Adhering To A Photography Budget?
May 14, 2014 07:32:50 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
I am very curious as to how many of us actually adhere to a budget when it comes to funding our G.A.S.: 1.) Is there a strict budget for body acquisition, 2.) Is there a strict budget for lens acquisition, 3.) Is there a strict budget for accessories (bags, flashes, etc.). In these cases, what are your budgets?
Also, when, or under what circumstances do you just say, "the hell with it", and break the budget to get what you want? What specific gear did you recently break the budget for?
Also, when, or under what circumstances do you just say, "the hell with it", and break the budget to get what you want? What specific gear did you recently break the budget for?
May 14, 2014 07:38:38 #
lukan wrote:
I am very curious as to how many of us actually ad... (show quote)
No budget. If I want it and can afford it, I get it. The last major purchase I made was when I bought my D800 two years ago.
I purchase a lot of my gear through a local camera store. If I use their credit card, i can pay it off over 12 months with no interest, as long as I spend at least $200.00 and that is real easy to do.
May 14, 2014 07:54:15 #
twillsol wrote:
No budget. If I want it and can afford it, I get it. The last major purchase I made was when I bought my D800 two years ago.
I purchase a lot of my gear through a local camera store. If I use their credit card, i can pay it off over 12 months with no interest, as long as I spend at least $200.00 and that is real easy to do.
I purchase a lot of my gear through a local camera store. If I use their credit card, i can pay it off over 12 months with no interest, as long as I spend at least $200.00 and that is real easy to do.
That's how I purchased a few of my cameras a few years back but it was through Best Buy as we have no camera store near us.If I purchase camera gear on line & am able to use PayPal then I use their 6mths.same as cash.It works out very well for me.
May 14, 2014 07:59:55 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I played a lot of golf for a long time up until I had a neck injury. I spent $400-$600 per month on that wonderful hobby. I simply transfer that amount into photography monthly and sometimes a little more. I don't hunt, fish or ride motorcycles or have any other hobbies. I'm getting a nice collection of lenses, cameras and gear.
May 14, 2014 08:02:44 #
Thumburg1
Loc: Mason City Iowa
My rule of thumb over many years of out of pocket equipment purchases is to find out what I think is adequate and buy the next best-- mostly for glass--Bodies are a pure necessity. My first woops was buying a 17-35 which I love but spend y-- then purchased a 16-35 and found it to be more user friendly and could have saved a few bucks. I to bought a couple of D800s and wish I would have spent a little more now for one D800E .. same with stobes--I opted for SB900s and 910s instead of 700s on my last update.
TgH
TgH
May 14, 2014 08:38:48 #
No budget. But no impulse buying either. I usually see or hear about something I would like to have, then research it if possible (specs, reviews, price, etc.).
I have a piggy-bank (yes, it even looks like a pig), regularly put money into it, and when I have enough, I go out and buy my desired item. Because filling the piggy-bank happens if and when I can afford it, it may take me longer to save up for say, a tripod head, than a whole new camera. But in the end I'll get them.
I have a piggy-bank (yes, it even looks like a pig), regularly put money into it, and when I have enough, I go out and buy my desired item. Because filling the piggy-bank happens if and when I can afford it, it may take me longer to save up for say, a tripod head, than a whole new camera. But in the end I'll get them.
May 14, 2014 08:53:46 #
lukan wrote:
I am very curious as to how many of us actually ad... (show quote)
Somebody is pulling your leg on this thought. "Budget" and "photography" are not parts of the same language. Sort of like "women" and "intuition". :lol: :lol: :lol:
May 14, 2014 09:13:57 #
I buy it as I need it. I have not bought a new lens for three years and don't think I will again unless a replacement. I have bought four new cameras in the seven years sinCe I went digetel. I think that will stop now. I used to replace computers until XP for new features - now just do when one crashes. I think DSLRs are to the point that they are not going to get much better. Just like computers went to tablets and notebooks cameras are going to mirrorles to feed our got to have problem. - Dave
May 14, 2014 09:23:12 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
I know! What I'm learning so far is that we find money to fund our "wants", our GAS. We essentially can fund this hobby because in the final analysis, it really isn't that expensive, in the grand scheme of things.
May 14, 2014 09:25:18 #
The older I get the less I think about budget - my thoughts are: what am I waiting for?
May 14, 2014 09:33:34 #
I analyze the hell out a potential purchase. When I'm good and confused (it happens early in the process and often), I make an impulse buy. It's rarely a budget issue. It's usually a question of not wanting to pay for features/functions/capabilities that I will never use or appreciate. Regardless, the day before my first grandchild was born, I felt compelled to get a fast portrait lens so that I could snap away in available light. I certainly didn't want to use a flash and my DSLR is not the best at high ISO. Soooo, I made the 'mistake' of buying a Zeiss 85mm f1.4. After that, I just had to have more. Now, I can't carry my gear in a shoulder bag....it's too damn heavy! :lol: :lol:
What's a photographer to do????
What's a photographer to do????
May 14, 2014 09:38:47 #
I have no budget for anything. I rationalize how much I'm going to use it. If it's a must have I buy it. If I don't have the funds, I wait. If I wait to long my wife steals my funds and I start over. LOL
May 14, 2014 09:40:45 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
unclebe1 wrote:
I analyze the hell out a potential purchase. When... (show quote)
That's a great lens! Is it on an A99 body? If not, you've got to run out and buy one!
May 14, 2014 10:09:11 #
In the past I used to save and pay cash for everything I needed. Now that I've reached the age where I have more money than time (not much of either)-if I want it, I buy it now, and pay later.
May 14, 2014 10:49:14 #
lukan wrote:
That's a great lens! Is it on an A99 body? If not, you've got to run out and buy one!
No, it's on an A850. I'm following rumors of A99 II coming out later this year. That will be the next 'impulse'. :lol: :lol:
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