jhorse
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Veteran Member
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Posts: 5,913
Re: Receiving a $1000 budget gift, would like opinions
First, congratulations on your milestone. Second, how nice it is to be asked to spend another person's money! That said, these suggestions can only be our opinions guided by our experience, so they need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Seriously, I'd ask myself:
- What is my main photographic interest and does my current kit do it well or is there a shortcoming or gap I could plug? That might identify a body, lens or a combination of other gear that would be useful.
- Which of the two cameras I have (in your case the XT2 and X100F) gets most use and from which I derive most pleasure? If, for example, your most used body and the one you derive much pleasure is either the XT or the X, consider upgrading it (XT3/4 or X100V).
- Is there a focal length in my lens suite that I use a lot and for which an upgrade would improve IQ for my key subjects? That might lead you in the direction of a particular lens. Same question for focal length.
- How often do I just need a camera in my pocket? Or is a small camera in a small bag just as good? That might reveal the need to a truly pocketable camera, such as a GR, or that a slightly larger one, such as a X100, is fine.
- Is there one photographic experience I have longed to do? If there is one (mine would be to go to Skomer Island to photograph the enchanting Puffins, to Iceland to photograph the Northern Lights, etc), that might lead me to fund or part fund an experience rather than gear. Arguably, the memory, the stories and the images from such an experience might be more rewarding than an item and might give you more to talk about over dinner with those who have so generously offered the money. Food for thought.
Hope that helps, but whatever, enjoy the experience (and let is know the outcome!).