What would you do...?

Hey guys and gals, I had a quick question. Do you let people shop for your photo gear for something like your christmas present or your birthday?

Personally, I never really like it when people do it. I would rather just recieve the money or at least have them go with me to show them. Its happened to me once and I dont want people to waste their money on something that I wont use...

So what would you all do in a situation that is similar? Would you keep it for a long time, return it, or make sure that doesnt even happen?

I don't ever let anyone shop for me for anything over $100 just because one time my husband bought me a necklace that cost as much as my first DSLR. It was sad. So, I always either ask for the item specifically, or get money for it, and I've got grown children. When you look at the gear lists on some of the signatures here, it would be tough to shop for some of us.

yup.. thats how I feel suzy.. thanks for your opinion..

Same here.

I too agree with Susan. I've been asking for a 70-200 2.8IS for bday/xmas (same month, hurray) for quite some time already.

However, when I shop for other photographers' birthdays, I usually know what to buy for them because I introduced them to dslr photography, and I know what they have / don't have / need. Usually it's cheap stuff, like a blower, IR remote (for rebel line), filter etc etc

Headshotzx wrote in post #6952639
I too agree with Susan. I've been asking for a 70-200 2.8IS for bday/xmas (same month, hurray) for quite some time already.

However, when I shop for other photographers' birthdays, I usually know what to buy for them because I introduced them to dslr photography, and I know what they have / don't have / need. Usually it's cheap stuff, like a blower, IR remote (for rebel line), filter etc etc

I could use a remote right now... want to buy me one? lol

I do allow people to shop for that sort of thing for me BUT....there's a qualifier. We've always made each other very specific lists, like serial or ISBN numbers when we know they're available....not because we're greedy but because it was deemed helpful both to the shopper and the gift recipient....we're also fully aware that we might not GET anything that's on our list.

If I do, then I provide the B&H links.

For the last three years my parents got me a lens for Christmas, and a flash this year. For the first three years I just ordered what I wanted from B&H with their credit card. This year I ordered myself and was given the cash to cover it. Not very conventional as far as Christmas surprises go but it works for this family.

As a rank amateur, I am happy that my honey thought of my photography interest at Christmas. Large ticket items are purchased for each other only with "permission" (and a model number).
(Camera not included)

canonnoob wrote in post #6951998
Hey guys and gals, I had a quick question. Do you let people shop for your photo gear for something like your christmas present or your birthday?

Personally, I never really like it when people do it. I would rather just recieve the money or at least have them go with me to show them. Its happened to me once and I dont want people to waste their money on something that I wont use...

So what would you all do in a situation that is similar? Would you keep it for a long time, return it, or make sure that doesnt even happen?

I would make sure it doesn't happen. It's a difficult situation really because it's hard to dictate terms to someone who is kind enough to want to spend so much money on you.

In the most polite way I would explain that photographic equipment is so very specific to the intended use and it is best for the photographer to choose items themselves. Explain that there is even an element of choice between identical items (lenses for example) that wouldn't even occur to non-photographers.

Mike

My girlfriend basically waits until I know what I want and then either tosses me the money or goes out with me to get it. She knows how fussy I am about lenses and gear so she prefers me to be there to get the item so I can inspect it. She's the same way with purses so this year I took her to the Coach store on the 23rd and had her try out various purses until she found the one she wanted.

There are a couple of options...B&H allows you to maintain a wishlist....and of course, they also offer gift cards...one way or the other should work for most folks.

smcclelland wrote in post #6953405
My girlfriend basically waits until I know what I want and then either tosses me the money or goes out with me to get it. She knows how fussy I am about lenses and gear so she prefers me to be there to get the item so I can inspect it. She's the same way with purses so this year I took her to the Coach store on the 23rd and had her try out various purses until she found the one she wanted.

Perish the thought that you buy her a purse and it turns out to be a soft copy!

Mike

I leave my B and H catalog with stuff I want circled in it around Christmas. It resulted in the purchase of a 70-200 F/2.8L and a flash. I got a 17" MacBook PRO this year, WOOT WOOT!