Getting lost in the GAS rabit hole. Finally saw the light.

[dtc25]

We all get GAS on occasion. When I do, I try to force myself to be more analytical and practical. It doesn't always work, but often it does.

I find that giving in to GAS is a bit like hopping the car and then wondering where you should go. It's much better to know the destination and then decide how to get there. Gear-wise, decide what your priorities are and don't lose track of them.

Say you have X amount of money saved and it's not enough to get what you really want. You could compromise and get lesser gear, but then you've wiped out your savings and may still feel disappointed. Instead, why not get one piece of your 'dream kit'? That will be money well spent and later, when you can add another piece, it will be a logical step forward, filling out a cohesive system that fits your use case. And you won't lose money having to sell off gear that wasn't right for you in the first place.

Sometimes people get GAS as a means to reinvigorate their photography. New gear always makes you want to get out and shoot. Instead, challenge yourself to find better subjects, improve your technique, composition skills, photographic eye, etc. It's free and will transfer equally to any system you invest in later.

Keep your kit lean. Having multiple brands, different mounts, sensor sizes, adapters, etc. all add clutter and spread your budget too thin. Pick a system and build it with a purpose. Obviously, those with more funds can build multiple systems, but those like me who have to be frugal, one good system is a worthy goal.

Good advice. I try to follow it but don’t always succeed. A good example in my case is the 40mm f/2. I was very tempted, but stopped and thought “do I need it? How much would I use it? I can’t make a real case for buying one, so I fought back against the GAS this time.

 

[Barnie25]

If I were to switch I am very tempted to switch my setup for a X-H1 or X-S10 and a 35mm f2 and save up for the 18-55 from Fuji. The main argument for it is that Fuji has lots of good lenses which cost half that of a Nikon Z FF lens.

 

[LeicaEye]

We all get GAS on occasion. When I do, I try to force myself to be more analytical and practical. It doesn't always work, but often it does.

I find that giving in to GAS is a bit like hopping the car and then wondering where you should go. It's much better to know the destination and then decide how to get there. Gear-wise, decide what your priorities are and don't lose track of them.

Say you have X amount of money saved and it's not enough to get what you really want. You could compromise and get lesser gear, but then you've wiped out your savings and may still feel disappointed. Instead, why not get one piece of your 'dream kit'? That will be money well spent and later, when you can add another piece, it will be a logical step forward, filling out a cohesive system that fits your use case. And you won't lose money having to sell off gear that wasn't right for you in the first place.

Sometimes people get GAS as a means to reinvigorate their photography. New gear always makes you want to get out and shoot. Instead, challenge yourself to find better subjects, improve your technique, composition skills, photographic eye, etc. It's free and will transfer equally to any system you invest in later.

Keep your kit lean. Having multiple brands, different mounts, sensor sizes, adapters, etc. all add clutter and spread your budget too thin. Pick a system and build it with a purpose. Obviously, those with more funds can build multiple systems, but those like me who have to be frugal, one good system is a worthy goal.

Good advice. I try to follow it but don’t always succeed. A good example in my case is the 40mm f/2. I was very tempted, but stopped and thought “do I need it? How much would I use it? I can’t make a real case for buying one, so I fought back against the GAS this time.

I did that with a FishEye..finally gave in, what a fun lens, learning curve yes, but still F U N ~ and that is what life and photography is all about.. L



--
Everyday is a Challenge. I Meet It Head On..

 

[MyReality]

Congratulations on shaking your addiction. It is part of knowing who you are and what you want.

 

[VBLondon]

That's the other option. Not buy any lenses, and either buy new or buy a second hand Z5 somewhere early next year.

The 24/70, 50mm 1.8 and a 28 2.8 seems like a really nice 3 lens setup... But most likely I would want the 24-105 S when it comes out. That's the perfect lens on a FF body for me.

Look at a Z6 used, in the UK in dependably "like new" condition they are slightly less than a like new used Z5.

You're not going to make your lens and stabilisation needs fit with Nikon DX, without clunky workarounds. My instinct would be to just bite the bullet and go FX now.

Nikon hasn't bothered with "premium" DX lenses because they have FX lenses competitive with premium APSC and m43 lenses. What I mean is that FX zooms like the 24-70 f4, 14-30f4 and 24-200 are not really bigger, heavier or more expensive than the premium equivalents which are f2.8 in APSC and would be f2 in m43.

