Lens question: Hello all and sorry if this sounds like a dumb question. What is a Kit Lens. I see that term here a lot. I figure it has something to do with DSLR's, but have no idea. I...

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

Hello all and sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.

What is a Kit Lens. I see that term here a lot. I figure it has something to do with DSLR's, but have no idea.

I would greatly appreciate any information.

Steve

Rob O' Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona

a kit lens is a lens (or lenses) that are typically sold with the camera body in a 'kit'. It is designed for new users to be able to use the camera without having to buy another lens. Typically, kit lenses are average quality, though a few are at least a little above average. Advanced users usually have invested in higher quality lenses and will buy a camera body only without the kit lens.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

A kit lens is a lens that comes standard when purchasing a dslr. It is usually the manufacturers low end type of lens. The lens body is plastic and much of the time the actual lenses are plastic also.

They do this on purpose in order to make one's entry into dslr photography affordable. The higher end lenses are usually way more than the camera itself costs.

There is nothing wrong with a kit lens, it is just that the picture quality is not the sharpest and they are not that fast in that they do not allow as much light in therefore not so good in low light conditions.

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

Thanks guys for the info. Makes perfect sense to me now.

Thanks a lot

Steve

Sweet Willie Loc: Texas

You buy an entry level DSLR. Then you buy better glass. Then you buy a better
body to go with better glass. Then you buy a better flash to go with your better
camera. Then you buy..........................................................
Sweet Willie

jecanes Loc: Taumarunui, New Zealand

Sweet Willie wrote:

You buy an entry level DSLR. Then you buy better glass. Then you buy a better
body to go with better glass. Then you buy a better flash to go with your better
camera. Then you buy..........................................................
Sweet Willie

Big fleas have little fleas upon their backs to bite 'em,
Little fleas have smaller fleas and so on ad infinitum.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Steve M wrote:

Hello all and sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.

What is a Kit Lens. I see that term here a lot. I figure it has something to do with DSLR's, but have no idea.

I would greatly appreciate any information.

Steve

I think manufacturers made a huge mistake when they decided to use that term. Or, maybe they did it on purpose to encourage people to buy more expensive lenses. The term implies that it is a cheap, basic lens - just something to use to take some pictures with your new camera. In fact, most kit lenses are very good, and you can use them for everything - forever.

On the other hand, there are lenses with more metal, less plastic, better optics, and better mechanics - for a lot more money. You have to ask yourself if you would really notice a difference by spending hundreds more for an equivalent lens.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

once in awhile a site will offer a range of lenses from cheap to the best with a good camera body.

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

Thanks folks for all the comments. Guess it is sort of like buying a computer. You get the box and some El Cheapo software, then you start to spend the money for better software. Vicious circle.

Big decisions to make.

Steve

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Steve M wrote:

Thanks folks for all the comments. Guess it is sort of like buying a computer. You get the box and some El Cheapo software, then you start to spend the money for better software. Vicious circle.

Big decisions to make.

Steve

sweet Willie is right, once started it never ends or so it seems. I disagree with JerryC41, I would never describe kit lenses as very good. Can they take a decent picture for what they cost, yes. Are the optics equal to the better lenses, no. Is the construction equal to the better lenses, no. What sweet Willie said is a lot more truthful than we care to admit. And that is what the manufacturers count on.

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

Charlie: I guess you get what you pay for.

Steve

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Steve:
Sure do. I'm still looking for a hobby where there is no such thing as an upgrade. My other hobby is bass fishing. Wife bought me a nice little bass boat for retirement. Started out with an ugly stick as my fishing rod and reel. Fifteen rod and reels later still not finished upgrading. Want to take out a second mortgage to buy a new boat. Heck, wife's retirement can wait. All this means that buying the best to start with is usually much less expensive in the long run.

Michael O' Loc: Midwest right now

charles brown wrote:

Steve:
Sure do. I'm still looking for a hobby where there is no such thing as an upgrade. My other hobby is bass fishing. Wife bought me a nice little bass boat for retirement. Started out with an ugly stick as my fishing rod and reel. Fifteen rod and reels later still not finished upgrading. Want to take out a second mortgage to buy a new boat. Heck, wife's retirement can wait. All this means that buying the best to start with is usually much less expensive in the long run.

Charlie Brown, I'm with you. I buy with the intent to keep and use, not trade later for something a bit better, losing money in the process. Wait and buy what you are sure you want and need -- don't skimp, except be willing to wait until you can afford the bread to get what you really know will do the job best.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

charles brown wrote:

Steve:
Sure do. I'm still looking for a hobby where there is no such thing as an upgrade. My other hobby is bass fishing. Wife bought me a nice little bass boat for retirement. Started out with an ugly stick as my fishing rod and reel. Fifteen rod and reels later still not finished upgrading. Want to take out a second mortgage to buy a new boat. Heck, wife's retirement can wait. All this means that buying the best to start with is usually much less expensive in the long run.

I wonder what a hobby that has no such thing as an upgrade might be. It's a really fun question. I can't think of a hobby that has a one and done. Anyone? Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike