The folly of GAS -- 4 dangers of camera gear obsession
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- GAS -- or Gear Acquisition Syndrome -- is incurable, but with proper care it is a manageable condition. I point out 4 common side effects caused by GAS, but also find a silver lining for us afflicted photographers.
Manage GAS responsibly.
This episode of Michromatic was recorded with:
- Panasonic GM5 camera: amzn.to/2daX6Dw
- Olympus 25mm f/1.8 lens: amzn.to/2cwNLKF
Follow me on Instagram: / mrsallee
Follow me on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/markrya...
I've spent more time planing what to buy than actually using the equipment I've bought.
I've spent more time making this video than I've spent taking photos this month >_
GAS is a problem that doesn't only affect photographers. In fact, nearly anyone who uses specialized tools and equipment in pursuit of their work, hobby, art, or craft is at significant risk of contracting GAS. Musicians for example are particularly susceptible. Guitarists, synth players, and percussionists are among those hardest hit.
Not only is GAS incurable, it carries a heavy stigma and is not easily understood even by those closest to those suffering from the condition. Someone you know and love, whether it's a cooking enthusiast, calligrapher, ham radio operator, woodworker, radio control aircraft builder/flier, sculptor -- the list goes on -- may be deep in the throes of a GAS episode right now. Maybe it's you.
But there's no need to suffer alone. Those of us living with GAS need not feel shame any longer. We can learn from and rely on each other, and together we can each find our own way to manage our GAS... instead of letting GAS manage us.
The solution? FART: Free and Resell Them.
Is that what you call it?
I just made that acronym up. Great topic. Most photographers have GAS. That is evident by all of the UA-cam channels reviewing gear and touting the next best lens, body, etc. Keeps the camera industry happy, that's for sure. Like any endeavor, it's good to remember - it's the archer, not the bow.
lol true story
Shaka ss
This man deserves a cookie!
+ The more lenses you have, the higher is the probability that the WRONG lens is attached when you need to take that specific photo .)
True that. I used to walk around with a bag full of lenses, constantly swapping. Now I have just 1-3 lenses, and only swap lenses if I really want the shot.
This is the video that I needed. Constantly obsessing over new gear that I don't need. Thank you!
Happy to be of service.
But my friend, unless you try some new gear sometimes, you cannot rule out that you needed it. I spent years with a passion for macro photography and only two years ago bought, finally, a proper macro lens. My goodness, what a difference. Kicking myself that I didn't get one 15 years ago. And, like you, there are things I 'fancy' trying out, but then realise my gear already covers it. (as I thought with macro, but the extension tubes were not as good as the proper macro lens, whatever anyone tells you). Bottom line here is, when you KNOW what kind of photography interests you most, only then can you commit to more gear, for that interest. Until then, trying different kinds of photography with the wrong gear can be frustrating, and cause you to have GAS. Try to remember that as a hobby, photography is meant to be fun. As a job, you have to get the image, to pay the mortgage - so spending out on exotic glass is an investment, not an obsession.
Totally agree. I actually used more of his advice alongside this video; I had been toying with the idea to completely upgrade my system because I felt there was a short supply of affordable modern options, but decided to pick up a legacy lens for a fraction of the cost - compromise. I'm looking forward to it arriving so I can see if I made the right choice for me!
TRUTH! I've fallen into such an obsession before and I was able to recover from it before it got worse. Thank God!
This has got to be one of the coolest videos on GAS. Positive GAS; Productive GAS; Natural GAS… as opposed to destructive GAS. I've learned that I prefer Magnesium bodies, and prime lenses… specifically 85mm which is my all-time favourite focal length; Thanks GAS :0)… I've learned that I like to switch up combinations of bodies and various lenses, and that I get bored if I use the same set up in street photography for more than two weeks. I even get bored of my beloved 85 if I use it too much; Thanks GAS… I've learned that 24-70 F4L, can be not only a life-saver under the right circumstances, but that it is brilliant in it's own right, and I've learned to not to hate on zooms because I prefer primes; Thanks GAS…
Great video!
What really helped my G.A.S. was hearing photographers I admire recommending to really know your gear before buying anything else. Now instead of obsessing over new gear I'm interested in being able to frame a shot in the focal lengths of my lenses before even pulling out my camera. Understanding how my lenses react to shooting at the sun and how much lens flare to expect at different apertures. and knowing how to expose my shots to be able to pull out the most dynamic range from post. I think they are absolutely right because now instead of taking average shots with a lot of lenses I get even better shots with the few that I do have!
Very good advice!
