entry level gear, learning it inside and out and as you upgrade spending time really LEARNING the new features instead of just jumping straight to a camera that has too many features to learn as a newbie.

But, as with all things, to each his/her own.

[nicksan]

Yep...hence this is a pointless discussion.
I don't find the so-called trend "scary".

Who cares? It's your money. You spend it as you wish. I know I do. There is no need for justification. Look at my gear list. Sure, I use all of it, but do I really need it? Nope. Would I have been able to get by with the old beat up Digital Rebel 300D I used to own? Sure. But then where does it end? Do I really need an SUV? Do I really need an iPhone? Do I really need a QuadCore PC? What about the microwave? Convection oven? Video camera? I mean, heck do I really "need" these things to live my life? A big fat No.

But I want those things, just like I want nicer photography gear. Is there some kind of a world committee that decides who deserves a 1DMKIII or a big fat white L lens?

If the trend "scares" someone, then that person is just jealous and needs to get over it. (or find a better paying job...:p)


But, as with all things, to each his/her own.

[cochranjd]

I should point out that in my original post. "scared" was used in a very tongue and cheek way (note the smiley face I used in that post).

I just found it funny that any time I came across a post where somebody had started recently, they had already progressed to very nice lists of equipments and I've not seen many things like it as far as hobbies go.

[nicksan]

I have. Golf, Tennis, musical instruments...just to name a few.
As I mentioned before, you gotta live a little right?:D
I should point out that in my original post. "scared" was used in a very tongue and cheek way (note the smiley face I used in that post).

I just found it funny that any time I came across a post where somebody had started recently, they had already progressed to very nice lists of equipments and I've not seen many things like it as far as hobbies go.

[ZGMF-X20A]

Started with XTi... now with 40D & 5D mk 1....
Started out with 28-70 f/3.5-4.5 & sigma 70-300 (can't be rechipped) ==> hand me down from my dad...
Now has the f/4Ls (24-105, 70-200 IS and going to buy the 17-40) + 135L...
Used to use the popup flash... now AB800 + 2 580EXII + 1 430EX II
haiz.... a true blackhole

[So Shoot Me!]

I was doing okay with my Minolta Maxxum (had the original for years, then the digital when it came out) until my friend Bob from Studio Marcotte (http://www.studiomarcotte.com) decided he "needed" the Canon 5D Mark II.

Well, someone had to buy his "old" 5D, didn't they?

After that, it's been all downhill. The 24-70 2.8L was bad enough. If my wife ever finds out about the second 580 EX II, the nifty new Manfrodo stands that interlock for transport, the Apollo mini-softboxes and the three new Pocket Wizards -- all purchased within the last month -- I'm probably toast. :confused:

Need to figure out a way to get a little return on my investment to soften her up!

-- Rick

[canonnoob]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).


just so you know the 85 1.8 is NOT an L lol

[John_T]

You only live life once

...but even if you are reincarnated as a passionate photographer in your next life, you only live NOW. :D

[luant16]

i started with 300d & kits (I got it because it just few hundreds more than big P&S such as sony 828 and thought that lenses wouldnt cost so much and could get it later on).

Now i have more than 10 grand worth of photography equipments (considering bit too much for hobbiest like me) Ouch... If i knew earlier, i wouldnt make a move (but if i knew it earlier, i also wouldnt have high res pics i have now :D) besides i'm not regret it at all since camera equipments easily to sell (unlike my car audio system) and some of it appreciated in value

[scrumpy]

Began with a 400D and kit lens three years ago. If and when I manage to get the best out of both I just might upgrade. The quickest way to the poor-house is to fill your head and bag with unnecessary gear you'll never learn to use.

[Yohan Pamudji]

Everything is amazing right now and nobody's happy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jETv3NURwLc).

[powerslave]

Money on the cam is better than money in the bank.

[John_T]

Everything is amazing right now and nobody's happy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jETv3NURwLc).

Spot on! :cool:

[sapearl]

Yup - saw the video.... nothing new.

Such a shame that some people don't know how to be happy with what they have. People don't really know when enough is enough... they just want to keep collecting more stuff without taking the time to master what they already have.

