Originally posted by northcoastgreg Whose to say "the market" is going to turn to complementary budget primes? Or if does, that won't just be a passing fancy?
But this implies that budget consumers (those who buy the entry DSLRs) are choosing Canikon because of the budget lens offered therein. How plausible is that? Don't the vast majority of entry-level DSLR consumers buy a kit lens (i.e., cheap zoom lens) or two and nothing beyond? And if budget primes are so important, why does Nikon's entry level cameras not even autofocus many of the cheapest primes in Nikon's lineup?
The market for budget primes exists because Sony, Nikon, and Canon have moved that way.
It is entirely plausible that purchasers opt for these lenses or else the market would not be making them!
The goal is after-market sales for something "better" than the kit, but complementary in price.
It appears to be working.
Nikon's budget bodies work with all AF-S and AF-I lenses of which there is a 35/1.8 and 2 50's at 1.4 and 1.8 and the 85/1.4 and the VR 85/3.5 and 24/1.4, plus the new 40/2.8 macro alongside their 60, 85, and 105 macros. Budget to high-end Nikon covers the range. Bonus: Most of these are FX as well, such as the new 50/1.8 at $220. The 1.4 version is $440 (B&H).
Does a budget 50mm drive sales? Yes. That's why they make them.