The problem with the "best"

We are culturally obsessed with the best or favorites or trying to pin down one answer for all occasions. Outside of the hard sciences and some forms of sport there are very few universal best anything and even those usually have pretty narrow parameters. The reality is for most things best is an opinion that varies from person to person and situation to situation. To quote an old pirate "they be more like guidelines". So when I evaluate things or discuss things I will try to put them in a context defining a relative value.

A case in point I am currently looking at lenses for my DSLR for an upcoming trip to China. The best lens for me does not have the highest measurable performance. One of those hard science measurable factors mentioned above. I am a father of a toddler with a second baby on the way cost is very important. I am also not taking these photographs to create fine art for sale but for my own archives and for family. I want them to be of high quality but I fully understand the concept of "good enough".

The other factor beyond context is preference. Something may very well be the universally acclaimed best at whatever it is but if you don't like it it isn't the best for you. When I sold wine my response to a request for a recommendation was a question. I would always ask what they liked. Knowing what they liked gave me a starting point to find an appropriate bottle.

Bordeaux is by many considered to be the best wine in the world. However my grandmother loved very, very sweet white wines that would be pilloried by the wine snobs. Giving her a big tannic Bordeaux would be akin to giving her a bottle 5W30 motor oil to drink. To presume she is the one that is wrong is arrogant. Now would I want her to pick wine for a dinner party? Of course not but if I knew she was coming I would have some sweet Riesling chilled and ready.

Having your brand of what ever be it beer or computer or whatever and that's what you buy every time you are at the store is not a bad thing. It indicates your interests lie elsewhere and as long as you have what you like available you can focus on other things. For me and those who share the affliction of the hobbyist personality the experience of trying many different things and refining and developing knowledge, experience and a diverse palate is the pleasure. Even that waxes and wanes depending on the rest of your life. In the end the best is often the one you have in your hand that suits your purpose and the mythical best is a windmill just out of reach.