members of "The Online Photographer" Lethal Hunter This is a letter in response mode to launch a forero of "the online photographic" (Mr. George) to another forum mate (Mr. Johnson).
course the letter is not wasted in any of their lines and do not know if you SRAP to you the same, but the "optics" as analyze what we might call "photographic career" sticks to 90% and amateur photographers I know.
not devoted to this man, but has a streak of psychology / writer / philosopher who think you should exploit it in some book or something ...
hang translation and the original post.
I know it is rather long, but believe me! well worth it!
esopectacular really !!!!!
post: ---------------------------------------
Letter to George
Dear Mr. Johnston,
Thanks for your reply, which is helping me in my purchase of Nikon equipment. Their recommendation seems excessive, and extremely strange coming from someone who called expert. To begin the $ 2,450 it costs the D700 is far from my budget that as I indicated is $ 400, plus I think it is absolutely disproportionate to an amateur who has just begun. And his suggestion that the objectives are to buy a 35mm f2 and 85mm f1, 8 is strange. Are these objectives have not zoom, right? All my friends use, and zoom lenses are the only type of lenses they sell at my local store. Your letter has me stumped. Sincerely, George -----
Dear George,
If you are absolutely right and I apologize. Like most fans I'm too influenced by my own habits and preferences, which led me to a buy recommendation clearly idiosyncratic. The suggestion that hit the jump right from the start with an investment of $ 3,195 is totally disproportionate (good word).
I would like suggesting you mend a plan of action for 25 steps and typical characteristics. My experience in this field has shown me that this sequence is usually very typical and I think you will find that these new recommendations faithfully walk the process of investment in equipment from most of the true amateur photographers.
I must apologize for again: in what comes next I used the model and price of some existing equipment, even though what I will describe a process is usually 3 to 5 years that these models and prices will vary during that interval.
And although I said that this process broadly consists of 25 steps, you may well discover additional steps.
Step 1. Buying a digital compact camera, basically because that is what most humans do whenever they happen to want a camera. It preceded by about four months of increasingly painful and frustrating study of the models available, during which develop your skills to buy but not learn anything about making pictures. At the same time during that time you will have to limit yourself to take pictures with your iPhone. Gradually going down in an account that no one can give an entirely satisfactory advice on the purchase of a compact, for the simple reason that there are approximately 13,796 models in the market (note: simple estimate), with dozens of them falling discontinuation cliff while presenting dozens of new features, making locating the "best camera" is an elusive goal even if you were able to distinguish what it is. Finally lose patience and buy the model that you recommend the clerk at your local store, though in the deepest recesses of your almost-subconscious suspicions that their high confidence could be motivated by the fact that you get an extra commission on the sale of that model, which has a margin sales of more than everyone else and her boss
he is pushing for the dispatch . With taxes included only $ 30 more than the limit of your budget, which was $ 400. Too late you become aware of looking at B & H Photo, where you find the same pattern, with a free memory card for $ 236.
Step 2. 're completely happy with your new purchase ... for about two months. From there you slowly discover the maddening slowness of the shot, the alarming lack of brightness of the lens at its maximum telephoto position, the miserable quality at high ISOs, their fragility and the uniqueness of its management in general. Yet you continue to use the compact for another 1.8 years by the stubborn determination to "take advantage of what it cost you," even though you hate it continuously. Even so, the always carry with you and take many snapshots as you enjoy the picture.
Step 3. After the camera stops working completely, for about expensive holiday - just when we need it, buy a high-end compact, the Canon G10 (420 dollars).
Step 4. Three weeks later have the G11. Purchased (470 dollars) and sell the G10 losing $ 150.
Step 5. you realize that the G10 has more megapixels than the G11, sell the G11 (tapping $ 120) and buy another G10.
Step 6. Lees on the Internet about the differences between large and small sensors, deciding that you are not completely happy with the high-end compact, because it remains a compact at the end of the day, and you've had enough dealings with compact. Sell \u200b\u200bthe G10 for the second time this time losing $ 170 and buy a starter DSLR for $ 800 including a zoom in the kit. Again, that little voice, almost buried in your subconscious mentioned briefly in the kit lens is where the manufacturer is skimping to achieve an attractive price, although it is the goal that will determine the quality of the images. SLR photos are much better than your deceased compact, these almost-sure that they are better than the photos G10/G11, most of the time. So do not be a bad goal.