Again - it's all about patience and instant gratification. What's the point of rushing to a heart attack? :rolleyes:

Everything is amazing right now and nobody's happy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jETv3NURwLc).

[GovMule]

Ah,just ran across this post as I was entering this morning. Oh this is so true. Here's a post I made to our local Photography group back in December of last year. This about sums it up !

Why am I standing in the laundry room with a towel in one hand,my tripod in the other,with the tripod feet being soaked in hot water to remove the ice from them,all so I can set up and attempt to do some lens micro adjustments.
Oh,and this hobby started out so innocently...............

[S.Horton]

What scares me is the number of people driven to upgrade by other peoples opinions.

You know, the "Should I buy a used 30D or 5D Mk 2?" posts.

Your upgrades need to be driven by your needs and your budget.
And your skills ...
and your income ....

OH, OK forget I said anything .....

I think when people 'upgrade' like that they wanted to get the 'upgrade' or 'best' in the first place; they just came to POTN to feel better about spending the money!

[Mark_Cohran]

Be afraid, be very, very afraid. :) :) :)

[CyberPet]

I wish I lived under a rock, then I wouldn't have all the gear I have now, and is still lusting for more.

But... thanks to a fun hobby, I've started to make money.... and I have a small business now. Not making a bundle, as it seems like I always need to get better gear, but I'm sure that I'm almost done.

Almost.














Ok, who am I kidding?

Lusting after right now:

• 2nd 5D Mk II
• 135/2L
• 16-35/2.8 Mk II
• Portable battery pack for my Elinchrom studio flashes.

[Sean]

It's nothing new. Hobbies always develop from starter to complete(for now). Sometimes it's faster for some, and slower for others. Money is my barrier right now, or I'd be swimming in L's

[Tomi Hawk]

i started out with the original Digital Rebel (300D) and the kit lens. :p
Cool .. that makes two of us .. atleast .. ;)

[stepineden]

Cyberpet, I'm glad you don't live under a rock. I enjoy your posts. What scares me is I'm content with my 5d2. That came after 20d, 30d and 40d. Lenses, mmmm, very curious about the 135s and the 85s,itch, itch. When people who are interested in photgraphy ask me about buying a camera and if they need a camera like mine I tell them, " With a little work, a little study you can take pictures better than I can with a camera that costs 1/4 of my 5d2. Throw a little creativity into the mix and you could make me look like the rank amateur I am."
I sure do enjoy being a rank amatuer with my 5d2!

[MDJAK]

Part of the issue is that so many of the cameras & lenses are built down to a price. Corners are cut in an effort to get something the market will buy, the P&S being the prime example. For many, many people, those items are good enough, but when you get more involved in the hobby, you quickly find the limitations of the affordable (and I use the term loosely) gear and you're initial resolve to spend only $XXX quickly melts away when you realize what you want to achieve can't be done that cheaply.

That is so true, and never before did I realize it until I recently looked through the viewfinder of a cheaper priced Nikon DSLR. It only had three autofocus points to choose from and they were aligned straight across. I was ready to smash the camera on the floor, but the lady at work whose camera it was would have probably kicked my ass. ;)

me

[WillOPhotos]

Im actually quite happy with all my lenses etc I have now, never thought that would happen haha its good though its gonna save me some money :lol:

[S.Horton]

I just discovered the world of lighting........ meters....... modifiers..........

Seems like every corner I turn with this, there's MORE to spend!

[nicksan]

MDJAK, you and I know it's all about the gear. Talent is secondary.

You know...just like a good set of Titanium golf clubs will get you that extra 5 yards...deeper into the woods that is!:lol:

That is so true, and never before did I realize it until I recently looked through the viewfinder of a cheaper priced Nikon DSLR. It only had three autofocus points to choose from and they were aligned straight across. I was ready to smash the camera on the floor, but the lady at work whose camera it was would have probably kicked my ass. ;)

me

[ozziepuppy]

Guilty.

It has not yet been a year. SX5 IS --> XSi --> 30D --> 5D Mk II.

I blame POTN.

Had I not been able to buy and sell equipment here with a fair amount of confidence, I would have very likely stuck with my XSi. After all, it is a great camera! However, I was able to sell my XSi and get a used 30D. . . and later I was able to sell my 30D and put the money toward the 5DII. Same thing with lenses. I bought and sold several lenses and eventually got addicted to better glass.