For example, if you bought the Fuji X-H1, you could get the 16-55 f2.8 premium zoom. But that's slightly more expensive and meaningfully larger and heavier than the Z24-70 f4S. The Z S lenses are all pro built and weather sealed, they are not consumer kit lenses.

Take the WA zoom example. The Fuji 8-12 f2.8 is equivalent to the Z14-30 f4. Except the Z is smaller, 60% of the weight and is 65% of the price - the Fuji is a $2000 lens vs $1300 for the Nikkor. The cost delta in just this one lens is more than the cost delta between a Z50 and a Z5. That's why Nikon haven't bothered with premium DX lenses. It doesn't make sense, it's too close and adjacent to the FX line.

Don't get me wrong, I think Nikon should have a handful more DX lenses - a compact WA zoom and a couple of native DX primes with VR (the 28 2.8 looks nice but it's too big and slow for DX in my view), but not premium zooms and primes.

 

[Barnie25]

That's the other option. Not buy any lenses, and either buy new or buy a second hand Z5 somewhere early next year.

The 24/70, 50mm 1.8 and a 28 2.8 seems like a really nice 3 lens setup... But most likely I would want the 24-105 S when it comes out. That's the perfect lens on a FF body for me.

Look at a Z6 used, in the UK in dependably "like new" condition they are slightly less than a like new used Z5.

You're not going to make your lens and stabilisation needs fit with Nikon DX, without clunky workarounds. My instinct would be to just bite the bullet and go FX now.

Nikon hasn't bothered with "premium" DX lenses because they have FX lenses competitive with premium APSC and m43 lenses. What I mean is that FX zooms like the 24-70 f4, 14-30f4 and 24-200 are not really bigger, heavier or more expensive than the premium equivalents which are f2.8 in APSC and would be f2 in m43.

For example, if you bought the Fuji X-H1, you could get the 16-55 f2.8 premium zoom. But that's slightly more expensive and meaningfully larger and heavier than the Z24-70 f4S. The Z S lenses are all pro built and weather sealed, they are not consumer kit lenses.

Take the WA zoom example. The Fuji 8-12 f2.8 is equivalent to the Z14-30 f4. Except the Z is smaller, 60% of the weight and is 65% of the price - the Fuji is a $2000 lens vs $1300 for the Nikkor. The cost delta in just this one lens is more than the cost delta between a Z50 and a Z5. That's why Nikon haven't bothered with premium DX lenses. It doesn't make sense, it's too close and adjacent to the FX line.

Don't get me wrong, I think Nikon should have a handful more DX lenses - a compact WA zoom and a couple of native DX primes with VR (the 28 2.8 looks nice but it's too big and slow for DX in my view), but not premium zooms and primes.

You are not wrong. I have also here in the Netherlands seen Z6 cameras for around €1100. I will try to use my electronic shutter as much as possible to keep my clicks on my Z50 down so that I can salvage some €400 from it in roughly 6 months. I am curious for how much a second hand Z5 would go for. I'm kind of hoping to see them popping up next year. I dont think that for my photography needs I will significantly notice the difference between the Z5 and Z6. Also dual card slots is not a bad thing as well.

 

[VBLondon]

I dont think that for my photography needs I will significantly notice the difference between the Z5 and Z6. Also dual card slots is not a bad thing as well.

I agree, the main advantages of the Z6 are in video and burst shooting. Nikon wisely did not downgrade the Z5. For example, I think it has the same excellent EVF electronics and optics as the Z6. But in the used market, as I mentioned (at least here in the UK) the Z6 is slightly cheaper than the Z5. This is a reliable and reasonable site I've used to buy and sell https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/

 

[Barnie25]

I dont think that for my photography needs I will significantly notice the difference between the Z5 and Z6. Also dual card slots is not a bad thing as well.

I agree, the main advantages of the Z6 are in video and burst shooting. Nikon wisely did not downgrade the Z5. For example, I think it has the same excellent EVF electronics and optics as the Z6. But in the used market, as I mentioned (at least here in the UK) the Z6 is slightly cheaper than the Z5. This is a reliable and reasonable site I've used to buy and sell https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/

I've read some iffy reviews of mpb, mainly pertaining to their shipping with dpd which I have bad experiences with. I rather buy my secondhand products from camera stores here locally.

