Means to an end | Playgroups are No Place For Children

July 29, 2008 | Filed in: Lucky Me, hole-y matrimony, marriage

My 30 days of free camera glory and all it’s unadulterated goodness are just about up and after much ADO, I’m keeping the camera.

About two weeks ago, Tate informed me that he really “couldn’t tell any difference between pictures taken with THAT camera *insert irritated huffing here* and our perfectly good, just bought less than a year ago camera.” He went on to say other things about money and computer space and Snapfish, but all I heard was:

“WE’RE NOT BUYING THAT CAMERA.”

Oh the blog posts I composed in my head! They were filled full of hateful words and threats. I would just get my OWN job and make my OWN money, damnit! How DARE he make me feel like a child asking her daddy for money!

Days upon days I stewed over this injustice. I could barely speak to Tate, let alone be in the same room with him (naked). Several days later was our anniversary. To say that I was less than enthused for the day was an understatement. I even wrote a post about memories from our wedding day on our anniversary just so that I’d remember that I did actually love him (at least at one time).

So on our anniversary, Tate surprised me by coming home in the middle of the day to bring me roses and a card. Inside the card was a little homemade gift certificate for a camera lens.

I stared at the card in disbelief. “Well…don’t I have to have a camera, first???”

Apparently silent treatments and no nookie is the key to getting what I want. I’m not sure if I’m actually comfortable using my womanly prowess for such endeavors and getting goods in exchange, but I really, really, really wanted that camera.

I guess the end justified the means THIS TIME.

Tate got what he wanted out of the deal, too. *AHEM* So it’s not all bad?? Right?

***

halp! Can anyone give me any ideas on what lens to get?? I borrowed and 18-200mm lens from Anne Glamore and then I rented a 50mm lens…but I’m still not sure what to get. I really want something versatile and I love bokeh. Suggestions PUH-LEASE!

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Yay for the camera! I think that there are times when the end certainly justifies the means…like this, for example.

I have both a 55-200 and a 50mm, and I think that the lens that gives the most gorgeous shots (especially of kids) is the 50mm. I rarely take it off now that I have it, and the only time the zoom lens comes out is for distance shots.

So, 50mm is my vote…

Maggies last blog post..Best Shot Monday - Cannon Ball!

I’m pretty sure that the parks dept. on my side of town teaches classes at the M. Center. Check their website…

Congrats on the new camera!!

Amy

Amys last blog post..Underwhelming Enthusiasm

Way to work what your momma gave you!

Shellys last blog post..An Update on Life in Corporate Housing

Oh, so happy you got to keep the camera. And of so jealous. Although my husband had talked about buying an SLR of some sort after we get our next debt paid off (and we’re relatively close). Good luck finding the right lens. I’ll come to you for advice when I’m ready to get my own.

Why else would God have made women and men the way we are? Good work on getting your camera!!

Shannas last blog post..Run, Run

That’s a 15 yard penalty for withholding nookie. Not good. If the kitchen is closed, your man may try the buffet. And there is a reciprocal law as well.

Anyway, I have a Sigma 70-300mm lens for digital with auto focus , I think, and it’s wonderful. It’s a great multipurpose lens. I would also get a circular polarizing filter.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300mm-4-5-6-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B000AM7CJ0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217362342&sr=8-4

Knot

Knots last blog post..A Peek Inside My Musical Taste

Okay. I’m trying REAL hard here to feel sorry that NOW you are having a hard time deciding on lenses!

My problem would be that IF I got the great camera THEN I’d have to have the real deal Photoshop.

If you give a pig a camera…

goodncrazys last blog post..A little headband giveaway…

I’m not sure what camera you have, but I got a 55-250mm with image stabalization and I LOVE it. You can use it for everything. The image stabalization makes all the difference……

Sarcasta-Moms last blog post..What My Kids Have Taght Me

Yea!!! I’m so glad that you get to keep the camera!

Kendrawolfs last blog post..The iPod Shuffle

Congrats on the camera!!

The 50mm isn’t the most versatile, but it is my favorite and most used lens. It works great for indoor and outdoor. Plus, I think it is the best bang for your buck. Eventually I do want a heavy duty zoom, but I am using the 50mm more than I would ever need a zoom.

