Spending too much?

trencheel303 said:
Hey man, why don't you just stop winding the guy up? I've seen you do it in more than one of his threads and there's no need for it. It's his money, and his personal choices.
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Have to agree with Trench.....



trencheel303 said:
Sorry, brainfart there - I didn't see you had Nikon. Carry on :lol:
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No probs - got me looking thou :lol:
 
Do I worry about it, no...

A few silly purchases soon after buying the camera but I buy now on what I need/would like to try next with the camera.

So since Feb...
500D twin kit with 18-55 and tamron 70-300 (tamron sold)
canon 70-300 (now sold)
10-20 Simga
50mm 1.8
100-400L which does me perfectly
430 EXII

Only thing I would have changed is not buying the cheaper lenses to start and if I had knwon I would have enjoyed photography this much when I bought the camera I would have bought the 7D to start but am happy with what I have now...
Biggest bugbear of the lot is I currently have a 70-200 2.8 L on loan and I absolutley love the lens but for what I do and what I know [read don't know] about photography as much as I would love to buy one in my heart I know I really don't need to!
 
No. If I want it and can I afford it I buy it.

No compromises.
 
Same, really - except that there's always a 'golden egg' that I won't buy here and there because to do so would be such extreme indulgence. The M9 and 35 'lux, for example.

Other dream kit includes the 600mm primes, the D3s/1D4 etc.

Still, since 2006 I've had, well, too much. 350D, 24-105L, then a jump over to D80, 18-200, 85/1.4, 300/4, 50/1.8, 17-50/2.8, 70-300VR, 10-20, 70-200/2.8 - then a jump over to G1, 14-45, 45-200, 40mm Nokton, 20/1.7, GF1... and then stop. Except I've a shopping basket ready to go again... Ironically, the Ricoh SLR I've had since the 1990's is still here, unloved in its box..

Most of it I've bought and sold - through here or eBay - and I've lost money on everything, though not too much n the grander scheme of things. I've never bought and sold kit for profit, and even though I've probably depreciated enough to afford a 5D mark 2, I've had fun experimenting with all the various kit, and had the excitement of prospective purchases. To me, any monies lost is worth it in other ways. I enjoy the photography process but I also enjoy the gear experience aswell. It'd be the same if I were a car nut, except my purchases would be bigger and lose more..

I'm about to buy a 550D and a 17-40L. Almost full circle. Funny how I had to go on that photographic journey in order to figure out that the best gear was my first setup...
 
Having an 18-55mm IS lens on the 500D, would the next logical step be a 55-250mm IS? Especially for someone who wants to photograph landscapes, buildings and my daughter etc.
 
Koolpc said:
Having an 18-55mm IS lens on the 500D, would the next logical step be a 55-250mm IS? Especially for someone who wants to photograph landscapes, buildings and my daughter etc.
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I think a wider lens would be better for taking landscapes.
 
I think a wider lens would be better for taking landscapes
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I thought that too, bought a 10-20mm and then hardly ever used it, just too wide for me
 
So, the kit lens would not be as good as a dedicated wide angle but what about the 55-250mm IS? Is that ok for shooting landscape shots, at a distance?!
 
Well you want to get as much in as possible dont you, so a wider angle lens such as the Sigma 10-20mm would be good here. Can always crop the bits you dont want afterwards.
 
Koolpc said:
Having an 18-55mm IS lens on the 500D, would the next logical step be a 55-250mm IS? Especially for someone who wants to photograph landscapes, buildings and my daughter etc.
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:thinking: That might just need rewording/phrasing.... As it makes it sound like someone with a 55-200mm IS can photograph your daughter as well as landscapes/buildings...
 
Matt_B said:
Well you want to get as much in as possible dont you, so a wider angle lens such as the Sigma 10-20mm would be good here. Can always crop the bits you dont want afterwards.
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Cheers for that. Will have a scout around then. Very expensive though! Still want to get a 55-250mm IS too.
 
Go out for a week and take about 2000 pictures, should give you close to 20 that you like.. then see what focal lengths and lighting conditions you missed out on, it will give you an idea of what you need :)

Your search for instant satisfaction just won't work because you GROW into photography as you shoot and learn as much about your kit as you do about your own shooting habits. Trying to buy everything you need and then using it all at once will give you a big dose of disappointment and a big hole in the wallet...
 
vaizki said:
Go out for a week and take about 2000 pictures, should give you close to 20 that you like.. then see what focal lengths and lighting conditions you missed out on, it will give you an idea of what you need :)

Your search for instant satisfaction just won't work because you GROW into photography as you shoot and learn as much about your kit as you do about your own shooting habits. Trying to buy everything you need and then using it all at once will give you a big dose of disappointment and a big hole in the wallet...
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Yea, you are right. I have used the 18-55mm IS and would like a longer zoom for a start. Heard good things about the 55-250mm IS. Thought it would be good to use for whn the daughter is playing while i am sitting! Also for some wildlife in the garden (Not the In-Laws!)
 
