Reader Comment: “pick the lens we like the rendering from and then buy the body?”
re: Sony GM Lenses: World-Class Performance, Why Look Elsewhere?
re: Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Examples: Strikingly Beautiful Image Rendition with Outstanding Sharpness
Michael K writes:
We are all mainly focused on which bodies to buy and then buy the lens we can afford. Maybe that's the wrong way round?
Surely we should pick the lens we like the rendering from and then buy the body? Just a thought. It's an exciting time with all this new camera tech coming to the market.
DIGLLOYD: setting aside usage scenarios and existing gear, yes it can be a very good way to go for those having a specific capture style. Very much a 'feel' thing to the images. Add in the design trends with a particular brand and that can seal the deal.
We are in the golden age of photography.
I wrote this back in 2010 in Choosing a Camera:
A digital camera is an accessory whose value plummets over time. A year or two or three later, you might be shooting a different model camera with more megapixels, better dynamic range, faster focus, etc. But the lenses need not change. Lenses not only hold their value, but some actually increase in price over time. Also, digital cameras keep improving each year, so take the long view, investing in lenses first.
Since I wrote the above, little has changed (the idea still rings true), and everything has changed (major advances in camera and lens technology).
But while certain lenses will never go out of rendering style, it is a heck of a lot friendlier to tote around on Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM on an Sony A1/A7R IV with autofocus, instead of a 'big brick' Nikon D850 + Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon.