3d ago

surely your hobby can't be that expensive

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If you want to save money, don't get into bird photography as a hobby. Gear Acquisition Syndrome is fatal to your wallet.
- Oh no, the birb left a leg on the beach. Gotta buy a new lens to do better next time.
  
  Please no. I like my kidneys. The next lens up in quality is over $15,000.
  
  That's why you steal someone else's kidneys!
  Of course, then you'll need to develop a collection of surgical gear, and likewise you would want to improve that with time...after all, why not take pride in your work?
  
  Ope, time to switch to a new body with a different lens mount then, haha
  
  You could fit so many more birdies into a medium format sensor!
- My ex decided to take up photography. She's now essentially semi-pro and it was a terrible financial decision for all involved.
  Christmas lists started to get reeeal aspirational. No, you are not getting a lense that's the financial equivalent of a decent used car for Christmas. Go shoot more gigs and weddings.
- I'm not doing much photography now but I was way into it a decade ago. I did it professionally on the side, which helped justify some of my nice full-frame gear. It's nice when taking photos at a dimly lit wedding reception.
  Your mention of Gear Aquisition Syndrome followed by a picture of a motherfucking peregine falcon in flight still took my breath away for a second there!
  
  It's a Barn Swallow, not a Peregrine. Closer, faster horizontally, and smaller. I've got a few Peregrine photos, though none I'm particularly happy with yet.
  
  Ah, my mistake. Thanks!
- Nope, if you can't do it adequately with a cell phone camera, it's gonna eat you alive.

248 comments