Honestly, invest in the 50 mm 1.2 L lens or any of the L-lenses. They’re like butter. Really expensive butter. You will not be disappointed. They’re fast and give you that great bokeh. I have a 24-105 mm L that is my go-to lens and it is wonderful.

Besides, camera bodies upgrade more frequently than lenses so invest in something that will last much longer. Oh and a simple oncamera flash would be great, too. I use the 430 EX and it is just fine.

You are full of good advice. I want a new camera soooo bad but my husband is all, “bad economy, grocery bills, gas for car, kids need new socks, blah, blah, blah.”

Today is our anniversary, so maybe I’ll try a little tit for tat approach.

Mama Ginger Trees last blog post..Happy Anniversary Squared

it’s a toss up. I’d get a 50mm - it’s not the most versatile, but it lets a lot of light in so you can do without the flash, and it takes great portraits and you like bokeh. But a speedlight would do you verrry well and then he can’t say he doesn’t see a difference, because kit lens or not, the speedlight will make more of a difference in the short term. Both of these are relatively inexpensive compared to some of the higher end zooms. The only BAD thing about the 50mm lens is I find that a lot of times I’m actually too close to my subject. They like to climb all over me.

jens last blog post..halp

50mm all the way baby. You won’t have to use the flash as much (yuk, flash) and you’ll have a nice portrait lens. That is going to be my first purchase. That’s all I’m sayin’.

Mama DBs last blog post..FREAKING EARTHQUAKES!

This totally made me laugh…thank you!

I’m glad your ladybits are on the mend, and the major worry has passed. I was thinking about you yesterday.

I lovemy 50 mm also (not the kit lens– the good one) so I would say get it first. Don’t forget to get the $10 filter thingy so if you scratch it you just scratched the filter, not the LENS!

I hadmuch more luck with blur the background and other Me Ra lessons using that lens.

I shot with it all yesterday and it’s just crisp.

anneglamores last blog post..Wiki Wiki What?

Whatever you get don’t you dare get anything with an f stop over 2.8.
I do love my 50 mm 1.4 and I used an 85mm 1.8 last week that was delicious.

moosh in indy.s last blog post..they’re purely ornamental.

Well now I know what you were doing during nap time when you practically hung the phone up on me that day. heh

Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..T-Minus 13 Days and Counting

Yay on getting the camera!!
Marylins last blog post..Weekly Winners #28!

Girl…you have no idea what kind of ‘favors’ I had to do to get my iPhone! I am a dirty girl!!

I am in the last week of my online photography class at betterphoto.com and I think my images have improved so much!

This week was about accessory lens so I just put my other lens on and did some practicing today. It says 75-300mm on the side of it and it was so cool to play around with. I have no idea if it is a good one or not but I thought it was fun. I took a picture of the mountain behind my house and I could see the outline of rocks!!

Anyway, congrats on getting to keep the camera and your gift certificate!

Connie @ The Chronicless last blog post..Easy Like A Sunday Morning

At this point I am not sure that even witholding naked time would get me a D-40 or a Rebel.

Dammit.

Loralees last blog post..Sideblog: EARTHQUAKE

haha! Enjoy your camera.

Devans last blog post..Day 3: An explosion

Congrats on the score for helping Tate to umm…score.

Woo hoo for teh camera!

I’d start with the 50mm and then for your next present you can ask for the zoom lens!

Congrats on getting to keep it, no matter how you had to do it (or not, as the case may be!)

pgoodnesss last blog post..phew

I recommend the 28-135 IS lens. It is pretty versitale so that you can use it most places you go and get the zoom you want. They are going pretty cheap on ebay now a days because they come standard with the 40D and a lot of people had similar lenses. But whatever you get I recommend an IS lens.

Heather-Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Monday’s Musings

AHA! So now the REAL reason behind the bruised wah-gina comes to light.

About the camera lens - ?? - I don’t have an SLR, and all I’ve ever learned about one was while sitting next to you at the photography session at BlogHer.

