Too Many Lenses

[Ian_of_glos]

As my lens collection grows, I am forced to ask myself how many lenses is too many?
My wife thinks I am already way past that point, so what are your thoughts? At what point would you consider that you have too many lenses?

 

[neuroanatomist]

Too.

Many.

Lenses.

Sorry, I just don't understand.

 

[korf]

I think if you have ones you never (or almost never use) or more likely if you have significant overlap in focal length and aperture - assuming those lenses have equivalent IQ. Honestly, its a problem I'm not yet having - my budget doesn't always match my GAS.

 

[BasXcanon]

Too many all depends on what you are shooting and how often.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

How many do you have? If you know, then you don't have enough

 

[AUGS]

I've always thought the ideal number of anything you really enjoy (and can afford) is n+1.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Actually, it depends on the intended use.

Someone who makes a living with photography will need some lenses for specific situations. This avoids feeling inferior to a customer: "I do not have the equipment I need to do this job." :-[

If you only shoot for fun, the only requirement should be your personal taste, right? ??? But how do you feel accomplished with a 70-200 F2.8 at the zoo, and see Uncle Ted photographing the fly on the gorilla's nose with his superzoom?

Whatever the purpose of your photography, it is better to have things that you actually use, to sell what is left for several months just by taking dust off the shelf.

 

[ethanz]

Do you actually know every lens you own off the top of your head? If it takes you a minute to remember them or you have to actually look, then maybe you have too many. (or if you need a website with pictures and descriptions of each lens... you know who you are)

 

[neuroanatomist]

This might be enough.

At least, until Canon launches a new one.

 

[Dylan777]

Its good to be Sony shooter....sometimes ;D

 

[ethanz]

This might be enough.

At least, until Canon launches a new one.

I'm sure you make enough, you could complete your set. It looks like you are only missing a few.

 

[ethanz]

Its good to be Sony shooter....sometimes ;D

;D good one

 

[Click]

Its good to be Sony shooter....sometimes ;D

;D ;D ;D

 

[Ozarker]

Never enough. Lenses are the photographic world's equivalent of crack.

 

[neuroanatomist]

I'm sure you make enough, you could complete your set. It looks like you are only missing a few.

I only have 20, so I have a ways to go.

 

[AlanF]

I have just sold all of mine I haven't used for a year. It's my contribution to global warming by recycling and allowing others to buy and enjoy good used lenses.

 

[niels123]

I'm sure you make enough, you could complete your set. It looks like you are only missing a few.

I only have 20, so I have a ways to go.

Are 5 USD vintage lenses included in that number?

 

[James Larsen]

This might be enough.

At least, until Canon launches a new one.

I'm sure you make enough, you could complete your set. It looks like you are only missing a few.

You are forgetting about adding Sigma Art lenses, along with Canon's new lenses, and the Tamron SP lenses. Add an Irix, and a Laowa and you'll be set!

 

[Pookie]

Are we talking about just Canon lenses? There is also Leica, Fuji, Pentax, and Mamiya. And I've just started on a selection of LF... Schneider-Kreuznach are a whole nother ball game.

 

[Zeidora]

LF Schneider XLs indeed! also Rodenstock, or Sinar.
Then there are the co-opted lenses such as a EL Nikkor 80 mm for UV reflectance. And the Coastaloptics version, that I am contemplating. I do clean out the closet with stuff I don't use anymore. Almost all my C/Y Zeisses are gone (except the 16 mm F-Distagon), and replaced with EOS mount versions. But if it works, and I use it once in a blue moon, I keep it.
Don't know how many lenses I've rotated through; guess around 50 or so. I currently have about 13 SLR lenses (all primes), and about 7 LF (one is the Nikkor-T360/500/720 triple convertible) lenses, plus three stereomicroscope lenses, and five compound microscope lenses for my personal scopes.