This is so true. Back in the days when I used a film camera, I just had one camera body, one 50mm lens, and it was all I needed. I never had to wonder about whether it was the right lens or the right camera body. Film cameras had reached a level of maturity that you never felt like you'd need an upgrade if you wanted to stick with film.
Then came digital cameras, and for a long time there were huge differences in quality between different pieces of gear: some lenses had really ugly chromatic aberration, some sensors had limited dynamic range, some had very slow auto-focus... so it made sense to get a bit obsessed over gear to make sure you'd source good quality stuff that wouldn't make the experience of taking pictures more frustrating than it needed to be.
But since a couple of years back, digital cameras have all reached such a level of quality that there's no point obsessing anymore. They're all very good. Heck, some are way too advanced for what most people need them for, even. Sure there's still differences but you're better off just figuring out practical stuff like whether it rains a lot where you live and might need weather sealing, or if you have a bad back and need for your camera to be lightweight, rather than obsessing over IQ or advanced features. Just get a system that works for your lifestyle, and stick with it. Get to known it fully. The next shiny thing isn't going to make enough of a difference to require any upgrading. You're set for many many years to come.
Dude, great reminder! Been there, done that...so glad I now spend time obsessing about getting great shots on the street.
Great video so true! I definitely have had a bad case of GAS - but, I've come to the conclusion my time is better spent learning how to use my gear better than acquiring more and having to constantly learn how to use the new products that I'll probably use once...and then replace.
Thank you so much, I was getting caught up on buying to much gear. Haven't learned much about my camera settings. Spent over thousands of dollars. Love your videos and advice.
Such a good video! In a world of consumerism, truth is we don't really need half the crap we buy for our cameras. On point!
Great video and so true :) I still suffer from GAS and keep buying cameras that i use briefly then sell, I think If you cannot afford a top of the range camera then you are always buying cameras that you think will hit the mark. I had a Canon 7D about 3 weeks back then I sold it and bought a Sony a5000, then I bought a Sony Nex-5n ( which I like better than the a5000 ) so the a5000 is now up for sale. I have lots of M42 Prime lenses that i got when i had a GH3 so I will be using them on the nex-5n with the M42 adapter which in my opinion is much better than kit lenses, It's hard to shake the habit of GAS....
My niece (17yrs) has started out in photography and she is really good, but I have restricted her from studio... she has awful GAS....she wants all the equipment I have TODAY.... RIGHT NOW... what make it even scarier she has somewhat of a savings $$$ ... I am trying to make her understand it can take years of wise purchasing to get the equipment...and what she needs (wants) today may not be what she really needs tomorrow. I share this video with her....thank you for helping in the counselling process. I have been try to find her the right meds. This video may be a good dose to start.
Always like your videos, very intuitive, keep it up! :)
Totally love your videos dude :) Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
I've got it bad. I started out as a gadget freak before I got into photography, now I'm in a self reinforcing cycle! That said I agree with what you say about learning what you like. I have discovered that I have 2 mutually exclusive trends at play within myself. I like shooting primes, but I hate changing lenses. I even like using the Rokinon 12mm lens and occasionally the 7.5mm, but my primary lengths were the 17mm and 25mm lenses and occasionally the 45mm. So what do end up doing.. I bought the Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 which is pretty close to the primes in image quality but I don't have to change lenses. Needless to say, I'm never quite happy, when I'm using the zoom, I keep thinking I would prefer to be using one of my primes for whatever shot I'm taking, when I'm using the primes, I complain about changing lenses to get the shot I want.
Like primes, but don't like to change lenses? Then surely you need three cameras on you at all time :)
+Michromatic I'm waiting for someone to perfect the prime lens auto loader. Change your lens as easily as you change your channels.
Jeffrey Beigie I'd be pretty intrigued by a camera like a Sony RX100 that, instead of a typical zoom, had "prime lens toggle" where you can instantly bounce between 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm equivalents.
Awesome video. Very helpful and completely spot on.
Yeah, unfortunately GAS has driven me to the brink of bankruptcy. It's my fault when I got into photography years ago, I would buy a lens, use it for awhile, then sell it to get a different lens. All the while losing money. I've only owned two camera bodies, so it's not be the chase of the latest camera, just the lenses.
suffer GAS through older lenses and bodies. I have resigned to the fact that silly expensive lenses are not my bag, but you point something really valid out, I have developed a preference for certain focal lengths and embedded my love of primes through GAS.
I owned 3 primes for my e-m5 II. Then I sold them and bought the 12-40 2.8 because I wanted "all in one". I found out after using it over time; it's to heavy for the e-m5 II. The extra grip helps but the whole point with m43 and being small and all that...
