Hybrid Kit Strategy: Core Gear vs. Rental Glass for Freelance DPs?

Hey fellow DPs, I'm Troy Mathis, a working Grip, and I'm really trying to dial in my own cinematography kit strategy. I often hear about the 'hybrid kit' philosophy, owning a solid core package and renting in specialty lenses, like an ARRI signature prime set or vintage anamorphics, when a project demands it.

My usual projects vary quite a bit, from corporate spots where an AMIRA and a set of Sigma Cine Primes work great, to indie narratives where I might be running a V-RAPTOR XL. I own a decent lighting package with a Forza 500 II and a couple of PavoTube II 30X, and a solid audio kit, but I'm still figuring out the ideal lens situation.

I’ve tried owning a few key primes and a zoom like a Canon 17-120mm, but sometimes that zoom feels like overkill for smaller gigs, and a basic prime set isn't always fitting for a particular look. How have you guys adapted this 'hybrid kit' philosophy to fit your own freelance cinematography business and the typical scale of your projects? What does your 'core' lens kit look like, and at what point do you decide to rent?