it's what you do with it that counts
I don’t usually post about gear. I think it’s far too easy to get into that whole “if only I had x, I’d be a better photographer…” and stop actually concentrating on the pictures you can take with what you already have. But recently, I finally got to the stage where the 5D mkII became a reality for me, and it’s fantastic how much confidence it’s given me to shoot when I would previously have been limited – mostly because of the excellent performance at high ISO which allows me to get those low light shots. I’m also getting loads more distortion on the edges with the holga lens, because of the full frame sensor – it’s fantastic! I’m thinking of combining the low light ability with the holga lens – which may or may not be my SoFoBoMo project, depending on how initial testing goes. I’m also getting used to the 100mm with a wider field of view on the full frame sensor, which is taking a while.
Lots of people I’ve spoken to seem to get very excited about gear, but in that way where they are just impressed by something’s ability to do something, rather than the applications that it would have in their work, and I think that’s where you can fall into the trap of always looking to the next lens. It really doesn’t help anyone, and I have been known to roll my eyes and change the subject when people get too enthusiastic about ridiculously expensive stuff that they can barely hope to own in the next decade.
Of course, I then went to the Focus On Imaging show at the NEC yesterday and did some serious coveting. If only I had one of those zone plate lensbabies, and a 50mm f1.2L, and an 85mm f1.2L, and a 135mm f2L…
I guess the goal is to get to a point where you don’t find yourself limited by your gear — or at least to the point where anytime you say “I really need an X” you know that you really DO need an X — rising above the “gear lust”.
Your kit hasnt limited you. But new gear does wonders for the photographic mojo! New stuff gives you new options.
Looking forward to seeing more of your shots with your new camera. Well ware!
I have been haunted by such thoughs since I got new gear. The little devil on my right shoulder keeps whispering “buy, that, and that, and that…, because it will allow you…”.
And no. It will not allow me. Of course, there are some basic limitations, like focal length, sensitivity of the camera, video feature and so on and so forth, however the more I am thinking about new piece of kit, the more I end up thinking could I make it with the kit I have? It is only hardware, but the brain makes it work.
Like your lens from Holga. You are not discussing how it works, how fantastic it is. You just show us pictures with the sparks in your eyes when saying – “that was with my lovely Holga lens”. And that is the spirit – we all can produce wonderful pictures with what we have. And only few really need to buy some gear to produce wonderful pictures.
Don’t worry about gear. It will find a way to your (hand)bag if deserves your attention :-)
By the way, I have received two ND8 filters in my mail :-) You really need HW sometimes to do what you would like to do.