Blunders and near-misses

I was looking through my Amazon order history after reading one of the threads on here and remembered one of my worst near-misses in terms of kit purchases.

I'd recently used Prime Day to buy myself my first ever DSLR (the Pentax K-3). I needed to add a few lenses to it as it was 'body only'. Naturally, you'll look for lenses in the same place you got your camera from.

So I ordered a DA 18-55 WR, and it cost...

£159!!!!

Looking back, I'm glad I wasn't too impressed with it as I don't think I could ever show my face om the internet having spent that much on a *kit lens*. It was returned and replaced with the DA50 and DA35 before I started my LBA journey which lead me down this dark path!

So, what are your blunders and near-misses? They could be doomed kit purchases, close calls or even genuine moments of photographer's regret. Let's hear them!

Not really a blunder or near-miss, more a result of misplaced optimism, but here goes: Flashes. I've got three (not counting those built into the camera) . Each bought for a very good reason and with full intention to use it. But how much do I use them? Hardly ever. Could I have spent the money on something more useful? With hindsight, probably yes. Will I sell them? No, because as soon as I do, something will crop up for which the flash is essential.

Steve

That reminds me. I spent an 'un'reasonable amount of money on a Nisi filter kit and I've never used it. I also bought some Cactus flash units and receivers and only used them once. Very very expensive paperweights.

I can definitely identify with spending unreasonable amounts of money on under used kit. Not all blunders but certainly not a sensible use of funds
and this post made me squirm with the knowledge that I am equally guilty.

Guilty as charged on two counts!
I have often convinced myself that I need lenses which give me greater reach. Even back in film days I bought a 500mm lens which really never got used. More recently it was a Sigma 150-500, since sold. My use case which is motorsport is much better served by a medium range zoom so a 60-250 and a 55-300 is more than enough.
And then there's macro stuff, I've had two macro lenses, two bellows units and other bits and pieces. I have come to realise I have neither the patience or the skill so most of these items will appear here for sale some time soon.
New Year's resolution .... only buy kit I need! so could other members please buy Spad's kit before I'm tempted.

Was out testing the old K200d with a sort of newish HD 16-85 and forgot I had it on Av.................. Queue a load of "Why is this blurry and not in focus?" consternation before realising. In my defence was out with the kids and the weather was a little overcast and really at ISO 100 you shouldn't really be on F8 and forget.................

Is it wrong that when I look back at the photos from my time when I only had the 18-55mm kit lens and actively wonder if I was actually a better photographer in many ways with no options available? I have the 16-85mm as a standard lens and when it hits it is great but sometimes I wish I had kept the 18-55. Sold it because, well, that is what you do isn't it?