Gear Acquisition Syndrome: please help!!!

[TexPhoto]

You have a great camera and think you're taking amateur photos.  You think you need some other piece of gear.  A lens, a flash, another camera.

The painful truth...  You need knowledge and practice.  What books about photography did you read today?  Which instructional websites and youtube videos did you study?  Photoshop magazines poured through?  Photography club meeting attended?  How many thousand shots did you shoot this week?  How many of those did you post and seek critiques of? (not ridicules flickr awards)

Actually, I liked your Cuba shots.  But my point is, the photographer is more important than the equipment.  There are an insane amount of resources for learning, most of it free.  Tap in.

[Paolo]

TexPhoto,

you points make a lot of sense. When I can rationalize the problem, I see it the same way. I should stop reading lens' reviews and should go out and shoot, or read a book with good advices on how to improve my technique.

That said, sometimes the irrational side takes over and I get into troubles: 1. I like the lens itself and don't see it as an "instrument"; 2. I believe that a better lens would mean better photography (sometimes true, others not).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paolofontana/

[branden]

If TexPhoto's comments aren't enough, I'll share my own personal revelation: that travelling with just one or two prime lenses makes it much simple for me to compose shots in my head, and to quickly identify a good composition, before the camera has even left the bag. Basically, my mind's eye starts "seeing" like the lens, and ultimately I get better shots because of it. When I used to carry around 6+ lenses, I was always wasting time switching back and forth, as if when later reviewing the photos, I'm going to notice any difference between a 35mm and 28mm composition.

[Cregg Annarino]

Hey Paolo,

Why don't you attack this in this way....Buy gear that will allow you to be prepared for any situation you come across in your travels. Even if you don't need it, it's better to have it than wish you had it if needed. Maybe get a wider angle lens than the 24 zoom.....Maybe add a flash, or reflector for people shots or when you need more light......Lenses you seem to be covered except for really wide, you could upgrade to faster ones if you feel you love shooting with a certain lens.

[branden]

"Buy gear that will allow you to be prepared for any situation you come across in your travels."

Just my two cents, but that's too much gear.

[briansquibb]

I was a believer in Tex's approach, until I bought a 1D4 and a 400 f/2.8. I am now born again L kit buyer 

[goodmane]

@ Paulo

You don';t mention flash. My first suggestino (one that may result in buying several different kinds of flash and accessories, umbrellas etc. would be to visit strobist.com and read strobist 101: i.e. learn how to use flash off camera and create your own light. This will keep you entertained for a lifetime.

Secondly, I know what you mean about trying somehting new lens wise. I would suggest not going for fisheye as I think on full frame the 15mm looks too wide and specialist. I sold my 15mm fe when I got 5d from 10d.

Instead consider getting a macro e.g. 100m 2.8 used. Play with it. Then if you don't like it - or use it much after a few years - sell it and you won't have lost much if anything I donn't have the macro but will probably get one for a few years just to have a play at some point.

The great thing about most lenses is that you can buy and sell used and you don't lose much, it's like putting your money in the bank, or better sometimes  

[DavidM]

"Buy gear that will allow you to be prepared for any situation you come across in your travels."

Just my two cents, but that's too much gear.

I agree!

[Paolo]

I believe I have found my (temporary) cure in a 16-35. Ordered it a few days ago and should get it next week. I feel much better now  ...even if I realize that sooner than later I will feel the pain again.

At that point I will start asking myself questions regarding my 70-200 f4 IS and the "need" to upgrade to the f2.8 II vs the other path of pairing the f4 with a 135.

Ok ok, I will keep that aside for a while and will enjoy my 16-35 as long as possible. I will follow your good advices and practice, read, study and enjoy taking pictures.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paolofontana/

[danski0224]

I also have a 16-35, and it is probably my most used lens (5DII).

I rented the Canon and Zeiss 35mm f1.4 primes.

The Canon is nice, so is the Zeiss, but I can't get good focus with the Zeiss, even with the Eg-S screen. I have to use live view. Not sure if one of the aftermarket split screens would do the trick.

[TexPhoto]

I was a believer in Tex's approach, until I bought a 1D4 and a 400 f/2.8. I am now born again L kit buyer 

Hey don't get me wrong, I have 3 bodies, 11 lenses, and 4 flashes.  I love new gear, and pine over what I can and cannot buy.  I just wanted the OP to know he can't let that stop the learning or shooting.  We all have very different budgets, but I doubt any of us have every camera and piece of gear we want, and you can't let that dominate your photography experience.

[briansquibb]

I was a believer in Tex's approach, until I bought a 1D4 and a 400 f/2.8. I am now born again L kit buyer 

Hey don't get me wrong, I have 3 bodies, 11 lenses, and 4 flashes.  I love new gear, and pine over what I can and cannot buy.  I just wanted the OP to know he can't let that stop the learning or shooting.  We all have very different budgets, but I doubt any of us have every camera and piece of gear we want, and you can't let that dominate your photography experience.

Just selling my 2 7Ds to make room for another 1D4