You buy cameras, you rent lenses ***

[kirbinster]

Many here seem to ask the question - "Should I buy model xyz camera or should I buy model abc lens instead? " Well unless there is something specific that your current camera can't do for you, you are generally better off buying the lens. When you buy a camera it is like buying a car, it quickly depreciates in value and unless you really need a new one the older one provides better value.

As for lenses, here is a list of lenses I have owned and currently owned. With the exception of the first three on the list every single lens has been purchased used. When I sold them I either made money on them or at most lost $50 from what I paid. That is what I mean when I say you rent lenses. Assuming you take care of them, your cost of ownership is very low because you can typically sell them for close to what you paid if you buy them used.


Owned and have since sold:
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Nikon 18-55
Nikon 55-200VR
Nikon 70-300VR
Nikon 18-200VR
Nikon 80-200 f/2.8
Sigma 10-20 HSM
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 macro
Tamron 200-500

Currently own:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 AF-S
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VRI
Nikon 28-300 VR
Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Nikon 10.5mm
Nikon 105 f/2.8 AF-S VR
Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Sigma 12-24 HSM
Tamron 28-300VC

[OsmosisStudios]

Totally know where you're coming from. I've purchased all my stuff myself and only ever sold one lens. I bought it for $800 and sold it a year later for $700. It got me some great shots, so I figure it was well-worth the outlay