Limitless funds (within reason)

[MJP]

It being new model camera launch season we're all on a bit of a gear head spendy binge down here in the Photography Forum.

So, let's go for it!

If you had limitless funds (within reason, the Hubble telescope is out of the question) what would be in your camera bags?

You go first, I'm still not sure.

[Goshawk]

oh how it's lovely to dream......

ok, as a birder.....the first thing i'd conjure up is the new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with the built in 1.4x extender - a snip at £12k GBP

second would be the Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM Mk2 - peanuts at £7k GBP

can't think of a third right now.... maybe a swanky new lens cloth?

[MJP]

oh how it's lovely to dream......

ok, as a birder.....the first thing i'd conjure up is the new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with the built in 1.4x extender - a snip at £12k GBP

second would be the Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM Mk2 - peanuts at £7k GBP

can't think of a third right now.... maybe a swanky new lens cloth?

I can see this thread turning snappers to crime!

Okay, for the studio a PhaseOne IQ280 with a selection of fine MF glass;

For the street and low light and bokeh, the Leica M Typ 240 with a selection including the Noctilux f/1.0 (I recently priced a Leica kit, six lens system, couldn't get it below £30k, big kit came in at over £85k!);

For landscape and other field work the Nikon D800e and D4X (for action, when it arrives) with the Nikkor Trinity and 85mm f/1.4 and 50 f1/2

Oh and a K-3! (I can do that bit)

[fimgirl]

Dedicated to film and my 503 CW I'd go for a 'fridge full of Delta 100 and an Imacon 949 to scan it all.

Then a second 'fridge full of XP2 for my M6.

I've got the 'fridges and working on the stock but doubt I'll ever get the 949.

reeray.smugmug.com

[Fiddlesticks]

With a bounty of funds, I would opt to take numerous workshops to improve my ability to 'see', compose and improve my skills. Experience and practice will improve your photography MUCH more than more 'stuff'. When we spend too much time chasing stuff we divert our attention from the real purpose of taking photos. Steve McCurry could take great photos with even the cheapest cameras. Likewise, putting a Phase One in the hands of someone who hasn't gained the benefits of practice will result in the same snapshots they are taking now.

[MJP]

With a bounty of funds, I would opt to take numerous workshops to improve my ability to 'see', compose and improve my skills. Experience and practice will improve your photography MUCH more than more 'stuff'. When we spend too much time chasing stuff we divert our attention from the real purpose of taking photos. Steve McCurry could take great photos with even the cheapest cameras. Likewise, putting a Phase One in the hands of someone who hasn't gained the benefits of practice will result in the same snapshots they are taking now.

Really good answer.

[Whale]

I would probably ditch Nikon and move to Canon with bunch of exotica in lens 800 - 500 - MPE - 200/400 and a C300 (the main reason).

[MJP]

I would probably ditch Nikon and move to Canon with bunch of exotica in lens 800 - 500 - MPE - 200/400 and a C300 (the main reason).

That's interesting. Why ditch Nikon for Canon?

[Whale]

I just think what Canon are doing is better suited to my own chosen genre of photography, they have more lens exotica and equipment at the short end (macro) and long end (TF) as well as they are taking video seriously. They have a better software solution for noise in camera, have a bigger after market of video add-ons, have a robust macro flash system, etc, etc that all suit me more PERSONALLY than Nikon at this moment in time.

Nikon seems to have lost its way slightly for me. I think its because Canon are a much bigger company with more resources that they can explore other avenues easier. i.e. Nikon's video flagship - a standard dslr with an additional button........... Canon's..... the C300.

[MJP]

I just think what Canon are doing is better suited to my own chosen genre of photography, they have more lens exotica and equipment at the short end (macro) and long end (TF) as well as they are taking video seriously. They have a better software solution for noise in camera, have a bigger after market of video add-ons, have a robust macro flash system, etc, etc that all suit me more PERSONALLY than Nikon at this moment in time.

Nikon seems to have lost its way slightly for me. I think its because Canon are a much bigger company with more resources that they can explore other avenues easier. i.e. Nikon's video flagship - a standard dslr with an additional button........... Canon's..... the C300.

That C300's a cracker.

[sunshine51]

Gee...I'm gettin kinda old to buy a lotta new gear...however...

with $$$$ being no problem....Hmmmmm....Sigma's

200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG...a bargain at $25,999USD.

Mind you...a camera outta the Hubble would be nice...

NASA can keep the rest of it up there...hah!

[MJP]

Gee...I'm gettin kinda old to buy a lotta new gear...however...

with $$$$ being no problem....Hmmmmm....Sigma's

200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG...a bargain at $25,999USD.

Mind you...a camera outta the Hubble would be nice...hah!

I really do want . . . .

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-Star-85mm-F1.4-Lens.html

and . . .

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-Star-135mm-F1.8-Lens.html

Really rare now and if they do come on the market they're over £2k a piece.