Step 7. A few months later - following the successful alignment of the following 1) the lucky arrival of an unexpected money, 2) during a family meeting your wife's uncle makes a comment ridiculing your camera "cheap" 3) a strong sense of shame at having to take your camera to a photographic assignment paid sporadically during which these pretty sure he had seen the client looking at your camera with suspicion; 4) dozens of hours visiting shops and 5) read about 340,000 words Internet (of which only 1 / 12 part proved to be of any use) - buy a D90. Sell \u200b\u200byour DSLR initiation digital two-fifths of what you paid for it, but keep the target for the D90 (incidentally, all this still retain your compact camera.'s not working, repair it would cost like buying a new camera and its value eBay is close to zero, but for some reason - or rather, for around 400 odd reason - you are physically unable to throw it away. So you have stored in the closet). Note: The cabinet
we speak of here is a little mention but profoundly important vector located close to the heart that drives the purchase of photographic equipment.
Step 8. Almost immediately after buying the D90, you start to dream about the D300.
Step 9. The appearance of the kit lens is placed on the D90 as a sad and start asking "will be making full use the sensor performance." Succumbing to the "metaphysical doubt" and insecurity, buy a magnificent standard zoom, light, terrain, and high end. $ 630.
Step 10. As your new camera with zoom - which you worship, by the way, you find it so uncomfortable to carry it falls unintentionally. Just once. The camera survives but the LCD is cracked and although you are not 100% sure, you think any of the settings in the mail have become a bit erratic. These imperfections begrudge you, just a pinch, every time you use the camera.
Step 11. insurance for the camera.
Step 12. Following your perception that any serious photographer has only one goal you buy a second goal to "have covers all focal lengths" and "complement" standard target: another magnificent light zoom, SUV, and high-end but this time a telephoto
. $ 520.
Step 13. You add a macro, you can not seem to zoom very good approximations. Other $ 520.
Step 14. You spend dozens of hours reading and rereading analysis aims to hurt you eyes to prove to yourself that your macro lens is as close to technical perfection to which a lens can go. It is clear
super! Even in the corners! The small inner voice that is silent no mention that despite this macro photos remain a waste and the quantity of photos posted on the Internet macros approaches the Graham
number, and most of them seem ... more or less equal.
Step 15. Because, for something you are not able to identify clearly, you can not find satisfactory results from your TV zoom - is not as good as your standard zoom, do not know why, "Step back into a prolonged incursion analysis on the Internet and visits to shops and resurgence of the long dive with the purchase of a truly magnificent professional 80-200 zoom and aperture constant. $ 1,080. You give your old teenager zoom to your wife's uncle who, after becoming suddenly aware of your existence, begins to some great pictures with him.
Step 16. you concerned about the fact that more and more often leave the camera bag at home, which now has a very similar size and weight to a block of concrete.
Step 17. For your birthday your wife gives you the D300! Well! It is the best birthday of your life
! That is love, love of truth, for your
woman, not the camera. But what I feel for the camera seems
. $ 1,530.
you sell the D90, but because it is broken ... it is best to repair it. Goes to the closet.
Step 18. The damn fucking little voice begins to murmur, distant and almost imperceptibly, over the full format.
Step 19. You come to the conclusion that the macro picture is not your style. In a weak and insignificant attempt to lighten the backpack macro lens goes to the closet next to the zoom that came with the kit and the compact broken. Hey, you can always remove it when needed.
Step 20. Now that you have that precious professional telephoto zoom constant aperture standard zoom your old midrange seems out of place. So buy a lens 17-55mm f / 2.8 AF-S. It is really amazing. I completely adore
. $ 1,385. Sell \u200b\u200bon Ebay the old zoom $ 230 after expenses and shipping.
Step 21. You conclude that these completely covered in regard to photographic equipment. Fully
covered. Forever. You'll never need more equipment. Never. But for some reason, a lingering feeling of disappointment begins to tint your passion for photography. In an exquisite moment of revelation, which also causes you mild existential panic, you realize that you miss
buy. You find yourself walking shops looking at things you know are not going to buy. From time to time checking prices and read analysis. You find yourself biting showing an unusual pattern in the forums you frequent. During one of your Internet wanderings, in this strange wilderness in which to buy and has no reason to be an idiot to say you read how much fun it is to use only a small focal length lens. Then, by sheer momentum, you go for a copy of the newly introduced 35mm f/1.8 ($ 200). With amazement see
is really very nice - Makes the D300 a great camera surprisingly manageable, almost light. Theatrical metaphors barefoot, hair in the wind, Julie Andrews in the fields while his big mouth open to the sky glorious songs oozing mass. Feel free ...
