It's all about continuous upgrading...buy something, sell it for nearly what you paid for it, use the proceeds to buy something that costs just a little more. I've gone from a 20D with kit lenses to a somewhat respectable respectable kit (40D, Tokina 12-24, Canon 24-105, Sigma 100-300 f/4, flash, tripod, etc) in about two years, $100 at a time The fiance rarely complains, and it gives me time to plan out what will help me most...