Comments on: Stuff I Wish I’d Never Bought

By: Stu

Stu — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:29:26 +0000

Ohhhh, been there repeatedly. Superb piece! You did not mention the fluff associated with crop cameras as pro tools. I bought one once. It was not good enough to even ride shotgun in my bag. My well used and highly regarded 1DMkIV is a daily tool, one that I recognize the limitations of and work around. Lenses? No more “bargains”. The L glass delivers regardless of conditions. I fail to see the cheap mentality as valid. Don’t you depreciate these items on you taxes?

By: Mark Gholson

Mark Gholson — Sat, 07 May 2011 05:33:37 +0000

Thanks for this great article.

For 20 years I dragged my Nikon F2s around the world with 3 non-AI prime lenses. It never broke down and served me well.

The best decision I made was trading a nice 45mm GN f2.8 for a beat up 10.5cm F2.5. The GN was always at home in the box, but the 10.5cm was always on the camera. I made a lot of panoramas with that lens because the distortion was so low.

Now, with my “new” D1x, my old non-AI primes (slightly modified) are back in service. They are razor sharp compared to the newer AF lenses and I still get spot and center metering.

I’ll bet this beat up D1x will last as long as the F2s did.

By: The People of Detroit

The People of Detroit — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:38:32 +0000

Love your candor – in this article and across the website in general. Should I ever have a rental need, I will come to you guys. Keep up the good work.

By: Karl Riek

Karl Riek — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:55:42 +0000

Nice article, Roger. Made me laugh because I’ve suffered from similar traits over time too; nice to know I’m not alone.

Much like computers, newer isn’t always better. And, as with Window OS platforms, never ever buy the first release.

By: Wolf

Wolf — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:20:54 +0000

“Why do you say things that keep people from renting a product?”

I think that makes me think you’re a person who treats customers as he would treat himself. That doesn’t alienate me from renting with you, au contraire, makes me not even wanna check the competition based on your honesty.

Now that I know you guys ship to FedEx site with no deposit, I’m gonna rent something from you once I come up to Vegas for a summer trip…now, the problem is deciding which lens?!

By: Kat Landreth

Kat Landreth — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:23:34 +0000

Thanks so much for this article! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the gear I’ve bought that ended up in the bin (or on the shelf collecting dust). Great lessons here, and it’s really great to hear them from someone who has the means to buy and try all of the latest equipment. Thanks!

By: `John

`John — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:16:46 +0000

Thanks for writing this! It made me feel better about all the crap I bought that just didn’t work out. Seems everybody does it sooner or later. I have stopped chasing the newer and better, fantasy. I settled in with a 2 cameras and a set of lenses that work for me and just work on getting better images. I do use some of the mistakes from time to time which serves to remind me to stay the course. Someday I’ll buy again…..
But I am going to rent for a test drive before I do.