24-70 2.8L MK II users - where are the pics?

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16438800
No...I have my own apartment and I paid cash for my very good car. My parents cannot afford to help me.

An apartment would mean that yes, you rent. So how is that not a waste of your hard earned money? Would it not make more sense to put that same money toward buying a home of your own?

I considered my last cars very good too, but I also had to spend a lot more money on upkeep (which I did myself). Now I own a newer used car that I don't need to work on nearly as much and it's a joy to drive every day.

Basically, Judge not lest ye be judged yourself

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #16438804
An apartment would mean that yes, you rent. So how is that not a waste of your hard earned money? Would it not make more sense to put that same money toward buying a home of your own?

I considered my last cars very good too, but I also had to spend a lot more money on upkeep (which I did myself). Now I own a newer used car that I don't need to work on nearly as much and it's a joy to drive every day.

Basically, Judge not lest ye be judged yourself

Sorry....English is not my native. I guess what I called apartment is called Condominium. Not judging at all. I am just stating the fact that sadly people become slaves on their own will....but I do not judge. It is just unfortunate, but people have a free will....

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16438811
Sorry....English is not my native. I guess what I called apartment is called Condominium. Not judging at all. I am just stating the fact that sadly people become slaves on their own will....but I do not judge. It is just unfortunate, but people have a free will....

I don't know how anyone could be expected to buy their first property immediately after moving from their parents house. Unless you had a VERY high paying job, that just doesn't happen. Also, in the US it's EXTREMELY hard to even rent a property if you have no credit (I learned this the hard way, I used to only buy things with cash, cars cameras, whatever) so you basically have to be in debt at some point. I won't go on about this, I'm just saying, even if I and others are technically in debt, it doesn't mean we're "trapped", in fact, I'd say the opposite.

Different strokes for different folks.

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #16438813
I don't know how anyone could be expected to buy their first property immediately after moving from their parents house. Unless you had a VERY high paying job, that just doesn't happen. Also, in the US it's EXTREMELY hard to even rent a property if you have no credit (I learned this the hard way, I used to only buy things with cash, cars cameras, whatever) so you basically have to be in debt at some point. I won't go on about this, I'm just saying, even if I and others are technically in debt, it doesn't mean we're "trapped", in fact, I'd say the opposite.

Different strokes for different folks.

All I wanted to say is that folks should not buy the gear they cannot afford as instead of freedom and joy of photography it will only bring problems and frustration in other areas of life.

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16438817
All I wanted to say is that folks should not buy the gear they cannot afford as instead of freedom and joy of photography it will only bring problems and frustration in other areas of life.

That depends on what their other needs are. That's up to them to decide

After buying my 6D through credit I've shot several paid shoots with it, totaling nearly $1500, so it's already almost paid for itself. That's money that I likely wouldn't have had if I hadn't put the 6D on credit.

I don't think people here need lectures on using credit. Borrowing can make you money and can lose you money. It can make you happier or ruin your life. It's up to a person to weigh the pluses and minuses. People who say don't borrow are just as foolish as those who set themselves up for bankruptcy--neither understand what credit is for.

Wow! This thread has gone off on a tangent. With respect to debt, please allow me to say one thing. Credit, managed properly is cheaper, hugely, than anything you can do with cash.

Situation A:
I want X. It costs Y$. I save $Z per month until I have enough money to pay cash. Inflation takes its toll out of every dollar I save. Every month, ever dollar you have in a savings account is worth less. Simple interest is ALWAYS below the inflation rate. If you put a dollar in the bank last year, it is now worth 98.8 cents. For the last few years interest has been a very small percent of the inflation rate. Saving is a good way to guarantee your money is worth less in the future. As an added bonus you have to wait Y/Z months to get the item in question.

Situation B:
I want X. It costs Y$. I buy it today. On credit. You will notice that the first thing about this situation is that I get to start enjoying said device TODAY. I am now in debt to someone. Most credit cards have a grace period. Pay for it 45 days from now at no extra cost. Lots of credit card companies compete by offering NO INTEREST balance transfers. I love those things. You give me money today and I get to pay you back with inflation cheapened dollars sometime in the future? DEAL! I have never turned down a offer of free money.

Don't even rag-on about debt levels and credit ratings. The first is irrelevant as long as you have the cash flow to pay the bills. The second will stay stellar as long as you pay your bills. This is key: THEY DON'T CARE WHOSE MONEY YOU PAY YOUR BILLS WITH! As long as I maintain my credit rating by paying my bills, I get more no interest money offers. Neat, huh?

I am 56 years old and retired. My assets are worth about 3 times my current debt level. Before the recent financial downturn it was about 5 times. Even in the extremely unlikely event that this system collapses around me, I can liquidate and have enough cash to replace everything I own twice. What I lose is cash flow, and that would hurt worse.

I stand by my position. Paying cash is for fools and poor people. In the end you will die with a pile of saved cash. Of what use is it to you at that point? I will die as far in debt as I can get. Reasonably.

Xyclopx wrote in post #16438853
I don't think people here need lectures on using credit. Borrowing can make you money and can lose you money. It can make you happier or ruin your life. It's up to a person to weigh the pluses and minuses. People who say don't borrow are just as foolish as those who set themselves up for bankruptcy--neither understand what credit is for.

Very true. Excellent perspective. The judicious use of credit allows a lifestyle the cash-only simply cannot achieve.

Talk about going off topic I like owning all my stuff no credit here, but it's because I can. Not everyone is in the same boat, so it's what you can afford. Credit for some people is the only option. I use credit cards strictly for the air miles and hotel miles and always zero balance monthly.

So how about that Tamron 24-70 VC vs. the Canon 24-70 is the Canon worth the extra?