The next “types” of photographers are just below the “top gear” people:

First, there is the really talented pro who does amazing work but does it with “average” gear. Sure, they go for the f/2.8 zooms and the f/1.8 primes, but they don’t feel the need, or don’t want to spend double the cash, on “name brand” lenses etc. They simply learn to master the gear they have, and once they do they’re every bit as good as the pros who get the expensive stuff.

Then, there’s the advanced amateur who is POSSIBLY as good as the talented pros. This person doesn’t make much money from photography because they have a day job, usually blue-collar, but the photos they do take are really sweet. They also end up getting the f/2.8 zooms and f/1.8 primes, but they just can’t bring themselves to get the name-brand zooms or the f/1.4 & f/1.2 primes because it is JUST a hobby…

Then, there’s the gear geeks who simply love to find the best value in a lens or camera etc. These people will often buy and sell many different lenses until they find the one that best fits them. THESE are the people who you want to talk to if you are thinking of getting this or that piece of gear!!!

Until next time,
-Matt-