PVC Alternatives in rain catchment?

I just spent $50 at Lowe’s on PVC to catch water off a shed roof two feet away. This included a length for a first flush, literally four feet total in pipe and then several fittings/connectors. Am I insane or is that price insane? Alternatives to PVC to catch rain water off a 5’ x 7’ metal roof to fill up a 55-gallon barrel plus a first flush filter?