So I sold the 12-40 and now I use primes again. Mostly the 25mm 1.8.
I feel stupid... :)
Greetings from Norway
I have the E-M5II, 12-40 and 25mm also. The 12-40 is what I usually have on the camera, but I totally agree it is really a bit too big and heavy for that body. The 25mm is a terrific lens, but when I take my camera with me with just one lens I always feel better taking the 12-40mm in spite of the weight.. plus it looks so cool :)
That's funny because that' my setup too. But I lean towards my 12-40mm more often because I like the "all in one" aspect of it.
oyvinda LOL
Øyvind Arnøy - Great comment!
this is very true! I don't have the money to buy various lenses or other camera gears but I do obsess over some things. the good thing is at least I won't buy something that I know nothing about, and everytime I do buy, it won't be an impulse purchase.
It's not about the pixels, it's all about the skills
...I can't help it ... it's WONDERFULL
I've spent a lot on my fuji cameras and lenses, but honestly I don't regret it one bit. I did do a bit of good research first, and I absolutely agree with what you're saying. Of course I could wonder if sony or panasonic is better at this or that, but I know my fuji hits most of my needs and I'm content sticking with it for a long while. Sometimes you mostly know what you want and just need to isolate what it is. My issue is more "what focal lengths do i prefer in a prime" and there has been no way for me to gauge that except trying different focal length lenses.... But I have sold and bought a few and ultimately feel i am pretty happy with a select few... OO
Very good video - This topic is very important, directing the energy into photography instead of purchasing and discussing gear, is the right way.
Most UA-cam Channels are just about the most latest and fancy gear.
But I am guilty of GAS, too. But I can be lucky that I spent only a small portion of my savings for gear.
Have a good day.
thank you for reminding me and probably other we should spend more time taking pictures than obsessing over equipment, wich is very fun also.
But great lecture.
Aha, I used to suffered from GAS too. But since I fall in love with my favourite lenses like 21mm, 24mm, I only only keep one body with two lenses with me right now. Maybe someday I will swap one of my wide angle to another faster apture, but basically the only one thing I care about for now, is how many shoots I can make from this gear.
Miss you Mark. COME BACK!!
Maybe older video but still up to date.
I bought a lot of second hand gear throughout the many years. The rush i got for searching and finding that one camera die the best price... Everytime i fooled myself thinking i gained a lot of money by playing a lot less. Setting with old gear, resulted in more disappointment because of the outdated limitations... If i think about it, i have a ton of other camera's lying around. More then I thought of before this video...thanks!
Totally agree, I got out of control because I had some extra money to spend after selling some personal items I had collected. Last year I bought an EM10 with the kit zoom after not having a decent digital camera since my film camera days. I never gave the EM10 or the kit lens a chance and very quickly bought the 25mm and 45mm primes, sold the EM10, and got the EM5II when Olympus had a refurb sale. After reading all the praise for the 12-40mm Pro I had to have it. Then realized I wasn't using the 45mm and sold that... saw all these great nature pics online so I "needed" a long zoom... 75-300mm, got it too and don't use it much... I've always loved precision gear of any kind but could rarely afford it previously and it got the best of me, but I think I'm finally over it, although it sure would be nice to have a...... :)
Sounds like me :) I got the Panasonic 100-300 and very quickly realized it's not the lens for me. Too large, and to get the photos from it that inspired me in the first place I need a level of patience that I just don't have.
I definitely have GAS as well. I bought Olympus Pen E-PL 7 kit (incl. 14-42mm lens) about six months ago together with Olympus 45mm 1.8 prime lens (thanks to Michromatic!). Recently I bought Olympus 25mm 1.8 lens, table tripod, LensPen and Olympus Messenger camera bag (which is really big btw). Now I'm planning to buy the 12mm and 75mm Olympus lenses which are quite expensive (especially compared to the previous two which both cost me less than $300). And I'm also considering a new camera body already. I'm realizing I must stop myself because I haven't even tested the 25mm properly yet and the Pen 7 does pretty amazing job as well! I have also thought I would not spend more than 400€ (about the same in dollars) per lens. Even that is a lot of money because I'm not a professional photographer. Basically that means I should find those 12mm and 75mm used. Probably it could be also a good idea to rent or borrow them first because everyone has their own preferences. Especially for the 12mm I'm not sure how much I would use it.
Techniques and processing 🙏🏽
Heh, too late for me :) sold my mft gear and got Pentax k-1, pretty happy with the results I'm getting, definitely an upgrade with a lot of space to grow. Good thing is - because of my experience building a mft system and getting lenses I've rarely used, I'm planning my current system out more carefully and thoughtfully (hopefully will be more efficient).
