Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) Infinite Decision Loop

[OwlBeBack]

Anyone else sometimes get stuck in an "GAS Decision Loop" or just me? I currently shoot with a Z50 and the f-mount 200-500mm and am planning to upgrade to the Z50ii. The current sale has me also considering the 400mm f4.5 (or 100-400 which is a separate sub-loop) for a super lightweight bird setup, which by total dollar value now has me in Z8 territory and reevaluating if a lightweight set up is really my priority. And the loop continues...

 

[DavidT]

I think we have all been there. I’m not anymore for the most part. Simply upgraded to the gear I really wanted and now no longer have the constant thoughts of wanting something better.

 

[calcal]

I think 'GAS' is really a sub-hobby of photography. For the non-professionals, it's like having two hobbies in one.

 

[OwlBeBack]

I think 'GAS' is really a sub-hobby of photography. For the non-professionals, it's like having two hobbies in one.

True... it certainly takes up just as much time.

 

[TurtleCat]

I used to be. I stopped being susceptible to GAS about 10 years ago, though. I got it into my head that I’ll only buy what I’ll actually use often enough. And if I don’t use something often enough then it gets sold. I’ve wasted a little money that way but at the same time I saved a lot by not buying the new shiny that sits at home doing nothing. Same reason why I have only one camera body.

 

[Anjin San]

For dedicated wildlife or birds…I would suggest a full frame body as putting the FX lenses on a DX body vice FX doesn’t save much weight. That would suggest the Z6III or Z8…and for birds the extra MP of the Z8 come in handy. Both of those are 10 or so ounces more than the Z50 series…but the lens is most of the weight anyway. I have 2 Z8s and considered a Z6III as a light travel solution but it really doesn’t save much weight at all so gave that idea up. Of budget allows…I think the Z8 is the way to go for most wildlife shooters Unless you want the grip or the larger body due to hand size or because of long video needs.

I recently went through a similar loop myself on upgrade or not my Orbi mesh routers…and while we did pick what we would upgrade to we eventually came down on the if it ain’t broke don’t fix it theory. The Orbis are not broke but in reduced status…a firmware failure on Netgear’s fault disabled the ability to web in and configure them (and also access from their app)…but they still work fine otherwise. We are going to upgrade if they break or if we get more devices that have better wifi than WiFi 6.

The loop seems to go round and round though.…and in my mind I keep thinking about the Z6III…but it doesn’t solve a problem or need so save the bucks I say.

 

[fcotterill]

Anyone else sometimes get stuck in an "GAS Decision Loop" or just me? I currently shoot with a Z50 and the f-mount 200-500mm and am planning to upgrade to the Z50ii. The current sale has me also considering the 400mm f4.5 (or 100-400 which is a separate sub-loop) for a super lightweight bird setup, which by total dollar value now has me in Z8 territory and reevaluating if a lightweight set up is really my priority. And the loop continues...

Nikonitis is a very serious affliction, especially if its symptoms are buying telephotos and Pro ILCs. The fiscal depredations can be mitigated by buying Used items only.
Insolvency is one cure or falling under the total control of an austere partner, but these situations can be transient, where after a relapse is likely.

 

[Replytoken]

For dedicated wildlife or birds…I would suggest a full frame body as putting the FX lenses on a DX body vice FX doesn’t save much weight. That would suggest the Z6III or Z8…and for birds the extra MP of the Z8 come in handy. Both of those are 10 or so ounces more than the Z50 series…but the lens is most of the weight anyway. I have 2 Z8s and considered a Z6III as a light travel solution but it really doesn’t save much weight at all so gave that idea up. Of budget allows…I think the Z8 is the way to go for most wildlife shooters Unless you want the grip or the larger body due to hand size or because of long video needs.

I recently went through a similar loop myself on upgrade or not my Orbi mesh routers…and while we did pick what we would upgrade to we eventually came down on the if it ain’t broke don’t fix it theory. The Orbis are not broke but in reduced status…a firmware failure on Netgear’s fault disabled the ability to web in and configure them (and also access from their app)…but they still work fine otherwise. We are going to upgrade if they break or if we get more devices that have better wifi than WiFi 6.

The loop seems to go round and round though.…and in my mind I keep thinking about the Z6III…but it doesn’t solve a problem or need so save the bucks I say.

