Means to an end

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!

63 Responses to Means to an end
  1. Maggie
    July 29, 2008 | 2:42 pm

    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!

  2. Amy
    July 29, 2008 | 2:50 pm

    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

  3. Shelly
    July 29, 2008 | 3:03 pm

    Way to work what your momma gave you!

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

  4. Mommy Daisy
    July 29, 2008 | 3:08 pm

    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.

  5. Shanna
    July 29, 2008 | 3:08 pm

    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

  6. Knot
    July 29, 2008 | 3:13 pm

    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

  7. goodncrazy
    July 29, 2008 | 3:14 pm

    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…

  8. Sarcasta-Mom
    July 29, 2008 | 3:28 pm

    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

  9. Kendrawolf
    July 29, 2008 | 3:31 pm

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

    Kendrawolfs last blog post..The iPod Shuffle

  10. Megan
    July 29, 2008 | 3:33 pm

    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.

  11. kirida
    July 29, 2008 | 3:37 pm

    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.

  12. Mama Ginger Tree
    July 29, 2008 | 3:39 pm

    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

  13. jen
    July 29, 2008 | 3:41 pm

    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

  14. Mama DB
    July 29, 2008 | 3:49 pm

    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!

  15. Lauren
    July 29, 2008 | 3:54 pm

    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.

  16. anneglamore
    July 29, 2008 | 4:17 pm

    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?

  17. moosh in indy.
    July 29, 2008 | 4:24 pm

    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.

  18. Queen of Shake Shake
    July 29, 2008 | 4:31 pm

    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

  19. Marylin
    July 29, 2008 | 4:44 pm

    Yay on getting the camera!! :D

    Marylins last blog post..Weekly Winners #28!

  20. Connie @ The Chronicles
    July 29, 2008 | 4:50 pm

    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

  21. Loralee
    July 29, 2008 | 5:14 pm

    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

  22. Devan
    July 29, 2008 | 5:25 pm

    haha! Enjoy your camera.

    Devans last blog post..Day 3: An explosion

  23. Anglophile Football Fanatic
    July 29, 2008 | 5:37 pm

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

  24. Rachael
    July 29, 2008 | 5:40 pm

    Woo hoo for teh camera!

  25. pgoodness
    July 29, 2008 | 5:57 pm

    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

  26. Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire
    July 29, 2008 | 6:05 pm

    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

  27. Andrea's Sweet Life
    July 29, 2008 | 6:10 pm

    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

  28. PsychMamma
    July 29, 2008 | 6:14 pm

    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

  29. Trishy
    July 29, 2008 | 6:38 pm

    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.

  30. Trishy
    July 29, 2008 | 6:38 pm

    sorry – forgot to spellcheck – little beauties!! :-)

  31. Domestic Chicky
    July 29, 2008 | 7:10 pm

    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!

  32. Condo Blues
    July 29, 2008 | 7:19 pm

    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.

  33. DesignHER Momma
    July 29, 2008 | 8:29 pm

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

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

  34. lceel
    July 29, 2008 | 8:36 pm

    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

  35. Mike of the Newborn Identity
    July 29, 2008 | 8:46 pm

    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!!

  36. Shannanb aka Mommy Bits]
    July 29, 2008 | 8:56 pm

    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!!

  37. Helen
    July 29, 2008 | 8:57 pm

    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…

  38. ohmommy
    July 29, 2008 | 9:26 pm

    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"

  39. Cathy
    July 29, 2008 | 9:30 pm

    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?

  40. Not So Exciting Andi
    July 29, 2008 | 9:43 pm

    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!”

  41. Green & Clean Mom
    July 29, 2008 | 9:58 pm

    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!

  42. Headless Mom
    July 29, 2008 | 10:39 pm

    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

  43. laurie
    July 29, 2008 | 11:02 pm

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

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

  44. Aimee Greeblemonkey
    July 30, 2008 | 12:59 am

    I’m stoked!!!!

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

  45. Deb
    July 30, 2008 | 5:55 am

    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!

  46. gina
    July 30, 2008 | 8:11 am

    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

  47. Sonja
    July 30, 2008 | 8:12 am

    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

  48. Burgh Baby
    July 30, 2008 | 8:19 am

    Which lens? That’s easy. Both.

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

  49. Nap Warden
    July 30, 2008 | 8:31 am

    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

  50. Irene
    July 30, 2008 | 9:02 am

    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..