It is really rather unfortunate that this is such a great forum.

Sigh. The suffering continues. . .

[Marloon]

i believe its the chase after noiseless shots, and sharpness (just as someone has said in this thread)

[Vascilli]

I started with 400D + 17-40L and a bag.

15 months later, I have this: My Gear (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8090169&postcount=1834)

And I'm only 16, which is the scary part.

Thank God for good parents, but yeah I did contribute about SG$2k to that, or about 1.3k USD with my own money / selling off stuff.
Very nice. And I thought I was crazy. :lol:

I started when I was 14 with my mom's XTi, kit lens, and 75-300mm. That Christmas I got an Induro monopod and 50mm f/1.8 II. Then came a Sigma 18-200 OS, then a grip. My dad gave me a loan to buy a set of Elinchrom D-Lites, I still haven't paid him back. :o Suddenly I found myself with a 1D II, the first camera I ever paid for. Then I managed to find a 200mm f/2.8L II for more or less half price. That left me pretty much broke. My goal was to have a 1-Series and an L by the end of high school. Turns out I did both by the end of grade 10.

Up next: 24-70L, extension tubes, tripod, and 200 f/2.0L plus 1.4x and 2x TCs. (200L will probably be bought with scholarship money or something. :lol:)

Moral of the story: If you like this hobby, you move up fast.

Edit: I also got a Pelican 1500 and dividers for $100, that was shortly after the 200L.

[exwintech]

A lot of excellent comments from so many different opinions and interest levels! Not sure where I'd fit - apart from "Newbie" to anything above an under-$200.00 P&S level that I used for years, when I was too busy working to "have Time to do it Properly"...

I'm now 60, on disability - and now "have Time" - but a lowish fixed income. In a year I've moved to a Fuji S2000HD - which is more-or-less a cheapy-P&S with 15x zoom - and the best feature is the 1280 x 720 HD-Low. So - keep that for its HD-abilities, and move-on to a Canon SX10 IS - which I've seen on this Forum, can do pretty-good pix for a non-DSLR.

Of course, now having seen all the superb and beautiful photos here, I'm now having to start saving again for an Entry-Level DSLR - Canon or Pentax....? Never mind - it'll take a while to get there. My "Uni Course" - this Forum - will be helping me to decide what to do...

But - I'm happy to be learning new things - then getting out-and-about to try them.

Maybe I'm a "LLLSN" - Low-Level-Late-Starting-Newy....:D

Thanks everyone - for such a fabulous, educational and entertaining Forum! :cool::cool:

Regards, Dave.

[Future Blues]

This thread is pushing me closer and closer to the 85L I've been lusting over...

I mean, I can always sell it later if I need the cash back, right? :lol:

[John_T]

This thread is pushing me closer and closer to the 85L I've been lusting over...

I mean, I can always sell it later if I need the cash back, right? :lol:

Corrected: I can always sell it later if I reach the point of absolute desperation and need the cash back...

Get the 135L first. :cool:

[Kiwikat]

I hope this trend isn't too scary- as I'm picking up my first DSLR (as seen in my sig) in the next week or so.

POTN seems like an excellent place to read up and ask any questions. I think it will be a forum I visit often :)

[John_T]

Welcome Kiwi! Don't worry, you've got your learning curve well covered for the first year... unless you let people put evil ideas in your head. :D

[D.A.]

First thing that keeps me from upgrading is - money. Second thing is that I almost
don't need anything more then i have - maybe 70-200 f/2.8 IS or something faster like 135 f/2 L.Yesterday i had to use IS0 3200 (which is not too bad at all) and still not enough.
Sure, it's nice to have 5D mkII or 1d mkIII but there is always question do i really need that cause i cannot earn a lot of money to invest in a such equipment.

[MaliCali]

ive shot on film for over a decade...

i got my first DSLR in the form of a 50D back in December, traded it + the two kit lenses it came with for my 5D2 in april..