My GAS has been bad in the last couple of years: I have gone from the e-m1, to the e-m5 II with an e-p5 as a backup. I still wanted more bokeh and better iso performance since I shoot mostly portraits so I bought a D700 with an 85mm 1.8 since I always wanted to try a FF camera, sold the e-m5 and kept the e-p5 with a 17mm and 45mm as a back up system.
"GAS as educational tool" I like that. I used bridge camera for years before I finally switch to mirrorless three years ago. Samsung NX1000 was my first mirrorless. Then I wanted to try legacy lens. But the samsung system is not very friendly. So I bought pana lumix GF5 and a helios lens. And I was very happy with it. But then I needed zoom. So I bought the kit lens. Another year gone by and I want an OMD EM5, so I sold everything (except my helios lens). Luckily I always bought second hand camera & lenses because I dont have much money, so I didnt lose much too when I sold those gears again.
Recently I broke my OMD kit lens on an accident, and been thinking to buy a prime lens again.
I'm still figuring out wether to buy a 25mm or 35mm lens.
Moderation in all things, including moderation! I think I've got this illness under control. I bought an interchangeable lens digital camera some six months ago. I immediately recognized that just about ALL the lenses are obscenely expensive! The only addl lens I've bought so far is a 7 Artisans 25mm lens for like $70! The taxes and shipping costs alone on some lenses probably run up to $70! -I'm quite satisfied just exploring the cornucopia of creative effects this amazing camera offers. I'm going out to Southern Utah in a couple of weeks! Those 2 words alone should make any landscape photographer begin to breathe heavily, holding their camera tenderly while baby talking to it. - "Your Manual Focus and.. Dynamic Range, is just PERFECT to let me capture the Ruddy Color of those Arches and those -Pinnacles!" ...Where was I... Oh Yeah, I'm Going to Canyonlands NP next month!
I needed this! Thank you
This comes at a perfect time. After months it's that time again when I start obsessing about new gear, this time the Olympus 25mm f1.8 to complement the amazing 45mm f1.8. Already have the Panasonic 12-32mm and been trying to convince myself to use that at 25mm. This video helps my case (hopefully!).
Thanks!
That 12-32 is super good! I got one earlier this year with a GM5, very impressed by it.
Agreed! And it comes at a pretty decent price as well.
Great videos btw!
Oh man, photography is my one consumerism outlet. what else will I buy if it's not expensive camera gear.
Motorcycles and Mazda Miatas.
Buy what you need and love what you have and buy something that helps share your passion and love with someone else who is interested but might not have the capacity. ❤️
This is a great video: you nailed the problem.
For me, it was Leica 15mm F:1.7 form Panasonic, which I bought because it was faster and sharper and with better flare control then the Olympus 17mm f:1.8
In the end I figured out that I really can't stand the 28-30mm focal lenght and that I much prefer a wider 24mm eq or the narrower 34mm eq, the 30mm being somehow in "no mans land". In the end I exchanged my perfectly functional Leica for a used Olympus 17mm in equivalent conditions, probably losing money in the process, but GAS educated me to what my preferences are and now I'm perfectly happy and satisfied with the results I'm getting.
r
I actually got the 15mm f1.7mm when recovering from GAS.
I had gotten the 25mm f/1.4 because people always talk about how "You need a 50mm prime!" But I hated it, I generally shoot wider than most people. I had sold my 20mm f/1.7mm to get the 25mm and regretted every minute of it because the 20mm was so awesome. But I remembered that the 20mm tripped me up occasionally being just not quite wide enough.
So I sold the 25mm for the 15mm and I'm happy. Just like he said, I learned from the experience. Now the 15mm and Olympus 45mm are the two primes I have on me when I do any lightweight "street" photography because I play with 30mm the way other play with 50mm.
Whatever reviewer tall us about a particular lens (which could ignite the GAS syndrome) should be taken with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, camera stores are less and less common except in large cities, which prevents most of us from actually borrowing and trying the desired product. What is good for me may not be the same for you, because photography is an expression of how our individual brains perceive reality.
I agree completely with this, especially the part about learning what you like. I've learned that the type of gear that makes me happy is usually the cheap stuff. I actually bought the olympus 25mm f1.8, took it home, snapped a bunch of test shots and marvelled at their beauty. A few days later when I went to go shoot some pictures of a friend's family I grabbed my trusty 25mm k mount lens I got at a garage sale 15 years ago. Go figure. The olympus is still sitting in my bag unused
Man, if you can get along with manual focus lenses, there are some good bargains and satisfying lenses available. And compared to native lenses, even a $100 manual lens is pretty cheap.
