Maybe I should have two, originally uploaded by Nashua Telegraph.

I used to be a gear hound early in my career. I carried a satchel full
of lenses and accessories and I was a mediocre photographer. I'd like
to think that over the years my journalism and photography have
improved. I know that now I carry a lot less crap. Two lenses have
taken the place of the 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 105mm, 135mm 180mm and the
300mm I hauled around. Two camera bodies. Strobes. Oh yeah, film.
Bricks and bricks of black and white film.

As time has gone on I've learned to ask myself if buying (and carrying)
a certain piece of camera equipment will make me a better photographer.
Often the answer is no. Lately I've added to asking myself if the
purchase will keep me from filling the oil tank or getting money in the
kids' college funds. So when Damon, our managing editor/online sent me
something about this lens I just had to share. It's made by Canon. A
1200mm f5.6. There are less than 20 of them out there. Sucker costs
$99,000. The photo here is from the Reuters Website. There's other
pics and info out there if you search.

I remember what I paid for my first house. Charming place. Three bedroom
fully dormered cape with a two car attached garage. It would have never
fit on a tripod as well as this lens.

Additionally I thought I'd surf the 'Net quick and see what else may
cost this much. Some of what I found was a couple of years old, but...

stuff that costs about $99,000-

* "Lightwave Electronics Corp. Compact, Air-Cooled, Diode-Pumped
Coherent Laser Radar with Very Low Power Consumption $99,000"
* "Aurora Simulation, Inc. A Configurable Object-Oriented Expert
System to Embody Cultural (Awareness) Models $98,700"
* ''Hazardous Material Decontamination Vehicle" for New York City
$99,000
* "A super-duper Continuum Audio Labs' Caliburn battery-powered
turntable system - which includes the turntable, Cobra tone arm, power
supply and dedicated isolation stand for $99,000! The phono cartridge
(with needle) is extra."
* building lots on Abaco, Bahamas, at Lubbers Quarters, $99,000
* 1982 Lambourghini Countach LP400S Series 3. "Only 82 of these
handcrafted Italian sportscars were ever made." Located in Montana.
$95,000
* The "broad average" for a kidney transplant $75,000 to $100,000
(from the National Foundation for Transplants Website).

So Damon, order me one, ok? Maybe it'll make me a better photographer.

-Don Himsel