[WillOPhotos]

everthing in my gear list was bought in the past 2 years, I started with the 350d :cool:

[CyberPet]

Cyberpet, I'm glad you don't live under a rock. I enjoy your posts. What scares me is I'm content with my 5d2. That came after 20d, 30d and 40d. Lenses, mmmm, very curious about the 135s and the 85s,itch, itch. When people who are interested in photgraphy ask me about buying a camera and if they need a camera like mine I tell them, " With a little work, a little study you can take pictures better than I can with a camera that costs 1/4 of my 5d2. Throw a little creativity into the mix and you could make me look like the rank amateur I am."
I sure do enjoy being a rank amatuer with my 5d2!

Oh I would be totally content with a lot less if I had still just been shooting for fun. Now I need backups and such, as I shoot weddings and things just can't break down or I'll be lost without any gear (and just imagine how distraught the Bride and Groom would be). But imagine how many L lenses I would have if I didn't have to have several bodies too.... oh wait, then I wouldn't be able to afford this lens lust. Hmmm.

But I tell you who's the real devil.... CANON! I went to a workshop and they had put out a table with ALL their lenses, every single L lens they had, and I was foolish enough to try a few of them. The gear lust did not go away. On the contrary. They are the devil for sure!! (But I'm not complaining very loudly, it just makes my economy complicated :D )

[Pommekitty]

Hello All,

Here's the deal.

You've got to put this hobby into perspective. :)

Years ago, when my daughter was younger, we owned horses. That is, horses, a pickup and trailer plus all the tack. All that paid for and then the monthly fees as well.

Essentially you could buy a nice(mid pricey) lens or camera every month to every other month for what we spent on horses over a 7 year period of time.

Now, don't get me wrong. The horse hobby was wonderful for my daughter and taught her all kinds of good things like responsibility.

So, to me, photography...very reasonable.

:D

I'm in serious trouble because my two main hobbies are horses and photography. Only I don't have the trailer + pick-up set up. Too expensive.

In a way it's scary because it took me 2 years to save and give my brain the ok to buy that perfect western saddle for my horse that cost $2000. But I bought my first DSLR last november: XS + kit lens and 6 months later I'd bought a 40D, tripod, bag, filters, remote and a couple of other lenses.

I have my priorities straight: horses come before photography. I only bought all this stuff I mentioned above because the saddle was the last purchase I had to make to complete my equipment. I have all I need for my horse and me and don't feel driven to buy more stuff like I am with photography. Just yesterday I bought a gently used 28-105 lens on Ebay that I had sworn to myself I wouldn't buy until Christmas:rolleyes:

The good thing I suppose is that although I have the cash in my bank account to buy a couple of L lenses and a 1D or 5D, I'm not even slightly tempted to do it because that cash is set aside in case my horse has a problem. No, my problem is that I buy a lot of cheap stuff and it starts to add up....Give me an under $200 lens that's not too shabby (like the aforementioned 28-105) and I'm a goner.

[sebr]

Blame it on Canon ;)

[jack lumber]

Haha, you're absolutely right...but I'm behind the curve, it took my like 3.5 years.

It's not a hobby, it's an addiction and an obsession...and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. At least that's what I keep telling myself.


There is a fine line between hobby and obsession.;)

[flickserve]

Having read this thread, I feel very disciplined. Moved from the 350D to the 30D within a year but have managed to stick to the 30D for nearly three years now. But I have added a 35L, 50 f1.4, 100 f2 135L and 70-200 2.8L IS along the way.

[SuzyView]

Having read this thread, I feel very disciplined. Moved from the 350D to the 30D within a year but have managed to stick to the 30D for nearly three years now. But I have added a 35L, 50 f1.4, 100 f2 135L and 70-200 2.8L IS along the way.

Cameras come and go, lenses are forever. :)

[dino8031]

It could be worse. Try owning a sailboat. :wink:

[ozziepuppy]

It could be worse. Try owning a sailboat. :wink:

Cheer up. Things could be worse.

So I cheered up.





And sure enough, things got worse. :cool:

[tupper]

Mountain Bikes and photography have both impacted alot on my wallet. Bikes more so, but recently had to sell 3 of them to fund the 5dmkII. Sacrifices for photography are indeed large!

[DocFrankenstein]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worse_is_better

It's hard to disengage photography and photography equipment... especially if you haven't tried more than one camera.

