Need VS. Want

About 5 months ago I kept telling myself, "I need another lens". At the time, I couldn't come up with a reason why...
This week I finally got my credit card paid off, I'm caught up on bills, and I'm pretty much debt free! So I figured that this would be the time to buy that lens that I "needed" 5 months ago. It's nothing special, just a 55-250mm f 4/5.6, but since the most reach I have right now is my 85mm I figured it couldn't hurt. When it came time to click "Buy It Now", I hesitated. Did I really need this, or did I simply WANT it? I've gotten by just fine with what I have so far, and never have found myself wishing I had the extra reach. But at only about $200 it's not going to break the bank. Maybe I should just pull the trigger and buy it?

I'm sure lots of people are always on the fence about this stuff, just wondering what anyones thoughts are.

If you want it and can afford it, click the button.

There are numerous ways you can measure this, but it comes down to whether you value it more than the cash you would spend on it. The lucky part is most of the better lenses can be sold at little loss if you decide to covert them back to cash later.

Go for it, treat yourself. That's actually a surprisingly nice lens considering how cheap it is. I used to have one when I shot on a crop body, and I actually really miss it as it was really reliable, as well as being pretty compact and light.

Congratulations you faced the "magic silver bullet syndrome" head on and negotiated control.

All my toys/hobbies are wants. If I want something and I can afford it, I buy it.

It's not much, when you think about it, and it's a pretty good lens too. I had one a few years ago, I bought it new, I liked it, then I needed more reach, (for birds) so I sold it. Although I didn't regret selling, it was exactly what they say it is, a "Nifty-250", you can't beat it at that price, for what it is.
I now have another that I got in a deal when I bought a camera, I'll end up selling it probably, but not because I don't like it.

One thing, if you have the actual 'cash', go to Craigslist, I see them here locally (Dallas, Tx) going at $130.-$150. pretty regularly. People buy them in a kit, and Don't need them, so they get rid of them. That'd be a really easy way to save enough to make you feel as though you don't have buyer's remorse... heheh

Randy

First, I applaud you for being cautious. IMO more photographers should be. Yes, it's fun and exciting to get new gear but I wonder how many people have actually mastered what they already have? I wonder how many people actually know the ins and outs of the gear they have before buying more gear which will shift their focus from the old to new. I think it's refreshing on this site, and other sites ALL OVER THE NET when I see someone put real thought into it.

Instead of buying more gear, you could use that money to become a stronger photographer by attending a workshop or a local photography course, or paying for content on creativelive.com, kelbytraining.com, or Lynda.com. You could get some great books, or go on a site like craftandvision.com and buy a ton of inexpensive ebooks.

You could put the gear you have to use and plan an inexpensive 2 day photo trip. A trip where the sole purpose is to photograph a location or area of interest. $200 will buy cheap round trip airfare and a cheap hotel somewhere near by.

tbsguy18 wrote in post #14862648
Did I really need this, or did I simply WANT it?

The two quotes above tell me you definitely don't need it. If you needed it, you would know. You said you "never" wished for the extra reach.

My recommendation is to put that money towards something you will benefit from. What that is, only you know. Or you could just enjoy what you have and save more money for something bigger in the future.

This is America. We don't need 90% of the things we have.

If your actual needs are covered (bills, food, etc), it isn't terrible to treat yourself to things you want. I'd also like to say congratulations on holding out and not getting into the self-inflicted mire of buy/sell due to buyer's remorse that so many appear to.

Based on what I know, I'm confident he doesn't need it. But I wonder if he even wants it, or if he just thinks he might. How could he want a lens that offers a range he never wished he had to begin with?

You said you just paid off all your bills. Can you afford that lens and still keep up on all your bills? If not, I wouldn't buy it. You don't present a good argument for buying it other than you just want to. Is there something else you have your eye on and can save that $200 for it?

tbsguy18 wrote in post #14862648
About 5 months ago I kept telling myself, "I need another lens". At the time, I couldn't come up with a reason why...
This week I finally got my credit card paid off, I'm caught up on bills, and I'm pretty much debt free! So I figured that this would be the time to buy that lens that I "needed" 5 months ago. It's nothing special, just a 55-250mm f 4/5.6, but since the most reach I have right now is my 85mm I figured it couldn't hurt. When it came time to click "Buy It Now", I hesitated. Did I really need this, or did I simply WANT it? I've gotten by just fine with what I have so far, and never have found myself wishing I had the extra reach. But at only about $200 it's not going to break the bank. Maybe I should just pull the trigger and buy it?

I'm sure lots of people are always on the fence about this stuff, just wondering what anyones thoughts are.

Dont do it.

No wonder many very high incomers penniless into their retirement

rjx wrote in post #14863445
First, I applaud you for being cautious. IMO more photographers should be. Yes, it's fun and exciting to get new gear but I wonder how many people have actually mastered what they already have? I wonder how many people actually know the ins and outs of the gear they have before buying more gear which will shift their focus from the old to new. I think it's refreshing on this site, and other sites ALL OVER THE NET when I see someone put real thought into it.

Instead of buying more gear, you could use that money to become a stronger photographer by attending a workshop or a local photography course, or paying for content on creativelive.com, kelbytraining.com, or Lynda.com. You could get some great books, or go on a site like craftandvision.com and buy a ton of inexpensive ebooks.

You could put the gear you have to use and plan an inexpensive 2 day photo trip. A trip where the sole purpose is to photograph a location or area of interest. $200 will buy cheap round trip airfare and a cheap hotel somewhere near by.

This is the advice I needed. I thought about it and I'm putting the money toward a trip. I already booked a hotel in Chicago and I bought a round trip ticket on the "Mega Bus" for $18. I haven't been there in a few years, and the last time I went I wasn't taking pictures. Now I get to explore the city and document my experience.
It never really occurred to me to do something like this, so thanks for the suggestion!