Quote Originally Posted by Charles Hess
The statement ... "OPTICS are the decisive elements for outstanding photographs - NOT the analog or digital path to those photographs". This statement came from the chief of technology for one of the top camera makers.
Keep in mind where that quote came from - a camera manufacturer.

I believe the "decisive elements" for "outstanding" photography are the mind and vision of the photographer behind the camera. Great optics are nice. But a powerful vision and the ability to create and structure a meaningful image will shine through, regardless of the quality of optics used. A great photographer can make great images with pretty much any camera. And a mediocre photographer will take mediocre photos with even the very best equipment.