Andrea’s Sweet Lifes last blog post..Brutally Honest Monday: The Sibling Rivalry Edition

I’ve been a bit out of the blogosphere world due being stuck in the hell known as dial up internet service in northern Michigan, BUT I’ve been wondering how your girl parts were doing. Couldn’t wait to get on and check when I had the chance. Glad to hear everything is OK, and the camera news is fantastic icing on the cake! Woo-hoo!

PsychMammas last blog post..50 Things I Love

Hooray for your new camera and very cute story about Tate’s gift certificate for a new lens!! Can’t wait to see future shots of your little beaties.

sorry - forgot to spellcheck - little beauties!!

I agree - the 50mm is the way to go if you want all the pretty bokeh and want to do a lot of portrait type shots. It’s next on my shopping list!

I have both a 50MM and an 18-200MM lens for my camera. 9 times out of 10 I use the 18-200mm because I like that I can zoom in or out to get the shot that I need no matter if it’s of a human, a building (I like to shot photos of architeture) or my favorite subject my dog.

well congrats…right? everyone got what they (he) wanted?

DesignHER Mommas last blog post..A day at the zoo….Nascar edition!

Ah, echoes of the world’s oldest profession reverberating through another modern day marriage. I love it. So glad that never happens to me. *Ahem* *cough* *cough*

lceels last blog post..David’s Past Lives - Part 9

Dude, when Heather wanted a camera I just agreed for us to get her one because I know the wrath you women can impart…especially when it comes to cameras! Seriously, why are all women obsessed with fancy cameras lately? It’s like every chick has become Annie Liebowitz!

Mike of the Newborn Identitys last blog post..Maddie’s First Keg Party!!

Awesome. Congrats on getting the camera!! Your hubs is a smart man!

Shannanb aka Mommy Bits]s last blog post..Doing the Pee Pee Dance!!

You use whatever is needed!!! It is sometimes funny how easy it is though!

Helens last blog post..Wallowing ended; First day of the rest of your life, Yada…Yada… Yada…

Congrats.

I have the 50mm. But do not use it often. Only for portraits and such.

Someone once told me that the bigger lenses (those that have wide ranges) are like swiss army knifes. They do it all… but can’t really slice through steak.

My opinion. Find one in your price range with a small range. You can always add to your collection. Check out forums online, I always do and get an amazing response.

ohmommys last blog post..The Confessions of a "Stage Mother"

Congrats on the camera, but uh, What The Hell is BOKEH? Seriously. Everyone is using it or loving it or whatever. But WHAT IS IT?
I have no clue.
Also - hubby’s the one over here that wants a new camera, not that I wouldn’t mind one, but really, it would just be something else for me to learn…

Cathys last blog post..A Cancerous Virgo?

Congrats on the camera! I’ve got to get tougher like you and start adding sex withholding to my tantrums. Luckily my husband just tries to lay guilt trips with things like, “Just do whatever you think is best,” which for me translates to “Buy it!”

First, you made my list of top 100 bloggers! If that means anything! http://www.greenandcleanmom.org/top-100-blogs-websites/

Second, I have no camera advice.

Thrid, working what the lord gave you to your hubby to “score”, how is that a bad thing? Score meaning many things!

LOL!

Green & Clean Moms last blog post..I made my own list and you might be on it, I am!

I’m also trying to *justify* a lens.

Uh, paying for vacation comes first. Then the private college tuition.

*sigh* I guess I won’t be getting one any time soon.

Headless Moms last blog post..For The Love of My Life

To be clear, was that bruised badinkadink nookie? That must be SOME camera.

lauries last blog post..Hassenpfeffer Incorporated, We’re gonna do it!

I’m stoked!!!!

Aimee Greeblemonkeys last blog post..Late to the License Plate Party, But Still Have Something To Say

I know nothing about camera lenses, sorry. But, I do know that some well timed nookie can get you what you want. One time my SIL and I performed an experiment on our husbands. We made them a to do list - for house stuff, etc. Then we put out. Then the jobs around the house got done. I swear.

Congrats!

P.S. I totally hate it when i feel like I have no financial leverage in our marriage. Doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it sucks.

Debs last blog post..Watch out, Dept. of Homeland Security!

I would go with the 50mm every time….the nicest one you can afford. I have four lenses for my canon and I use the $90 50mm 99% of the time.

ginas last blog post..we’re changing her name to crash

Congrats on the camera.

