Before you buy your next prime...

[mackguyver]

I believe he (mrsfotografie) has addressed this before - http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=18881.msg353096#msg353096

Yikes!!! My mistake. So unless I'm wrong (again!) NancyP may be the only female member who frequents our forum. Surely there are more women interested in our crazy hobby and love of all things Canon?

P.S. Also, my initials are IRA - the name of an old man, Individual Retirement Account, and the Irish Republican Army...

 

[jdramirez]

I started like most... shooting with the 18-55 & a 75-300. I liked the tele zooms range and blur, but it was so terribly soft. I got a 50 f1.8 mkii and I feel in love with bokeh and shallow depth of fields, all be it poor in comparison.

But knowing what I liked made a huge difference in buying what I needed. I will probably never own a 17-40 or 16-35 for personal use... but if I shoot real estate, I suppose I'll have to get one. And that is just fine with me.

 

[mrsfotografie]

I believe he (mrsfotografie) has addressed this before - http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=18881.msg353096#msg353096

Yikes!!! My mistake. So unless I'm wrong (again!) NancyP may be the only female member who frequents our forum. Surely there are more women interested in our crazy hobby and love of all things Canon?

No problem. Hopefully my newly updated avatar helps avoid further confusion

For the record: I had some Canon related figures in there, ie 25 years EOS, founding year 1987 and founding date of the company.

It now is: 38 (my age), 1976 (my year of birth), and 03.1987, the date the first EOS camera was launched.

I wonder if MrsFotografie and NancyP use similar tactics to get around their husbands ;D

Sorry, missed this on the first time round. Luckily my girlfriend is very understanding and even manages to get her parents to buy me camera gear for my birthday!!! 8)

 

[candyman]

I should start a thread on how to purchase equipment and sneak it into the house without your wife knowing

That's what I'll be doing today - sneaking, not writing a thread, that is 8) .

1) Always own up to buying one white lens. Once you've got one, they all look alike, so that gives you the freedom to own more.

2) When ordering from the Canon refurbished store, track the package progress and then change the delivery address to the nearest Kinkos/Fed Ex site. That way you can go and pick it up yourself without having to rush home to snag the attempted delivery notice tag off the door before someone finds it.

3) Separate checking accounts have prevented more divorces than any other innovation known to mankind.

4) You will never be able to sneak every purchase in, so build up some immunity. Do that by never, ever criticizing or questioning her when a box arrives from an online clothing, purse or shoe store. Smile. Complement her on her good taste and make a point of being pleased that she bought herself something nice. You are earning credits that you can cash in later.

5) Always include some low cost item in your purchases from B&H and Adorama – "Oh yeah, I ordered some batteries...a filter...a camera strap...etc. I don't know why they send that stuff in such a big box."

6) If you've got a big purchase planned, start the process early on. I'm going to start mentioning the new Tamron 150-600 zoom soon so that by the time Black Friday rolls around she'll be ready to tell me to just get it.

7) Never miss an occasion for a gift. A piece of jewelry tucked into an Easter Basket is also a great way to buy immunity for the future.

8 ) Ask for gift cards from your preferred photo store. "Oh that. I ordered that with the gift card you gave me last Christmas." (plus an extra $800, but who's counting)

9) Get yourself a "man cave" where you can stash all your toys. Preferably in a room she seldom goes into.

I have more, but these should be a good start.

Thanks, that gave me a real good laugh. Man, you've got some experience here... :

 

[Albi86]

Folks,

Before you buy you next prime lens, take a deep breath and watch this video. I've been lurking on this site for a while now and I must confess, I've been sucked into the lens acquiring vortex. I don't have a lot of lenses now, and I am not a pro, but I am at a point in my life where I can actually start to afford these toys. The discussion around here is generally geared towards and around specific lenses and their attributes but somehow or the other, I have managed to miss or avoid posts about a lens acquisition strategy. I stumbled across this video this morning and got some clarity. Please forgive me if it has been previously posted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjhdL3ggjYU

Comparing and choosing lenses just by their focal length is simplistic to the point of being almost stupid.