[Headshotzx]

Very nice. And I thought I was crazy. :lol:

I started when I was 14 with my mom's XTi, kit lens, and 75-300mm. That Christmas I got an Induro monopod and 50mm f/1.8 II. Then came a Sigma 18-200 OS, then a grip. My dad gave me a loan to buy a set of Elinchrom D-Lites, I still haven't paid him back. :o Suddenly I found myself with a 1D II, the first camera I ever paid for. Then I managed to find a 200mm f/2.8L II for more or less half price. That left me pretty much broke. My goal was to have a 1-Series and an L by the end of high school. Turns out I did both by the end of grade 10.

Up next: 24-70L, extension tubes, tripod, and 200 f/2.0L plus 1.4x and 2x TCs. (200L will probably be bought with scholarship money or something. :lol:)

Moral of the story: If you like this hobby, you move up fast.

Edit: I also got a Pelican 1500 and dividers for $100, that was shortly after the 200L.

Yet you still haven't changed your signature. Bad bad irresponsible little munchkin! ;)

Oh, how old are you now?

I'm 16 at the moment, and when I become 17 at the end of year, I'm hoping to get a 1Dmark3 as a birthday/xmas present, with me contributing a bit (:

[rikaro]

lol that's pretty scary. If you look at my list it's only been 5 years.

[jaykilgore]

Photography is just like any other hobby. if you are really into it and enjoying yourself doing it, its going to get expensive!!

i started out with the original Digital Rebel (300D) and the kit lens. :p

I agree, but disagree.

I too, started with the original digi rebel. I wasn't sure it was worth it to put down my Maxxum 5 (I still long for a 7000) and Hassey. I got the digi rebel and loved the instant view of digital.

Three years later I upgraded to the 20d. Two years after that, I got the 40d and just recently as in last year, got the 5d.

May people think that in order to get great photos, you have to have the latest and greatest. I have no desire to get the new 5d mk II and to be totally honest, my dream camera is STILL the 1ds MK II.

I have a friend who shoots very little, but became equipment envious when I got my 5d, he just went and got the 5d mk II and is waiting for my next workshop to use it.

I used to be a gear head, but after attending many self control classes (wife telling me "NO") I've learned to make the best out of what I have now.

So photography isn't expensive for me!!! :D

[SuzyView]

Yet you still haven't changed your signature. Bad bad irresponsible little munchkin! ;)

Oh, how old are you now?

I'm 16 at the moment, and when I become 17 at the end of year, I'm hoping to get a 1Dmark3 as a birthday/xmas present, with me contributing a bit (:

That's a wonderful start for gear! I wish I had such good stuff at your age. My father bought my brother at the age of 16 an F-1, which I have right now. My brother was very good from the start and taught photography for many years. Keep working at it. I waited a long time to get what I have now, and no regrets. It's amazing you are getting such a good set-up so young.

[Jman13]

It is indeed scary. I started 4 years ago with a Digital Rebel (300D), Sigma 18-125 and the nifty 50. You can see my current gear in my sig. In addition, I've owned and sold the entire holy trinity, the 80-200 f/2.8L, and many other lenses.

[es1]

It's sad turth though, that many who have L lenses and expensive cameras shouldn't have even thought about buying them when you look at their photos.

[ScootersDaddy]

Yes but, if you don't have the stuff you simply can't take the pictures. My feeling is I would rather have all the tools at my disposal and learn what I need for what I want to do. Up the road my used lenses that I don't end up liking or needing can be sold and I will basically get my money back. But if I want to start shooting a wide variety of subject matter I can't do it without the equipment. I cashed out of one hobby and dropped a ton on glass and other equipment recently but I figure that this is one that I will not likely lose much money on in the long run compared to many other pastimes I can think of. And some of it is a very legitimate business write off for me so that's another bonus.

[snyderman]

Hey, are you picking on me? Read your post and it certainly could have been written about me!

Having purchased gear and shooting for the first time Thanksgiving weekend 2008, the upgrade bug has bitten a few times.

The most dangerous part of this board is looking at the lens sample photo sections. Sadly, (and after several doses of high-cost reality) I now know it's not so much the gear you're in but moreso the guy driving!!!

