Which camera has the best kit lens? MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor...

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor, but in a small and light MILC. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Del.

NickGee Loc: Pacific Northwest

Delderby wrote:

MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor, but in a small and light MILC. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Del.

I suggest not purchasing a new MILC with a kit lens. Most are sold body-only, of course, but most also offer deals on combo kit lenses (Sony A7iv offers the 28-70, for example), but these kit lenses tend to be poorly reviewed. If you're going to spend $2500 or more on a MILC, full-frame camera, spring for a good lens. Photo quality has a lot more to do with the lens than with the camera, after all.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The Z 24-70 f/4 is an excellent lens that isn't expensive new, and good, cheap s/h versions can be found easily. I have a Z5 which is small and wasn't expensive but has excellent IQ and all the functions that you're likely to need.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Delderby wrote:

MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor, but in a small and light MILC. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Del.

"Doldrums" usually is not an equipment problem. Look at some of the subjects being shot that catch your interest other than here on UHH and try shooting them yourself. Or even take a class from your local school, college, or camera store. Or sign up for a photo tour in the back of one of the photo magazines. Lots of ways to get out of the "doldrums ".

radiojohn

A couple of years ago there was a sale on an Olympus mirrorless OM camera for $399 w/ kit lens. I also got it the other more tele kit lens for $99. Frankly, I was astounded at the sharpness and contrast. Perhaps there ais more communication between the lens and body that tweaks processing inside the camera?

I am not a "big buck" lens guy, nor a full frame devotee.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Delderby wrote:

MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor, but in a small and light MILC. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Del.

Fuji X-T3 with the 18-55 'kit lens' .......

https://www.google.com/search?q=fuji+18-55+kit+lens+review&rlz=1C1MSIM_enGB996GB996&sxsrf=ALiCzsZJ2mhblhZxXxenR1m7DvXGM8CL9A%3A1653317440150&ei=QJ-LYqfsCMfXgQaug6ngDA&oq=fuji+18-55+&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYATIECCMQJzIECCMQJzIKCAAQgAQQhwIQFDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgAEEcQsAM6BwgAELADEEM6CQgAELADEAoQQzoGCAAQHhAWSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUPtEWNdTYIJ5aAFwAXgAgAFaiAG2BJIBATiYAQCgAQHIAQrAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

User ID

R.G. wrote:

The Z 24-70 f/4 is an excellent lens that isn't expensive new, and good, cheap s/h versions can be found easily. I have a Z5 which is small and wasn't expensive but has excellent IQ and all the functions that you're likely to need.

Amen to the 24-70/4.0 ... but the 40/2.0 keeps calling me.

And if you go Sony for FF, theres a 24-70/4.0 for that as well (but no cheap great 40/2.0).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i have zero intention of assembling a set of Z lenses. I have always used adapted lenses and am quite immune to the lens worshipping on UHH. For Sony FF I have five cameras but only two FE lenses, a compact zoom and one prime. Im likely to do the very same with Nikon, and the 40/2.0 appears to be the perfect prime.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Thanks NickGee, R.G., wdross, radiojohn, craggycrossers.
I suppose over the years my photography has waxed and waned. My interest has always been landscape and architecture. I've received the occasional accolade including a Panasonic photo of the week. Because I've "been there and done it" I'm in the doldrums. My interest is still limited to landscape and architecture and I try to shoot different.
It may just be that I can renew the buzz and re-enjoy previous photo experiences with a new format - but - it may not work - I still love M4/3. I am happiest with a standard zoom - so the best kit lens would do the trick.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

With landscape (and I imagine it's much the same with architecture), one of the vital ingredients is finding inspiring stuff to shoot, which equates to finding inspiring places to visit. Maybe you should give your travel plans a re-think. (For landscape you could do worse than the west coast of Scotland. It's a bit of a drive from Dorset but it's a different world from what you're used to).

MDI Mainer

A fair number of lens reviews exhibit an elitist prejudice against anything denominated a "kit lens" but in the real world performance and practicality may outweigh specifications.

For example here's what one reviewer said about the Sony FE 28-70 f3.5-5.6 OSS (offered with many E-mount bodies and now used in like new condition for less than $150):

The FE 28-70 Kit lens is surprisingly good for a full frame kit lens. It is cheap, sharpness is quite good to very good at the centre. Corners are average and require the aperture to be closed down up to F8 to get consistent results

Considering its low price you don’t hesitate to take it in risky situation

It capability to get blurry background are limited due to the aperture of F5.6 at 70mm

Color rendition is quite saturated and would satisfy some people

It will be a very good companion for a A7II or A7 (or A7C - my addition)

For Video when zooming its sliding aperture is less recommended than having a F2.8 or F4 constant aperture lens

Is it worth to upgrade to the FE 24-70 F4 costing more than 1000 euros ? Yes in the below cases

if you want to often shoot wide open around F4
if you have a A7RII and want to good results without caring at what aperture you must shoot to have correct results
if you often shoot landscape / architecture the 24mm is noticeably wider than a 28mm
for portrait, a F4 at 70mm allows to get a better blurry blackground
if you prefer Zeiss Color rendition
if you often do video

https://sonyalpha.blog/2017/08/25/sony-fe-28-70mm-f3-5-5-6-kit-lens/

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Thanks also User ID and MDI Mainer.

If you missed my second post it's above. Del.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

[quote=R.G.]With landscape (and I imagine it's much the same with architecture), one of the vital ingredients is finding inspiring stuff to shoot, which equates to finding inspiring places to visit. Maybe you should give your travel plans a re-think. (For landscape you could do worse than the west coast of Scotland. It's a bit of a drive from Dorset but it's a different world from what you're used to).[/quote
Yes - I've thoroughly enjoyed your pics - oh yes - it's Derby not Dorset - still a long way away!

Hip Coyote

Delderby wrote:

MFT has been my thing since the Panasonic G1 was launched. However, I feel my photography is in the doldrums, and thought I'd try a larger sensor, but in a small and light MILC. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Del.

Its not the gear. Suggest you consider a few options...get more into macro. The entire arena of off camera flash is quite interesting. Off camera flash and macro? Do a 365 or weekly project. Do you have a website? If not, make one. Are you doing gear talk or critique of photos? Try another forum on UHH. I too am in the doldrums and trying to get out of the photo funk. New gear never helps me.

When in doubt, go fishing to wash the funk off.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

craggycrossers wrote:

Fuji X-T3 with the 18-55 'kit lens' ....... br br... (show quote)

Another vote for a Fuji body with their excellent 18-55, although if your budget allows it, I’d consider the X-T4 specifically to get the IBIS. I believe the X-T4 is often sold with the very sharp and versatile 16-80, which would be my first choice. You’ll find that the Fuji is unite small and light, but the APS-C sensor delivers very useful low light/high ISO performance to at least ISO 6400.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hip Coyote wrote:

Its not the gear. Suggest you consider a few options...get more into macro. The entire arena of off camera flash is quite interesting. Off camera flash and macro? Do a 365 or weekly project. Do you have a website? If not, make one. Are you doing gear talk or critique of photos? Try another forum on UHH. I too am in the doldrums and trying to get out of the photo funk. New gear never helps me.
When in doubt, go fishing to wash the funk off.

Thanks for the input - I've considered macro and other areas of photography, but there is no pull there for me. The idea of a different camera might not alone be the answer - but it might. So far my new cameras (over the years) have always been upgrades - and I cannot fault them - but more recently Sony and Fuji have built a great following.
I believe the lens is important, but kit lenses do have their place - and standard zooms do suit my photographic interests.