The Sigma 35A and the Ultron 40mm f/2 have very similar FL but they're as different as it gets in size, weight, AF, color rendition, sharpness, micro-contrast, etc.

One could even have a 50L and Zeiss 50mm f/2 MP and still find use for both.

A much smarter approach would have been "what would you like your next lens to do better/differently?".

 

[mrsfotografie]

I should start a thread on how to purchase equipment and sneak it into the house without your wife knowing

That's what I'll be doing today - sneaking, not writing a thread, that is 8) .

1) Always own up to buying one white lens. Once you've got one, they all look alike, so that gives you the freedom to own more.

2) When ordering from the Canon refurbished store, track the package progress and then change the delivery address to the nearest Kinkos/Fed Ex site. That way you can go and pick it up yourself without having to rush home to snag the attempted delivery notice tag off the door before someone finds it.

3) Separate checking accounts have prevented more divorces than any other innovation known to mankind.

4) You will never be able to sneak every purchase in, so build up some immunity. Do that by never, ever criticizing or questioning her when a box arrives from an online clothing, purse or shoe store. Smile. Complement her on her good taste and make a point of being pleased that she bought herself something nice. You are earning credits that you can cash in later.

5) Always include some low cost item in your purchases from B&H and Adorama – "Oh yeah, I ordered some batteries...a filter...a camera strap...etc. I don't know why they send that stuff in such a big box."

6) If you've got a big purchase planned, start the process early on. I'm going to start mentioning the new Tamron 150-600 zoom soon so that by the time Black Friday rolls around she'll be ready to tell me to just get it.

7) Never miss an occasion for a gift. A piece of jewelry tucked into an Easter Basket is also a great way to buy immunity for the future.

8 ) Ask for gift cards from your preferred photo store. "Oh that. I ordered that with the gift card you gave me last Christmas." (plus an extra $800, but who's counting)

9) Get yourself a "man cave" where you can stash all your toys. Preferably in a room she seldom goes into.

I have more, but these should be a good start.

Thanks, that gave me a real good laugh. Man, you've got some experience here... :

+1, ROFL ;D ;D ;D

 

[jdramirez]

That is a little slice of manipulative genius. My hat goes off to you.

1) Always own up to buying one white lens. Once you've got one, they all look alike, so that gives you the freedom to own more.

2) When ordering from the Canon refurbished store, track the package progress and then change the delivery address to the nearest Kinkos/Fed Ex site. That way you can go and pick it up yourself without having to rush home to snag the attempted delivery notice tag off the door before someone finds it.

3) Separate checking accounts have prevented more divorces than any other innovation known to mankind.

4) You will never be able to sneak every purchase in, so build up some immunity. Do that by never, ever criticizing or questioning her when a box arrives from an online clothing, purse or shoe store. Smile. Complement her on her good taste and make a point of being pleased that she bought herself something nice. You are earning credits that you can cash in later.

5) Always include some low cost item in your purchases from B&H and Adorama – "Oh yeah, I ordered some batteries...a filter...a camera strap...etc. I don't know why they send that stuff in such a big box."

6) If you've got a big purchase planned, start the process early on. I'm going to start mentioning the new Tamron 150-600 zoom soon so that by the time Black Friday rolls around she'll be ready to tell me to just get it.

7) Never miss an occasion for a gift. A piece of jewelry tucked into an Easter Basket is also a great way to buy immunity for the future.

8 ) Ask for gift cards from your preferred photo store. "Oh that. I ordered that with the gift card you gave me last Christmas." (plus an extra $800, but who's counting)

9) Get yourself a "man cave" where you can stash all your toys. Preferably in a room she seldom goes into.

I have more, but these should be a good start.

 

[mrsfotografie]

Folks,

Before you buy you next prime lens, take a deep breath and watch this video. I've been lurking on this site for a while now and I must confess, I've been sucked into the lens acquiring vortex. I don't have a lot of lenses now, and I am not a pro, but I am at a point in my life where I can actually start to afford these toys. The discussion around here is generally geared towards and around specific lenses and their attributes but somehow or the other, I have managed to miss or avoid posts about a lens acquisition strategy. I stumbled across this video this morning and got some clarity. Please forgive me if it has been previously posted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjhdL3ggjYU

Comparing and choosing lenses just by their focal length is simplistic to the point of being almost stupid.