But as you said I am also very happy that the Z5 and the Z6 are very similar with regard to stills as I don't do video.

 

[VBLondon]

I dont think that for my photography needs I will significantly notice the difference between the Z5 and Z6. Also dual card slots is not a bad thing as well.

I agree, the main advantages of the Z6 are in video and burst shooting. Nikon wisely did not downgrade the Z5. For example, I think it has the same excellent EVF electronics and optics as the Z6. But in the used market, as I mentioned (at least here in the UK) the Z6 is slightly cheaper than the Z5. This is a reliable and reasonable site I've used to buy and sell https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/

I've read some iffy reviews of mpb, mainly pertaining to their shipping with dpd which I have bad experiences with. I rather buy my secondhand products from camera stores here locally.
But as you said I am also very happy that the Z5 and the Z6 are very similar with regard to stills as I don't do video.

For 20 years I never used any online service. For security and time/effort, I'd never use Ebay to sell, so I just sold to my Nikon dealer.

I read good reviews of MBP, so I tried them once, selling a Fuji X100. Great experience. Since then I've sold them a Df and a half-dozen AFD lenses. Not a single hiccup. Every product accepted with my description, no delivery/collection issues, every penny paid as quoted into my bank within 48hrs of DPD collecting the package. That's how it is in the UK. I've found the prices and the spread between the buy and sell varies from "excellent" to "OK", I guess subject to market conditions, but always better than a physical store and not far off ebay. I support my dealer when I buy new, but it just doesn't make sense selling used gear to them (except occasional premium items where demand is strong).

Of course my experience is just selling to MPB, not buying, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy, given how honest the service is when selling (and where you are more 'vulnerable').

 

[NikonNature]

We all get GAS on occasion. When I do, I try to force myself to be more analytical and practical. It doesn't always work, but often it does.

I find that giving in to GAS is a bit like hopping the car and then wondering where you should go. It's much better to know the destination and then decide how to get there. Gear-wise, decide what your priorities are and don't lose track of them.

Say you have X amount of money saved and it's not enough to get what you really want. You could compromise and get lesser gear, but then you've wiped out your savings and may still feel disappointed. Instead, why not get one piece of your 'dream kit'? That will be money well spent and later, when you can add another piece, it will be a logical step forward, filling out a cohesive system that fits your use case. And you won't lose money having to sell off gear that wasn't right for you in the first place.

Sometimes people get GAS as a means to reinvigorate their photography. New gear always makes you want to get out and shoot. Instead, challenge yourself to find better subjects, improve your technique, composition skills, photographic eye, etc. It's free and will transfer equally to any system you invest in later.

Keep your kit lean. Having multiple brands, different mounts, sensor sizes, adapters, etc. all add clutter and spread your budget too thin. Pick a system and build it with a purpose. Obviously, those with more funds can build multiple systems, but those like me who have to be frugal, one good system is a worthy goal.

Good advice. I try to follow it but don’t always succeed. A good example in my case is the 40mm f/2. I was very tempted, but stopped and thought “do I need it? How much would I use it? I can’t make a real case for buying one, so I fought back against the GAS this time.

I did that with a FishEye..finally gave in, what a fun lens, learning curve yes, but still F U N ~ and that is what life and photography is all about.. L

Yes indeed! And it's impossible to have a consensus, because everyone's situation is different. Some people can afford to have multiple systems with no justification other than 'I wanted it'. That's fine and I don't begrudge them one bit. Others, like me, have to save for a couple years to upgrade their existing kit. That gives me plenty of time to just focus on getting better :-D



--
Jeff

Jeff Loomis

Explore Jeff Loomis’s 1,058 photos on Flickr!

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[sirhawkeye64]

Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.

Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.

Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?

Yes but I later realized that all the buying / selling wasn't worth it. I eventually told myself "Hey, there will always be something better out there, but do I REALLY need it. How will getting a new body or lens change my photography? What else could I have done with $XXXX?" And usually asking myself those three questions talks me out of most things.

I've also adopted a mindset of "I'd rather have a mid-range camera kit and enough money left over to go on trips, versus falling prey to GAS over and over again, and having nice gear, but no money left over for trips/vacations."