My upgrade was from a 30D and a couple of cheap lenses to what you see in my signature. That said, you won't see 5D in my sig until the stuff in my signature line can be put to better use!

dave

[Methodical]

You got everything in your gear list... in less than 9 months? :shock:

Yeah but I got a great deal on my 1st two L lens (70-200 and 300 f4 IS)...both for $500 and I got the 24-105 at a pretty good price. So it's a little deceiving at first.

[Methodical]

I caught the bug as well, Xt to Xti to 5D2. This hobby is nowhere near expensive as my other two, home theater and Porsches. On projector upgrade is equivalent to a 5D2 and a box full of L lenses. Deciding between keeping a new unopened 40D or upgrading to a 5D2 instead was not as difficult as most of my audio or HT decisions.

Robert I definitely know the car hobby expenses. I rebuilt my Mustang Cobra and I put lots of money, blood, sweat and tears into it. Car hobbies are expensive but fun. So I kind of just shifted the funds to photography.

The HT I basically have finished...no changes upgrades etc. for me. I got what I wanted and I am done.

[RJS77]

This is a very expensive hobby.... profession....but fun! You always what something new or better all the time.......

[jon71203]

i'm a musician and somewhat of a gear hound in that world. its no different.
www.thegearpage.net is the equivalent of POTN for musicians...and all it does is simply fuel the flame for more gear. its not scary, just what people choose to have an interest and investment in.

[rklepper]

Photography is the least expensive of my 3 hobbies. The other 2 are collecting rare coins and collecting antique scientific equipment. :)

[Wilt]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D), people will say the following (or something similar)...

"A year ago when I first got started, I bought a used 30D from a friend of mine"...

Then I look at the bottom of their post and it will read:

5D Mark II, 40D, 50D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 85mm f/1.8L, ...

What is it about photography that makes us become so helplessly and quickly caught up in the fun of it? I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).

Those who frequent photo newsgroups will often be obsessed with performance, even when they don't really need it! An axiom of photography is that the larger the format, the better the ultimate IQ. But that axiom only becomes really evident in large prints or at very high magnification. The problem is that digital photography makes it very easy to fall prey to 100% crop views, where the actual magnfication of the sensor image hits 50X . So people suddenly feel "I need a better camera", forgetting the fact that at 100% they really are viewing a print that is 44" wide from two feet away!

I have shot professionally, in multiple formats, over many decades. In spite of that, since I no longer shoot professionally on a regular basis, I do NOT find a need 'for a better, FF body' because I simply do not make enough large prints (over 13 x 19") for me to see a need. Furthermore, ultimately we are LENS LIMITED at high magnifications, and nothing can address that limitation...even with a larger FF sensor and higher pixel count. If you start with a super 80 ll/mm resolution lens for 35mm camera, above 16x magnification you have less than 5 ll/mm of delivered resolution to the print and you will never see more detail and your eye will not perceive that photo as truly 'sharp'! The problem is that the typical dSLR shooter is not as aware of that issue as the film photographers used to be. So they buy a FF camera thinking that will improve the 30x40" posters they make...well yeah, it is 1.6x better, but there isn't any more detail to be seen at that high mag, but they already bought the body before discovering that limitation.

[EiTheL]

I started with 400D + 17-40L and a bag.

15 months later, I have this: My Gear (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8090169&postcount=1834)

And I'm only 16, which is the scary part.

Thank God for good parents, but yeah I did contribute about SG$2k to that, or about 1.3k USD with my own money / selling off stuff.

Your 16 and you have a 200mm f/2.8 IS? How the hell did you afford it O_o"
I'm 16 also but I have a 5D, 28-135mm, battery grip, and a 580EX >_>
going for a 16-35mm f/2.8L next, which should be by the end of summer

Also, when I started with photo, I did film first. I did it first with an old pentax, then I bought a Rebel K2 (Before they got discontinued) and photo paper (and film) wasn't cheap. I also experimented with holgas and large format cameras. There is one guy at my school who purely shoots film with a leica though, spending 300 bucks on a large piece of photo paper >_>

Also, I find myself constantly looking up other lens on dpreview or the-digital-picture and spending WAAYY to much time on the POTN boards when I'm not playing some game :P

[Hogloff]

Photography is just like any other hobby. if you are really into it and enjoying yourself doing it, its going to get expensive!!

i started out with the original Digital Rebel (300D) and the kit lens. :p

Photography does not need to be expensive. You can make fabulous photos with rebels and kit lenses. Photo equipment collection as a hobby gets expensive. It seems like we have more collectors and photographers on these forums.

