Too Many Cameras And Too Many Lenses From Which To Choose

Too many choices.  Which boots are you going to wear today?  (click to enlarge)
No, these are not mine!  lol.

The other day I was thinking (again) about owning too many camera systems, too many cameras and too many lenses.  When I go out to photograph questions always arise, “What do I think I’ll be photographing today?”  "Which camera system do I take?"  "Which lenses do I think I'll need?"  "Should I take a full bag of gear or just take a camera and a couple of lenses to keep things small, lightweight and more comfortable?"  Answering those kinds of questions every time I go out to photograph get tedious at best and down right annoying at worst.

I grant you these are questions and irritations most people don’t have the luxury of having so I do also remind myself how fortunate I am to own more than one camera system.  In other words, I can’t complain too much.

That got me to thinking about a book I read several years ago entitled, "The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less."  As I decided to do a little research on this subject, a thought occurred.  I wondered what response I would get if used one of the Artificial Intelligence search engines to answer my questions?  In this case, I chose Microsoft's Co-Pilot.  Here is the result.

Me: 

What is the paradox of choice? Why does too much choice degrade the experience?

Microsoft Co-Pilot:

The paradox of choice is a concept introduced by psychologist Barry Schwartz in his book The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less.  It suggests that while having some choice is beneficial, having too many options can lead to negative outcomes such as anxiety, regret, and dissatisfaction.

Here are a few reasons why too much choice can degrade the experience:

1. Decision Fatigue: Making decisions requires cognitive effort.  

   When faced with too many options, people can become mentally exhausted, leading to poorer decision-making and increased stress.

2. Regret and Second-Guessing: With more choices, the likelihood of regretting a decision increases.  People may constantly wonder if they made the best choice or if another option would have been better.

3. Opportunity Cost: More choices mean more potential opportunities missed.  This can lead to a feeling of loss or dissatisfaction because people focus on the benefits of the options they didn’t choose.

4. Increased Expectations: With more options, expectations rise.  If the chosen option doesn’t meet these heightened expectations, it can lead to disappointment.

5. Maximizers vs. Satisficers: People who strive to make the best possible choice (maximizers) tend to be less satisfied with their decisions compared to those who settle for a choice that is “good enough” (satisficers). More options make it harder for maximizers to feel confident in their decisions.  (Note: I didn't know 'satisficer' was an actual word but it means: 

   to pursue the minimum satisfactory condition or outcome, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)

In essence, while choice is often associated with freedom and autonomy, too much choice can paradoxically reduce our overall happiness and satisfaction.

Does this concept resonate with any experiences you’ve had?

Me:

Yes, too many camera and lens choices.

Microsoft Co-Pilot:

I can definitely understand that! The world of cameras and lenses is vast, with so many brands, models, and specifications to consider. It can be overwhelming to sift through all the options and find the right one for your needs.

Here are a few tips to help navigate through the choices:

1. Define Your Needs: Think about what you’ll primarily use the camera for. Are you into landscape photography, portraits, sports, or video? This can help narrow down the type of camera and lenses you need.

2. Set a Budget: Having a clear budget can limit your options to a more manageable number. It also helps prevent overspending on features you might not need.

3. Research and Reviews: Look for reviews and comparisons online. Websites like DPReview and YouTube channels dedicated to photography gear can provide in-depth insights.

4. Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit a camera store to handle the cameras and lenses. Sometimes, the feel and ergonomics of the gear can make a big difference.

5. Consider Future Growth: Think about whether you might want to expand your gear in the future. Some camera systems offer more flexibility and a wider range of lenses and accessories.

6. Ask for Recommendations: Join photography forums or social media groups. Experienced photographers can offer valuable advice based on their own experiences.

I found those responses by the Microsoft Co-Pilot AI engine interesting.  The answer to the first question may be more enlightening than the answer to my second question, which is pretty much using plain logic and decision-making.

Taking things one step farther, I opened Chat GPT and asked:

Me: 

How can one reduce a large number of choices into smaller numbers so as to increase one’s satisfaction?

ChatGPT:

Reducing a large number of choices into smaller, more manageable sets can help increase satisfaction by making the decision process less overwhelming and more focused. Here are some strategies to achieve this: 

 1. Set Clear Criteria • Identify Priorities: Determine the key factors that matter most to you in your decision. For example, if you’re choosing a hotel, your priorities might be location, price, and amenities. • Eliminate Options: Discard any options that don’t meet your essential criteria. This will narrow the choices to those that are most relevant to your needs. 

 2. Limit the Number of Options • Set a Limit: Decide in advance how many options you’re willing to consider. For example, you might decide to only look at the top five options based on your criteria. • Use Filtering Tools: If shopping online, use filters to limit the number of items displayed. This can automatically reduce choices based on price, rating, features, etc. 

 3. Categorize and Compare • Group Similar Options: Break down choices into categories (e.g., by brand, style, or price range). This allows you to compare similar options more easily. • Compare Side by Side: Focus on comparing two or three options at a time rather than evaluating all choices at once. This method simplifies the decision-making process. 

 4. Seek Recommendations • Ask for Expert Advice: Consult with experts or use curated lists and reviews to identify top choices. This can drastically reduce the number of options you need to consider. • Use Social Proof: Look for what others have chosen or rated highly. Sometimes the popular choice is popular for a good reason. 

 5. Set a Time Limit • Time-Box Decisions: Give yourself a specific amount of time to make a decision. This prevents you from overanalyzing and helps you focus on what’s most important. • Embrace Imperfection: Accept that no choice is perfect and that sometimes, a good decision is better than no decision. 

 6. Use the “Satisficing” Approach • Opt for “Good Enough”: Instead of seeking the perfect option, choose the one that meets your basic requirements and makes you happy. This approach, known as “satisficing,” can reduce stress and lead to greater satisfaction. 

 7. Delegate or Randomize • Let Someone Else Decide: If a choice isn’t particularly important, delegate the decision to someone else or use a random method to select an option. • Flip a Coin: For minor decisions where you’re indifferent between options, a coin flip can be a quick way to move forward. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce the overwhelming nature of too many choices and increase your overall satisfaction with the decisions you make.

Again, the "Artificial Intelligence" responses are interesting but less than instructional for all except those who don't think things through.

Do you suffer from too many choices when it comes to your gear and which camera and lenses you'll take out?  As I mentioned above this is a 'first world' problem and I'm actually thankful that I can afford three different systems.  

Over the past few years I've really strived to sell off a lot of my gear and I have, only to buy other gear.  I guess my fundamental problem is I just like to use different cameras with different sized sensors and different lenses for different kinds of photography.  That said, I predict that one day in the future, I'll be scaling back my photography and narrowing down my gear to one system.  Until that day comes, I guess I'll just have to deal with the degraded experiences of too many choices.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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