Does your equipment match your skill?

I see so many people still taking pictures with old camera systems. Most would have no problem updating but see no need in doing so. They just enjoy taking pictures.

This got me thinking what i enjoy about photography. It seems to me that i enjoy buying new lenses, bodies, and anything else that has to do with photography as much as i enjoy taking pictures.

I think my equipment is way over what i would need skill wise, but i just enjoy playing with and buying new lenses. I wish this wasn't the case because i would save alooooot of money!

Do you guys also seem to have the same problem or do you consider your skill level to match your equipment?

I don't consider it a problem, as long as you don't lose the roof over your head for it.

my gear list far exceeds my skill, but that pushes me to learn how to control what i have, i didnt know anything about strobes or light meters when I bought one, now I do

that being said, ive been doing this for 5 years and dont have a portfolio im proud of, but my goal is to change that for 2011

i do firmly believe that there are many gear list queens in existence though

I grow into my gear. Started with XSi kit, then added a Tamron 17-50, some speedlites. Sold the XSi kit bought a 40D and 24-70L and 70-200 2.8L. Now dropping the 40D to get a 7D. I have grown over the years and demand more and more. I think I will hit my ceiling soon.

I think that the higher the skill level, the lower the need for gear. A beginner probably needs the fast autofocusing capabilities, high ISO capability, and sharp image quality more than an experienced photographer. Of course this only applies to camera and lens, not extras like light meters and strobes etc. Of course even with this, obviously I wouldn't encourage a beginner to go straight to L glass and professional bodies.

I'd say my skill is less than my gear. But I can only blame myself when I duff a shot, not my lens/body.

My skills have definitely outgrown my XSi, but an upgrade doesn't feel necessary. I can work with the gear I have and get the job done.
Of course I do plan on getting a 5d MkII before this summer. Just because I don't need to upgrade doesn't mean I don't want to

I'll put it this way...

On those occasions where I miss, I know it's not my gear.

Yup. It rules. I rule. It's a good match.

My gear seriously exceeds my skill set, but that's why I'm here. It's going to take me awhile to grow, but there is one more lens (OK, two more) I want to get before I think I can rest easy and not spend any money.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11562070
I'll put it this way...

On those occasions where I miss, I know it's not my gear.

CircuitR wrote in post #11562015
I'd say my skill is less than my gear. But I can only blame myself when I duff a shot, not my lens/body.

I get a bit of satisfaction going the other route and knowing when I nail a shot it had little do with my gear.

I know how you feel Raven I am completely content with my 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 L on a crop body. The only lens I would modify my lineup with is maybe a trade for a 24-70L for a 17-55 2.8 IS for the IS while shooting in video but it will be hard to pry my 24-70 out of my hands its just sharp sharp sharp. I love the images it produces. I have had plenty of other lenses including 3 primes, but I don't think primes match my lazy style of shooting, I prefer not to move. LOL

crayzie418 wrote in post #11562256
I know how you feel Raven I am completely content with my 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 L on a crop body. The only lens I would modify my lineup with is maybe a trade for a 24-70L for a 17-55 2.8 IS for the IS while shooting in video but it will be hard to pry my 24-70 out of my hands its just sharp sharp sharp. I love the images it produces. I have had plenty of other lenses including 3 primes, but I don't think primes match my lazy style of shooting, I prefer not to move. LOL

The 17-55 2.8 IS is one of the two on my list! LOL But not yet...

I suck compared to my gear...I have so much to learn

tkbslc wrote in post #11562253
I get a bit of satisfaction going the other route and knowing when I nail a shot it had little do with my gear.

I know that when I nail it, it's not the gear either...

I'm simply not so arrogant as to say that my misses are due to my gear.

I guess that means Talent Vs Gear = A Push