machia Loc: NJ

A Canon L , 24-105 mm coffee mug ! 😃☕️

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

Just for kicks I looked for Canon film cameras on Ebay to maybe see what I could get for some of my film equipment. There was a Canon EOS Rebel X S on auction starting at $25, but attached to it was a Tokina 24-200mm lens. I couldn't believe it, both selling so cheap. I asked a few questions about the condition of the lens and was told it was pristine, so I bid less than $50 and won. I bought a Canon EOS Rebel X S with a Tokina 24-200mm lens attached for under $50. I Didn't really want the camera, but would have paid 4 times as much for the lens. It was a find! I am using that lens on my 6D II and it is FANTASTIC!

pol2015 Loc: Belfast

I got my Nikon D7100 for £450 (retail about £1,000) and I thought that was a good deal but getting a Rebel and that Tokina lens for $50 is jealousy-making good value. Well bloody done!

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Three years ago ( if that counts), an Epson 3880. I love printing my photos; I find it very rewarding to hold a print on a heavy sheet of fine art paper. Looking at a computer screen just can't compare. It was worth every penny (dollar, actually).
Steve

Nikonman44

so wheres the beef or horses?

Dave J

On the internet, I found a list of the top-20 most-loved Canon lenses, regardless of price. There were quite a few on it I didn't have, and hadn't even considered buying. I started working my way down the list, getting the ones I really wanted. The finances took a hit. I sold my three Pro zooms to help make the switch.

There were some near-duplicates on the list, in that if one bought one particular lens, it wouldn't makes sense to buy another, or others. So that narrowed it down a bit.

Now I've bought everything on the list that caught my eye, except the MP-E65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro. I still haven't made up my mind about that one.

I bought these in such a rush, I feel I haven't fully explored most of them. Ones I really haven't properly played with are the aforementioned EF135mm f/2L USM, and EF35mm f/1.4L II USM. The lenses I've loved the most are the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM, which now goes with me everywhere, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, and the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM (which I already had, but now love even more). Also on the list was some Big Glass, which I've hardly used, but still feel good about owning. They are amazing things.

The big surprise for me was the 100mm Macro IS, at Number 1 on the list. Before looking, I simply wouldn't have considered buying this, as I already had the non-IS version, and that was good enough for me. But now I think the IS version is one of the best lenses ever.

So the question was, "what's the one photography purchase (besides a new camera) you've made within the past year (or 2) that you feel the best about?" Well, it's hard to tie that down to a single item, but I'm glad I found the list. Having acquired the 100mm Macro IS, that persuaded me to get the Macro Ring Lite MR-14 EX II, and that was a best buy too. What a combo!

I've just ordered a gimbal head to liberate my Big Glass, which is otherwise just sitting in cases. That one hasn't arrived yet, but that could be it. Then again, I need a better tripod...

As another has alluded to, it's not necessarily the expensive things that make you feel good; often the reverse. I bought a ring softbox for about £20 on Amazon, and that's amazing in terms of what it does for the money.

I've fiddled around making my own light modifiers out of plastic placemats, step-up rings, and little bits I sourced on ebay. They probably gave the best bang for the buck. Simple though it is, that's probably what made me feel the best.

What would make me feel better would be getting out more and taking some great photos, because GAS sucks!

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I went to a large yard sale. No cameras out so I asked if they had any. The wife said they had some old ones in the basement and the husband took me down. The camera was a Horseman Woodman 45 with a RODENSTOCK APO-SIRONAR-S 210mm 5.6 1 Copal has a little fungus starting but cleaned up. There was 15 film holders and a bag bellows that fit my Toyo 45 and a sliding back for a Mamiya 67 and some other misc items. I asked how much for all. He said would $100 be ok. Well when I started breathing again. I said no and handed him all I had on me $215. They were happy and I was ecstatic. We talked for a while telling them of my collection and my love for photography. She said I sound like her Father and is so glad the camera is going to a good home.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Nikkor 105mm F/1.4

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

I just picked up a $20 eye cup shade for my D810. First camera purchase I've made in two years.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

A friend gave me one of those for Christmas! Love mine too!

Richie G Loc: Blackwood,New Jersey

AF-s Nikkor 200-500mm I now have the reach i need. Very sharp.

Jersey guy Loc: New Joisey

OK! I try to stay with it at my advanced age (84) but what the !@#$%^&*( is GAS?

Dave J

Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Now you have to go back and read them all again.

wolfman

It's definitely a hand full. As far as using a tripod goes, it depends on what I'm shooting. If I am going to be at a certain location for any length of time, I'll use a tripod, if I'm on the move, a mono-pod or handheld. For BIF, handheld.

Bob

jcboy3

Kessler Philip Bloom Signature Series Pocket Dolly with the Kessler Oracle controller/motor kit and GP-80 Parallax Device, and a Kessler Pocket Jib with Cobra Crane Pan Head kit. Rockin' the video and time-lapse photo shoots now.