How to do people afford some of these lenses...

Didn't read too much before but...

I have a seperate stash (under the bed, not literally but you know what i mean) of where i acquire some cash for whatever reason that i put JUST towards photography. I do security jobs on the side from my IT job and i take the extra cash and put it in a drawer and save it for photo stuff. Its not a priority (photography) but it is something i enjoy and will take time acquiring loose cash here and there. I just got the Sigma 30 and am looking for a 50D currently and it took me probably 8-10 months to acquire the funds from security gigs for the both of those.

(Note: I can't stand working with drunk people... after halloween night i told myself i was over the security thing but the cash i brought in had me rushing home at like 3a and checking POTN for a new Lens!) LOL!

MP4/8 wrote in post #11524481
How many people does one have to off, for a 35L?

.

Don't know about that . But we could use some treetop pilots

Dr.Pete wrote in post #11524508
Of all the hobbies I could spend my money on, my wife seems to approve of cycling/triathlon and photography. I'm not sure she'd feel the same way about, say, scotch or gambling.

If you was winning , she might go for the gambling .

JeffreyG wrote in post #11521334
I have a reasonably high paying job that is not related to photography.

You need to keep some perspective, especially if this is a hobby. Don't bankrupt yourself looking for that last nth degree of performance.

Also if you really are struggling with lust for expensive gear, simply stay out of the gear forums here at POTN. There are a million people here who will tell you that the 85L is loads better than the 85/1.8 because they need to justify buying the fancy one to themselves.

The reality is that the difference between decent and top end lenses is almost always overstated here in a gear-head forum. The real world differences will not likely make or break any of your photos.

Spot on! ....and sometimes I sell my current gear to use towards new gear, but only after a LOT of research, sleeping/thinking on it, and usually borrowing the item I am considering from CPS or from one of my more well equipped photographer buddies.

I recently talked myself out of a 100L f/2.8 IS macro after a week of borrowing it (and almost using it exclusively) by reasoning I could make due with my 70-200 2.8 IS or 135L + extension tubes (for my uses at least - food photography). In the end, even though I still kind of lust after the 100, its nice to have $850 to use towards CC bills.

We don't bring our money when we died, so spend it while you are alive (that's what my mother said to make my dad buy me these equipment). I'm very lucky to have a mother who always support me, but soon I'm going to college so I think this year is hard, because my father have to pay $16000 X2 for me and my sister education.

That makes me don't want to get married or have any kids, kids are expensive (I realize it), I'd like to substitute my kids with my L's.

KY707 wrote in post #11525131
We don't bring our money when we died, so spend it while you are alive (that's what my mother said to make my dad buy me these equipment). I'm very lucky to have a mother who always support me, but soon I'm going to college so I think this year is hard, because my father have to pay $16000 X2 for me and my sister education.

That makes me don't want to get married or have any kids, kids are expensive (I realize it), I'd like to substitute my kids with my L's.

Keep the focus on the education and soon you can have kids AND L's.

I have no kids, I'm not married, I make a good living, and I don't have a mountain of debt. Others' results may vary.

TooManyShots wrote in post #11524295
That's nothing. Try a wireless powertap hub laced with a zip 404 carbon tubular rim. That should set you back close to $3k for ONE BICYCLE WHEEL. Another $150 for a single tubular tire too.

It's insane how far bike technology has come but, 3K for one wheel?

JeffreyG wrote in post #11524298
I took a lousy picture of it a few years ago. It's quite a basic bike, but spending huge bucks for a 17 pound bike makes little sense on a commuter that will be carrying 20 pounds of stuff too.

If your commuting to work, a performance bike doesn't make sense.

jdizzle wrote in post #11525452
It's insane how far bike technology has come but, 3K for one wheel?

If your commuting to work, a performance bike doesn't make sense.

A $1700 hub system that can measure your power output in watts and the whole setup is wireless. You ride with it because you can train in power, instead of a heart rate monitor (old school). You want the lightest and fastest rim laced to the hub. A 58mm carbon fiber tubular rim would do the trick. $800. There is the labor cost and the spokes cost. Throw in another $300. The wheel should weight no more than 3 ponds. Then, you want top end tubular tire too. About $100 to $150.

One thing that I find costly with cycling is that the tire replacement. The rest of the gear is pretty durable provided that you don't crash. Bike tires are disposable like car tires. But for bikes, they don't last long and wear out fast. Your average good road tire is about $55 to $60 each. I can go through 2 to 3 pairs in one season.

chugger93 wrote in post #11521294
How do you guys do it? Just save? Or do you not bother and buy the midrange stuff? I just find it hard to justify spending that much on a lens, but I'm tryin....

If you make money from it it's a no-brainer. Glass makes a huge difference. When I bought my 70-200 L it make the 7D come alive. I went from keeping less than 25% of my shots to keeping more than 75% of them.

But it's not just about sharpness. It's also about low-light performance. I shoot a lot of evening events and indoors where lighting can be a challenge, especially in motorsports. I tried real hard to make it work with some older glass but it was an epic fail.

I do stuff for print/online mags and got lucky on a good gig with About.com (New York Times Company) and I've earned enough from them alone to pay for my current rig many times over.

If you're serious about shooting and expect to make money from it you'll need to move to hi-end glass sooner rather than later.

Not a "L" quality bike, but it gets me from points A to Z, with some decent bokeh. This is original condition when first modded it... have since replaced the back pack with larger version [holds couple gallons of milk or camera + couple lenses], thinner tires, clip-ons, and another water bottle. I don't race, just do tours - I'm slower rider, ave ~19 mph. Next will be some back saddle bags for extra storage. Looking forward to some warmer / drier weather!

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

For me, I decide what I want and save for it. This makes more sense, and is less expensive than buying lenses that I won't be happy with, and then finally getting the true one that I covet. Besides, I don't want to miss out on that great shot.

sek

chugger93 wrote in post #11521294
I got into the whole photography/slr thing about a year ago, and now more than ever (obsession I think). I don't have much glass wise, but lately have been craving some new glass for my young one and other misc shots. I've been reading/researching like mad, and only come to realize that L glasses are amazing. I'm a believer that, you get what you pay for and I tend to by "cream of the crop" stuff.

I guess I can't picture myself buying an 35mm f/2 for example when I can have the amazing 35mm f/1.4 L. All these glasses are like 1000 +. How do you guys do it? Just save? Or do you not bother and buy the midrange stuff? I just find it hard to justify spending that much on a lens, but I'm tryin....

I save for mine... sell some of my cheaper lens that I shouldn't have bought to begin with...

most americans are on credit card debt...go figure

Way sweet!

PixelMagic wrote in post #11521737
Feed your gear lust here: http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/96720​8/0#9162395

I'm going to stick with the two lenses I have and rent L-glass for big important stuff like vacations.

The only L-glass I really want is the 100-400. That lens offers a huge range of possibilities, and when stopped down a little gets outstanding, sharp images. Perfect lens in good light.

In bad light? Well, if you are shooting still life and using a tripod it's no problem, but the lens normally isn't suited for low light.