I do love my Z6iii for normal photography, but have not been as happy with it with recent BIF outings. Its a great low light camera, the focus system is a vast improvement over older bodies, but there is less pixel density than a Z8, Z9 or Z50ii. So when 500mm is not cutting it because the birds are just a bit further out in the field, I do not have the same cropping ability that many of the photographers standing next to me have with these pixel dense bodies. I am not saying that cropping is the be all, end all, but if you can still get 19MP in DX mode, that is a nice safety net if a bit of cropping is being considered. I wanted a small body for travel so I did not want a Z8, but if Nikon had launched a Z7iii, I would have given it some serious consideration. Now I am trying to decide a better, and affordable, path forward for BIF. The Z50ii offers a lot at a reasonable price for those in a similar situation, so I cannot complain. But it always seems that a kit that I am comfortable with and that works well for me is always just out of reach. I beat GAS in audio a number of years ago, and I am looking forward to when my BIF gear becomes second thought and I have no desire to make changes to it.

--Ken

 

[abc123brian]

I have been there and it is a difficult decision. I think the 100-400 and 400 4.5 are great lenses and it’s generally better to invest in glass than bodies. The 180-600 is also a significant upgrade to the 200-500 in most ways. My 200-500 was very sharp so I didn’t notice much difference in IQ but the build quality, weight distribution, focus speed, zoom throw are all improved on the 180-600. The 600PF is a great lens option. If you end up with a full frame body, you might prefer getting to the 600mm range for birding so keep that in mind. If you decide to stretch your budget on the camera, go with the Z8. The only area the Z8 has had me looking at other bodies is my search for a small, travel camera that I could preferably fit in my pocket. It is really good at just about everything and performance wise probably the best bargain available. Having the Z8 and quality Z glass, there isn’t much left for GAS to be an issue. I think if you get the Z50ii you will probably keep looking at the other body options and if you get the 400 and later get a Z6iii or Z8 you will want a 600. A Z8 and 180-600 would probably keep you satisfied for longer.

 

[bleirer]

I shoot Canon, but I'd go for the z8, since I'm spending your money. Just look at the side by side comparisons, they are different classes of cameras and the old lenses take to the mount adapters very well.

Nikon Z50 II vs Nikon Z8 Detailed Comparison

Read our detailed comparison of the Nikon Z50 II vs Nikon Z8 to find out their strengths and weaknesses, and decide which one to choose.

cameradecision.com

 

[MrFotoFool]

A lot of us have it and it's a matter of not buying impulsively, but realistically evaluating what you need.

If I was in your situation, I think I might get a Z6iii. (BTW I own a Z8 and a Z6iii and see little difference in use, other than the larger megapixels and slightly larger body size of Z8, both of which are nice).

 

[Harmonicat]

A lot of us have it and it's a matter of not buying impulsively, but realistically evaluating what you need.

If I was in your situation, I think I might get a Z6iii. (BTW I own a Z8 and a Z6iii and see little difference in use, other than the larger megapixels and slightly larger body size of Z8, both of which are nice).

Agree on this. I went from shooting a D500 to the Fuji X-H2 to the Z9 largely through evaluating what I felt were the important aspects of a camera that I needed in an upgrade. Although Z6III and Z50II did not exist when I made this change.

Nikon have, at least in my opinion, smartly avoided creating a true successor to the D500 which has ultimately pushed more shooters (myself included) to the high-end full frame to get a similar experience in a mirrorless body. The high speed shooting, ability to quick swap from FX to DX without large quality sacrifices, and the stacked sensor to reduce rolling shutter (which was my biggest gripe with the X-H2) pushed me to a pretty significant upgrade.

If you have a hierarchy of needs in a camera body, the products on the market today are so good from all manufacturers that you can easily create a kit without significant drawbacks, which once you do so should greatly reduce the creeping desire to buy new gear (for myself I'm planning a lens upgrade since I'm still using the 200-500 I had paired with D500).

 

[spamalot1950]

FWIW, it's not just photographic gear which is subject to the whims of GAS. Fishing tackle is in there, too! And, "what I need" and "what I want" rarely have a nodding acquaintance with one another.

 

[pnbarne]

When the Z100-400 first came out there was a several month backlog. Figuring that there was lots of time to make an actual decision I ordered one from Nikon. Surprise!!! There was a charge to my credit card the very same day and the lens was at my door in two days. Fortunately, my wife is somewhat tolerant of my adventures by now but it did require a lot of humble pie.

So, Nikon is busily facilitating GAS. There must be some sort of AI that tells them to send it now or this guy might cancel his order.

 

[MatthewK]

Embarrassingly, I too get stuck in these infinite loops I'm at the point where the 600PF is constant and isn't going anywhere, and the indecision is b/w the 100-400/400 4.5/180-600. Think I'm settling on the 100-400 though to compliment the 600PF into the future, as the 400 4.5 was serving too narrow of a purpose, and I don't want to carry around the 186 for only occasional use.