Would you spend $12K on a lens?

MikeMSD wrote in post #14893059
Good point. I do print images, but mostly for my wife. And I would print some on paper, no larger than 8x10. Most of mine never make it to print. But would/could/might be viewed on the larger HD monitors, used for TV. My original consideration was for the raw image quality only. Kind of a quest for the best solution, without regard for how it would actually be viewed.

How it will be viewed is important. You don't select to buy a certain car/truck unless you know what you are going to use it for. No different, here, imo.

I am being pragmatic in my response. Lots of people around with images that don't do their lenses justice and more, with camera bodies that are overkill.

snyderman wrote in post #14893183
Easy Solution: Get closer to your intended targets and save $12K!

whoops this is what happens when you get too close

I'd consider getting a version 1 IS 300L f/2.8 or 400L f/2.8 and using a 2x mk3. I don't make any money shooting photos, but look at my sig. I suppose I will eventually get a 400mm f/2.8L IS, but not for at least 5 years. The only reason I know I will get one is because I work for Boeing and can plan on making enough to buy one cash. I almost bought a 400L IS a couple months ago but the seller on here never responded to me so I bought the 200L IS instead.

I'm with you.
OP You only come around this way once if your not putting this on plastic then you have cash.

Laramie wrote in post #14892643
To me, it's not really about whether I'm making money or not. Photography isn't the only expensive hobby, and lots of people spend much more on toys just for pure enjoyment and never make a dime from it.

In short, yes, if I had the money for a 600/4 or 800/5.6, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Enjoy your time here, you can't take your toys with you to the grave.

i'd do it if i could afford it financially...right now i can't though...but if i were you i think i'd look at a 500f4IS mKI for about $6,000 or so it's starting to look like a deal...with a 1.4TC you're getting 700mm f5.6 which isn't too shabby

One might look at it this way. The $12,000 isn't going to disappear when it is spent. You just turn your paper into a lens. Keeping Twelve grand in the bank with almost no interest whatsoever, is a loosing proposition in of itself. You might think of it as a rental, and your rental fee won't be known until you sell the lens.

I bought a 500mm IS for $5600 about two years ago (basically brand new ( and a sharp copy by the way)), and as it tuns out, I'm keeping up with inflation if I sell.

YES! If I had the money I would buy every Canon lens on the market. Life is short, enjoy each day you are blessed with. I have friends that have $35K Bass Boats and $250K motor homes. If it makes you happy and you can afford it, do it.

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For me, the answer would be "If I were a rich man, Yubby Dibby Dibby.....

Pi_314 wrote in post #14894104
One might look at it this way. The $12,000 isn't going to disappear when it is spent. You just turn your paper into a lens. Keeping Twelve grand in the bank with almost no interest whatsoever, is a loosing proposition in of itself. You might think of it as a rental, and your rental fee won't be known until you sell the lens.

I bought a 500mm IS for $5600 about two years ago (basically brand new ( and a sharp copy by the way)), and as it tuns out, I'm keeping up with inflation if I sell.

Actually, that is one of the things I was considering. If one can get a lens at a good price, even after a couple of years the cost wouldn't be much more expensive as just renting one. And, if you really get a good price, you might not even lose any money.

Woukd I spent $12k on a lens? Sure if I needed it and was paid to shoot rugby or kangaroos. But I think it's overkill for my hobbiest needs. That being said though I can't think of anything else that I'd rather buy if I had that much money around.

Since the version 2's are so expensive, I think the demand and prices for the V1 superteles will actually continue to increase. It happened with other lenses like the 70-200 IS, too. People want L glass, but can't afford the new versions.

My answer is absolutely yes. Why? because I can capture the moment once in a lifetime of my family. I mean, we can earn $12K but we can't repeat that moment

A friend just bought a used 400/2,8mkII , 1.4tc mkIII , 2.0tc mkIII , tripod and wimbely head.

Got it for a decent , if not cheap, price. He'll sell it on in a year for about what he bought it for, or possibly more, mebe a bit less. Cost of ownership will be low and as he had the funds doing nothing in a bank...

As to the lens, if you want 800mm buy an 800mm lens. The tc's are good but the 2.0 huts focus speed and lock and hits IQ, its OK for the occasional use but as always if your going to use a tc all the time then you bought the wrong lens....

Sure, if I wanted a 12k lens, I'd get it.

rick_reno wrote in post #14894857
Sure, if I wanted a 12k lens, I'd get it.

Yes, Rick Reno would....cause he's the man!