645 posted:It's not the camera brand or model that is most important. The person taking the picture is the most important factor as in how to use it so one can get the desired results. Some (not all) aftermarket lenses can do quite well but in my experience a lens that is same brand as the camera was the most satisfying to use.
Tripod - it's a necessity for low light and night shots for a sharp (not blurred) image. Also helps with taking pictures with a long telephoto lens as in 300mm and larger.
At one time lenses from the camera makers were the best, but not so much any more. The latest lenses from Zeiss and Sigma (ART series) are now the best you can buy. Half of the lenses in my camera bag are now Sigma ART and I'm planning on adding another (14mm f1.8). I'm talking about ~$1,000 lenses though, not kit lenses. As for tripod, I use one for virtually all of my shots as a tripod is even more important than the lens when it comes to sharpness. And the most important thing? I agree that it's the photographer and their ability to previsualize the shot. The camera is the least important thing in photography.
Kent in SD