[sunshine51]

And somewhere in the depths of my mind...after buying the Big Sig...

Nikon's 13mm f5.6 ultra WA. Some are out there but....one would

need an unlimited $$$$ to buy one these days as they were

discontinued in either 97 or 98 and back then they were around

10K USD.

[MJP]

And somewhere in the depths of my mind...after buying the Big Sig...

Nikon's 13mm f5.6 ultra WA. Some are out there but....one would

need an unlimited $$$$ to buy one these days as they were

discontinued in either 97 or 98 and back then they were around

10K USD.

Nikor 13mm.jpg

Did you know those were blessed by a Shinto priest before they went out to the wealthy customer? Or so legend has it.

[sunshine51]

And somewhere in the depths of my mind...after buying the Big Sig...

Nikon's 13mm f5.6 ultra WA. Some are out there but....one would

need an unlimited $$$$ to buy one these days as they were

discontinued in either 97 or 98 and back then they were around

10K USD.

Nikor 13mm.jpg

Did you know those were blessed by a Shinto priest before they went out to the wealthy customer? Or so legend has it.

Supposedly this IS true MJP. I always wanted one but never got around to buying

the beast (it is huge) because...kinda like the 6mm fisheye Nikon made I reckoned

the lens would only be of limited usage for me. I did own their 28 F1.4 but had the

camera it was attached to & other stuff stolen from the boot of a car in Jakarta

back at the turn of this century. Would love to have that 28mm back but...

I have a fairly good sub in the 14-24 F2.8 these days even though I must be

careful not to let the objective element get scratched..one of life's probs...

As an aside there's a Chinese optica company supposedly making a 24mm

f1.4 that seems really sharp...can't remember the company's name tho save

for something like Yong Wa or whatever...

[MJP]

And somewhere in the depths of my mind...after buying the Big Sig...

Nikon's 13mm f5.6 ultra WA. Some are out there but....one would

need an unlimited $$$$ to buy one these days as they were

discontinued in either 97 or 98 and back then they were around

10K USD.

Nikor 13mm.jpg

Did you know those were blessed by a Shinto priest before they went out to the wealthy customer? Or so legend has it.

Supposedly this IS true MJP. I always wanted one but never got around to buying

the beast (it is huge) because...kinda like the 6mm fisheye Nikon made I reckoned

the lens would only be of limited usage for me. I did own their 28 F1.4 but had the

camera it was attached to & other stuff stolen from the boot of a car in Jakarta

back at the turn of this century. Would love to have that 28mm back but...

I have a fairly good sub in the 14-24 F2.8 these days even though I must be

careful not to let the objective element get scratched..one of life's probs...

As an aside there's a Chinese optica company supposedly making a 24mm

f1.4 that seems really sharp...can't remember the company's name tho save

for something like Yong Wa or whatever...

Samyang is another firm making very cheap, rather sharp manual focus in 14mm f/2.8 (moustache distortion is an issue for architectural work) and 85 f/1.4, I think a 35mm too, all full frame compatible.

[Goshawk]

Hmmmmm....Sigma's

200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG...a bargain at $25,999USD.

hehe... i'm trying to imagine myself deep within the forests of kaeng krachan lugging that beast around, or hand holding it on a tiny leaf warbler that's flitting around in the canopy.

...it's no good, i can't imagine it. Every time i attempt to do so my brain begins to melt & i hear cuckoo's calling.

[MJP]

Some mad, mad glass . . . .

http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/9-unbelievable-camera-lenses-actually-exist

[Dancealot]

With a bounty of funds, I would opt to take numerous workshops to improve my ability to 'see', compose and improve my skills. Experience and practice will improve your photography MUCH more than more 'stuff'. When we spend too much time chasing stuff we divert our attention from the real purpose of taking photos. Steve McCurry could take great photos with even the cheapest cameras. Likewise, putting a Phase One in the hands of someone who hasn't gained the benefits of practice will result in the same snapshots they are taking now.

Very profound, Fiddlesticks.

To me,

It's all about acquiring skills by using trial,error, motivation and enthousiasm.

Admitting and facing your mistakes while being ready to accept there are many people who are, and always be better skilled then yourself.

In the end, I'd rather be left with a hardddisk containing a zillion crappy shots I care about, then a shed with dozens of discarded equipment.

[Robby nz]

I see from some of the answers that there will also be a large V-hickle need to carry it all in.

[sunshine51]

Some mad, mad glass . . . .

http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/9-unbelievable-camera-lenses-actually-exist

Regarding the Nikor 6mm beast...and believe me IT IS huge....

"the f/2.8 non-AI lens was available only by special order. It cost about $6,000 when released

in the mid-1970's, a bargain by today's standards. You can grab a used version of this baby

for $34,290 (plus $150 shipping) on eBay-including case, front and rear caps."

