About two weeks ago, I darn near gave my local FedEx man a hug. Why? BECAUSE HE HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY 50 1.2 LENS! People I have coveted this lens for so long actually having it in my possession is probably not unlike how the Grinch felt finally holding all those presents from Whoville in his hands. (Too late on that Xmas reference, was I?)
When BorrowLens.com tweeted about their annual sale of gear, I knew this would be my one chance to snatch up this lens at a discounted price. So I did. What’s that old line, “Think long, think wrong?” I didn’t think, I just clicked and clicked some more and in minutes, I had me a new lens! (and needed a paper bag to hyperventilate in at the cost).
Once in my posession, what did I start taking pictures of first? Miss Daisy of course. The more I fired away, the more I got to thinking about how purchasing some expensive piece of equipment is not unlike adopting a pet.
Consider the cost.
RATIONALIZING A DOG: Can we afford this? Probably not. But she’s so cute! Let’s get her.
RATIONALIZING A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: Can I afford this? Probably not. But that bokeh..those megapixels..I can’t resist. I’m gonna get it.
Then the anxiety.
FREAKING OUT OVER THE DOG: Are you kidding me? She destroyed 3 coffee table books, a box set of DVDs and had five accidents in the house and was only loose from her cage for FIVE MINUTES? FOR THE LOVE. I think we made a mistake. We DEFINITELY made a mistake. Can we take her back?
FREAKING OUT OVER EQUIPMENT: For real? I worked how many hours to pay for this thing? I mean, it’s really just some plastic and metal right? It’s not REALLY better than what I was using before right? I think I made a mistake. If I send it now, I think I can take it back.
Followed by the good stuff.
FALLING IN LOVE WITH A DOG: Just look at her … seriously, HOW did I live without her?
FALLING IN LOVE WITH A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: Just look at these images. HOW did I function in my business without this?
So here’s to my new lens and the fond feelings I’m already adopting for it. Before too long, like the way I feel about my pup, I know I’ll wonder how I lived without this baby. In the meantime, it’s gotta start earning her keep (the lens … not the dog, folks).
And if you’ve got a piece of equipment you felt this way about or continue to covet (like me and the 35 1.4 
), feel free to chime in on the comments!
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Friend Gail on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
by Gail Werner
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