The Sigma 35A and the Ultron 40mm f/2 have very similar FL but they're as different as it gets in size, weight, AF, color rendition, sharpness, micro-contrast, etc.

One could even have a 50L and Zeiss 50mm f/2 MP and still find use for both.

A much smarter approach would have been "what would you like your next lens to do better/differently?".

That's right, each lens has its own character or use so sometimes that's a reason to double up. That said, I sold the 40mm Ultron because 40 mm to me is an 'uneasy' focal length. The 35A replaced my 24-70L, but I also have a 35mm f/2 for travel. Go figure. I own two 50mm's in EF mount that have a very different character, the artful Sigma 50mm EX and the 50mm 1.8 MkI that surprises me with stunning (sharp!!!) results every time. I even have overlapping zooms - the 30-700L is for travel and general flexibility, the 100-400 is there for reach when I need it.

 

[YuengLinger]

The OP is like a guy walking into a bar and telling the customers about the evils of alcohol. Or a reformed crackhead walking into a crack den urging everybody to put down their pipes.

Heck, there is a reason Alcoholics Anonymous has a "no evangelizing" policy--it doesn't work.

Maybe CR could set up a section for Gear Junkies Anonymous? Maybe Canon and Nikon should be required by law to fund support groups--the way casinos fund compulsive gambling awareness campaigns...

When the heck is B&H going to ship my new Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art, for crying out loud? I can't freakin' stand it! I'm getting hives. I'm shaking way beyond what my IS can handle. I'm sweating. Oh, the humanity. Help me!

Oh, and "folks," before you tell strangers on the Web how to spend their money, take a deep breath and go out and take some pictures.

 

[cayenne]

... And I bought my wife a new laptop this week, so if she catches me, I'm okay. I'm guessing she tracked your big whites, though, I know my wife sure did!

That's a good strategy! I did that with an iPad last year

What preserves my marital harmony is restricting gear purchases to extra money I make from consulting, workshops and photo gigs (my part time business stuff). Separate cards and bank account = no arguments.

That said, I'm really starting to question myself on any new gear purchases. I feel I hit the plateau on quality per dollars spent a while back and I really need to stop worrying about gear limitations and shoot at every opportunity. Spending money on travel and workshops (experiences) makes more sense to me at this point than more/better gear. GAS is a hard habit to break, though!

Seems to me that ditching the wives would be the cheapest option of all….err…well maybe the cheapest would be just NOT getting married in the first place.

At best, I only live with them from time to time, kinda of like leasing with an option to buy.
I can buy and do what I want…and I don't have to sign over half my belongings when I decide to trade up to a newer model of girlfriend.

 

[JonAustin]

You guys are hilarious. For some of us non pros, having a strategy is not something we think about. I just ordered the Canon 35mm f/2IS. I think that is a good move for me. Prior to that, I recently purchased the Canon 85mm f1.8 which I think is a great lens (compared to my nifty 50 which keeps missing focus) but I really want and plan on getting the 100mm macro which will probably negate the use of the 85mm.

I should start a thread on how to purchase equipment and sneak it into the house without your wife knowing

I'm with you on the non-pro perspective, Badger. (Semi / part-time pro, myself.) I don't really have a strategy, but I don't buy stuff willy-nilly, either. Whatever gear I do buy gets paid for out of the business account, but it still impacts bottom-line compensation.

I'm planning to buy the 35/2 IS this month, as well, while it's on instant rebate. I did debate the 24/28/35 issue, until I did an FL analysis of my LR library ... 30-40mm appears to be the FL in which I "live the most" when using my 17-40 or 24-105.

My 50mm is an f/2.5 CM, which is razor sharp, but its AF is a little slow and buzzy. I'm patiently awaiting the rumored 50 USM IS to replace it.