Koolpc said:
Do you ever worry that you have spent or are spending too much on a camera or a lens etc etc?
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No. I can't afford to spend a great deal on gear, and I don't use credit to fund a hobby, so this doesn't really arise.

I shot Nikon in the film days and still have my F2, FM and a few lenses; but I bought a 30D after it was discontinued because it was the only mid-range DSLR that I could afford. I'm perfectly satisfied with it and I doubt if I'll upgrade any time soon. I still have a fondness for Nikon, and I'm occasionally tempted to try and save for a D300/D300s, but it's not that important to me.
 
Nope...it might hurt a bit, but if you need it, then you need it - no-one can make those decisions for you also some confuse 'want' with 'need' but that's another story...

So far in the last 12 months I've spent about £13k re-equipping my camera-bag, with another £2k or so to go before I have everything I need...

...and maybe another £3k on top of that for everything I want...:lol:
 
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No - if you paid then you can afford it. I just spend top-end digital money on a couple of film cameras... most would ask why not get the digital but in all honesty we buy what we want to buy (then worry afterwards about the cost/wife finding out) and that's that.

As FIP said on page one, what's the cost of a smoking habit in comparison (or any other for that matter - those of us with decent mt/road pushbikes ought to be ashamed of ourselves for the same reasons)
 
Ambermile said:
No - if you paid then you can afford it. I just spend top-end digital money on a couple of film cameras... most would ask why not get the digital but in all honesty we buy what we want to buy (then worry afterwards about the cost/wife finding out) and that's that.

As FIP said on page one, what's the cost of a smoking habit in comparison (or any other for that matter - those of us with decent mt/road pushbikes ought to be ashamed of ourselves for the same reasons)
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Top end digital money - so are we talking about a Canon 1D Mk IV or Nikon D3 whatever - around £4K?.......... what hasselblad did you get???:lol:
 
Lynton, I am getting real ****ed off with your condescending attitude towards me - please stop.

I paid £400 for an SLR and just over £300 for a point and shoot also - similar prices to used decent amateur (40d, GR1?) cameras.
 
Arthur,

Think you need to lose some sensitivity as there was absolutely nothing condescending in my post above or any other post involving comments by you.

Personally, I have no interest in how much you may or may not have spent on anything. None of my business and no interest whatsoever.

My point was (and remains) "top-end digital money" is not in the £400 bracket. Yes the 40D is a decent camera - and yes i have used one - however no experience on the GR1 so cannot pass comment on it. I am sure, however that most 40D's owners would agree that whilst it is a decent camera and will do pretty much all that an enthusiatic amateur wants / needs , it is not "top end" when it comes to the digital range.

Anyway, i have no intention of making this peraonal, and don't wish the thread to lose its momentum, so I'll shut up now.
 
Mate - your post had sod all to do with the thread... whatever, hope your legs get better soon.
 
Ambermile said:
Mate - your post had sod all to do with the thread... whatever, hope your legs get better soon.
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He's right though - 'Top-End' digital money is in the £3-4,000 range, not £3-400...:shrug:

I think you need a hug, mate...
 
Yeah, I think so too :D I should have stated amateur s/h, didn't think anyone would be ready to jump from a great height onto me again. No matter.

Maybe that's a point for the thread though, for *me*, that sort of price for s/h *is* top end so there's a certain amount of "horses for course" in this.
 
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oh FFS!

1) it was to do with the thread - i refer you to my posts above (#98 and #100)

2) I didn't jump onto anyone or anything from any height............ (I am not jumping anywhere at the moment!.......:shrug:;) )

to (mis)quote Rob... "man up!" :naughty:


Just enjoy whatever camera you choose to use............ be it film, be it digital......... be it £50, be it £5000.............
 
Lots of idiotic comments in these forums i have to say. Pity really as it looks like it could be a good place to help and be helped!
 
Koolpc said:
Lots of idiotic comments in these forums i have to say. Pity really as it looks like it could be a good place to help and be helped!
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Lots of idiotic questions too
icon_rolleyes.gif
 
Lol just read this thread kool. Didn't know you were into photography. I know you may have the odd bad reply there's lots of people trying to help. It seems one of the biggest pieces of advice is to practice with your current kit first.
 
Koolpc said:
Lots of idiotic comments in these forums i have to say. Pity really as it looks like it could be a good place to help and be helped!
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there may of been a number of idiotic replies, or it may of just been people responding to the general sense of humour faillures and dummy spits :dummy: do you think you may of had a part to play in that?
 
No, as some people are just out to cause distress. I can take a joke but when you have the same few having a go all the time well, that is just too much.
 
don't be such a sensitive wuss - people aren't out to cause distress at all on here - you may get a bit of micckey taking banter but certainly much better then any other forum I'm a member of.

For spitting your dummy out, your thread in photo sharing is a classic case in point, it took 7 minutes for you to pull the photo :schtum:
 
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Tony,

OK then - sensible reply time............