Oh there I go, price anchoring again...
I think forums and review sites are the worst for encouraging gas. Never once when I was out shooting did I give a single thought to chromatc aberration or barrel distortion or light falloff. All of a sudden when researching gear to buy these things all of a sudden seem critically important. You said it best "if you have a camera and a lens or even a phone you have everything you really need" besides sometimes "bad" lenses can add a lot of character if you are creative in how you use them and are aware of their limitations.
***** Yeah, I've had more fun with my vintage lenses than anything else. And don't get me wrong, the lenses I picked are pretty damn good, but they probably wouldn't do great against an MTF test and I know they suffer some CA.
On that subject, I don't have a camera myself, I have been burrowing cameras for ages now, and would like one of my own but am having a hard time deciding what I should buy. I like the M10 mark II, reminds me of an old camera my dad had.but I don't know which lenses to get. I think I'd like one normal zoom lens just for options (not sure how good the kit lens is) and a prime (50mm equivalent of full frame).
But I just saw your 45mm lens review and I like that one too :D
Don't have much problem with GAS, I indulge in idle contemplation about professional gear but money usually makes me face reality.
Or finding some way to refresh and use old equipment as an interesting prop for a photo that you hadn’t thought of before. Hmm 🤔
This is so funny!!! I just transitioned to becoming a photographer and I'm suffering from GAS no doubt. (Goes to buy Mavic Pro even though I already have a Phantom)
I make it a point keeping 2 lenses only. When I'm interested in a third lens, I make sure selling one of the 2 lenses before I purchase the third. 2 lenses is about my limit to be comfortable putting into my everyday bag. great vid by the way!
That's a good strategy ✌️
Boy oh boy if you are also into synthesizer keyboards or even studio music, GAS is absolutely rampant there! They had a forum for that called the gas station. Now I know why it had that name!
Mark where are you? Don't let it end like this!
Ooh, I recognize this GAS thing I´m afraid :o
But at least I try to buy most of my lenses second hand so that I can resell them without loosing too much money :)
The most expensive lens that I have bought new is actually an adapted Voigtlander 58/1.4 for Nikon mount after watching the "Angry Photographer" raving about it being one of the best lenses out there regardless price - and he was right! It will follow me in to the grave - it creates just stunning threedimensional and "alive" looking pictures while still being sharp as h-ll :D
I have problem with deciding and wanting a Zeiss Milvus 15mmF2.8 or a Nikon 19mm TC.. So I decided to use what I have and see if I need the lenses. I updated my equipment to Nikon D850 standard from Nikon D300 when the camera broke down. Also I like to get a AFS 400mmF2.8 E FL VR. I currently use a D800E with a AFS 60mmF2.8 Macro ( got the lens for the D300). I also got a D700 when the D300 broke down.
Great video. I suffer myself from GAS or as hhgreeg calls it FOBO (Fear Of Better Options). I have a closet full of cameras and equipment dating current day M4/3 back to the 1970's Olympus OM series. It has finally hit this month when I reviewed my credit card bills. I hope it has shocked me back to reality but I fear I may have a relapse in a few months... :-)
I made a spreadsheet to measure the cost of my GAS. That helped a lot.
I did the same, to track equipment details, spend (price & transport & duties) as well as how to position selling prices, should I decide to let go of some of my vintage lenses at a later date.
Still having fun using them / experimenting with their varying characteristics. Manual also forces me to think about the shot...to take my time in the set-up,etc. As a relative beginner, the manual vintage lenses have advanced my skills significantly as an amateur.
If I could recommend the most cost effective approach to another beginner...buy a few of these vintage lenses in one mount system (FD would be my first choice in terms of price/value/performance/selection). A 50/1.8 (pristine and yet still cheaper than good 50/1.4). a 28/2.8 and a 135/2.5 or 2.8. Then buy a decent focal reducer (yes, a Chinese made FR for ~ $90). In total this should set one back about $230~$330. Unlike a camera body, the lenses should keep their value as long as you take care of them.
Of course, buying a larger variety of lenses can also fun...in its own way!
you really should post videos more often.
Ha, I agree.
+Michromatic Why have you stopped uploading videos?
