maybe too much gear talk

[Cariboucoach]

I was reading an article on line and it kind of sums up what I have seen over the past couple of years. To be honest, I don't know very much about photography or equipment, and post VERY SELDOM, but it stuck a chord with me having read a lot of what is written here.

link Removed by Admin- Its listed as a unsafe site

Obsession With New Gear (This would be me to a degree, except I can't afford anymore now)

There are, by far, too many “photographers” out there who sit at their computers and obsess over the latest and greatest photo gear while their own camera sits on the same desk collecting dust. Many of these people are the same that you will find in forums arguing over megapixels, corner sharpness, barrel distortion, MTF charts, and how they are the only ones that really know the difference between ppi and dpi. The point is, these pseudo photographers like to argue a lot about photography, but often do very little actual photographing, making them more of nuisances than anything else.

 

[Kwwund]

For some reason, this link goes nowhere and the referenced website (photobabble.com) doesn't exist. How long ago did you read the article?

 

[j-nord]

There are, by far, too many “photographers” out there who sit at their computers and obsess over the latest and greatest photo gear while their own camera sits on the same desk collecting dust. Many of these people are the same that you will find in forums arguing over megapixels, corner sharpness, barrel distortion, MTF charts, and how they are the only ones that really know the difference between ppi and dpi. The point is, these pseudo photographers like to argue a lot about photography, but often do very little actual photographing, making them more of nuisances than anything else.

This is true for any gear oriented sport/activity/hobby etc. Mountain Bike forums are way worse because there are way more parts, brands, sizes, options, aftermarket parts, standards, and 100s of new parts every year etc. It's common for people to say things like "just go ride".

 

[j-nord]

This is probably it:
https://www.photography[remove this]talk.com/photography-articles/3389-the-six-most-annoying-trends-in-photography

Weird for some reason the link is getting changed to "photobabble" even though I when I hit submit on the post it says "photography talk".

If you type "photography talk" with out the space (as one word) this website converts it to "photobabble"

 

[Tyroop]

Attributable to Swiss Army Knife Syndrome. It's a condition that affects the male brain. How many females do you see ranting and obsessing in camera gearhead forums?

 

[unfocused]

How many females do you see ranting and obsessing in camera gearhead forums?

They are too busy kicking butt with their Rebels.

 

[pwp]

There are, by far, too many “photographers” out there who sit at their computers and obsess over the latest and greatest photo gear while their own camera sits on the same desk collecting dust. Many of these people are the same that you will find in forums arguing over megapixels, corner sharpness, barrel distortion, MTF charts, and how they are the only ones that really know the difference between ppi and dpi. The point is, these pseudo photographers like to argue a lot about photography, but often do very little actual photographing, making them more of nuisances than anything else.

This is true for any gear oriented sport/activity/hobby etc. Mountain Bike forums are way worse because there are way more parts, brands, sizes, options, aftermarket parts, standards, and 100s of new parts every year etc. It's common for people to say things like "just go ride".

Point taken, but this is a gear-talk/gear-rumors site after all.

-pw

 

[Mikehit]

There are, by far, too many “photographers” out there who sit at their computers and obsess over the latest and greatest photo gear while their own camera sits on the same desk collecting dust.

I'd be interested to know how many would be the right number as opposed to 'too many'.
People go into hobbies for different reasons. Some people spend a shed load of cash on fancy cars when all they do is drive round town or drive a few miles to work, or they buy sports car magazines and talk technical car stuff with no intention of even buying anything more expensive than a family hatchback. My other vice is hifi and if you want to see people blather about unattainable gear just go on to hifi forums. Yet do the same things with cameras and suddenly it annoys some people.
I know that most of my gear is way beyond my capabilities but I like owning the best I can afford, and I like discussing and finding out about the technical side. Some people are happy owning 10-year old cameras with a MP count that would not nowadays cover a flea's arse and they turn out far superior pictures than I do. Good luck to 'em.
I learn over time whose opinion is worth listening to and whose to take with a pinch of salt and both camps have a mix of measurebators who talk sense and experienced photographers who are so biased self-obsessed that their opinion is worth squat. Its all part of the fun.

 

[Maximilian]

... Its all part of the fun.

I think you got it 100% with that.

A hobby, a passion is about the fun and fulfillment you have with it. Some just like to talk about it, some have most fun in becoming the next [put in the photographer you think is the best in the world].

And I suppose most of us like the mixture of it. Talking, having gear, aspire better gear, taking photos, post processing and so on.
And if it's "too much talking" for some, maybe it's time for them to just stop listening for a while, go out or in a studio and enjoy another facet of this hobby.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

In addition to this being a camera gear site (I have noticed a dearth of posts about cooking for example), one reason people like to discuss gear is that it is easy. Gear has attributes that are measurable. Art and the associated techniques not so much.

Two lenses can be compared and discussed as both parties have access to the same data, and the differences between the two lenses can be measured. For a particular photographer, it is possible that one piece of equipment is truly better than the other.

Having the same discussion based on artistic technique is a lot harder as even defining art is difficult (impossible?)

I do have to disagree with the second point.

"The point is, these pseudo photographers like to argue a lot about photography, but often do very little actual photographing, making them more of nuisances than anything else."

First I don't know what a "pseudo photographer" is, but I am pretty sure that it is not up to you (or anyone else here) to define that term, especially when it sounds like it is being used derisively.

Second, you are making the assumption that the amount of posting/arguing has some relation to how often a person goes out and takes photographs. That has not been demonstrated. One can easily do both. I doubt ther are any photographers who do photography every waking hour every day.

