Why I will never buy more then one lens at a time

A while back I bought 2 lenses, a Sigma 30mm 1.4, and a 100mm Macro 2.8(non IS) I ALWAYS used the sigma more, while yes, it is a more versatile lens I found that I disliked the 100mm Macro almost right away, and preferred the sigma 1.4, it is months later and I have sold the 100mm Macro, I feel that no matter what the second lens is I will always prefer one of them.

I just felt like sharing and do any of you feel that way?

Nope, I carefully research all my lenses before purchased and I purchased 24-70 and 70-200mm the same time and it is the perfect combo for the type of shooting that I do. I think most people who start don't really know what type of photography they are going to specialize with and end up with lenses they can't use or not suitable for the type of photography they end up liking.

Yep, for example I loved the macro, and maybe one day I will buy it again, but for a 100mm prime? not worth it for me. I love my 70-200mm for the reason it covers 100mm and 70. It is amazing for portraits and sharp.

I ussually look at pictures and what lens they used to take it. I find lots of time more people exagerate reviews and sometimes they don't even have the lens to begin with let alone make the recommendation.

I think a lot of people settle down to one favorite lens they use the most. For me, it's the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS HSM. But that doesn't mean I'll sell off the rest of my lenses. In fact, I don't use the Sigma 10-20mm very often at all. But I still wouldn't sell it because when I need wider than 17mm, I need wider than 17mm. I can understand that if you don't find yourself actually shooting Macro shots, then other lenses certainly can cover the same focal length range for you.

So I think it should be more a matter of "WIll I find this lens useful, even if only sometimes?" If the answer is no, then it is time to move on. If the answer is yes or maybe, then it is worth holding onto.

I don't think its a matter of favoratism. For example if my favorite lens is 70-200mm 2.8L IS and I'm shooting in my studio which is pretty small to use for full body shots then I resort to the 24-70mm. I think its more on the specificity of use. For portraits my 24-200 range covers every portrait situation that I look for.

I never buy more than one lens at a time. Probably because I don't want to part with the cash all as the same time. I tend to buy the lens I want when In need it (or really want it). On top of that, when I do buy a new lens I want to play with it. If I were ro buy two, then I'd be torn on which one to play with. I just got the 24-105L. Now I am already wanting the 17-40L and the 100-400L. I can't drop the $$$'s on all of them, so I will work within my range (for now) and then add as I go, selling off redundant lenses to fund the new ones. The next one I will sell is my 70-300 non-L to get the 100-400L. Then comes the 17-40L and I should be set.

Jim

That is why I try to avoid getting lens that will overlap each other focal range. For me, it is perfect until now. 24-70 then 70-200. My next target will be 11-16mm for wide angle.

Nope. I will buy whatever I need.

I think you will always have lenses you use more, whether you buy them together or years apart. Yes, it's good to spread out the joy of getting new stuff, but sometimes it's even more fun to get a bunch of new stuff in one box! I bought my Tamron 17-50 (sold now), Sigma 30 and Canon 85 1.8 all at the same time. It was like Christmas! As an example of use, I have about 75 "keepers" from my Sigma this year to 7 for the 85. But it would be the same if I had bought the 85 4 months earlier or later than the Sigma. I still love the 85 and while I put it up for sale last weekend, I decided to keep it. In the end I knew if I sold it I would regret it.

I doubt I'll buy more than one lens at a time again as most of the lenses I want are more expensive now. Unless I do a wholesale change and go FF.

Buying two or more lenses at time is like getting married with two or more wives at a time. One has a tendency to **** more than the others. And you always pick the favorite to sleep with each night.

wrxrocks wrote in post #12635603
Buying two or more lenses at time is like getting married with two or more wives at a time. One has a tendency to **** more than the others. And you always pick the favorite to sleep with each night.

why sleep with one if you can sleep with both

I like the idea of one lens at a time. About two years ago, I sold my XTi and have been enjoying putting together the perfect kit. But, now that I'm actually learning a bit about the hobby, I wish I had spent more time learning and less time gathering gear.

Even though I might happen to have a tripod with me, most of my shooting is more like taking snapshots. I have never gone out looking for a specific shot and the studio doors are never open unless something is going on eBay. As it turns out, I kind of like restricting myself to a single lens and thinking of how that particular lens fits with the available opportunities. With a prime lens I enjoy the challenge even more.

Now that I own a good mix I don't think I'll go back to one lens. But, I don't think I'll carry more than one lens very often. With my limited skills, additional lens choices just distract me.

For me its not about buying 1, 2, or three lenses at a time. Its about having the correct lens when it is needed. I am guessing over half the lenses i have listed in my signature i don't even use or have ever used. I get them in micro adjust them and put them in the camera bag for safety.

Wow.