He definitely should, I love his videos
Few years ago my first prime lens was the panasonic 25mm f1.4 great but this I sell it for the Chinese 25mm f0.95 mitakon speedmaster awesome manual lens and for the price too. I have tested the Olympus 45mm f1.8 but for not sharp not happy, and then the 35-100mm f2.8 but again I sell it for the voigtlander 42.5mm f0.95 perfect! Also I have the 75mm f1.8 for portrait and Olympus 12-50mm for other usage. But now I stick with my stuff
But the E-M1 mk II is going to have so many AF points! (no, really, this could actually help with events if it tracks faces well =P)
I have a stack of things I should have/still need to sell... but figuring out what I liked is indeed what drove my GAS issues. But I definitely suffer from chasing gear to make better photos. I think a big part of it is I just like playing with toys, ha.
My GAS has been getting a wide angle for my Micro 4/3s
But also getting a rangefinder 2nd hand online. After purchasing the range finder, I learnt that it was referring to full frame. Now when I take photographs with my kit lens (14-42 f/3.5) I'm actually photographing at 28-84mm in full frame.
As of now my GAS is more curious about lens hoods and other (unique) adaptors for Pentax K to Micro 4/3s.
At least lens hoods and adapters are pretty cheap compared to new cameras and lenses :p
Agreed, went to my photography club last week and they had an Olympus night. I was thinking about this video, until the representative of Olympus in New Zealand showed me some other Olympus lenses and the Pen F
I've got a Pen-F 38mm lens, love it.
I spent my early years of photography with an apsc dslr & cheaper lenses. Once I worked out what sort of photography interests me the most. I've then upgraded bodies & lenses with the times. Full frame mirrorless is where I'm at now. I'm definitely more cautious with what I buy as I've made impulse buys & regretted it. You really have to sit back and question, how often will I use it? Will it allow me to get the results I'm personally satisfied with? Buying gear can be fun & exciting but its a long term investment.
Hi @michromatic, I have an EM10ii and I'm loving it so far. However, sometimes I find that when taking pictures, especially under light, maybe in a cafe, the photo comes out overexposed, even when the exposure compensation is normal. Also, I find it harder to focus on the object..I've no idea why. Was hoping you could help? :)
|I've a friend this applies to. Because my wife and I are interested in astronomy,
he decided to buy a telescope. It didn't end there, he then wanted to get into astrophotography. So he bought all of the gear, and over a year later we are still
waiting to see the first photograph.
He always complains that he doesn't have any money, but soon finds it when
he wants something for his photography. A couple of years ago he bought a
nice mirrorless camera, but will only take photos he can hang on his wall, always
using ND filters. Driving miles just to take one or two photos.
GAS is great for photographers who want to open a museum
I've always have been GAS free
Thanks for this video :) super helpful
As someone who is only two years into photography, I experienced this as well. When I bought my Sony s6000 I researched heavily into the lenses available to me and learned which one I prefer. For awhile I only bought old manual lenses and adapted them. This was a low cost learning process in knowing the type of lenses that fits my needs. I eventually learned that I love fast prime lenses for portrait as well as super wide angle lenses. I also realized that I need a stabilized lens since the body isn't. Now I have two Sony lens that fits those needs. I'm actually quite happy about them. However, my current obsession is acquiring the expensive Zeiss. For a body, I now want the new a6500 for its stabilized body.
I, too, am tempted by the stabilized 6500...
OMD E-M1 Mk2 has 5 axsess stabilization and it's only $2000.00
These hard days before stabilized Tamron 17-70 2.8 was introduced :))
After 6 years, nothing changed. I thought a6600 is the top camera I ever wanted and it will never change and I will buy it one day. A6700 was released few days back and guess what, the a6600 doesnt look that great anymore.
(I decided to stick to my a6000 and bought books about photography instead of the new camera btw.)
Please more videos!
I live in a third world country and got indebted so much camera gear I bought, and the saddest part I could never be a photographer, it was just an obsession. I was sick, photography used to be a harmless hobby I would perform with very cheap cameras, my own cellphone most of the time. I feel so stupid... I spent as much I could buy two cars. Now I sold half of it, put my finances straight and I will only have one last acquisition, a G7X II to be my do all camera and I will never use DSLR's again, except my SL2 for low light situations. The problem with interchangeable lens cameras is that we can never stop buying lenses. I wish I was rich and could indulge in my obsession, but it's not the case. And some people do take cellphone pictures that put mine to shame because they have the human factor, they know how to involve people and make them want to pose for them. What GAS taught me is that also expensive camera gear is quite heavy and uncomfortable to carry around, so I wouldn't really use it for most situations. The best pictures I ever took was either using my cellphone, a Sony super zoom that was my first camera and my APS-C camera, because I never really carried around my full frame. I even cried when I sold it, but I never really used it.
