I REALLY WANT THE 17-40 F4L but I have no money...

you could start a tread titled, "very enthusiastic entry level photographer looking for part time job as a photographer assistant, can I borrow your 17-40mm? hehehe, now seriously, you can apply for a credit line, have some one cosign for you, and then make monthly payments, that's how I got my first equipment back in the days when I was your age, it also helped me build credit hehehe, cheers!

Man, I hear everyone complaining about how they have jobs they don't like......


I wish I could find a job. 20+ applications the past two summers (one as a graduated high school senior, one as a college freshmen) and I've only had one call back. If you have a job be glad.

I really want the Canon 200mm f2.

But I don't have the money.

Donations would be appreciated.

Oh man, a typical post of someone whining about how they want a lens with a red ring and replies go through the roof.

I'll say this, the reason you think it takes such good photos is because you have seen samples from many good photographers who incidentally own, it's them not the gear. As for the attractive focal length - it is far better suited to FF where it serves the purpose of a wide angle lens. For crop a 17-50mm would be better, unless of course you are after the wide angle in which case you should be considering Canon 10-22mm, Sigma 10-20mm or Tokina 11-16mm. If you are decided on that range then a Tamron 17-50mm for instance provides brighter f2.8, more reach and great image quality. The only real reason for the 17-40mm is build quality, how often do you plan on dropping it?

As for the job thing, put up or shut up. If you really needed the money so badly or wanted something enough, you would be grateful you had a job.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #12866973
Man, I hear everyone complaining about how they have jobs they don't like......


I wish I could find a job. 20+ applications the past two summers (one as a graduated high school senior, one as a college freshmen) and I've only had one call back. If you have a job be glad.

THIS... especially in the UK.

Just stick to Tamron 17-50 VC/Non-VC is good enuff!

Sounds more like obsession with the red ring rather than real need.
There are many better options for UWA for crop for much lower prices.
You haven't done your research.

shoenberg3 wrote in post #12867967
Sounds more like obsession with the red ring rather than real need.
There are many better options for UWA for crop for much lower prices.
You haven't done your research.

That might be the case if he wasn't (oh, but he is!) expressing interest in going FF in the near future. There aren't too many crop UWAs that would be effective on a FF body. The Tokina 11-16mm would vignette from 11-15mm. For the same price, a prime 16mm 2.8, or a 17-40 f/4... the 17-40L is actually a good long-term choice and won't break the bank. I think the original 16-35 2.8 should also be on the purchase list though, since you can get one for around $900. Weather-sealed, faster lens, and darn sharp throughout except in the extreme corners. Absolutely in love with mine. On my crop bodies, I usually take it along as my standard zoom lens!

Haven't read where the guy said he will move on to FF any time soon.
Even if he will eventually, it is bit daft to buy into an "inferior" choice just because to be future proof. One can always simply sell and buy, usually for no loss.

Even then, there are options for cheaper FF UWA that I would argue are lesser known but just as good. Looking into third party brands would be a start.

Seriously. Save up. That is all it comes down to. Job or not. Save up. Get the things that matter out of the way and then cut corners where it don't matter. (Ex: eating out, Gears of War, concerts, pot, etc.)

I kid you not, it took me over a yr of saving 20-60 bucks here and there to get me a 70-200/2.8 and a sigma 30.

Patience.

The next best advice I can give you; don't get a girlfriend (or boyfriend) or get married..... it is so much easier saving money and being stingy while single!
(If you doubt me, try not buying flowers on the bday or valentines day!)

shoenberg3 wrote in post #12868026
Haven't read where the guy said he will move on to FF any time soon.
Even if he will eventually, it is bit daft to buy into an "inferior" choice just because to be future proof. One can always simply sell and buy, usually for no loss.

Even then, there are options for cheaper FF UWA that I would argue are lesser known but just as good. Looking into third party brands would be a start.

Not really... the cheapest of the lot is the Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 at $375. It's pretty good, but the 17-40 has its benefits as well. The Sigma 12-24mm is just as expensive as the 17-40

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #12866329
Many of us have kids. I have two. If not for them I'd have a boat, motorcycle, beach condo, and my dream setup: 5dii with a 24-105L and the 100-400L.

But my kids mean more to me than any of that, and they need things (and have an addiction to food, like me).

So, even though I earn about five grand a month, the 3900 I get to keep goes toward the mortgage, utilities, food, gas, and more. My personal fun allowance is 200 bucks a month, the same as my wife's.

So if I want a camera that cost two or three grand, I have to get a second job (which is doubtful, because I work fifty hours a week as it is and I miss my kids when I'm at work), or I have to save.

At you age you have the world in your hands. Your roads are wide and go in all directions.

I'm not complaining about my limited options, but I can tell you this: you have nothing to complain about. We middle aged dads daydream about being in your situation, even though we know it's just a silly fantasy.

Get out there. Shake the small town dust off your feet.

Here's a challenge: save up the thousand dollars you need, and then use it to help the poor. Then do it again and buy your lens.

Finally, go visit a childrens hospital. You'll really gain some perspective on life after that.

interesting perspective, an eyeopener =) thanks for the comments

after this:

i stopped reading

for the love of all that is righteous, do not buy a 17-40 for that camera, complete and utter waste of money...

I know having an L lens is all cool and everything. But on a T1i?
I also have a T1i, and I bought a Tamron 17-50 a while ago (used for $350 from a member on the forums) and I couldn't be happier. I would highly recommend doing something like that.
EDIT: If you are serious about photography you will have to invest in a tripod and a flash too... Just saying...

Like others the T1i thing is what stopped me, not because it's bad to pair good lenses with lesser cameras, but because there are far better options with his setup. If the plan to be FF proof is true then Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 and Tokina 17-35mm f4 anyone? Like someone else said, if you want something cheaper even just as a stopgap then buy used and sell used. That way you don't lose money.

At the end of all of this, the Tamron 17-50mm is a corker and would be perfect for the OP. It's been compared well to the 17-40mm for crop in the past and has come out favourably much of the time.

Read the OP's post then the last post. To the OP, save and be patient. maximize what you have now and learn and learn some more. If you don't like it STFU and get a job.
Yes I am mean but it's the truth