Kit Lens? So what?
Apr 15, 2013 10:34:39 #
i have seen videos made with cheap point and shoots that were very very good.
Apr 15, 2013 11:29:20 #
GaryS1964
Loc: Northern California
Use it to learn. If you are not a pro and just shooting video for fun you might find the 18-55 to be just fine. If you are watching the video on your PC it will be fine. If you are watching it on a 80+ inch flat screen then you would probably notice the difference between your 18-55 and a L series lens.
But first learn to shoot video with you camera and then think about upgrading your lens.
But first learn to shoot video with you camera and then think about upgrading your lens.
Apr 15, 2013 11:34:08 #
BUT!!! Let's not forget that occasionally a fine glass lens is included in a package that is considered a "kit" such as the Canon 24-105 L series lens. Certainly not plastic or cheap construction. I have seen a few folks here trying to pawn off this lens as a kit lens with out realizing it's true value simply because they got it as a kit package.
Moral: Not all kit lenses are created equal.
Moral: Not all kit lenses are created equal.
Apr 15, 2013 11:39:52 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
Enjoy using your kit lenses! When the time comes you may want to purchase other lenses to meet your needs (or maybe your wants).
I'm going out and doing street photography today and I'm taking my kit lenses because they are light weight and will do the job I want them to do. I look bad ass with my 28-75 f/2.8, but at the end of the day I'm tired after lugging it all over the place. My kit lenses do the job and do it well.
I think that sometimes there is a bit a equipment snobbery from some people. Don't let it get to you. Use your gear; learn how your camera works; when you have a need, purchase new lenses.
I'm going out and doing street photography today and I'm taking my kit lenses because they are light weight and will do the job I want them to do. I look bad ass with my 28-75 f/2.8, but at the end of the day I'm tired after lugging it all over the place. My kit lenses do the job and do it well.
I think that sometimes there is a bit a equipment snobbery from some people. Don't let it get to you. Use your gear; learn how your camera works; when you have a need, purchase new lenses.
Apr 15, 2013 11:59:48 #
Michael Digital
Loc: Spring Hill, Florida
I have 4 Canon "L" lenses, but I never hesitate when I want a walk around lens. I just grab my 18/135 IS Canon kits lens. Its up to the job and the images are excellent.
As Michael Reichmann said, " Most lenses are better than most photographers."
As Michael Reichmann said, " Most lenses are better than most photographers."
Canon7D with 18/135IS Kit Lens
Canon 7D with 18/135 IS Kit Lens
Apr 15, 2013 12:11:09 #
I have a very good kit lens-Canon 24-105 F4 L. Read the reviews of any lens. There are a lot of good non L lenses around; i.e., Canon 50 mm F1.4. Also I don't have a Miata but whne I took started taking my old Ferrari to the track the Miata Spec cars ruled. Their tight little suspensions blew away the big turbos and 500 hp machines on the winding race course.
Apr 15, 2013 12:17:02 #
Michael Digital wrote:
I have 4 Canon "L" lenses, but I never hesitate when I want a walk around lens. I just grab my 18/135 IS Canon kits lens. Its up to the job and the images are excellent.
As Michael Reichmann said, " Most lenses are better than most photographers."
As Michael Reichmann said, " Most lenses are better than most photographers."
Excellent quote, Michael Digital...and results to match ! :thumbup:
Here are a couple of pics shot with 2 different compact cameras...can't lug a dslr everywhere with me, can I ?
Household pet
Street shot
Apr 15, 2013 12:23:25 #
Not all "ket lenses" are cheapos. For instance, the Canon 5D Mark III is sold with a Canon 24-105 L lens which is a pro quality lens. It matches the pro level camera. Must be "pro" because it costs a bundle!
Apr 15, 2013 12:26:21 #
GaryS1964
Loc: Northern California
Michael Digital wrote:
As Michael Reichmann said, " Most lenses are better than most photographers."
I agree. It certainly applies to me. The 18-55 and 55-250 that came with my T2i took great pictures. My everyday 15-85 takes great pictures on my 7D and I occasionally use the kit 55-250 if I want to carry an extra lens for reach because it's lighter and more compact than my Tamron 70-300. Unless you are a pro or an avid hobbyist with money to burn kit lenses will do a great job of documenting vacations, birthdays, kids sports, etc..
Apr 15, 2013 12:43:46 #
wilsondl2 wrote:
You will find that "Kit" lenses will giv... (show quote)
Absolutely spot on. If you can avoid the extremes of aperture and zoom- especially at the long end- they're 95% of the quality at a quarter of the cost-or less. The law of diminishing returns applies to lens purchase as much as anything in life.
Apr 15, 2013 13:04:23 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
You are at your first transition point, as you start to recognize the limitations of entry-level equipment. Remember that used lenses, in very good to excellent condition, can provide the same results as new equipment, but at a significant savings.
I found a vintage 135mm f3.5 Soligor prime for $20. In it's day, I believe this was manufactured by Tamron. Has to be used full manual mode, but money well spent? These are crops of about 4% of the original shots from about ten feet away.
Edit: I forgot to check the Store Original button, but the difference is still obvious.
Nikon 55-200mm kit lens set at 135mm
Antique 135mm Soligor lens
Apr 15, 2013 13:15:08 #
Apr 15, 2013 13:16:53 #
I keep my Camera Gear in the truck of my Miata. I started with Kit lenses. Now I have three "better" lenses in the truck of my Miata.
I have learned to take better pictures. The pictures are better because of me, not because of the more expensive lens.
Keeping the Miata.
I have learned to take better pictures. The pictures are better because of me, not because of the more expensive lens.
Keeping the Miata.
Apr 15, 2013 14:04:18 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
rps wrote:
There's always www.monstermiata.com - how to drip a Ford V8 into a Miata.What's wrong with Miata? I'm on my second one. Great handling...lots of pep for a 4 banger...fun to drive...inexpensive to maintain...tremendously reliable... I may buy myself some fancier lenses one of these days. I won't buy a fancier sports car. (A fellow member of our Miata club had occasion to deliver a BMW coupe some distance. He says he prefers his Miata!)
Apr 15, 2013 14:05:44 #
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