I think once you stop and think about all the money you may waste (buying/selling) and falling into the GAS trap over and over again, it will surprise you, it will scare you, and you'll think twice or three times about all future purchases. At least it did for me. You will be more careful with your dollars after that point (unless of course you have a large disposable income, which most people's do not). I mean just thinking back on some of the trades and purchases I did over the years, it makes me cringe just thinking about some of them and how much money I lost, because I felt what I had was inferior to the then-current model.

While I have purchased additional bodies, I still use my 2.5 year old Z7 camera plenty, along with my 85mm and 14-30 (which are my two oldest Z lenses). I've obviously bought other lenses for my kit, but they were ones I planned to get from the start anyway. I just waited until I could afford each lens and then bought it (or I waited for sale). So I guess I built my kit with intention, and plan to keep it until the bodies need replacing (and if I"m not sticking with Nikon after the next 4-5 years then some things will change). But if I am, then I will likely keep those lenses as I personally don't require much in terms of gear for the stuff I do. This isn't to say I haven't invested a lot in gear, because if you look at my gear list, I have put a lot of dollars into my kit, but I'm also doing this for the long term. I'm not the type that would buy a generation 2 Z 70-200 for example (hypothetically speaking) just because it's the latest thing. Even if the optics were slightly improved, I'd probably still shoot the current Z 70-200.


(If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread, so please PM me if you have a question.)

 

[LeicaEye]

Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.

Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.

Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?

Yes but I later realized that all the buying / selling wasn't worth it. I eventually told myself "Hey, there will always be something better out there, but do I REALLY need it. How will getting a new body or lens change my photography? What else could I have done with $XXXX?" And usually asking myself those three questions talks me out of most things.

I've also adopted a mindset of "I'd rather have a mid-range camera kit and enough money left over to go on trips, versus falling prey to GAS over and over again, and having nice gear, but no money left over for trips/vacations."

I think once you stop and think about all the money you may waste (buying/selling) and falling into the GAS trap over and over again, it will surprise you, it will scare you, and you'll think twice or three times about all future purchases. At least it did for me. You will be more careful with your dollars after that point (unless of course you have a large disposable income, which most people's do not).

Mostly I agree with you, but, sadly, due to Covid the travel part is mostly not going to happen.. So spend on your equipment wish list.. Thats what I did.. 4 Canon Lenses, the Leica CL & 23mm T Summicron ASPH Lens.. By the time travel is as back to as normal as can be expected the funds will have replenished.. A Win Win... L



--
Everyday is a Challenge. I Meet It Head On..

 

[BasilG]

I had gas quite bad until i realised that my pictures today are no better than 5-6 years ago.

I just re-processed some images from 2012 last weekend. They were great - shot with a D90 mostly. I wouldn't say that today's equipment wouldn't have made a difference at all (I know they'd be better with a Z7), but I was surprised by how well the old gear holds up.

 

[MyReality]

The Z5 is also tempting for me, but I would get a 35 or 40mm for street.

I got the GAS addiction "monkey off my back" about three years and bought a Nikon D5500 with 35mm f/1.8 G. It is perfect for next to the street, but a little too wide for most things across the street. A 50mm would be much better for that.




California mode of transportation




The contortionist.




The happy guy.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.

Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.

Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?

Yes but I later realized that all the buying / selling wasn't worth it. I eventually told myself "Hey, there will always be something better out there, but do I REALLY need it. How will getting a new body or lens change my photography? What else could I have done with $XXXX?" And usually asking myself those three questions talks me out of most things.

I've also adopted a mindset of "I'd rather have a mid-range camera kit and enough money left over to go on trips, versus falling prey to GAS over and over again, and having nice gear, but no money left over for trips/vacations."

I think once you stop and think about all the money you may waste (buying/selling) and falling into the GAS trap over and over again, it will surprise you, it will scare you, and you'll think twice or three times about all future purchases. At least it did for me. You will be more careful with your dollars after that point (unless of course you have a large disposable income, which most people's do not).

Mostly I agree with you, but, sadly, due to Covid the travel part is mostly not going to happen.. So spend on your equipment wish list.. Thats what I did.. 4 Canon Lenses, the Leica CL & 23mm T Summicron ASPH Lens.. By the time travel is as back to as normal as can be expected the funds will have replenished.. A Win Win... L

Well, to each his own I guess. I just stashed the money I would have spent on trips, saving up for another trip. I did buy a few of the "lesser expensive" lenses (like the 50mm 1.8 S). But IDK, I'd rather just stash it and possibly save up for multiple trips or a longer/more exotic trip than buy gear just because I have the funds and the funds will b replenished later... Different perspective on how one should spend their spare cash I guess.

