As for all tools, for most use cases, some decent middle ground tools do the trick. Pro grade tools have some properties that benefit pros (and can be hard to get by non-pros). Above that tools are an object of d!sire. Ehich os totally fine, if you want that 12k pro grade telephoto lense, by all means, go and get it. Shoot great photos with it and enjoy it everytime you use it. Or everytime you use that fancy knife to prepare a meal. Just don't make it a prerequisite for what you do, because you don't have to justufy the purchase. The simple joy you get of using it ia reason enough, and someone doing the same thing with less expensive gear is by no means diminishing the value you get from your expensive purchase.