No one here really knows how much or little another member goes out to take photography. Some may do it every day, some once a year on vacation. We are all photographers.

If you find a particular member, or group of members being a "nuisance" as you put it, the only advice is not to read those threads/posts or if you do read them, don't let them get to you.

This, after all, just a forum on the Internet. It is about as far from being something important as possible.

 

[GMCPhotographics]

I was reading an article on line and it kind of sums up what I have seen over the past couple of years. To be honest, I don't know very much about photography or equipment, and post VERY SELDOM, but it stuck a chord with me having read a lot of what is written here.

link Removed by Admin- Its listed as a unsafe site

Obsession With New Gear (This would be me to a degree, except I can't afford anymore now)

There are, by far, too many “photographers” out there who sit at their computers and obsess over the latest and greatest photo gear while their own camera sits on the same desk collecting dust. Many of these people are the same that you will find in forums arguing over megapixels, corner sharpness, barrel distortion, MTF charts, and how they are the only ones that really know the difference between ppi and dpi. The point is, these pseudo photographers like to argue a lot about photography, but often do very little actual photographing, making them more of nuisances than anything else.

I totally agree with you. I'm reminded of a tag on a DPR forum poster that says "99% of gear out performs 99% of users". Which I also agree with. I have a nice stash of good quality and top tier gear, which I use to my best abilities...some gear makes certain tasks easier, but it's really about the photo and not the kit. I'm not trying to use a specific piece of kit...I'm trying to create a specific photograph.

I think this is most seen in the 24-70 f2.8 L or 35mm f1.4 L discussion. I have mk I versions of them both and there is now sharper and newer versions of them both. But, some here would indicate that I am less of a photographer for not getting the mkII versions. But the truth is that a slightly more sharp image isn't going to improve my photography much...but getting out there and using that kit to produce photos will improve my photography a lot more. yes I have TSe's, yes I have L's, yes I have fisheyes, yes I have macros and wild life white lenses...yes I have fast primes and f2.8 zooms...but it's not about the gear...these are just tools to get the photograph. It's the photograph that matters and what impresses. I'll never forget being at Birmingham's NEC Photo show a few years back...so many guys there parading around with their kit...why??? There was one bloke with a 300mm f2.8 on his camera, around his neck as he walked about the stalls....I think some photographers treat their gear like their favorite teddy or blanket! Bizarre behavior!

 

[pwp]

....I think this is most seen in the 24-70 f2.8 L or 35mm f1.4 L discussion. I have mk I versions of them both and there is now sharper and newer versions of them both. But, some here would indicate that I am less of a photographer for not getting the mkII versions. But the truth is that a slightly more sharp image isn't going to improve my photography much...

Hah! Lucky you. You clearly have one of the rare-as-hens-teeth good copies of the 24-70 f/2.8 MkI. I did prefer the design of the MkI, especially the hood, but that's about all I did like about my five in a row disappointing copies. You certainly won't be ranked by the gear you use, you'll be judged by your no-doubt excellent work.

-pw

 

[Loswr]

Gear vs. pictures. It's hard to decide which gear to use to take pictures of my gear.

 

[Don Haines]

Gear vs. pictures. It's hard to decide which gear to use to take pictures of my gear.

creative use of mirrors?

 

[Loswr]

Gear vs. pictures. It's hard to decide which gear to use to take pictures of my gear.

creative use of mirrors?

Been there, done that.

 

[Don Haines]

sometime we go out and play at the same time as we "obsess about gear". Last night the question came up about infra red photography and how the Olympus C-300 seemed to work the best.... so we had to go out and see how the 7D2 worked.

Interestingly enough, we found out that the AF system on the 7D2 will work through the IR filter... and that if you adjust the exposure compensation to +3 you get a more-or-less properly exposed image...

This "obsessing" is one of the ways that people learn to use their gear.... and there are usually images involved.

 

[Zv]

Gear talk is an integral part of the Gear Acquisition Cycle which if not kept in check can lead to Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Observe

Subject buys cheap low quality gear > uses said gear and gets meh results > comes on forum to find out how to improve > finds out about better gear > Subject buys better gear ... the cycle restarts.

Eventually the cycle is broken when the wallet is empty and the results look the same and a moment of clarity reveals what they feared all along ...

;D ;D ;D

 

[JonAustin]

OK, you got me.

I check in with this site at least once a day on most of the days I'm in my office.

I probably only pull out my gear and actually use it two or three times a month.

Where do I go to turn in my CanonRumors credentials?

(By the way, is there any more hackneyed criticism on CR than "those who can't, post"?)

 

[Besisika]

I think, it is just an opinion of those who convinced themselves that a photographer is only someone who makes a living out of it and tries to hold on to that title at all cost. It is like saying that only cab driver is a driver.

My first rule of photography is "know your gear" and if someone or group of people are ready to give me that knowledge; I take it.
Practice is important and I give him a point on that as there must be some balance in between the two.
My opinion though, calling gear oriented people "nuisances" is inappropriate even for the best ever photographer like him.

 

[Zv]

OK, you got me.

I check in with this site at least once a day on most of the days I'm in my office.

I probably only pull out my gear and actually use it two or three times a month.

Where do I go to turn in my CanonRumors credentials?

(By the way, is there any more hackneyed criticism on CR than "those who can't, post"?)

Exactly, some of us have jobs and we naturally get bored and distracted and need something to fill the time!

But seriously it's nice to talk about gear from time to time. I can only get out to shoot at the weekends so during the week I like to stay "in the game" by reading about new gear, rumors, photo techniques and anything else going about. Might as well stay in the know! And what's wrong with a bit of gear banter in the process?