I wouldn't buy anything on eBay even if it cost only a fiver. However...there's an outfit

in the UK, can't immediately remember their name, which have a virgin 6mm 2.8 nonAI up

for grabs for $160,000! This only makes me with I had bought the thing back in the early

80's in Hong Kong when I saw it & it was up for grabs at around $9K USD...even if I never

used it much, if at all...there's be some fool out there today who'd give me $100K for it

I'm sure!

[sunshine51]

Hmmmmm....Sigma's

200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG...a bargain at $25,999USD.

hehe... i'm trying to imagine myself deep within the forests of kaeng krachan lugging that beast around, or hand holding it on a tiny leaf warbler that's flitting around in the canopy.

...it's no good, i can't imagine it. Every time i attempt to do so my brain begins to melt & i hear cuckoo's calling.

Just to help get the head around this lens...hah!....

A better way/idea....Hah!...

And if 500mm isn't enough donk....it comes with this...hah!

an extender!

In the second photo I proffer a guess that the two attachment

points front & rear of the handle are for the block & tackle one

would also need to hoist the beastly thing onto a really heavy

duty tripod.

[VerbalKint]

an lots of free time

[sunshine51]

Some mad, mad glass . . . .

http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/9-unbelievable-camera-lenses-actually-exist

Yes MJP...it is silly season for us...but we can dream correct?!

The photo on the above website doesn't really do justice regarding

the Zeiss lens so I thought I'd post a couple just gleaned from the web.

My God....Yes it is a monster....

From the website & that's a Hassie 203 at the end....

A slightly better single shot pic of the above 2-shot...

And now...for some "Human Perspective"....

How bout this one Goshawk?

[sunshine51]

OK...here it is...the worlds most expensive lens...supposedly.

The pic is from the PetaPixel website & link below the pic.

http://petapixel.com/2012/08/27/the-worlds-most-expensive-camera-lens/

However...for some gobsmacking zoom range....try this...if you have

a mirrorless camera. Link below pix...

http://petapixel.com/2013/06/06/this-may-be-the-biggest-lens-ever-used-on-a-mirrorless-camera/

Meanwhile in Japan during Cherry Blossom time...

http://pyjames.blogspot.com/2010/12/largest-slr-lens-in-world.html

What remains of my brain is now fried...

[MJP]

Some mad, mad glass . . . .

http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/9-unbelievable-camera-lenses-actually-exist

Yes MJP...it is silly season for us...but we can dream correct?!

The photo on the above website doesn't really do justice regarding

the Zeiss lens so I thought I'd post a couple just gleaned from the web.

My God....Yes it is a monster....

From the website & that's a Hassie 203 at the end....

Zeiss Apo Sonnar T 1700mm f4.jpg

A slightly better single shot pic of the above 2-shot...

zeiss1700-01.jpg

And now...for some "Human Perspective"....

zeiss.jpg

How bout this one Goshawk?

We can dream and we can also look at flight availability to Taiwan . . .

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMC-Pentax-A-85mm-F1-4-9-7-10-RARE-TO-FIND-/350696555139?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item51a724c283

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pentax-A-135mm-F1-8-Green-Star-/281191253317?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item41784e0545

I have had a few good lenses off Ebay. A Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 and two mint CZJ's. The Jupiter was a disappointment, bubble on the read element.

Pentax should look at all their legendary lenses of the past and start remaking them!

[sunshine51]

^ MJP...

That's a great idea to head over to Taiwan and if I was using Pentax I reckon

I'd be endlessly bugging them to bring back the legacy lenses.

In a few more days I'll see what HKG has to offer though...gotta be there

anyway so may as well have a look.

[MJP]

^ MJP...

That's a great idea to head over to Taiwan and if I was using Pentax I reckon

I'd be endlessly bugging them to bring back the legacy lenses.

In a few more days I'll see what HKG has to offer though...gotta be there

anyway so may as well have a look.

Lucky sod! I've the delights of endless washing up, mopping, driving the washing machine and right now the hazardous and putrid task of a dog-got-into-the-bins clean-up operation . . . Fukushima eat your heart out!

Yes Pentax need to find out that the reason they were/are great has a lot to do with their legendary glass of the film days, really we don't mind manual focus!

Full frame sweet spot on APS-C really works.

[Goshawk]

Hmmmmm....Sigma's

200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG...a bargain at $25,999USD.

hehe... i'm trying to imagine myself deep within the forests of kaeng krachan lugging that beast around, or hand holding it on a tiny leaf warbler that's flitting around in the canopy.

...it's no good, i can't imagine it. Every time i attempt to do so my brain begins to melt & i hear cuckoo's calling.

Just to help get the head around this lens...hah!....

exactly! first i think i'd need to spend $26k on steroids & bodybuilding courses before i even unboxed it.

[Goshawk]

And now...for some "Human Perspective"....

How bout this one Goshawk?

that's scary !

and with what i usually take out on the trails, the bin's also around my neck would have to be scaled up somewhat to kinda match the same perspective...