Gear Acquisition Syndrome
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Gear Acquisition Syndrome
1–10 of 163 posts
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#2It's a big problem for photographers too. Especially with the rapid progress of mirrorless cameras there is always the next camera or lens you need to get. I have bought lenses and never used them. I have also spent more time on looking for accessories for my 3D printer than actually using it.
Not sure how to combat GAS. I feel for people with a full time job it somehow compensates for the lack of time working on one's hobbies
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#3Happens for pretty much every hobby with expensive equipment: telescopes, bikes, guns, etc.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#4I do this for electronics; Parts, Materials and Kit. I don't buy PMK because I think it'll make me more skilled, I do it because I want to. I have noticed, however, that when I've got something physically, and can examine it and play with it, then it becomes like a new word in mental vocabulary that I can think with.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#5It's a big problem for photographers too. Especially with the rapid progress of mirrorless cameras there is always the next camera or lens you need to get. I have bought lenses and never used them. I have also spent more time on looking for accessories for my 3D printer than actually using it. Not sure how to combat GAS. I feel for people with a full time job it somehow compensates for the lack of time working on one…
My explanation is quite simple: cool toys are cool, and they give us the illusion of being better at our hobbies than we actually are. I sometimes indulge in some Gear Acquisition too -- but I try to be cognizant of the fact that if not done carefully, it only leads to a short-term happiness kick which quickly leads to another episode of GAS.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#6It's a big problem for photographers too. Especially with the rapid progress of mirrorless cameras there is always the next camera or lens you need to get. I have bought lenses and never used them. I have also spent more time on looking for accessories for my 3D printer than actually using it. Not sure how to combat GAS. I feel for people with a full time job it somehow compensates for the lack of time working on one…
On the bright side I sometimes sell used camera gear for more than I bought it. A combo body and lens can sell more than the items separately if marketed correctly and when including sample photos.
That said, I still haven't bought a new camera body.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#7Is there a study on the guilt that comes with over acquiring gears.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#8There are 3 hobbies:
1. Doing the thing
2. Talking about the thing
3. Nerding about the gear for the thing
Every activity has a mix of all 3 types of folk. It’s ok to be in it for the gear if that gets your juices flowing. Sellers love you.
Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#9Re: Gear Acquisition Syndrome
#10It's a big problem for photographers too. Especially with the rapid progress of mirrorless cameras there is always the next camera or lens you need to get. I have bought lenses and never used them. I have also spent more time on looking for accessories for my 3D printer than actually using it. Not sure how to combat GAS. I feel for people with a full time job it somehow compensates for the lack of time working on one…
I've been there as well.
In reality 99% of the time you don't need new gear. However there is also a delicate balance where a new piece of gear makes you excited to go out and do your hobby more and it's that going out more than makes you get better at it.