The urge to buy

[Unframed Dave]

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I'll just leave that there.

I think I've finally reached the stage where I'm happy with what I've got. In fact, I've started selling stuff I don't use anymore.

 

[alexpler]

I read once that no gear will make you a better photographer and that the best camera is the one you already have... That thought diminished my urge to buy.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

More gear won't make me a better photographer. That realization calmed my urge to buy (for the most part).
However, there are niche events, like the lunar eclipse, that make me yearn for specialized gear, like a super zoom. Then I think about how often I'll use it and my wallet goes back into hiding LOL

 

[Chris 3754]

I am happy with what I have...until the next "must have" item hits the market. I know, I am weak and play right into the marketing schemes. At least lately, I have adopted a "one item in, one item out" policy for most purchases. I let you all know how this is working out......

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

You know what else helps to reduce GAS? Traveling in situations where its really only practical to have one lens. Right now, I'm on vacation and my a6700 with 16-55 lens is crammed inside my daughter's princess backpack, no more room for extra gear

 

[Chris 3754]

You know what else helps to reduce GAS? Traveling in situations where its really only practical to have one lens. Right now, I'm on vacation and my a6700 with 16-55 lens is crammed inside my daughter's princess backpack, no more room for extra gear

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

There are things I'd like to have. Aren't there always?

But I'm mostly covered by two to three lenses for concerts, two or three lenses (some overlap) for functions. And my a6500, usually with 17-70, for lightweight travel.

So I am low on urge at present.

 

[THXGEEK]

You know what else helps to reduce GAS? Traveling in situations where its really only practical to have one lens. Right now, I'm on vacation and my a6700 with 16-55 lens is crammed inside my daughter's princess backpack, no more room for extra gear

Proof positive that it pays to have more kids.....

...So you can store extra lenses in their backpacks.

 

[Chris 3754]

Proof positive that it pays to have more kids.....

...So you can store extra lenses in their backpacks.

 

[iamdlewis]

Proof positive that it pays to have more kids.....

...So you can store extra lenses in their backpacks.

Sigma stop bothering your sister Tameron and Viltrox get over here so I can change lenses

 

[AlphaWorld]

You know what else helps to reduce GAS? Traveling in situations where its really only practical to have one lens. Right now, I'm on vacation and my a6700 with 16-55 lens is crammed inside my daughter's princess backpack, no more room for extra gear

How does your daughter feel about you co-opting her backpack? OK, the risk of someone stealing it is lower than if you were carrying a brand-name photo backpack, but surely she's a bit peeved?

Or are you making her carry it, too? That might be covered by child labour laws, mightn't it?

Maybe you need to buy your own princess backpack? You could get a nice Elsa one, or maybe a cute Moana one.

 

[THXGEEK]

So. Another perspective....

My view is to be responsible with your procurements. If you can afford it - good for you! But don't place your or your family's well-being at risk because of your GAS affliction for the next "new, gotta-have-it" toy.

No, new hardware will not (for the most part, who knows what new technologies will offer?) make you a better photographer!

I've said it before - ours is an expensive hobby! We should all feel fortunate for the ability to express ourselves and learn a new craft or means of expression with whatever we can afford.

Go forth and practice! Want a real challenge? Try ALL MANUAL ALL THE TIME! Take a personal oath to use only ONE lens (in my case, a wide-angled prime) that you'd normally never use and use only that lens for a full week! You may surprise yourself. (Or in my case, fail miserably, as I am addicted to telephotos...)

And if you can... Spoil yourself once in a while! Life is short and you cannot take it with you!

Most of all... Have FUN and LEARN and SHARE your experiences!

Cheers,
-- Craig

 

[Chris 3754]

So. Another perspective....

My view is to be responsible with your procurements. If you can afford it - good for you! But don't place your or your family's well-being at risk because of your GAS affliction for the next "new, gotta-have-it" toy.

No, new hardware will not (for the most part, who knows what new technologies will offer?) make you a better photographer!

I've said it before - ours is an expensive hobby! We should all feel fortunate for the ability to express ourselves and learn a new craft or means of expression with whatever we can afford.

Go forth and practice! Want a real challenge? Try ALL MANUAL ALL THE TIME! Take a personal oath to use only ONE lens (in my case, a wide-angled prime) that you'd normally never use and use only that lens for a full week! You may surprise yourself. (Or in my case, fail miserably, as I am addicted to telephotos...)

And if you can... Spoil yourself once in a while! Life is short and you cannot take it with you!

Most of all... Have FUN and LEARN and SHARE your experiences!

Cheers,
-- Craig

Good advice. I do love the comment regarding who knows what the next technology will be. When I started with a Canon ae1 in 1979, I never dreamed of auto focus, tiny cards holding thousands of photos, or 30 frames a second. I can’t imagine what’s next. Maybe some kind of AI auto zoom that composes the best possible picture. Maybe we need a new thread, “What’s Next”