I bought an 85/1.8 about 10 years ago, and then ended up selling it after I got the 100/2.8 L IS macro 4 years ago ... just not enough distinction between them to make it worthwhile to keep the 85 (which I never shot wide open).

I'm eagerly awaiting the rumored 100-400 II, and I'd like to see a 135/2.x L IS. Otherwise, I have all the gear I need.

And to all of you making comments about hiding purchases from your wife ... funny to read, but I hope you're joking. If not, I predict a much bigger expense in your future (legal costs).

 

[LarryC]

I take a different view on lens acquisitions. I don't try to imagine what I want a new lens to do. I try new lenses to see what they can do and how I can, or if I want to, incorporate whatever it is they do into my work. I buy almost all of my lenses off eBay and look at it as more of a very low cost rental program - lenses I don't like, or don't see any new advantage from, get re-sold for very close to or more than I paid for them.

 

[Viggo]

My wife saw the photography gear before she married me, but married me anyway, therefore there is no such thing to complain about new gear. She will google what they cost so I'm just honest and tell her what I spent. And we live happily ever after ;D

 

[AcutancePhotography]

The amount I spend on photography in no way compares to how much my wife spends on shoes and purses.

 

[jdramirez]

The amount I spend on photography in no way compares to how much my wife spends on shoes and purses.

But do they match?

I can't tell you the chagrin I experience when I'm out on the town and my body doesn't match my white lens.

 

[sdsr]

i couldn't watch past about 3 minutes as i almost died of boredom

In the first couple of minutes he asks the same question over and over in different ways, so I skipped to the six minute mark, where he was still asking the same damn question yet again (maybe there was something interesting in between). At that point I gave up. I expect most posts in this thread have said the same thing, or better, but in the appropriate number of words.

"Buy what you need" makes sense, of course, especially if you're a pro and know what you'll be doing with the lenses you buy, and I agree with what others have said along those lines. But if you take photos for fun, enjoy experimenting with different products, or are just learning your way around, it's also worth noting that you don't necessarily know what you want, let alone "need", and that using prime lenses makes you think differently about what you do. It can be an interesting exercise, for instance, to spend a day or two wandering around with a lens of a focal distance you think you don't want and see how doing so affects how you look at the world and whether it makes you encounter situations you find photogenic which had hitherto passed you by (28mm may = 28mm, but walking around all day with only a 28mm lens is not at all the same experience as walking around all day with a zoom lens set at 28mm, unless somehow immobilize the zoom mechanism). You may discover a new want/need you were completely unaware of.

And playing around with new toys like this needn't involve great expense, furtive receipt of heavy packages, etc. For one thing, responding to the urge to buy can be met with a rental - doesn't cost much, and you may not like the lens at all. Or - and I think this is much more fun - buy a mirrorless camera of some sort that has magnification and focus peaking (they pretty much all do that these days, regardless of price) and a few cheap adapters and try some old manual lenses, many of which are very inexpensive and really good (you have to figure out manual focusing, etc., but that's not necessarily a disadvantage...); and if you don't like them, you can probably sell them for at least as much as you paid for them.

Over the past few days I've been playing with a Canon 55 1.2, a Super Takkumar 55 1.8, a Minolta 50 1.4 and Helios 58mm f2, while awaiting a Jupiter 85mm f2 and Nikon 100 2.8 (the sin of focal length duplication...), all of which combined cost considerably less than, say, the new Sigma 50mm 1.4. There's more to life than satisfying "needs".

 

[Quasimodo]

I should start a thread on how to purchase equipment and sneak it into the house without your wife knowing

That's what I'll be doing today - sneaking, not writing a thread, that is 8).

1) Always own up to buying one white lens. Once you've got one, they all look alike, so that gives you the freedom to own more.

2) When ordering from the Canon refurbished store, track the package progress and then change the delivery address to the nearest Kinkos/Fed Ex site. That way you can go and pick it up yourself without having to rush home to snag the attempted delivery notice tag off the door before someone finds it.

3) Separate checking accounts have prevented more divorces than any other innovation known to mankind.

