Better lenses make a better photograph?

Wow I've been waiting since July of 06 for this thread to be re-activated.

living proof that time will not necessarily bring you to a consensus

My answer. Yes, with everything else being equal a better lens will make (or take) a better photograph.

However I do not think the same applies to the camera.

theres a reason why i replaced my 18-55 kit lens with a 17-50 2.8..

neil_r wrote in post #6231887
living proof that time will not necessarily bring you to a consensus

My answer. Yes, with everything else being equal a better lens will make (or take) a better photograph.

However I do not think the same applies to the camera.

Beat me to it. Everything else being equal, then yes, a better lens will take a better photograph.

Rarely is everything else equal, of course, and now we get into the definition of "better".

Yes, given the same place, same FL, etcetera. It's common sense. However, take note the poll is not "Do you need good lenses to take good photos."

flash will make for a better photo than a lens will

A photographer that can see will make better photographs. Equipment can be a part of that but only if the photographer can master it and get what he/she needs out of it.

adsayer wrote in post #6234486
flash will make for a better photo than a lens will

and what do you do when you're not allowed to use flash in a given situation?

Bobster wrote in post #6234660
and what do you do when you're not allowed to use flash in a given situation?

use the flash on full power straight into the eyes of the person that told me not to use it.

pow.

To paraphrase our previous president: "It depends on what the meaning of better is". Better sharpness, contrast, color >> a definite maybe. Better composition >> a definite no.

For a beginner, a better lens could result in better photographs just by giving the beginner more enthusiasm and getting him/her to shot and, hopefully, learn more. An expert photographer will get good photos with a kit lens, but will certainly get better photos with a 85/1.2.

no!

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #6235140
no!

i'll swap my kit lens for the best lens you have then

DocF, you disappointed me with the flat out "no".

Same photographer, he will take a better photograph with better gear, ass-u-ming he knows how to use that gear.

To say otherwise boggles the mind.

chauncey, docf also thinks that a holga is a camera, some of us would consider it a novelty or a paperweight. Didn't they used to come as a prize in the large box of crackerjacks?

Bobster wrote in post #6238122
i'll swap my kit lens for the best lens you have then

No!

Look, for art and expressing yourself creatively any lens will do, but cheaper lenses have their limits.

All you have to do is work within those limits and if everything else is fine, your photos will be okay as well.