I like your videos and your Input
I would really like you to show these techniques your talking about
I am a Noob and I obsessed over cheep manual lenses after watching your videos
right now Im obsessing over the Meta-bones speed booster Ultra (Thanks to you)
However I dont know enough about using my manual lenses and would really appreciate it if you could
do some real life out door technique videos
This video sounds like you looked on your shelf and now have buyers remorse
I agree with other comments that you should do more reviews of camera gear and maybe some"How To" use the equipment
You will get more hits and eventually companies will send you gear to review (Just a suggestion)
Keep up the Great videos
Best regards, Rick
I have a d70s that a friend gifted to me with 18-55mm, but its really terrible at anything above 1000 iso, so i bought a little tripod to shoot with, and i can't shoot people at very slow shutters like 1/5. I ordered a d5500 and a 35mm f1.8 lens, i don't think it's "gas" but i wanted to take photos in the evening when i mostly go out with my lady. Do you think a 55-300 might be worthwhile for capturing landscape details? Sometimes when i go hiking i see some wildlife that is just too far for the 55mm i have right now, and 6mp don't really help with cropping later on the computer. Thanks for the videos and all the hints.
I don't have any experience with that lens, but I suspect it will be decent in good light (i.e. during bright daylight), but will require a tripod when the light gets low.
At the moment I'm obsessing over weather to get a wide lense or not. I only have a 24-105 f4 and I found a 12mm 2.8 lens that I really like for £700 but is the difference really worth it? I mainly want it for landscape timelapes
haha, I am going through this phase. My biggest desire it's a rangefinder, a voigtlander bessa r2m with 35mm f1.4 or 35mm f1.7. and/or a 35mm f2 lens for my pentax, my image gallery it's full of gear photos and when i got nothing to do i just look at them :(
My husband says if it has buttons and dials I want it. True, especially if I can get a new lens or two to go with it :)
24-105 is a good starting lens
Nice video!
thanks for share story bro
I love me some 50mm! or 25mm on MFT. Yet to go to 45mm but dig the size. the 25/1.2 looks like a big honker! kinda kills the "compactness" of it all.
Yeah, reading about the 25/1.2 I was pretty interested, mostly because I'm interested in getting a weather-sealed lens and most WS lenses are zooms. But then I saw the size. Never mind the cost.
The first solution to Gas for me is sell gear that you have that are nit used as often and buy used. Once I let go of my first 'collection' of cameras I was able to buy my 'dream' camera and lenses which in turn made me ask whenever I salivate on the new one 'why buy you already have the best' at it silence me all the time. Next is I ask myself will I use it? Will it inspire me to shoot? Now Im still selling more than I buy making my bank acct for buying gear controled in a value base on what I have sold.
i have alot of lenses nearly all vintage ones costing under 30 pound the non vintage ones my most expensive one was 68 pound for an almost new canon telephoto lens.
You are right - but also wrong :-) I get GAS but after trying out something I take a hit and ebay it - so I spent 500 on something, and sell it a year later for 400 - cost of ownership, and cost of finding out if it was the ideal item for me is NOT 500, it is just 100 (500 - 400). I have done this many time, lots of lenses, a few camera bodies, a few tripods, and so on.
This is supposed to be a fun hobby, and part of it is trying new things, the other part is taking good images. You can't push the envelope unless you try new stuff too - both technique, location, and gear.
And... when I ebay my stuff that didn't work out, the guy or girl who bought my 500 (now 400) item is doing the same thing as me, only starting out at 400. Used prices being more steady, he or she will probably get 350 back on that purchase IF it doesn't work out. So, you are right.. Gear won't take better photos, only you can do that, but, you are wrong, the RIGHT gear can tabe better photos, if you use it right, and if it IS the right gear. Good video.
the guy mentioned it in the video. did you start writing your comment before you got to the end? 🤦
There aren't any more Rolleicords, Speed Graphics or Zenits being made. All of them have a place in my photography. They give me different perspectives on the world. Not a bad thing.
about the thing you talk about at in 7:19,
i dont obsess about the lens itself, 2.8 or lower is fine true id rather have the Nikkor version instead of the Tamron but i am fine,
my problem instead is that i currently obsess about an camera body instead that haves better ISO performance for just that "night time" or "event" photography.
I am currently using an D800, but my "limit" is ISO 3200, and i have been to events that have been too dark for 3200 ISO, 1/40sec, 2.8/F.