. Obviously not the world's most exciting lens and being honest with yourself, is a tad long but at least no longer need to go around with a big bag. It is easy to decide to take it on the way out the door. To your surprise return to enjoy a lot.
Step 22. quiet, little voice, shut up, shut up, shut up
.
Step 23. With the relaunch of your photographic activity suddenly embrace a religion: from now on you will only buy the best of the best, to turn away the demons. With his mouth twisted in a grimace and a resolute sense of unstoppable determination that D700 purchases. Never had arisen, there was no serious intention as did all the research and you read all these tests. The joy competes with remorse as she signed the check. $ 2,450. The little voice mutters your initial budget for the whole thing was $ 400, but the silence: the D700 now looks cheap compared with D3s and D3x. Tu Women are somewhat angry and hurt, just spent a year and four months since she gave you the D300 for your birthday. Feeling guilty, explain carefully that the D300 is an excellent
additional chamber and even the need that is still the best gift you have in life, etc. Of course this has a small problem: as I have said that even the need as a backup camera now you can not sell it to recoup some of the cost of the D700, as it should.
not now, at least. Obviously you need a goal and keep that precious standard zoom. As bright and clarifying symbol of financial responsibility on Ebay selling your macro zoom. Receive $ 380, of which $ 35 is for expenses and commissions. She says, "It's your hobby. I want you to whatever you want. " Then he adds, "Honey" by lying a look as if an incubus thinking could have been introduced into your body and taken over your soul.
Step 24. A small problem with the D700, only one of your goals - the huge 80-200mm which, excluding the macro and zoom the kit, is the goal least you used to all who have served for that camera- . The others are APS-C goals. But your level of spending has been unchecked, have the slight feeling of vertigo that has been turned too much on something, your wife is shown gloomy and worried every time there is the matter of the photograph, you put black tape over the "D700" in your new camera with the hope that your wife's uncle does not notice the change and make fun of you and even you're a little worried about ... well, not about your sanity
exactly - you're not so
wrong-but, say, on your old personal reputation and sensible practice. So, following the philosophy of "one goal" and attached a certain sense of penance, a modest shop on Ebay AF Nikkor 35mm f / 2 used for $ 250.
Step 25. Although these pretty happy with the 35mm also do portraits of busts with 80-200mm zoom and you find one .... Well, unconscionable (sorry!). So you get a simple 85mm f / 1.8 for $ 425.
you intend to replace your beloved standard zoom for APS-C to form a complete, one day, also playing with the idea of \u200b\u200banother macro, one that works in full format, a wide zoom would be nice, from time to when you think this or that goal ... but in reality, the focus with which you tend to shoot mostly in the range of normal in standard 35-85mm zoom. And yours are bright. And portable. And cheap. Also your photos, without being perfect or having been imbued with any special magic, they begin to be as good as a picture can be and by now have learned, finally, is what photography is to learn to shoot, take the camera with you, learn to handle it as if it were an extension of your body, gradually increasing the sophistication of your taste by looking at good photos that appeal to you, learning to have self and discovering your own passions visual, regardless of the equipment you have .
total time: between 3 and 5 years. During that time have not enjoyed too much while you were doing photos (remember the 1.8 years you spent with the compact).
Final situation: D700 and two basic fixed targets. The cabinet also the zoom too heavy to carry around (along with other junk).
Total expenditure on equipment: $ 9,770 . Of course
wanted to sell the D300 and the standard zoom AF-S - one day, but assumes that you will forget its existence and linger until the time comes the future in which the camera at least, have a low value that is not worth selling. Meanwhile ... body is your reservation. Honey.
A $ 3,195 investment would have meant being able to spend those 3-5 years completely free to concentrate on taking photos. The annual expenditure would have hovered between 1,065 to 639 dollars for a very rewarding and refreshing taste. Would have meant a saving of about 400 hours of time spent on shopping, $ 6,575 and a lot of unnecessary anxiety about trifles.
Anyway, George, I again apologize for recommend the D700 and two fixed targets now that you're starting. I have no questions you want to learn your own lessons and make progress through a series of equipment, as most of the photographers. In my defense I can say none of this is important because anyone who asks me for help to buy my advice is never (seriously). But as you can probably deduce from the account given above my initial recommendation may not be as crazy as it might seem superficially.
But ... $ 400? Please. Nobody can do anything with it
.
Sincerely, Mike
PS: if I managed to make the correct calculations of this post will have been a miracle
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original post:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-
