SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

It's a good workman who understands the capabilities of his tools, and therefore understands their limitations. He does not blame the tools for his dissatisfaction with his work, and is constantly working to improve. When he reaches the point where the tools are holding him back, he realizes it is time to seek new tools with the capabilities he needs to do the type and quality of work he plans to produce.



Its a good workman who chooses new tools based on their more advanced capabilites than the ones now being used. In fact, that workman has probably been on the lookout for just such a fine tool.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Shoot a high school basketball game with an entry level DSLR using the kit lens. Then shoot another game with a Nikon D5 using the lens of your choice. That will demonstrate the value of high quality tools.

It's the quality of the equipment chosen by a skilled craftsperson that makes a job successful.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

A $50.00 saw will not cut a straighter line than $2.99 saw.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Depends on what you are cutting and how much precision you require. Also, a dull saw (old) will not cut as well as a sharper one (new)!

This also applies to the discussion of whether a new camera or lens (or motorcycle) will do a better job than the one currently being used.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Have you ever tried a $50 japanese saw that cuts on the pull stroke?
Razor thin cut and so much straighter

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Well if you know how to cut a straight line the object has been achieved. Cutting the line and ego gratification.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I don't think you are comprehending why some folks truly DO get certain benefits for their activities from buying newer versions of the tools they use. For some it may very well be ego, but when you are a fine craftsman (or attempting to be), it is very common to discover that the tools you have are inadequate. This is not a sign of ego, it is a sign that the you have outgrown the tools. And at the same time you figure out what additional qualities you need in that tool. When a new one comes out that will fulfill the need, it is gratifying to be able to purchase it, because using it will help you to further refine your craft.

This is not the same as the motorcycle example you gave. Riding for pleasure, you can only go just so fast. While you do enjoy going fast, the primary objective is to enjoy the ride, the company, the wind in your face, the scenery. All of which could be done without buying a new motorcycle. But if you are a professional racer, for instance, whether it is on a motorcycle or in a car, a newer, improved car will handle better at high speeds, will be safer, go faster, etc. and help you improve your driving so you can win races. So it depends on circumstances whether you are satisfying your ego or whether you are fulfilling a need for better tools.

The more precisely you need to cut that straight line, the thinner and sharper the saw must be. For instance making fine furniture, where you want the places where cuts come together to be as close to invisible as possible. If you just wanted a seat to sit on, you could use that rusty, dull old saw to cut some boards, hammer them together and call it done!

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Where do you get the time to do all this minutia????? This is ridiculous. Unreal.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Give up the job, rug rats, significant other, and boring friends and you also
can devote 14-20 hours a day to your photography.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Another kick in the jewels for Nikon by the shooter , I'm on happy 😊
Hour right now , for give me shooter , I know not of what I speak . I'm starting to think canon , put me down right

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Well look at it as a ten year project , it should last you at leasf that long , at least
10000 pic a year with no effort , a hundered thousand pictures divided by cost of camera , and it may keep going beyond that number of clicks , my d90 has over
Half that in about 7or eight years , so I may buy a D810 refurb for half its new cost , you never know .

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Sorry if my attempt to explain things has offended you. It is just that your comments have been off the mark, and even judgmental. Not everyone is one of those egotistical boys with their toys. They do exist, but a lot of people are truly interested in improving their craft because they love it.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I am all for getting the latest gear. However, getting a longer lens will not improve our craft. You may not need to crop which is a positive, but if the shooter isn't creative or artistic, the shot will still be a snap, and will not win an award. Neither will a newer camera. But as I said, I am all for the newest toys.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

God.no. Not offended. Just amazed that you would spend so much time on your response.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I feel that if you are going to say something, it should be useful to those that are hearing it. If you have seen any of my other postings, you would know that. No point in answering a question or making a comment if it is not clear and speaks to the question. Sometimes that ends up as a long response, but that can be the result of wanting to help, which requires making sure my discourse is easy to follow.