I would say spend what you are happy with and what you can afford to spend / feel comfortable in spending / need to spend etc..........


a few scenarios..........

a) you are a professional photographer. Then you will need the high end kit that suits your market - i.e. sports - FPS / ISO, Landscape - full frame? Weddings - 2 of everything in case one fails and you cannot fulfill requirements.

b) you are a wealthy banker getting a huge bonus - well you'll possibly go spend a shedload on the gear but maybe have no idea how to use it, so in effect potentially a waste of money. I mean, £5k on a body with no full auto - who are these manufacturers trying to kid? :shrug:

c) you have the 2.4 kids, mortgage, wife, labrador, etc etc........... chances are you may buy something middle of the road - say a 30D or a 40D if 4 numbers come up a couple of weeks, and then from a bit of shrewd buying and selling, spotting bargains etc you gradually upgrade and improve your kit......


Theres a new lens i would like for my set up which is going to be around the £650 mark. To some thats a shedload of cash, to others it's not. To me it's a significant investment, though I could go get it tomorrow, (if I could find one!) however in order to find it, I will be looking at equipment I don't use so often and offloading that at a fair price in order to make it a more "neutral" purchase cashflow wise.......

However, I know for what I want to do, the lens will be a good investment, and in the medium term may hopefully earn me a bit of cash..........


At the end of the day, if you feel you are spending too much on x y or z....... i guess you need to look at yourself and think why do you feel that........

I know of others who have quit smoking (£6 a day) - 3 months later - approx £600 saved and can buy themselves what they wanted with the money. I guess if the incentive is there....... to do something, a lot of people will find the willpower to do it.......
 
boyfalldown said:
don't be such a sensitive wuss - people aren't out to cause distress at all on here - you may get a bit of micckey taking banter but certainly much better then any other forum I'm a member of.

For spitting your dummy out you thread in photo sharing is a classic case in point, it took 7 minutes for you to pull the photo :schtum:
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:agree:

Chin up, grow a pair, and get used to the place.....I haven't read all the threads you've posted in/started, but I've only seen banter aimed at you so far!! :thumbs:
 
Sometimes it is not banter. Especially when i was getting pathetic PM's from one member! who was out to cause trouble

I can take a joke. I posted a pick and the first thing i get is an idiotic reply aimed at another thread, not the pic. Why bother if i am going to get slagged off for things in the past instead of remarks on a pic i posted?
 
Koolpc said:
Sometimes it is not banter. Especially when i was getting pathetic PM's from one member! who was out to cause trouble

I can take a joke. I posted a pick and the first thing i get is an idiotic reply aimed at another thread, not the pic. Why bother if i am going to get slagged off for things in the past instead of remarks on a pic i posted?
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Then just don't listen to them and wait for somebody with real advice and feedback to comment on your photography and you will improve alot this way.
 
Koolpc said:
Sometimes it is not banter. Especially when i was getting pathetic PM's from one member! who was out to cause trouble

I can take a joke. I posted a pick and the first thing i get is an idiotic reply aimed at another thread, not the pic. Why bother if i am going to get slagged off for things in the past instead of remarks on a pic i posted?
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If you were getting dubious PM's then its time to report them. But publicaly at least its only been banter, you started a ten page thread on what DSLR to buy, changed your mind every other day and have been through 6 (I think) DSLRs in a month, its hard to keep up, and you've got to expect an amount of mickey taking from that, especially coupled with your dummy spits;)

A far better reply in your picture thread may just of been

'Thanks for the feedback, but keep up on the camera -its not that hard'
 
Yea, i know, but it is so frustrating when you have complete jerks out to cause problems when all i wanted was advice on a pic!
 
boyfalldown said:
If you were getting dubious PM's then its time to report them. But publicaly at least its only been banter, you started a ten page thread on what DSLR to buy, changed your mind every other day and have been through 6 (I think) DSLRs in a month, its hard to keep up, and you've got to expect an amount of mickey taking from that, especially coupled with your dummy spits;)

A far better reply in your picture thread may just of been

'Thanks for the feedback, but keep up on the camera -its not that hard'
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PM's were reported and person stopped from PMing.

What happened in the thread about camera choice should stay there. I was asking for ctitic on a pic, nothing else. Nothing about dummy spitting, just wanted to be treated like a grown up and not remarked on about previous threads.

Now, can we get this thread back on track?
 
So post it back up then so that people can offer some help. You have got a fantastic camera there and no doubt some help would be useful to you. It's a whole lot of camera to learn, that's for sure.

You won't get better if you don't persevere, and all this is doing is giving people more ammunition, should they wish to use it.
 
No, i won't post a new thread. I don't need people shooting me down all the time.
 
Koolpc said:
Yea, i know, but it is so frustrating when you have complete jerks out to cause problems when all i wanted was advice on a pic!
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It wasn't a complete jerk though, and it didn't read as he wanted to cause problems.It was just some one ribbing you a bit - its understandable (in a good way) after the last month - you got alot of very good advice in your equipment threads (along with the banter) accept it as a great place, but its a conversation, you will get some mickey taking comments too.

If someone has been sending you dodgy PM's report them though.
 
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