[BV1DMKIIn]

Photography does not need to be expensive. You can make fabulous photos with rebels and kit lenses.

It is a good feeling when you see people post exceptional photos from the early Rebels and the lower-end lenses.

I started out with a 300D and kit lens bought used from a friend. It had just suffered a shutter failure at 9,800 shots. It was refurbed under warranty, and I bought it when my friend received it back from Canon. I put 10K shots on it, too, then I sold it to a friend. He's got at least 10K shots on it now, and it's still going strong!

I got a new 20D. I really liked the improved ISO, larger images, and the faster shutter (I like to take pics of motorsports). Then I learned more about the need for "fast glass," and I got 70-200 f/2.8 Sigma.

I was considering a 40D upgrade when I had the opportunity to get a barely used 1DMKIIn. I paid a little more for it than I would have for a new 40D. The 1D is the one thing I didn't really need, but I am glad I got it. It's a hoss!

I now have a pretty nice arsenal of tools. If my photos suck, it's all on me. :D

[Twotan]

very scary indeed............I think it is time for a CA...........Canon Anonymous

I will be the first one to say that I need to go to CA.

[Maureen Souza]

LOL! I started watching the whole 10D series unravel and statred lurking here when people were posting shots with their new 10Ds. I jumped in when the 20D came out and told myself I could get by with one versatile lens.

While my aresenal is not as huge as a lot of folks here, I am very happy with my line up and am not looking to purchase anything else anytime soon.

[Jahled]

I clocked up over £10,000 on kit since April last year

The best bit is i've more or less loved every moment of the way; the learning curve, seeing stuff in print in the papers, online, being asked to do shoots by Director Generals, the BBC, seeing my stuff used as signage by work, and more simple notes of happiness when my oldest friend sent round a card for his new baby with my picture used after a private family shoot

It's treasures like that that make me glee :)

http://s1.b3ta.com/host/creative/9805/1244580172/IMG8375.jpg

[Ob Com]

.nm

[RobertZ]

just so you know the 85 1.8 is NOT an L lol

Just don't tell the lens that! :)


This thread is pushing me closer and closer to the 85L I've been lusting over...
I mean, I can always sell it later if I need the cash back, right?

One thing that is great about purchasing gear for this hobby is that you really don't lose much selling to upgrade, downgrade, etc. (within reason of course). You can buy a 70-200mm and sell it a year later for a hundred dollar loss. In comparison, a few years back I bought a $6500 HT projector and lost $4000 on it's sale a year later.




......There. I've convinced myself.

Mountain Bikes and photography have both impacted alot on my wallet. Bikes more so, but recently had to sell 3 of them to fund the 5dmkII. Sacrifices for photography are indeed large!

I just replaced my bike with a new one last week (my son needed my old one). Try dropping a few grand on a camera and then hammering it into the dirt a day later! Photo gear is much more sane.




.....There. I've convinced myself.

[DDWD10]

I entered the world of digital photography very innocently last year with a 10D and 28-105mm II USM.

Within a year I have spent over $1,000, owned two bodies and about eight lenses, flash, filters, etc and I'm just a poor college student! Yikes! I'm about to buy my first L!

[sapearl]

I must be missing the joke here...... why are people so proud of spending such huge sums on camera gear in such short periods of time?:rolleyes:

[ckfishel2001]

I hate the "wish list" features at the online stores because mine constantly has 3 or 4 items

My Adorama wish list has 27:(

[ckfishel2001]

I must be missing the joke here...... why are people so proud of spending such huge sums on camera gear in such short periods of time?:rolleyes:

Not a pride thing...looking for validation? It's a great hobby, but you start with some smaller camera, and basic lens, and then it won't reach far enough, or isn't sharp enough (or you haven't had a chance to get better at your skill). And then you just keep wishing for that next step...until you get something like a Hasselblad:)

[snyderman]

i'm a musician and somewhat of a gear hound in that world. its no different.
www.thegearpage.net (http://www.thegearpage.net) is the equivalent of POTN for musicians...and all it does is simply fuel the flame for more gear. its not scary, just what people choose to have an interest and investment in.

