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May 21, 2008

Expensive Hobbies

I'm not good at spending money on myself. I'll pick up small stuff, like music, the occasional book or DVD (though I've pretty much stopped accumulating books and DVDs, the library and Netflix work really well), but anything with a price tag in the three digits makes me think long, and hard.

I've wanted an SLR since I was a teenager, when I occasionally got the chance to use my dad's Nikon Fs.

In 2006, when Dawnise had the chance to visit S. Africa, we bought her a DSLR that we ended up returning.

Ever since, I've been looking for an excuse to buy one for me, but excuses haven't been forthcoming.

In January I decided I was going to take the plunge, and then put it on hold based on rumors of an imminent new release, which turned out to be the 450D (a.k.a. the Rebel XSI).

When we got our federal tax return, I was all set to buy one, and then we put a roof on the house - that took care of the return, and put a dent in our bank account at the same time.

And of course, there's the kitchen remodel that we're still trying to get into a "sane" price range.

But despite all that, Dawnise keeps telling me that I should buy the camera.

And in a moment of weakness (sanity?) I followed her advice and placed the order this morning.

So Monday or Tuesday of next week, my new 450D should arrive, just in time for me to spend a few days with it before we hop on a plane for a week in BOS/NY/NJ.

Now I'll need a small bag, and a short fast prime lens, and maybe a longer zoom, and...

Oy vey.

Posted by dberger at May 21, 2008 10:24 AM

Comments

And the single most important lens is the Canon 28-135mm IS. Nice and fast, and the IS is wonderful. I took it with me to Disneyland on Monday to play with it in Pirates of the Carribean, and I'm very impressed (and haven't even finished sorting through the results.) Definitely my highest recommendation.

The 50mm prime is very cheap, and very nice (f/1.8, no significant chromatic abberation).

A speedlight is also a wonderful thing. Super high tech (much more than I expected from such a thing).

But really, the IS lens is the thing to do.

Posted by: Titus at May 21, 2008 10:55 AM

I've been aftera DSLR for a while now, but like you I've held back, for two reasons -- one, because I'm just a film snob, and two, the expense. Let me know how you like yours, though; I feel like I'll be making the leap soon as well.

I do have a few Canon lenses you're welcome to try out, too -- a fairly fast wide angle and a longer (though somewhat slow) zoom, both of which I like. Next time we hang out I'll bring 'em along.

Posted by: Christian Nunciato [TypeKey Profile Page] at May 22, 2008 12:02 PM