Best Kit Lens?
Feb 29, 2020 08:22:00 #
frjeff
Loc: Mid-Michigan
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera, and keep the lens inventory to one or two lenses.
I just returned an older Pentax K10D as the viewfinder was was impossible to see in bright sunlight. Sadly, I was highly impressed with the IQ of that 10MP camera.
Not looking for all the bells and whistles of a modern camera (already have two). Just looking for good IQ.
Before I make a choice, I began to think that before I choose a camera, I might be wise to determine which brand has the best “kit” lens and/or prime lenses (35mm-50mm) as that is where I’d likely start (and might remain. Would primarily shoot street and landscapes with the camera.
Any thoughts on this camera picking methodology? And also, your thoughts on my lens question?
I just returned an older Pentax K10D as the viewfinder was was impossible to see in bright sunlight. Sadly, I was highly impressed with the IQ of that 10MP camera.
Not looking for all the bells and whistles of a modern camera (already have two). Just looking for good IQ.
Before I make a choice, I began to think that before I choose a camera, I might be wise to determine which brand has the best “kit” lens and/or prime lenses (35mm-50mm) as that is where I’d likely start (and might remain. Would primarily shoot street and landscapes with the camera.
Any thoughts on this camera picking methodology? And also, your thoughts on my lens question?
Feb 29, 2020 08:29:56 #
Feb 29, 2020 08:39:20 #
How about a Fuji - maybe an X-T2 or X-t3? Their “kit” 18-50 zoom is excellent. They also have some extremely good fast primes in the FL range you’re looking for, but not inexpensive.
Feb 29, 2020 08:48:37 #
My Nikon D5100 with 18-55 served me well for many years, and can now be had used for cheap, The fully articulated screen can be hanbdy for discreetly shooting candids on the street, as well as low angles when you don't want to crawl on the ground. The lens is very sharp with excellent color.
Feb 29, 2020 09:04:12 #
+1 on the X-T2 or X-T3. If you want simple and interesting, the manual controls will win your heart, and the 18-50 is kind of a legend.
Feb 29, 2020 09:10:36 #
I'm really happy with the Nikon D300 I bought from KEH in EX condition and an 18-55 lens with VR in BGN condition. Total was less than $190. A bit of a learning curve for this camera, but that's part of the fun. Great way to keep the neurons firing. Good luck with your selection.
Rick
Rick
Feb 29, 2020 09:13:57 #
I have a Nikon D7100 that came with a 18-105 kit lens which I really like. I have about 8 lens for the camera but still like it as my standard walk around lens.
Feb 29, 2020 09:24:36 #
I have owned Nikons (I have a Z60 now) and a Cannon. The best kit lens, that I have ever used, by far, is my Fuji 18 to 55 2.8 to 4.0 on my XT2.
Feb 29, 2020 09:57:18 #
TriX wrote:
How about a Fuji - maybe an X-T2 or X-t3? Their “kit” 18-50 zoom is excellent. They also have some extremely good fast primes in the FL range you’re looking for, but not inexpensive.
I agree, the excellent Fuji kit lens is not your average starter lens.
(You are talking about the 18-55 2.8~4, right?)
frjeff,
Not many lenses supplied with a camera are as fast or as well-built as this one.
Fuji is no newcomer to photography.
They have been making great lenses for years, including for large format.
Fuji has made some very innovative film cameras as well, one good enough to have the Hasselblad name put on it.
They have been making film for a long time and really understand color.
I still use my Fuji S5 pro for its skin tone reproduction.
Feb 29, 2020 10:34:24 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I agree, the excellent Fuji kit lens is not your a... (show quote)
Yep, 18-55, not 18-50. i’m always getting that confused. Fuji lenses are just superb - easily the equal of my Canon “L” series. I’m lusting after the 90mm f2 right now. I LOVE the control layout of the X-T series. Rarely need to go into the menu - all the needed controls right on top or on the lens - reminiscent of an older 35mm SLR. And then there’s the excellent color...
Feb 29, 2020 10:37:43 #
TriX wrote:
Yep, 18-55, not 18-50. i’m always getting that confused. Fuji lenses are just superb - easily the equal of my Canon “L” series. I’m lusting after the 90mm f2 right now. I LOVE the control layout of the X-T series. Rarely need to go into the menu - all the needed controls right on top or on the lens - reminiscent of an older 35mm SLR. And then there’s the excellent color...
I love the Fuji interface!
Different line, but when I got my XE-1, I used it for a few weeks before opening the manual.
So intuitive!
Feb 29, 2020 11:56:57 #
frjeff wrote:
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera... (show quote)
I have a Pentax “KP”, which cost me $700, which I use with the “55-135mm DC” lens I already had. It works very well in normal light and at higher ISO values when I need it; it also allows me to control all three legs of the “exposure triangle” without lowering the camera from my eye .... and I certainly do not have any trouble seeing my subject through the fine viewfinder, even when sun is reflecting off the snow.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-631428-1.html
Feb 29, 2020 19:06:34 #
I would focus on the camera first. See which has the features you want. Evaluate the ergonomics also. All manufacturers make lenses that range from kit lenses to professional lenses. Third party lens makers have stepped up their game and are producing lenses that are often as good as OEM lenses at a lower price point.
Tamron has been producing excellent lenses lately that are fully weather sealed. Their SP series prime lenses have stabilization, a metal lens barrel, and are fully weather sealed. I use their 45mm f/1.8 SP VC lens for street photography. It's available for both Nikon and Canon. Their producing lenses for Sony as well.
Tamron has been producing excellent lenses lately that are fully weather sealed. Their SP series prime lenses have stabilization, a metal lens barrel, and are fully weather sealed. I use their 45mm f/1.8 SP VC lens for street photography. It's available for both Nikon and Canon. Their producing lenses for Sony as well.
Feb 29, 2020 19:57:55 #
CO wrote:
I would focus on the camera first. See which has t... (show quote)
You should also mention the Pentax ‘limited’ series of lenses. They are also fully Weather Sealed lenses, and most digital camera bodies ever produced are Weather Sealed and Stabilized. If the OP has not tried a Pentax camera since his old K10D, he really should try a more modern variant.
Feb 29, 2020 20:20:31 #
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