How Much is Too Much?

How much money have you spent on Photography this past year?

That includes everything, hardware, software, books, PC upgrades, lenses, etc ... everything.

Any regrets? More then you expected? Has anyone budgeted and stuck to the budget?

This could be a nice illustration for those just starting out...

I've just been completely sucked in.

I havent spent as much this year, but I have close to $10,000 of stuff if you include my PC's.

I'm right in with the 50% crowd, (photo only, no computer $ included).
Also sucked in and completely without budget constraint, much to the chagrin of my wife.

Bill

2003 was a watershed year for me. I declared myself officially retired (although that proclamation was possibly a little premature). I gave up one expensive hobby in exchange for another --- digital photography. After I sold everything from the former hobby, I had an amount of cash which because of pure selfishness on my part, was earmarked strictly for rolling over into the new hobby.

During the year, I bought two 10Ds, several lenses, flash attachments, carrying cases and bags, memory, a printer, and a small mountain of other items, either directly or indirectly related to photography. I also purchased a faster computer, larger monitor (both of which were replaced again in 2004), and a new laptop more capable of dealing with image editing on the road.

The spending orgy is over for now. I’ve decided to pull in my horns a bit and hold off on any significant purchases for the foreseeable future. I’m going to be a bit more analytical about which direction I head next. I intend to start looking for ‘deals,’ and will start seriously shopping eBay for a couple pieces I’d still like to own.

I don’t really regret any of the decisions I’ve made to this point. If I had been able to anticipate where I’d be right now, I probably would have skipped a couple purchases. A couple consumer level lenses I purchased were little used and eventually replaced by L glass, and the second body, although very convenient at times, is probably a little difficult to justify strictly from the standpoint of need. If I hadn’t bought it, I’d now be $1,500 closer to a 1D Mk II. Still, no regrets.

Thos, I think if I had 2 10D's and a whole lot of glass, I'd part with the bodies and maybe a lense to get into a Mark II for nearly zero cash. You'd still have 26 ways to get to 400, and 12 ways to get to 50

Personally, I"ve spent in excess of $6,000 last year, with the 10D, flash, the lenses, the Photoshops, pods, 3 bags, filters, monitor, more RAM, printer, CF cards, etc etc etc. There is also ink and paper which add up, though I haven't added those up. This year, I'm going to be more judicious - another tripod and head, a 2X TC, and then I don't know...

I didn't plan on spending that much, but you get sucked in. If I didn't get the 70-200 2.8 IS restriction slapped on me, I would have mindlessly kept going. That was a win-win in my book, as I had time to sort out what I really needed For those that weren't around to follow that saga, in exchange for buying the 70-200, I concluded a binding legal agreement with my wife to restrict purchases of bodies and lenses for a year, and a cap on discretionary purchases for a year as well, with a "cooling off" period which just expired.

Just curious, if you don't mind sharing, what was your previous expensive hobby? Diamonds? Ferrari collecting? Rare three legged asses?

Ilya:
I figure that if I can avoid any more major purchases for the next few months, I'll be able to unload one of the 10Ds, that silly 50mm f/1.0 lens that I'll never use, and step up to a Mk II. Anyway, that's the general plan. The biggest challenge is to supress my impulsive nature. Today I was in the camera shop and bought another backpack, although I really do need it. See: http://www.tamrac.com/​787.htm

The deal was just too good to pass up. It's brand new, and I bought it for less than half of what B&H sells it for. Maybe if I can limit myself to just the irresistable bargains, I'll eventually get this thiing under control.

Actually, I was (still am) a model railroader. I had spent the previous 30-odd years collecting handbuilt brass models, some of which were pretty valuable. I kept a few of my favorite pieces, but unloaded the vast majority of it. It was apparent that as my wife and I downsize our life, a model railroad was just not in the works, and the things I had collected, although rare, were not going to increase in value beyond what they were when I decided to sell them.

Sorry. I know that's not very interesting.

Thos.

Thos,
It truly is addicting. I have B&H as the first link on top of the Internet Explorer. The only saving grace is that once in a while I'll pop a nice shot, that others will appreciate. Makes it all worthwhile.

If you think about the psychology of digital. For people like most on this forum, who love the buttons and the gizmos and the advents of technology, this is heroin. Compound this with the quest to continue to improve (in part justifying the investment), and you have the perfect drug. We need help. Actually, no we don't. This is probably one of the greatest hobbies you can have, and I have no regrets.

Actually it's very interesting. Fasinating in fact. I love model trains.

Part of my rationale for getting back into photography (I've dabbled with it off and on for most of my adult life) was that it was something that would force me to get my lazy butt up off the sofa and outdoors. I enjoy my days with the cameras, and really don't care if I get a 'keeper' or not. It's all fun, and probably the most relaxing thing I've ever undertaken. Like you, I get occasional compliments from my wife, and that's the greatest reward of all. Anything that I can do that meets with her approval is worth almost any price. She is surely my biggest fan. (mainly because she doesn't know any better, but that's okay with me.)

belmondo,

How much would you like for the "silly" 1.0 50mm?

NiL,

damn this website damn it to all damndom! its cost me a fair bit of change

but i couldnt be happier

I started out in 2003 with the Canon so that was a VERY VERY Expensive year for me, I bought all the lenses and accessories, so I opted for $ 6000-$8000 but I'm afraid it was a "bit" more, but with that figure I can live withmyself (hardly).

Great poll (not)

Greetings,
Frank