Peer pressure
non-L vs. L
And I can tell you, it is real. And not just for lenses, but all photo hardware. Sometimes I would kill for an EOS 5D, but then I am reminded that I could do much worse as what I have (20D).
For example, today I tried out the “new and shiny” EOS 400D. Well, compared to 20D is like a high-tech toy. It’s half the size, feels fragile, plastic, settings are shown on a oversized LCD (as opposed to a low-power-consuming LED indicators), M mode is a hassle without separate controls for aperture and time, etc.
As far as the lenses goes… there are two kinds I prefer: Canon brand and old russian/german primes. And there’s a good reason. Canon brand lenses have proven to me that they are worth every Tolar I paid for them. Sharp, good construction, IS, very fast AF, etc. I had a lot less luck with i.e. Tamron.
And when primes are concerned… there is NO WAY you can get more for your money with any other lenses than old M42- or K-mount lenses! I have two (a Helios 44-2 58mm f/2; Tokina 200mm f/3.5; + 2x converter) which I have from my early photography days with Zenit ET. And since I bought a M42->EOS mount converter so I can use them on the Canon I am blown away! I find myself in constant lookout for excellent M42 primes now (I have one eye on this Zenitar 15mm f/2.8 fisheye :) ).
Taken with Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 (source: FGDP)
Back to the image… (which I shamelessly stole from DPChallenge thread)
Canon L-series lenses are supposed to be the “creme de la creme” of Canon lenses and are thus out of most amateurs’ budget (starting at about 1500 Eur). This way L lenses got their “Rolls-Royce” status and anyone who uses one is considered “a professional”.
So when you get into a crowd of photographers at an event or concert and you start noticing the “dark red”-circled lenses all around you… I don’t care how much confidence you have in your skills, you DO feel overpowered and underequiped. And you start acting that way too… giving the others more space, letting them to get to better shots, etc.
And that is when peer pressure really starts to suck… :(