Will I Be Disappointed with 18-55 Kit Lense?

[BillyC123]

Will I be ok with just a 18-55 kit Lens or should I look at an additional lens? I am brand new to the DSLR world. I have already purchased the Canon rebel T3i with the 18-55 kit lens and a canon 55-250 lens. I will be using the camera for vacation and kids sports.

Thanks

 

[cisobe]

What is your photography background? I'm guessing this is your first DSLR. What system are you buying? Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc?

18-55 is a very typical general purpose focal range. For most it would be a good starting point to get used to shooting with a DSLR.

If you came from a point and shoot with a super zoom 10x zoom Len, you may feel like you don't have enough zoom. If this is the case you may want to look at getting a 18-200mm Lens as this will give you a similar amount of range. It will give you a lot of flexibility in a single lens and you won't have to switch lens.

If not, you can get your 18-55 kit lens and a 55-250 or 70-300. This route is slightly more expensive but having lenses with smaller focal ranges typically yields better performance and image quality, i.e. sharper pictures, possibly larger apertures, better color and contrast. This is because lenses with small focal ranges (2-3x) have less to compromise compared to lenses with a larger focal ranges (5-10x).

What type of shooting will you be doing? Landscapes, portraits, sports, etc? If mostly for travel, then a 18-200 may be a good way to go.

If you can give a little background or answer a few of these questions. We can probably help you out a little better.

 

[photo_chick]

I still use my 18-55 kit lens on occasion. And I have the less desirable original version. It really is a solid, general purpose lens. It's also sold at a discount with a body so even if you hate it down the road you're not out much cash. The 55-250 is also a solid lens. It's a surprisingly good performer for it's price.

My advice is usually to start with basic lenses until you know how you shoot. There are so many other lenses out there and it's really easy to spend a lot of money buying what others recommend only to find out that none of those lenses fit what you need. Learn about your shooting style first and you'll figure out in the process if the kit lens fits you well or if you need something more.

 

[nbaresejr]

My 1st Disney trip with a DSLR had the exact same lens setup. These lenses did a fine job and you will be able to get very very good photos with them. My advise is similar to what others have said, shoot with what you have, learn your gear and then figure out what you like/ dislike about it.

If you find some limitations with your lenses at that point i am sure we can help you find something else. Until you use the camera and lenses and find out what your photographic issues are its very hard to point you in the correct direction.

If you look at my Flickr page you can see my early Disney stuff using those 2 lenses.

 

[BillyC123]

Thanks everyone for your tips and encouragement. I will definitely let you know how my trip goes.

Thanks again!
BC

 

[BillyC123]

If you look at my Flickr page you can see my early Disney stuff using those 2 lenses.

Awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing and the encouragement of using what I have.

 

[Frantasmic]

What kind of sports do your kids play? If it is outdoor daylight sports, your lenses will be great. Nighttime or gym sports will be more difficult to capture with those lenses. Look at 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 for gym sports.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I don't' know why kit lenses get such a bad rap. Anyway, as a beginner DSLR user, your kit lens will be a great walking around lens until your familiar with your camera and want to venture out to other lenses. Have fun!

 

[Cafeen]

I don't' know why kit lenses get such a bad rap. Anyway, as a beginner DSLR user, your kit lens will be a great walking around lens until your familiar with your camera and want to venture out to other lenses. Have fun!

From what I've heard (and remember...) they used to be far worse quality than they are now. They're also a touch slower than the higher end lenses, which turns some people off. Overall though, the current crop of kit lenses in all flavors are very good.

The Canon ones in particular are very solid quality, especially at their price point (the 55-250 especially is still considered a steal for the quality it can produce.) I'll echo the above and hold on to those 2 until you figure out your shooting style and see what you need next.

I may think about picking up a fast lens for Disney itself, the 50mm f/1.8 (aka "Nifty-Fifty") is relatively cheap (~$125) and is also good quality. I did find it a bit tight though (on a crop at least, haven't played with a full frame) and stepped up to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, but again, that was based on style/need choices and my two "kit" lenses are still in very heavy use (and with my style, the 55-250 is the workhorse of my shooting.)

 

[lhermiston]

I still use my 18-55 on a semi-regular basis. It's a perfectly good lens and I agree with the others who advised getting to know your camera and shooting style a bit before diving into new lenses.

 

[SkaGoat]

A very good photographer (Scott Bourne) says "99% of all lenses are better than 98% of all photographers".