Overrated gear recommendations (2026 edition) [v4]

For context, I am working with a pretty modest budget so high-end suggestions probably will not land. I want to write something more comprehensive about this later but starting with a quick post to gather thoughts. Looking for honest feedback, not validation.

Quick context: I am relatively new to this and trying to find my footing.

Been thinking about this for a while and curious what the community thinks. I tried three different approaches and none of them felt quite right. Not sure if this is the right place to ask, mods please remove if it is not.