What to tell friends/family when they ask why YOU need expensive bodies or lenses?

[Lightsped]

I love photography. None of my friends are into it at all. They aren't against photography, they just aren't into it. A few times I have been asked why I spend lots of money on certain bodies or lenses. A coworker who is intrested in buying a entry level DSLR body also asked the same basic question.

Without repeating a spec manual or tech sheet, what are some good reasons on why you bought a high end body? How would you go about explaining (to a potential new photographer) why you spent a lot of money on equipment, when they are considering a entry level model?

Thanks

 

[480sparky]

"How much have you spent on your . (insert their hobby item here) _ ?"

 

[vipgraphx]

I say because the better the camera is the better the pictures is…IF you buy expensive camera gear you can charge lots of money for weddings and it makes you a pro.

JK..I tell them because I don't drink or do drugs I have more money to spend on my hobby. Its nice to have equipment that allows me the most creative control over my images.

 

[Lightsped]

I have been telling a coworker about the Nikon D3100 (my first DSLR - that I still own and use). I'd been explaining that this model is very affordable and easy to use. The coworker then asked me why I had spent so much on the D800 if the D3100 is good. I was alittle stumped at how to answer this question. I didn't want to just recite camera specs to the coworker as that might not be the best way to explain something to someone who is new....

 

[vipgraphx]

Perhaps if you are using it for hobby you could tell him that the reasoning behind not buying a D800 is that its more of a pro level camera that is weather sealed big and heavy. You could also add that that it has features that you currently do not need at this time.

Im not sure why you would not just be honest with them. Someone who is into buying a camera I'm sure would like to know what is out there. he may look at you thinking you have more experience and would help aid in his purchasing decision, maybe that is why he asked just for simple advice.

On a side not I know that many people get bored and lose interests fast when I start talking camera mumbo jumbo…once I see they are disinterested I simply say well I could go on and on but, I don't want to bore you all the tech specs..Then simple ask what are their interests...

 

[minicoop1985]

I start explaining pincushion, barrel distortion, depth of field, constant vs variable aperture, APS-C vs 4/3, pixel density, and use phrases like "tack sharp," "bokeh," and "multiple cross-type autofocus points." They usually drift off somewhere around depth of field and I escape quietly. If they have had a Red Bull recently, the rest come in handy.






In reality, I tell them it's a business purchase. The 7D and Tamron 17-50 f2.8 were. I needed better product photos, as my Oly was just too soft. The next lenses will be a bit more difficult: wide angle prime for landscapes, and a constant aperture tele zoom (something like 70-300 f2.8) macro lens because I like taking photos of small things. The Hasselblad stuff's always harder to explain away, and I usually just say "Well, I wanted it, so I bought it."

 

[bratkinson]

"How much have you spent on your . (insert their hobby item here) _ ?"

Or,

Why did you buy a Cadillac rather than a Chevy? They'll both get you from A to B.

Answer:
Because we CAN (and spend years paying it off).

 

[EIngerson]

Here's my go to response. "You dumb bastard, who said ANYTHING about need?"

 

[Steve5D]

The car analogy is probably best.

Watches? Why own a Breitling or Omega instead of a Timex?

Guitars? Why own a Taylor or Collings instead of an Applause?

 

[robbins.photo]

I have been telling a coworker about the Nikon D3100 (my first DSLR - that I still own and use). I'd been explaining that this model is very affordable and easy to use. The coworker then asked me why I had spent so much on the D800 if the D3100 is good. I was alittle stumped at how to answer this question. I didn't want to just recite camera specs to the coworker as that might not be the best way to explain something to someone who is new....

For the same reason that not all cars have 4 wheel drive I suppose. In the summer when the weather is nice you can get back an forth to work just fine on a paved road even if your car doesn't have it, and you'll probably never even notice you don't have four wheel drive. But if you are out there driving in more challenging conditions, snow and ice, or having to go off road, then all of a sudden having four wheel drive can make a difference as to whether or not you reach your destination. Believe me though, when you need to go off road for the first time, you'll really appreciate the fact that you spent the extra money and got the 4wd.

 

[astroNikon]

Because you CAN
and it's FUN


and what Sparky said (and everyone else)

 

[astroNikon]

you could always say that you are practicing so that when they have their wedding and they want you to photograph it, that you can make sure that you CAN make all the mistakes and ruin the photoshoot.

 

[Braineack]

I have been telling a coworker about the Nikon D3100 (my first DSLR - that I still own and use). I'd been explaining that this model is very affordable and easy to use. The coworker then asked me why I had spent so much on the D800 if the D3100 is good. I was alittle stumped at how to answer this question. I didn't want to just recite camera specs to the coworker as that might not be the best way to explain something to someone who is new....

It's easier to just relate that to a car.

Why is a Chevy so cheap and a Porsche so expensive?

 

[astroNikon]

to take exceptional photographs of your cats

I have other hobbies too
everyone has a hobby or a profession where they spend a bunch of money for top end gear .. musicians, boaters, motorcycles, bicycles, skiers, remote control cars/airplanes, watches, lighters even frisbees!!

 

[imagemaker46]

If someone is simply an amateur and can afford to buy the best gear, good for them. Sometimes it's a status thing, like the reasons with cars and guitars and watches oh my. I don't think there is one correct answer to offer someone other than it allows them the opportunity of possibly taking a slightly better picture than someone with the same skills using entry level gear.