--
(If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread, so please PM me if you have a question.)

 

[LeicaEye]

Was convinced my Z50 wasn't good enough, after looking at different cameras. Going to camera stores and trying out different things I have come to the conclusion that selling my Z50 and my gear at a big loss isn't going to be useful. Instead I will get a FTZ adapter and get maybe invest in a f4 VR lens or some of the Sigma lenses that were released for DSLR's.

I'm looking at the 105 2.8, the 17-70 2.8-4 and the Nikon 24-85 3.5-4.5.

Perhaps someday Nikon will release a Z60/Z70 with IBIS to complement it.

Have you guys gone through such GAS periods?

Yes but I later realized that all the buying / selling wasn't worth it. I eventually told myself "Hey, there will always be something better out there, but do I REALLY need it. How will getting a new body or lens change my photography? What else could I have done with $XXXX?" And usually asking myself those three questions talks me out of most things.

I've also adopted a mindset of "I'd rather have a mid-range camera kit and enough money left over to go on trips, versus falling prey to GAS over and over again, and having nice gear, but no money left over for trips/vacations."

I think once you stop and think about all the money you may waste (buying/selling) and falling into the GAS trap over and over again, it will surprise you, it will scare you, and you'll think twice or three times about all future purchases. At least it did for me. You will be more careful with your dollars after that point (unless of course you have a large disposable income, which most people's do not).

Mostly I agree with you, but, sadly, due to Covid the travel part is mostly not going to happen.. So spend on your equipment wish list.. Thats what I did.. 4 Canon Lenses, the Leica CL & 23mm T Summicron ASPH Lens.. By the time travel is as back to as normal as can be expected the funds will have replenished.. A Win Win... L

Well, to each his own I guess. I just stashed the money I would have spent on trips, saving up for another trip. I did buy a few of the "lesser expensive" lenses (like the 50mm 1.8 S). But IDK, I'd rather just stash it and possibly save up for multiple trips or a longer/more exotic trip than buy gear just because I have the funds and the funds will b replenished later... Different perspective on how one should spend their spare cash I guess.

--
(If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread, so please PM me if you have a question.)

As they say, to each his own.. A different view depending on your income.. $125000k allows both spend and save..$50k bread line.. L

--
Everyday is a Challenge. I Meet It Head On..

 

[Atahualpa]

They released APS-C primes 23mm, 33mm, and 56mm all F1.4. That's some nice options for a Z50 as these are the equivalent of 35, 50, 85 1.8 lenses for full frame.

Plus Viltrox manufactures autofocus lenses for the z mount.

 

[Barnie25]

Despite what I proclaimed in this threat, GAS has caught up with me. I am leaving Nikon for Fuji. I am changing my Z50 for a X-T30. The main reason for me was the bigger choice of DX specific lenses.

 

[PerL]

Despite what I proclaimed in this threat, GAS has caught up with me. I am leaving Nikon for Fuji. I am changing my Z50 for a X-T30. The main reason for me was the bigger choice of DX specific lenses.

Another alternativ is a Z5. If image quality is the goal. I just bought one in addition my Z50.

 

[Barnie25]

Despite what I proclaimed in this threat, GAS has caught up with me. I am leaving Nikon for Fuji. I am changing my Z50 for a X-T30. The main reason for me was the bigger choice of DX specific lenses.

So why not a Z5? If it is image quality you are after. I just bought one in addition my Z50.

Mostly its a cost issue. Image quality wise I think the X-T30 and Z50 are very close but if I wanted to trade in my Z50 for a Z5, I would have to still pay a €700 or so, where as now I will trade in my lenses and my body for a X-T30, a grip and a 35mm prime. I can then get something like a 16-55 or 16-80 as my next lens and have a really lean and versatile kit. That way I dont pay for full frame lenses but will still get the same type of image quality.

If I want to upgrade to a good lens, with Fuji I can get one for 400 to 600 euros where as the Z lenses are mostly 800 to a 1000+.