Why do you buy expensive lenses?

Hi guys. I would like to hear your opinion on this matter: Why do you buy expensive lenses (L)? Is it mainly because of the speed, is it mainly because of the sharpness, is it because of the build quality or it it mainly because you (and others) know that they are expensive. And I honestly believe there is a genuine feeling of satisfaction owing something that is valuable. (At least for me )

I have bought L's and found them pretty good but a little overpriced so I don't buy them now, but I may buy one or two again in future depending on needs and competition offerings at the time. I prefer to look at specific needs, speed, size, weight, range, zoom or prime, and then choose from all the options that seem to fit the bill. Sometimes one of the L's is going to be the best buy, for me, and sometimes it won't be.

I'm interested in image quality mainly but also in getting decent value, especially when I know I will also get exceptional back up should I need it (at least from Sigma UK). I have far less confidence in Canon UK service based on what I have read here over the last year or so, but that could be doing them a diservice and luckily I haven't used them myself. I don't know about the other major brands in that regard.

There are very good EX's, Pro's, and SP's of course but as these don't have the same 'looking good' factor many ignore them. That's their loss. I don't care about having 'expensive things'. I like to take photo's and to wander around being relaxed and in the moment just doing it. I'm more a traveller than a photographer too, truth be told, so I spend more of my money on that. Personal choice. I could afford a big gizmo'd pro body and several L's but I know I don't need them for what I do or to meet my own quality standards. I'm more interested in getting a good shot than a 'sharp' shot , for example.

I also think 'bling' is a bit distasteful, but that's just a personal view. Consumerism and greed are not really what I'm into. Owning the best (L's aren't the best or most exensive AFAIC either) for the sake of it seems a bit dumb to me but I know I'm definately in the minority on that here

Dave and I, have opposing opinions on this subject. That's not to say I don't disagree with his philosopy.

My take is that I buy second hand. I buy Canon and I am very happy. I could probably sell all my stuff for what I paid for it. How many hobbies can you say that of.

I have sold one lens which I lost no money on (I chose to go down the prime route). It happened to be a 'white' L lens, so I am not a collector of bling.

I have two L's, the wide and the longer telephoto. Both those 'extremes' benefit from better quality. I have enough lenses to do what I need and have no regrets about any of them - and am unlikely to sell any.

I just like the fact that my four lenses feel the same, they behave the same, they feel like a set. A third party lens, just feels different - like a cuckoo in the nest! Confidence in my equipment gives me motivation and confidence in my shooting. I have done two paid jobs, so it has even brought a little money in.

None of my lenses are particularly expensive (that's a relative comment!), but if I needed an expensive one for a paid job or could justify for my hobby, I would not hesitate.

Graham

I just purchase the best lens I can afford to produce the images I want, or need... Yes I have three 'L' lenses (2 zooms and a prime) but I also have the 20mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4 and the 85mm f/1.8, Sigma 105 f/2.8 EX Macro and the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8... Cameras and lenses to me are tools, I have what I need to do my job properly, I have no lenses that I don't need, nor do I not have any lenses that I do need...
Believe me if I could get a cheepo f/1.8 or f/2 lens that covered from 17-200 and produce great professional quality images at all focal lengths and apertures, I'd probably sell all my other lenses and buy one... OK there are lenses out there with super zoom status but the quality just won't hack it at all focal lengths and apertures...

Same answer for those that ask me why I carry a gun: "Because I can".

Watch out, this does not means that I am flaming anybody here, but it's just a matter of such a personal opinion/interest/way of thinking that IMHO there is no other adequate answer to the question. Some us buy expensive stuff because they need it, some because the like it, some because they can afford, some just because the gratification of possession is something universally recognized as an excellent reason some probably for even other reasons, so you won't never get a single answer.

Sure, why not admitting that there is some snobbish component in such a choice. But personal pleasure is the main goal of our lives, after all the more important (family, work etc). so even that is an excellent reason.

What I mean, basically, is that every single person has its own reasons for buying something, whatever it is. And if it can be done without creating problems to the other important financial issues, every single reason is an excellent one.