Hey John,

Sadly, I'm a member THERE, too! CS Strats, boutique pedals ... you name it, I've bought it! While REALLY nice pedals cost a couple hundred, a really nice lens can be well over a grand!

What I have in camera gear now could be turned into a private stock PRS and another strat from the custom shop!!! :o

dave

[DDWD10]

What I will say is this: Buy used and buy mint. Case in point, I bought a 35-135mm USM for $80 and a 70-210mm USM for $150 and sold them for $160 and $200, respectively. Canon's first round of rear-focusing USM lenses brought me good luck ;) If I've lost any money on this hobby, it has been minimal.

[MikeFairbanks]

Ah.. the quest for ultimate sharpness and low noise. The more one looks, the less satisfied one is with their current gear and questing for that holy grail of noisless razor sharp images.


Geesh, first page and you hit the nail on the head.

[alex66]

I must be rare then I started with a 300D that got stolen, bought a Minolta 5d but sold that when they bailed and went to nikons. I ended up with a D200 and a Fuji S3 with a load of lenses but found I was mainly using the S3 with a couple of lenses. So I sold the D200 and the glass I didn't use and used that kit. But I got m.e. and found the weight of it too much and the lower end Nikons lose the in body AF so I would have to replace it all. I got an Olympus but I felt disappointed with it so I sold it and now have a 1000d with a 50mm and the kit lens. Ill replace the kit lens with something better, but Im more inclined to buy primes and a good 3rd party zoom. I with buying and selling have made profit, I mainly have bought used or sell out lines. I don't desire 1d's etc and don't have any real use for them. I have 2 high end compacts, that got used more than the oly , I always have one with me.

[seilerbird]

The reason I have an income is to spend it. I know many people who will die with millions in the bank and I know they didn't enjoy life as much as I am. Better to spend your money on cameras instead of women.

[S.Horton]

@seilerbird welcome to POTN.

May you marry a woman with more money than you have. ;}

[Electrical]

The reason I have an income is to spend it. I know many people who will die with millions in the bank and I know they didn't enjoy life as much as I am. Better to spend your money on cameras instead of women.

the right woman doesn't cost you anything... just sayin'.

[tupper]

May you marry a woman with more money than you have. ;}

bw!

[Wilt]

the right woman doesn't cost you anything... just sayin'.

yeah...right! :rolleyes:

[Space]

Gear is not that expensive. Being greedy is what gets expensive.

[mritchy]

Not a pride thing...looking for validation? It's a great hobby, but you start with some smaller camera, and basic lens, and then it won't reach far enough, or isn't sharp enough (or you haven't had a chance to get better at your skill). And then you just keep wishing for that next step...until you get something like a Hasselblad:)

That is exactly right. I have accumulated everything in my signature since mid January of this year. I have even sold quite a few things including a 30D and a handfull of lenses that weren't cutting it. It really depends on your learning curve and how often you use the stuff. It doesn't make sense for someone that might pull it out once a month to spend ridiculous sums of money on it, but if you shoot 2-3 weddings in a weekend and prduct photography during the week, then you upgrade fast.

[S.Horton]

@seilerbird welcome to POTN.

May you marry a woman with more money than you have. ;}

bw!

I think you got it -- That's a twist on the curse "may you live in interesting times" -- Relationships are harder than earning money, IMO.

Now, for the MOST budget-dangerous thread on POTN:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=141406

[ThomasOwenM]

I've noticed a trend that is scary (for my wallet and future).

It seems like anytime I am reading about "beginner" type equipment (depending on the date, I'll see mention of anything from an Xti/Xt to Xsi/Xs to 20D/30D)..... I'm terrified for my future (I say this while planning a trip to the local camera shop today to get a tripod/bag for my 30D that I had to get after playing with my wife's Xsi).

Don't worry about it. I just sold a kidney on the black market; now I'm going to be able to afford all kinds of great new gear.

[EiTheL]

Don't worry about it. I just sold a kidney on the black market; now I'm going to be able to afford all kinds of great new gear.

Ohh how much did it sell for? How many L lens could I trade it in for?