Am I the only one continually changing lens collection???

cambsno

cambsno

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Yet again I find myself seriously thinking about buying and selling lenses!!!

While there have been times I have upgraded lenses (i.e. 50mm 1.8 to 50mm 1.4) I do seem to be flitting back and forth. Take the 70-200 range... got a VR1, then sold, then got an 80-200, then sold, then got another VR1, then sold, then now have an f4 version. Or the 85mm - Am on my 3rd (or 4th, cant remember) 1.8 D or G lens. With wide I had a 16-35, now a 20mm 2.8 and now considering the 16-35 again or the new 1.8 version of the 20mm.

Actually I am also toying with the idea of changing systems too as tempted by the XT2 but that's a different story!
 
"Am I the only one continually changing lens collection" ?

Yes:eek::)
 
Your not the only one with G.A.S. gear acquisition syndrome. :eek: It's a common symptom of being a serious tog, and there is no known cure, actually there is to become a Buddhist. Then you can learn to be content, I agree a rather dramatic step but it worked for me.:)
 
You mean you sell the old lenses to defray the cost of the new ones? What a fantastic idea! I've got twice as many lenses as I need. If I sold some I could buy some more! :-)
 
I think you got GAS attack instead ....... changing system for me is a massive step because I heavily invest in Nikon body and lens. I gone through the period of buying and selling gear. I only get or use what I need to get the shot instead of what I need. My VR1 70-200 f2.8 is purely for doing sports and the 28-70 f2.8 is to backup the 70-200 for closer range stuff and general use. I got a wide angle zoom which I only use for landscape. I mainly shoot with prime these days if I can. A lot less weigh to carry around if I'm on holiday. i.e 50mm f1.8 AFS
 
I buy and sell gear quite a lot (except my main camera and lenses) but I can't say I keep buying and selling the same ones, I always like to try something new. However, I've seen many people on here buy and sell the same gear time after time ;)
 
I've been chopping and changing lenses for years. I just recently completely changed overall system too, and I know I'll do the same with the fuji lenses. I want to try them all over time, and the only way I can do this is buy, use, trade and buy another. I have re-bought some lenses too, after what I exchanged for didn't quite live up. But no, you're certainly not alone in this
 
I'm surprised no one has tagged me in this thread lol.

Never changed my body, just lenses!

I am still thinking about a 24/50 combo lol.
 
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I've changed lenses a few times but kept roughly the core few lenses. Some of the lens purchases have been more 'renting' rather than purchasing as you can buy for a certain trip or project then sell on afterwards and at less cost than hiring would have been. I now only have 3 main lenses, each of which I use often. I'm trying to get rid of any that I don't use often enough. When I'm back from the lakes I'm likely to be letting the 20mm f1.8 go I'm just not using ultra wide enough. At the end of the day cameras and lenses are just tools to get images, but trying different lenses to find out what's right for you isn't a bad idea as long as you are getting the images or enjoy trying. Part of my wildlife photography is getting out there being out and seeing wildlife, sometimes it's nice to not see it through the viewfinder.
 
I keep changing from Canon to Nikon and usually start from scratch in regards to all my lenses as well. I need to stop doing it so this time I'm sticking to Canon! Just like last time..
 
Ive manged to stick to what i have main die to have no money nowadays. 2 years ago i vough a 35 and sold my 50 which i wish i had kept now as it was so small and light. Keep toying with the idea of selling my 70 -200vr2 as its been used a handfull of times at most since i bought it but know i would regret it and loose a fair chunk on something i didnt even use makes it worse.. I'm really tempted by the new nikon 105 but would have to shift the vr2 or my 85 1.4 most likely but again taking a big hit doing so.. to be honest I think thats whats kept all my glass with me, the fact i would loose 1/4 at least selling them.
 
I do not understand this buying and selling thing at all.
when I buy a camera, one of the considerations that I take into account, is the focal length range that I will need to cover my subject matter.
I either buy them at the time or with a planned purchase programme. There is absolutely no need to chop and change unless one of them fails to perform to its standard. That new versions might arrive on the scene, is no reason to change, unless the difference is outstanding. And will be easily noticeable when used for you own purposes.
Usually good enough for your needs. Is good enough in the future as well.
Only if your needs change do you need to revaluate.
 
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I chop and change as one minute I want primes, then zooms and I can't afford everything!
 
I just buy what I need and only change to either upgrade to something superior or for a different capability. If it's not being used, I sell it. Life's too short to be fannying around building and rebuilding complete new systems, I've got pictures to take!
 
Would it be fair to say that you're changing because you're never quite 'happy' with the lenses you have, or is it just the thrill of new kit?

