🧰 Camera Gear Cost Calculator
Plan your kit without the sticker shock. Add bodies, lenses, and accessories with prices and quantities, set a budget, and see the running total plus exactly what's left — or how far over you've gone.
🧰 Total Up Your Kit
What is a Camera Gear Cost Calculator?
It turns a wish list into a real number. Add each item you're considering — a body, a lens, a tripod, cards, a bag — with its price and how many you'll buy, and it totals the lot; set a budget and it shows what's left or by how much you've overshot.
Use it to plan a first kit, to compare two loadouts before you commit, or to keep a growing collection honest against a spending cap so your gear serves your photography rather than your credit card.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a camera kit cost to build?
It depends entirely on your goals, but a starter kit — a mirrorless body, a versatile lens, a card, and a bag — often lands between a few hundred and a couple thousand. Add fast primes, a second body, lighting, and storage and a professional kit climbs quickly. List your items here with prices and quantities to see the true total.
What should I buy first when starting out?
Spend on the things that shape the image most: one capable body and one good lens, ideally a fast prime or a versatile zoom. Add a spare battery, a fast memory card, and a bag to protect it all. Lighting, filters, and a second body can wait until a paid job or a specific need justifies them.
Should I buy new or used camera gear?
Lenses hold their value and optical quality for decades, so buying them used is one of the best ways to stretch a budget. Bodies age faster as sensors and autofocus improve, but reputable refurbished or lightly-used bodies from trusted sellers can save a lot. Always check shutter count and return policies on used gear.
How do I stick to a camera gear budget?
Set a firm cap, then price your kit against it before you buy. This calculator subtracts your running total from your budget and flags when you go over, so you can swap a lens, drop an accessory, or buy used to bring the kit back in line rather than discovering the overspend at checkout.