I wrote an blog entry way back in March 4, 2011 about the little green monster by the name of "Lens Envy" and how I was suffering from that affliction way back when my camera was a D300s and my best lens was a bare-bones 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. Comparably when it was measured up against photographers who were carrying kit lenses such as the 18-200mm or smaller lenses, it stacked up pretty well. And actually people would comment on "how big of a lens that was." But when it came to nature/wildlife photography it was woefully short. And I could walk through a park without a single person casting more than a cursory glance on the gear that I had.
Fast foward two years and four months and I am schlepping my 600mm f/4 down the trail that I walked for so long with the 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII and it doesn't seem like I can get out of the parking lot without someone saying "WOW...that's a big cannon of a lens". I do have to say that the 600mm f/4 is a great conversation starter and it's enjoyable. Because people do one thing when they talk to you. They don't talk to you about the weather, about politics or something that you have absolutely no interest in. They talk to you about photography.
So for those of you bearing the focus of that lens envy. It doesn't matter how many people come up to you and talk to you about your lens. Just remember that you may inadvertently give a child an inspiration to follow in your footsteps. And that may be all the difference in the world that it takes for a young child to find their calling in life. And for those of who are having a problem with that little green-eyed monster called "lens envy"...just remember. Save what you can. Start developing a plan to save and slowly eventually you will succeed. Your day will come.
Happy Shooting.
I dont know about your but I LOVE the 70-200mm f2.8 VR II. I still get people asking about my 70-200 when it's on my camera body.
ReplyDeleteHow could you not be happy with the D300s and 70-200mm f2.8 VR II combo? I'd love that combo myself. I have a D5100 with a 70-200mm f2.8 VRI and LOVE it. Even more so when I use the 1.7x TC or the 2.0TC III on it. Granted, the D300s is an awesome camera body.
Even at 200mm I've gotten some great shots! Yea, the reach is a tad short, but you just make do with what you got!
I'd love to have a 600mm lens, but don't think I'll ever have the spare cash to buy one.
I was lucky enough to jump on a friend of mine's 600mm when he offered the opportunity of buying it via installment. So...I'm glad I took the offer. Otherwise it would have been a long several years of saving. I do love my 70-200mm but I still love my 600mm too.
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