I absolutely LOVE my 85mm 1.8 lens. It is the sharpest and the bokeh is AMAZING–I shoot almost everything at 1.8 - 2.8. Almost every single picture on my blog was taken with it; I have other nice lenses for my Canon 5D, but for me it takes the cake. A 50mm would be awesome too, since your camera is not full frame. It just takes a while to get used to the feel of a 50.

Sonjas last blog post..You Made the Day Even Better

Which lens? That’s easy. Both.

Burgh Babys last blog post..I’m a Dork. With Pizza.

Congrats on the camera!

I wish I knew enough to make a lens recommendation…alas, I do not:(

Nap Wardens last blog post..Not So Wordless-Before-n-After

That is kind of tough….because it depends on what you are going to use the camera for.

I just got the 50 1.8 and it is amazing! However, there are definitely times when I need and want the zoom because it is physically impossible for me to get closer. I also have the 18 - 55 and 55 - 200 lenses. I actually need them all for different circumstances.

Irenes last blog post..My weekend in snapshots - and a sweet story..

Girl’s got a camera and she knows how to use it.

Heidis last blog post..Wordless Wednesday

i could learn some things from you…
slouching moms last blog post..Deception

Does it not come with the Image stabilizer lens 18-55 lens? You HAVE to have that one first and foremost. No shakeys and it is most like your point and click lens with a little bit of a zoom (just like a 3x not much) we also got a cannon 28-200 mm for better zoom and those two seem to do the trick so far! I do want to get a wide angle and THEN we will be done….for now…..bwah ha ha!!!

Where can you rent lenses from ? I must try this!!!

I have no idea about lenses. I need a DSLR camera desperately. I need to tell my husband I need one and cross my legs until he delivers (seriously). I’ll keep you updated on how that goes.

Shamelessly Sassys last blog post..Smile Train and the Complexity of Three

Girl you are smart!!! But I use that tactic ALL the TIME. And I must say it works everytime. Except I step it up a notch and not only am I naked but I bend over to pick up things I accidently dropped. Ooops.
MUHAHAHAHA! I ALWAYS win.
I am proud of you grasshopper.

We got a really cheap sony’s pink camera for $200 but it sucks! Hmmm wondering the same question!

Mrs Moguls last blog post..Pop Stuff

Howdy! I used the cheapo 75-300mm zoom for a while and recently upgraded to the Image Stab 70-300mm. It makes sounds like it’s gonna eat my face off, but I like it. It’s probably my go-to since I just don’t like the 18-55 mm. I want a 50mm and I have total MACRO envy!!! But you can only use one lens at a time, I guess! Enjoy the camera! The pics look great!

YEA for you. Hands down, the lens you should get is a 50mm at least f/1.8. I want one so bad. I have a 55-200mm, I use it, but not as much as I would use the 50mm. Get it, Get it!!

Kims last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Lilies

I’m sooo jealous.
But happy for you!!
Marias last blog post..An Open Letter to The Westin: St. Francis

He is SO good.

Swistles last blog post..DSM-IV Diagnosis: We’re Fertile and We Like Babies, That’s All

Oh if you can’t get to an airport (which I think is the #1 place to people watch) but following people in a car and making up stories about their life, their relationship, what’s in their trunk… that’s cool too.

Heidis last blog post..Shout out to my girl

I got the 50mm because I also love a fast lens and bokeh, but I found out about myself that I’m really a slut for a good wide angle and a little distortion around the edges so I got me an 18-35 with the fastest f-stop range I could afford. The downside to the one in my price range is that it’s really physically wiiiiiide and thus a little ungainly.

Unfortunately, I still don’t know how to work the camera body/brain all that well. I guess I should have bought Me Ra’s DVDs?

Julie @ the calm before the storks last blog post..yesterday, tv was such an easy game to play

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I'm Jennifer, Mom to Carson, 3, and Ella, 1. Wife and Bossaholic to Tate. My claim to fame is that I'm the #2 search result on Google for "kids pooping in pools!!." You can follow me on twitter, see my stumbles at StumbleUpon, view my photos on Flickr, and contact me by email.

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