I understand with Nikon gear the desire to get higher quality (primes) and the frustration a fixed focal length brings when a zoom is so much more convenient. Possibly if you went for a 'best of breed' approach with the zooms then that would tick more boxes.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Would it be fair to say that you're changing because you're never quite 'happy' with the lenses you have, or is it just the thrill of new kit?

I understand with Nikon gear the desire to get higher quality (primes) and the frustration a fixed focal length brings when a zoom is so much more convenient. Possibly if you went for a 'best of breed' approach with the zooms then that would tick more boxes.
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I think one of the reasons for chop and change as there's no such thing or the perfect camera/system. That being said my D750, 24-120, 70-200 and 150-600 are all keepers. It's my 'travel' system I keep changing. Mostly due to not finding the 'holy grail' but also I like trying different systems and learning how they all function.
 
snerkler said:
I think one of the reasons for chop and change as there's no such thing or the perfect camera/system. That being said my D750, 24-120, 70-200 and 150-600 are all keepers. It's my 'travel' system I keep changing. Mostly due to not finding the 'holy grail' but also I like trying different systems and learning how they all function.
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I just like trying primes, then trying the same one again and again and again! lol
 
snerkler said:
I think one of the reasons for chop and change as there's no such thing or the perfect camera/system. That being said my D750, 24-120, 70-200 and 150-600 are all keepers. It's my 'travel' system I keep changing. Mostly due to not finding the 'holy grail' but also I like trying different systems and learning how they all function.
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It's my travel system that's sorted (Sony a58, Zeiss 16-80, Sony 50 1.4). The Nikon kit is a problem because I can't blow £1500 on a couple of lenses, and all the relatively budget stuff is seems mostly not very good.
 
JJ! said:
I chop and change as one minute I want primes, then zooms and I can't afford everything!
Click to expand...

ancient_mariner said:
Would it be fair to say that you're changing because you're never quite 'happy' with the lenses you have, or is it just the thrill of new kit?

I understand with Nikon gear the desire to get higher quality (primes) and the frustration a fixed focal length brings when a zoom is so much more convenient. Possibly if you went for a 'best of breed' approach with the zooms then that would tick more boxes.
Click to expand...

I think JJ!s comment is quite apt. Its the fact I seem to keep on buying and selling then buying again pretty much the same lens. I do prefer primes - light, like the way you need to think a little more, like the IQ and also bigger apertures. But they can be restrictive when out unless you take them all, and then you need to keep changing. The zooms are much more versatile! Dont know whether its psychological, but I much prefer using a 50mm or 85mm rather than my 24-70 even though that is a great lens and will never be sold (it is my no.1 go to lens for most paid work) I think in the past I would have a 70-200 that is worth around £800 stuck in my bag most of the time and it seemed a waste. I guess like many I cant afford the perfect lineup so keep changing! Really annoying though!
 
ancient_mariner said:
It's my travel system that's sorted (Sony a58, Zeiss 16-80, Sony 50 1.4). The Nikon kit is a problem because I can't blow £1500 on a couple of lenses, and all the relatively budget stuff is seems mostly not very good.
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Plenty of excellent cheaper lenses for Nikon in the £150-500 range.
 
cambsno said:
I think JJ!s comment is quite apt. Its the fact I seem to keep on buying and selling then buying again pretty much the same lens. I do prefer primes - light, like the way you need to think a little more, like the IQ and also bigger apertures. But they can be restrictive when out unless you take them all, and then you need to keep changing. The zooms are much more versatile! Dont know whether its psychological, but I much prefer using a 50mm or 85mm rather than my 24-70 even though that is a great lens and will never be sold (it is my no.1 go to lens for most paid work) I think in the past I would have a 70-200 that is worth around £800 stuck in my bag most of the time and it seemed a waste. I guess like many I cant afford the perfect lineup so keep changing! Really annoying though!
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I can understand that. I wish Nikon had a 24-120 of similar quality to the Zeiss 16-80 and for a similar price (but preferably without the crap mechanical quality).
 
cambsno said:
I think JJ!s comment is quite apt. Its the fact I seem to keep on buying and selling then buying again pretty much the same lens. I do prefer primes - light, like the way you need to think a little more, like the IQ and also bigger apertures. But they can be restrictive when out unless you take them all, and then you need to keep changing. The zooms are much more versatile! Dont know whether its psychological, but I much prefer using a 50mm or 85mm rather than my 24-70 even though that is a great lens and will never be sold (it is my no.1 go to lens for most paid work) I think in the past I would have a 70-200 that is worth around £800 stuck in my bag most of the time and it seemed a waste. I guess like many I cant afford the perfect lineup so keep changing! Really annoying though!
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In a perfect world I would have my zooms and primes, but I have to be sensible sometimes! I currently have a 24-120 F4 and 70-200 F4 and satisfied my need for a prime with the 50mm. I found the 35 too short, 85 too long so the 50 is pretty much a perfect focal length for me. My head seems to tell me that the 50 is not good enough as its so cheap and small, but I don't know why!