That would of course be the sensible thing to do. But would we really do it.Really.... , only ONE lens....., and a cheap one......

celter wrote:
That would of course be the sensible thing to do. But would we really do it.Really.... , only ONE lens....., and a cheap one......

Of course ... if it did the exact job and did it at the perfect quality that YOU personally wanted then why would you not do it? Even if it was a Tokina, if it did all that and you wouldn't buy it because it didn't have a red ring then maybe lens collecting is more important than convenience or taking photo's, which is fine. I'd agree with Kenny ... these things are tools: get what you need to do the job. I also agree with Graham 110% (more than he thinks) and even Rob: the reasons are always subjective and right for the individual.

celter wrote:
That would of course be the sensible thing to do. But would we really do it.Really.... , only ONE lens....., and a cheap one......

I would in heartbeat, no questions asked... If I could get one lens that did everything I described and the cheaper the better... It would be great to walk around with my 5D and 1 lens knowing that the images it produced would match the quality that I presently need to carry a bag load of lenses to get...

YES, YES, YES... No disrespect to anyone, but I'm not a lens junkie, or poser I just need the equipment to earn my living... The less I can spend and the less stuff I have tocarry, the easier it makes life...

Apart from wanting the best image quality i can get and the joy of having well made gear , most will lose's money that means less for my famaily to get hold of when i die
Rob

Because I can?

I have bought the two cheapest L lenses available and both work fantastically well for me. As I have struggled with digital to date I needed all the help I could get. I don`t think that anybody could say that the 17-40 and 70-200 f4 are not good value for money. The fact that they are both L lenses is neither here nor there.
Both are capable of producing fantastic images, perhaps not in my hands, and both are very keenly priced especially in the US. It made sense, to me at least, to buy Canon lenses initially as I have a Canon camera. It may also be worthwhile pointing out that the Sigma equivalent of the 70-200 f4, the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 ?, is in fact a dearer lens than the one I own. The same may apply to my 17-40.
I think most folks would settle for a good picture rather than a sharp one but it is nevertheless very frustrating to have taken what may be regarded as a good picture only to find that it is slightly out of focus etc. This would normally be down to operator error but that does not quell the sense of frustration.
I find it very interesting that you choose to highlight the L in bling in red. Is this an L lens thing ? The fact that you could afford to buy a pro body and several L lenses but choose not to is entirely down to you. However it does not seem that long ago that you took delivery of both the Canon 300mm and 100-400mm to take on a trip to Africa ? If I remember correctly one was to go back after you had decided which was best suited.
What on earth possessed you to do that ? They, in your own words, were neither the best nor the most expensive and for a fraction of the cost you may have been able to buy some decent Helios, Takumar or Jupiter lenses.
Does it surprise you to find yourself in the minority on a Canon Digital Photography Forum ?
I can only imagine that you have had a particularly bad day or you are bored and decided to wind somebody up. Sorry no luck here !

I can't see the point of the question to be honest. Are we meant to say because they're expensive and i want to show off?

I'd have thought the answer was obvious, and those that disagree with the answer are perfectly entitled to do so. But i don't need to justify my reasons to my partner (who bought me a 35 1.L for my birthday) so i ain't going to do for anybody else

I don't make a big song and dance about the lenses i own. i just take photographs

I was mentally composing a reply that pointed out that you get what you pay for and that there is a quality differentiator between L and non L. I then checked my watch because I have to drive to Twickenham to watch England stuff Wales this afternoon, it was then that it struck me I was looking at a watch that cost £2000 and I guess it was telling the same time as one that costs £20. So feeling very I am going to shut up.

I haven`t even got a watch !!!

neil_r wrote:
.....it was then that it struck me I was looking at a watch that cost £2000 and I guess it was telling the same time as one that costs £20. So feeling very I am going to shut up.

LOL. Well, I am like that. (Actually I've got 2 watches in that cathegory) So I am not saying that I don't understand the people that are buying expensive lenses. My initial question was: WHY. Speed, IQ, build quality ?

And by the way, when I buy a new body with noise capabilities at ISO 1600 like my old cameras capabilities at 800, does that make my 4.0 lens becomes a 2.8 ?? In that case we should upgrade to new bodys as soon as they are released, because that would be much cheaper.