topic Re: When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens? in Gear Guide

When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens?

lakalha1 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:47:32 GMT

Hey all, I know is a little bit of a vague question but I was curious at what point you justified owning a +$1,000 lens?

I have an EOS R paired with an EF 16-35mm f4 and a Sigma 35mm f1.4. I do photography & videography as a side hustle and pull around $500 each month, sometimes less, sometimes more from Real Estate and Portrait Photography mainly.

I’ve always wanted to own a 24-70mm f2.8 (Ideally RF) and a 70-200mm f4.0 (Ideally f2.8 & RF) but I just can’t seem to justify the huge cost.

Re: When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens?

JeffXB — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:43:12 GMT

Want vs Need, Quality vs Price. Questions we all ask ourselves. IMHO I think you need to ask yourself if the lenses you want (and you also might want to consider the RF 15-35 2.8 and the RF 24-105 2.8) will increase the quality of your work, and thereby increase the volume of your revenue. Which revenue stream do you earn more from and on a more consistent basis, portraits or real estate photos? I’d use that as a basis to assist in your decision making process.

Re: When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:11:24 GMT

Get the EF variants of the lenses since you already are using an EF lens. The EF 16-35 f/4 was a $1400 lens when new.

Re: When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens?

shadowsports — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:58:19 GMT

Greetings,

You can start buying RF lenses whenever you're ready. Done right. They will move forward with you, next body, etc. As far as do you need standard versus L series, that's a personal call. Funds permitting, I'd go for it. It's an investment in your hobby and yourself. I fully transitioned to RF glass a couple of years ago. Most of what I own is L series but I have some standard lenses also I'm very fond of. L series glass is durable and high performing. The optics and coatings are a little better and you get weather sealing. These are not necessities for photography and many delay until their hobby or business can support such expense. I'm just an enthusiast but I appreciate good technology and owning nice gear. I viewed these purchases as an investment. The lenses I have now will work with any current and likely future R series bodies I buy. Using them puts a smile on my face every shot. The galleries here are full of fantastic photos taken with Canon's standard series lenses. Practice and skill is what defines you. The body or body's you shoot with are really based on the user experience they provide. As your experience increases, so does your appreciation for the features and experience a higher tier body (and lenses) can provide.

Some people are content with with base models, others want premium. Budget and affordability, new vs used all play a role.

Re: When do I know I’m ready to own a +$1,000 lens?

kvbarkley — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:03:52 GMT

When you need it. And your current lenses can’t do what you want