The 70-200 is new for me (and bought for me by inheritance money so its a keeper!) and I really think its a quality lens!

I don't get the hate for the 24-120 though!
 
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snerkler said:
Plenty of excellent cheaper lenses for Nikon in the £150-500 range.
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Yes, but not very good, TBH. I have a slightly older 28-85 AF that's optically about the same as a Sigma 28-200 of similar vintage. Was considering the older Nikon 24-120 and got a couple of shots to do test shots - glad I did that instead of buying one! Had an almost new 50 1.8 AFG and sent it back because I could believe it was OK, and the 50 1.8 AFD I bought used here is even softer (but half the price, so that's acceptable). The only Nikon fit lenses I own that I think are decent are a Samyang 85 1.4 and an ancient Nikkor 28 3.5 AI, both primes and both similar in terms of sharpness to that Zeiss zoom I have for the Sony.

And I don't really have even £500 to spend on lenses right now, though there's a Sigma ART lens in the classifieds that I'd love.
 
snerkler said:
Plenty of excellent cheaper lenses for Nikon in the £150-500 range.
Click to expand...

Yes, but not very good, TBH. I have a slightly older 28-85 AF that's optically about the same as a Sigma 28-200 of similar vintage. Was considering the older Nikon 24-120 and got a couple of shots to do test shots - glad I did that instead of buying one! Had an almost new 50 1.8 AFG and sent it back because I could believe it was OK, and the 50 1.8 AFD I bought used here is even softer (but half the price, so that's acceptable). The only Nikon fit lenses I own that I think are decent are a Samyang 85 1.4 and an ancient Nikkor 28 3.5 AI, both primes and both similar in terms of sharpness to that Zeiss zoom I have for the Sony.

And I don't really have even £500 to spend on lenses right now, though there's a Sigma ART lens in the classifieds that I'd love.
 
JJ! said:
I don't get the hate for the 24-120 though!
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The older version could be very VERY soft round the edges wide open, and still soft at f8. The new f4 version is supposed to be OK.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Yes, but not very good, TBH. I have a slightly older 28-85 AF that's optically about the same as a Sigma 28-200 of similar vintage. Was considering the older Nikon 24-120 and got a couple of shots to do test shots - glad I did that instead of buying one! Had an almost new 50 1.8 AFG and sent it back because I could believe it was OK, and the 50 1.8 AFD I bought used here is even softer (but half the price, so that's acceptable). The only Nikon fit lenses I own that I think are decent are a Samyang 85 1.4 and an ancient Nikkor 28 3.5 AI, both primes and both similar in terms of sharpness to that Zeiss zoom I have for the Sony.

And I don't really have even £500 to spend on lenses right now, though there's a Sigma ART lens in the classifieds that I'd love.
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I think you need to re-read my post and note that I said there are some excellent Nikon lenses that can be had for £150-500 ;)
 
ancient_mariner said:
The older version could be very VERY soft round the edges wide open, and still soft at f8. The new f4 version is supposed to be OK.
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The old 24-120 wasn't very good but the f4 version is actually very good. I own both the 24-70mm f2.8 (which is Nikon's pro short zoom) and the 24-120mm f4 and in terms of sharpness I can't tell them apart. Granted the 24-70mm renders slightly better and has faster AF, but I find myself grabbing the 24-120 rather than the 24-70.
 
JJ! said:
In a perfect world I would have my zooms and primes, but I have to be sensible sometimes! I currently have a 24-120 F4 and 70-200 F4 and satisfied my need for a prime with the 50mm. I found the 35 too short, 85 too long so the 50 is pretty much a perfect focal length for me. My head seems to tell me that the 50 is not good enough as its so cheap and small, but I don't know why!

The 70-200 is new for me (and bought for me by inheritance money so its a keeper!) and I really think its a quality lens!

I don't get the hate for the 24-120 though!
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If only they could make a 18-200mm FF f/1.8 lens which is the same size and IQ of the 85mm prime!
 
I have been using a DSLR since 2004. Since then I have bought 6 lenses and one of those was to replace one I dropped and wrecked. Those lenses will allow me to take every photo I will want to take - why would I buy more lenses?
 
I think the buying and selling is just become buying gadgets or technology. Things come out every year with more refine and new tech product, you want that product so you end up sell your existing stuff and buy the new stuff.

I gone pass that period because I know what I want and what I need to get the shot or get the job done. That's why I still shooting with old stuff like Nikon D3/D700 and the older Nikon 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 VR1, and 85mm f1.4 AFD ....
 
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