Amazing how the gear grows, ain't it?

I was just thinking of this today as I updated my camera insurance policy to include my 30D and my 28 f/1.8... Three years ago, I was shooting with a 2 MP Kodak DC 3400. It was a good camera for me, and really got me shooting a lot. Unfortunately, it also had absolutely no manual controls, and no way to adjust the image.

After shooting an amazing (to me at the time) 2500 shots with it, I needed more power, and bit the big one (well, I asked my wife for our anniversary anyway) and spent a whopping $275 on a Canon Powershot A75. 3MP (why need more, right?), fully manual controls available, etc. This is the camera with which I really first started to become serious about photography. Within 6 months I had taken over 3,000 shots with it, and I needed more. However, I couldn't FATHOM how anyone in these forums (or any forums) could ever amass these kits when they weren't pros. I understood that pros needed this gear, so it was a business expense...but the hobbyist? Insane!

So, two years ago, I begged for all Christmas and birthday presents to be put in to the "Buy Jordan a DSLR and some lenses" fund. After adding a bit of my own cash, I got my Digital Rebel, the Sigma 18-125, and the 50 f/1.8.

Then the small buying increases...mild at first: "I'll never need to spend more than $280 on a lens." So....tripod...only $220, but I got a solid tripod. Then telephoto lens (70-300 APO)...then Battery Grip. Then it all went to heck. I got a fantastic deal on a mint-condition, used 80-200L, which I snapped up (and nearly fainted as I handed the guy $550) and sold my 70-300. I followed with my Tokina 12-24 and then I switched my tripod system to Arca-Swiss...getting L-brackets, a plate for my 80-200L collar and a new clamp for my tripod....more cash down the drain. Add in 3 different camera bags, two sets of filters (77mm and 62mm), an impulse buy of a Lensbaby 2, and I was in....

Now, I managed a new 30D and a 28 f/1.8. The latter was only $400...a cheap lens, right! So goes the progression...from a huge outlay of $275 on a compact, to thinking that a $400 lens is cheap! And heck, after double rebates, the 30D is really only $900...pocket change!

So...two years...I've owned 7 lenses, 6 of which I still have. I've owned 2 different DSLRs, and have shot nearly 13,000 shots in the last two years. The best thing: I enjoy photography more than before. I just want to keep on improving and busting through creative barriers. Seeking that perfect shot, that defining image. At least I understand now, but let it be a warning to all of you.

Oh well...now to dream about getting a 17-55 IS, a 135 f/2L and a 300 f/4L IS.

I know exactly what you mean, its a monster, keeps growing

Calico has the gear list from hell.

Calicokat - whenever my wife complains about the vast amount of money (to me, anyway) I've spent on my gear, I'll point her to your gear list and say "see, it could be MUCH worse." Egads...you could easily buy two new cars with the value of your gear.

To be fair, I once loaded up my "dream list" on B&H. The cart totaled $77,000.

I think mine looks worse, Although it may not have cost quite so much.

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Sledhed wrote in post #2396734
Calico has the gear list from hell.

Hell is B&H

Jman13 wrote in post #2396756
Calicokat - whenever my wife complains about the vast amount of money (to me, anyway) I've spent on my gear, I'll point her to your gear list and say "see, it could be MUCH worse." Egads...you could easily buy two new cars with the value of your gear.

To be fair, I once loaded up my "dream list" on B&H. The cart totaled $77,000.

Glad to be of service

calicokat wrote in post #2396873
Hell is B&H

So, when someone says, "Go to hell!", we should be happy to make the trip.

Its all downhill from here. Personally I have always said that you should be limited by your ability and not your equipment as there is nothing worse than "visualising" an image and not being able to capture it due to gear limitation. Unfortunately that is what has got most of us to where we are now.

Enjoy your photography, its a wonderful hobby, just dont expect money to stay in the bank.

Best regards

BearSummer