So what i obsess about is an D4 or D4s, if those cameras would have let me take brighter shots with higher shutterspeed ;)
Don't know if it works in your situation, but I've decided that if I want better photos at dimly-lit events I need to learn how to use flash. I am so bad at using flash.
haha, yeah sometimes i have an real problem with flash too, but some of the "events" doesn't allow flash which is a real pain in the arse and in some situations there's nothing to bounce the flash on either way :/
Dude, great channel... But have you stopped updating it?
my god, i thought i was the only one Who was obssesed un buying more and more things to my camera, this vídeo made me feel like you were talking directly to me xD. i have an Olympus OM-D em5 mII and im always thinking about buying this or that objective. my pocket is suffering hahaha
Hugs from Spain! ^^ (and srry if i had mistakes on writting this xD)
My goodness, the illness is international. Where is WHO to stop this?
Que tal, amigo, gracias por ver.
Now I feel bad about myself.. I own a full frame dslr with a 24-70 and a plethora of different lenses(macro, wide, tele) and I found myself curiously reading about the mirrorless Hasselblad and the medium format Fuji for a number of reasons.. I need to win the lottery
NGH, those mirrorless medium format cameras are so hot.
But no IBIS, so I'm satisfied with my Olympus. Manual focus + IBIS really is the ticket.
good thing i got obsessed with old retro lenses%) I think, I managed it quite well, since instead of searching the net for best pieces in mint condition i forced myself to go every few weeks to a flea market and keep an eye out for some jems.
at first it didn´t go that smooth - 20 old lenses of different kind with a cameras on top of the most. good thing i could grip myself and sell some to make a profit out of them.
now it´s jems only, and reasanable price too - nothing i could recell for more profit.
had already to pass on a canon FD85mm f1.8 for 50€ in really bad condition.
therefore i got canon fd 50mm f1.4 for 8€. old schneider and Y/C zeiss for the same price. and old om1 with full prile lineup - in same price range too.=)
now there were also bad times - spend about 600€ on lens Turbo an Tilt/Shift adapter. so now it´s a buying taboo unless i get out somem oney out of my hobby(gladly it´s slowly starting to pay back)
So true!
Bought a set of cokin filters, have proberbly used it 2 or 3 times.
I have gone up to 20 lenses for M43, now I have four lenses that I know that I use and I am happy, after 10 tears of GAS ;)
The cure for GAS is RENT lenses or camera and figure it out if you really needs an extra toys. Ahhhh Oly EM 1 mark II , should I stay or should I go.... : )
I have analog GAS. 35mm and medium format film cameras. :/
great video brother..:)
Cool
I need a spare battery, but new lenses is look more shinny, i need help to cure this GAS😢
I sold the Oly 1.8 and now use the zhongyi 25 .95. It's the right size for m43. The voigt is a little too big.
Yeah, the Voigtlander is massive + heavy.
It can also contribute to anthropogenic climate change.
PS: I bring flares to low light situations...but that seems to introduce other problems. Else, you might try a Focal Reducer!
Mm hm, mm hm. That greenhouse gear acquisition syndrome.
Keep it simple. One camera and three lenses. Wide, standard and tele. You're done.
It is possible to overstate the case. "The camera gear you have got right now will allow you to do everything you want." So, if I wanted to be a sports photographer, I could save my money on a 1DX Mark 2, and use my smart phone instead?
I absolutely have this problem. My current buying wants are about $1200.
I once bought a perfectly good motorcycle for about that much.
Michromatic but I don't want a motorcycle. And to be fair, almost half of that is a mirrorless camera kit. I want to try out mirrorless for more everyday use. Carrying around my DSLR is just so inconvenient when I'm going places.
Chris S 👍
The iphone comparison is too much,. But the rest of the video is true. If you need a nice blurry background you need a fast aperture prime lens. GAS is when you have 1.8 and complain about the blur of 1.8 to that of a 1.4 or 1.2. GAS is when you have a f/4 wide angle zoom and still crave for a f/2.8 lens.
I have a more serious level of GAS... extreme and irrational attachment of gear! I don't want to buy used, and hate the idea of using something that others have already used/handled (possibly without care). And if I buy a gear, I don't want to sell it because I hate other people owning/using (possibly without care) things that I've used/loved. With very limited fund, I've been stuck at the gear planning stage for months and haven't dared to buy anything. I guess my case is not curable anymore...
Where did you??? No new videos?
I found a very logical way to both justify camera lenses and keep it in check. I follow a simple rule. At any one time I cannot have more than 10% of my net worth in camera gear. If I want more gear, I have to throw more money at my investments. 10% is the gold standard for items that don't depreciate in investing. Since glass rarely depreciates, if you buy used, it can service as that 10% non depreciating investment.
I guess every photographer has experienced some sort of G.A.S. sooner or later. I also bought 2 lenses which I didn't really need or use (I thought I would). I ended up selling them against a loss..
When we fall, we pick ourselves back up.