4) You will never be able to sneak every purchase in, so build up some immunity. Do that by never, ever criticizing or questioning her when a box arrives from an online clothing, purse or shoe store. Smile. Complement her on her good taste and make a point of being pleased that she bought herself something nice. You are earning credits that you can cash in later.

5) Always include some low cost item in your purchases from B&H and Adorama – "Oh yeah, I ordered some batteries...a filter...a camera strap...etc. I don't know why they send that stuff in such a big box."

6) If you've got a big purchase planned, start the process early on. I'm going to start mentioning the new Tamron 150-600 zoom soon so that by the time Black Friday rolls around she'll be ready to tell me to just get it.

7) Never miss an occasion for a gift. A piece of jewelry tucked into an Easter Basket is also a great way to buy immunity for the future.

8 ) Ask for gift cards from your preferred photo store. "Oh that. I ordered that with the gift card you gave me last Christmas." (plus an extra $800, but who's counting)

9) Get yourself a "man cave" where you can stash all your toys. Preferably in a room she seldom goes into.

I have more, but these should be a good start.

Funny

About your third point. I do believe that in the modern age the one thing that have prevented more divorces and should probably be up for the Nobel Peace Prize (instead of these bs prizes that have been going on for a few years now...) is the dishwasher I believe that separate economies (unless the two of you make approximately the same amount) is the road to hell in marriage. But like some mentioned here earlier, I am also allowed to make photo purchases on photo gigs and, lectures and consulting, which makes me a happy camper

 

[jdramirez]

I buy and sell gear... I find a good deal... use coupons, gift cards, etc. and then I sell it at a profit... usually a small profit, but you do it enough and it builds up over time. Then I use that money to buy my gear and the wife STILL COMPLAINS... so sometimes you can't win... but you just buy and stop giving a damn about the objections.

 

[wsmith96]

I should start a thread on how to purchase equipment and sneak it into the house without your wife knowing

That's what I'll be doing today - sneaking, not writing a thread, that is 8).

1) Always own up to buying one white lens. Once you've got one, they all look alike, so that gives you the freedom to own more.

2) When ordering from the Canon refurbished store, track the package progress and then change the delivery address to the nearest Kinkos/Fed Ex site. That way you can go and pick it up yourself without having to rush home to snag the attempted delivery notice tag off the door before someone finds it.

3) Separate checking accounts have prevented more divorces than any other innovation known to mankind.

4) You will never be able to sneak every purchase in, so build up some immunity. Do that by never, ever criticizing or questioning her when a box arrives from an online clothing, purse or shoe store. Smile. Complement her on her good taste and make a point of being pleased that she bought herself something nice. You are earning credits that you can cash in later.

5) Always include some low cost item in your purchases from B&H and Adorama – "Oh yeah, I ordered some batteries...a filter...a camera strap...etc. I don't know why they send that stuff in such a big box."

6) If you've got a big purchase planned, start the process early on. I'm going to start mentioning the new Tamron 150-600 zoom soon so that by the time Black Friday rolls around she'll be ready to tell me to just get it.

7) Never miss an occasion for a gift. A piece of jewelry tucked into an Easter Basket is also a great way to buy immunity for the future.

8 ) Ask for gift cards from your preferred photo store. "Oh that. I ordered that with the gift card you gave me last Christmas." (plus an extra $800, but who's counting)

9) Get yourself a "man cave" where you can stash all your toys. Preferably in a room she seldom goes into.

I have more, but these should be a good start.

Wow! Well thought out list of what to do here....

As for me and my wife - so long as I don't go crazy, she's fine with me making equipment purchases. I really don't go overboard to begin with.

 

[Badger]

OMG, still laughing!

In all honesty, my "significant other" (how that Mrsfotografie? ) can't really tell when or if I have a new lens on. I also don't think she really cares and I don't really have to sneak lenses in, but that is probably because she doesn't know how much some of the lenses cost I actually don't have any crazy expensive lenses.

This has been fun. I'm still going to be bummed when I get the 100mm macro L and I have to give up on the 85mm 1.8 which I kind of like. I suppose I should be glad I diagnosed this issue before I got out of hand!