This forum has given me great times and I have learned so much. Lately I have only been a lurker.
The reason is our son who was born in March last year. I just don´t have the time anymore... I almost only use the Zeiss 35/1.4. Sometimes the Canon 50/2.5
I have loads of great gear that just sits unused and I should pass them on to someone who will actually use them.
I have the Canon 5D2 and the following gear:
550EX flash. Rarely used. Good to have.
Canon 50/2.5 Macro. My only AF lens. A keeper.
I am contemplating selling everything but my canon gear and:
Zeiss
21/2.8
35/1.4
35-70/3.4
100-300/4.5-5.6
What I find really hard is to sell the Oly 18/3.5 and the Rokkor 58/1.2. They are fantastic lenses but I rarely use them. To be honest, I rarely shoot UWA so the 21/2.8 could probably go as well. Maybe I should sell that and keep the Oly?
I am not in need of funds so I don´t have to sell anything but it is a shame to see good gear not being used.
it is a shame to see good gear not being used.
As long as the lenses get air circulation, and get used maybe once a year, they should not go bad, so keep the ones you like, sell the others.
LightShow wrote:
As long as the lenses get air circulation, and get used maybe once a year, they should not go bad, so keep the ones you like, sell the others.
They are stored well an the ciculation is great so that is not a worry. I just feel that it is sad that it just sits there...
Your child will not be a year old for long...and will soon enjoy accompanying his dad on walks to photogenic places, of which there are many in your neck of the woods. My suggestion is to go ahead as planned.
My .02 ... You looked long and hard to find those pieces of glass that are 'special' and in the condition that yours are in (known). Photography is (for most of us in this camp) a lifelong endeavor.
If you sell them, and they are special enough to ever want again, then you'll have to go through the "long and hard" (and more expensive) search process in the future and (unkown) finding them in the condition that yours are in is no guarantee.
I too wrestle with which to sell, but I look at BOTH current use and replaceability as part of the decision making. Finding a ZE 21 seems easier than finding a good Oly 18, even though it cost much more. Of course, if you don't like the Oly 18 and never shoot it ... Alexandre might like to hear from you.
But, given that $$$ isn't a primary factor, I'd sit back and re-think the "need" to sell them just because you aren't currently using them from an "active" standpoint. These are pieces you've assembled as part of your pallette/toolbox. I could easily make the same argument for any of my woodworking or mechanical "specialty tools". I may not use them on a daily basis, but when I want them to be there, I WANT THEM TO BE THERE ... and classic tools will be as good in twenty years as they were yesterday ... and I don't see Minolta making too many 58/1.2's for EOS anytime soon or Oly putting out any more rectilinear FF 18's that are very well distortion corrected (i.e. they'll only become more rare).
That being said, you could sell the ZE 21 (blasphemy, I know) and pick up something in the 24-28 range. Your're 21 & 18 are pretty close together for someone who doesn't shoot that wide. Something in the 24-28 range might be more useful to you and retain the Oly 18 around for when you want/need that UWA or dramatic effect. The 25/2, 24L TS-E II might be something to consider or the C/Y 28/2.8 for peanuts by comparison.
HTH ...
Oh yeah ... you can toss the lensbaby out with the bathwater.
I would say keep the Zeiss lenses, the Oly 18 and the Rokkor 58 f/1.2. I am surprised you don't use the Rokkor more for photos of your child. It ought to be great for that and will be more so as the child grows.
I have been told that if you "walk" them occasionally & keep their box clean they can last for years.. If you do not need the money, do not sell at this point in time.. Quality glass is always desirable and can be sold when / if you determine you are not returning to photography.. IMHO, Jim
oldrattler wrote:
I have been told that if you "walk" them occasionally & keep their box clean they can last for years.. If you do not need the money, do not sell at this point in time.. Quality glass is always desirable and can be sold when / if you determine you are not returning to photography.. IMHO, Jim
OTOH, there is something to be said for getting the vintage lenses into the hands of someone who will enjoy them rather than letting them wither in a box. Better to die of abuse than neglect, perhaps.
Steve Spencer wrote:
I would say keep the Zeiss lenses, the Oly 18 and the Rokkor 58 f/1.2. I am surprised you don't use the Rokkor more for photos of your child. It ought to be great for that and will be more so as the child grows.
No time to photography I hear you, my son is 2 years old now.
My suggestion:
Keep all your list, replacing Zeiss 21 with Oly 18.
The Zuiko 18 is a little diamond, rare to find in great conditions.
You can find another Distagon quite easily (paying its price...).
The Rokkor should have mirror issues and you already have 2 fast lenses. For the record, I'm selling mine, after all (it's in B&S). I'm in love with my Zuiko 50/1.2.
I also suggest you to buy a Zuiko 24 or 28 (or Zeiss 28, or Leica 28) to fill the gap, if you miss it.
If you miss AF more often, try to replace Contax 35-70 for the N24-85 and forget the suggestion above.
RustyBug wrote:
Of course, if you don't like the Oly 18 and never shoot it ... Alexandre might like to hear from you.
Kent, thanks a bunch for remembering your Zuikoholic truly but after buying my 50/1.2 I and my wallet are done. Besides, 21mm is as good as it gets for me to shoot WA.
I will wait for about a year to buy anyting else again (maybe a birthday present in November), and most probably it'll be - guess what? - the OM-D.
