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David Mingay | all galleries >> Mynd Dagsins '15 >> Photo of the Day 2005 > Feb 22: Glass
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22-FEB-2005 David Mingay

Feb 22: Glass

Porn for Gear heads? I've been suffering form PGAS. Photo Gear Acquisition Syndrome! With a trip to the US coming up, I'm finding myself browsing photo retailers web sites, trying to figure out what I should buy. Am I nuts? Look at the gear I've already got! These are my Canon EF lenses, 6 of them. 3 zooms giving a continuous range from 17mm-200mm plus three primes, 24, 50 and 100. If I want to use 100mm, I have a choice of 3 lenses, I have 2 each that'll give me 50mm, 35mm, 28mm or 24mm. What more could I possibly need?

Want, of course, is different to need. I want the newly announced Sigma DC 30mm f1.4. I want to upgrade my 50mm f1.8 to the f1.4 version. I want a Canon EF-S or Sigma DC 15mm f2.8, which neither company makes (yet), and I want the new Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8. Then there's the non Canon EOS wants. I want a Voightlander Bessa R3A, with the 24mm, 40mm and 90mm lenses. I want a vintage Leica IIIG. And I want a Pentax M-100f2.8 for my MX. But I don't need any of it.

So, I'm not going to buy anything. I'm going to focus my efforts on making photographs rather than buying photo gear. That'd confuse 'those' people on 'those' forums. But I really do want that 30mm f1.4!


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Cheryl Hawkins24-Feb-2005 23:34
That's why I haven't bought any lenses and just stick to my kit lens; no difficult decisions for me! (Yeah, right! I am full of BS! Will you put aside a little time to discuss lenses while you're in San Francisco? Sounds like Todd and I are in the same boat as far as lenses go.)
Michael Todd Thorpe23-Feb-2005 23:16
Hmmmm. New glass... I've been thinking about it too, lately. I'd like to replace my kit lense, but there are so many choices!
Gail Davison23-Feb-2005 20:28
You'll change your mind when you get there and spot that camera shop across the road.
Guest 23-Feb-2005 19:47
Great shot David! The light is excellent. I hear you on needing vs wanting... I'm trying right now to get a small studio lighting and background set up, and still I *want* a 16-35 f2.8L. Or at the very least, a 17-40 f4L (which would still be a hell of a great lens to have.) But those are far off -- I need the studio stuff first!
Ian Clowes23-Feb-2005 18:31
OK, OK! Not a major problem with a Nikon 8800 :(
Si Kirk23-Feb-2005 17:45
Hmmm i have succumb to lens lust as well with the ordering of a Nikon 17-55 f2.8 i often find myself making a "dream shopping list" oh well.
Lou Giroud23-Feb-2005 16:52
I agree with Mark here and for the gear buying syndrom, welcome to the club.
brother_mark23-Feb-2005 16:01
I want that Sigma 30mm f/1.4 too. The fast 50mm approx. field of view is something I miss in my digital arsenal. But having gone shooting recently with an F2, I have to remind myself that even the 30mm won't give me what I really want--a film-size, bright viewfinder.
Guest 23-Feb-2005 15:29
I want some Hobnobs, I hear they are delicious!!
Guest 23-Feb-2005 14:46
There's only one cure David....
You must package one of these up and donate it to a less fortunate photographer. I know it will be difficult, but it really is the only cure.
I'm thinking something in the macro line, or perhaps a long prime, will be particularly therapeutic. This must be done immediately, if there is to be any chance for your recovery. (Let’s just hope that it will only take a few such donations.)
Please contact me for a list of potential recipient.
Herb 23-Feb-2005 14:29
Nice collection
Guest 23-Feb-2005 14:14
Oh look at all those lenses!! I'm seriously jealous, I'm still saving for a wide angle lens!
type23-Feb-2005 14:12
I understand your lenlust. But you've reached the right decision. There are people on pbase who just use kit lenses and get pro results and those who have pro lenses and...well, you've guessed it. Still, one lens more can't hurt, can it? : )
Guest 23-Feb-2005 14:12
Wonderful shot! VOte!