How much of a difference does a good lens really make?

[james_vornov1]

I would definitely agree with those who say that if you can't tell the difference in your own photography, then use what is most convenient or natural. Lenses have so many other tradeoffs between them than just image quality. There's speed, weight, ability to change focal length (zoom vs prime), range. For some reason, I gravitate toward primes because I like the combination of light weight and speed.

 

In my own work, there are certain lenses that clearly give me a differerent look. I think I could tell the difference between a session shot with the 105mm f/2.8 Micro VR compared to my 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 on the basis of edge to edge sharpness and contrast. But it would be harder to distinguish between the zoom and my 24mm f/2.8 prime.

 

You have a selection of lenses, so you can shoot lots of images and evaluate what works best rather than relying on MTF charts and internet opinion.