Monday, August 25, 2008

the big debate: new lens vs. Cricut Expression



OK so after 8 months of deliberation, I decided to sell my pazzles mini cutter that I bought nearly 2 years ago. The software does not work with Vista, and the company wanted another $130 for new software. I just couldn't stomach the additional cost after the money I shelled out to begin with, so I listed it on e-bay. I got what I was hoping for (plus $1.50 LOL) so now I'm debating how to spend it.


Option #1 Cricut Expression Bundle from AC Moore - includes 4 cartridges and 5 inks. $339 + s/h. I do lots of digi-scrapping, but I still do paper scrapping as well. One of my friends who scraps with me weekly owns nearly all the cartridges - she could leave her machine at home. It's easy to use and fun to play with.

Option #2: Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS. I would get rid of my current Canon Zoom EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III (think I could get $$80-$100 on ebay). $379.95 minus $50 rebate +s/h. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade this would be, other than increased close-range shots without having to change lenses, which certainly would come in handy with an active 2yo.
Weigh in if you have any thoughts on the matter!!

5 comments:

Susan Catmull said...

Well as a mother with young kids I'm sure you help with a lot of school posters, reports, etc. Well I have a regular cricut and I used it not only for my scrapping but for my kids school projects. It makes it fun for the kids and sooo much easier for me to help without too much help. Just my two cents.

Izzy said...

My vote would be for the Tamron lense.;)

Beth Swann said...

Lens ALL THE WAY! LOL!

Cheri said...

Knowing full well that at this point you almost prefer digi to regular scrapping and that your philosophy is "it's all about the pictures" - I'd vote for the lens. Nate isn't going to be 2 much longer and if that lens will help you better capture the memories you want of him - the creative "stuff" you can do with the Cricut just isn't as important in the long run.

Also - once you buy the Cricut, you know you'll want every new alpha that comes out - so how much are you going to spend on cartridges?

Shelley Moore said...

LOL i would have said the Cricut - I have one and I love it!!! But then again, I don't have the fancy schmancy camera to go with that new lense... LOL! You are one heck of a photographer, and as much as I hate to say it, I think Cheri's right! besides if your scrapping buddy has all the cartridges, save $$ and get a Cricut cheaper on Ebay!