The Kit Lens Dilemma

Maybe think twice before shelling out cash for that camera kit that includes a kit lens.

What is a Kit lens?

A kit lens is a standard zoom lens that is typically sold as part of a camera kit with an interchangeable-lens camera. The term "kit lens" refers to the fact that the lens is sold as part of a kit, rather than being purchased separately. Kit lenses usually have a focal length range that covers wide-angle to short telephoto, such as 18-55mm or 24-70mm, making them versatile for general photography. They are often inexpensive and lightweight, making them a good option for beginner photographers who are just starting to learn about photography.

Benefits of using a kit lens

• They are affordable - Kit lenses are usually some of the cheapest lenses a camera manufacture will produce.

• They are versatile - Most, if not all, kit lenses are some form of a zoom lens. The most common are 18-55mm on APS-C cameras and 24-70/24-120/24-200 on full frame. This gives the beginner photographer a wide range of focal lengths to try out.

• They are generally lightweight and compact - They are often made from plastic and have fewer lens elements. This results in a smaller, lighter lens.

Why does a kit lens get so much hate?

Buying a camera that includes a kit lens is a great way to start shooting immediately. However, they do have some drawbacks. Kit lenses:

• Usually do not have great optical quality - Their low costs also means less precision engineering, lower quality material and a tendency for more distortion, aberration, and vignetting.

• Lack features other lenses have - Kit lenses usually do not have features more expensive lenses have, like image stabilization or specialized lens coatings.

• Are generally slower than other lenses - Most kit lenses have apertures starting around f3.5 or f4, making them slower when compared to f1.8 or f2.8 lenses.

• Do not have great resale value - Kit lenses are in high supply and low demand, when compared to most other lenses a camera manufacturer produces. They are often the first lens a new photographer trades in or sells, usually at a loss.

Should You Buy a Kit Lens?

When buying your first camera kit, take into consideration the following before buying a kit lens:

• What do you want to photograph or what type of photography are you into?

• What is your Budget?

• Do you think you will stick with photography?

What do you want to photograph or what type of photography are you into?

The main appeal to kit lenses is that they are generally zoom lenses. These are great for general photography and work well in most situations. However, they are not optimized for all shooting conditions.

• Macro Photography - Macro photography requires lenses that are able to provide close-up, 1:1 magnification, allowing photographers to capture small details and textures that are often not visible to the naked eye.

• Portrait Photography - Portrait photographers value fast glass and longer focal lengths. Prime lenses, such as a 50mm, 85mm, or zooms like the 70-200mm, generally fit the bill. These lenses have aperture ranges from f1.2 to f2.8, making them great in low light and allow shallow depth of field for that bokeh effect.

• Sports/Action/Wildlife - In most sports, action or wildlife instances, the photographer is not near the subject they want to photograph, so a longer focal length is required. Lenses that are capable of reaching 200mm, 300mm and higher are more desirable. These lenses also usually include other features, such as image stabilization.

What is your Budget?

There are significant cost savings when buying a bundled kit that includes a camera and lens. The lens is usually included at a deep discount, when compared to buying it separately. But, if you have extra cash to spare, it might be wise to avoid a kit lens and instead purchase a more suitable lens that will meet your needs. The lens most photographers sell or trade in first is the kit lens. By buying a more desirable lens upfront, you are avoiding the loss you would have incurred if you sold or traded in the kit lens.

Also, consider the other hidden costs of photography. When first starting out, you will typically have other expenses than just a camera and lens. Memory cards, extra batteries and editing software are just a few. Buying a camera kit will help reduce the overall costs with starting up.

Finally, consider buying a used lens over a kit lens. As I stated before, there may be a more desirable lens choice based on what you want to photograph. By buying that lens used over a kit lens, you may actually be saving money. For example, if you are a beginner portrait photographer, a 50mm 1.8 might be more desirable than a 18-55mm kit lens. If the kit lens is $300 and an used 50mm 1.8 is $250, well you just saved $50 buying used.

Do you think you will stick with photography?

This is more of a personal habit question, but should also be examined. Are you the type of person who gets really into something, only to burn out on it a few months later? If yes, then a kit lens might be your best option. This way, you are only making a minimal investment into a new, potentially failed, hobby. If you were to go all out, and buy only the finest lenses, only to quit a few months later, you would be in a more financially unfortunate hole than if you had only bought a kit lens.

So is a kit lens right for you?

If you are new to photography and just want an all around "good" lens to get you started, then a kit lens is a no brainer. Most new photographers will be able to shoot most everything they want to with a kit lens. Their versatility make them great beginner lenses. However, if you want to pursue more specialized or niche photography, plan on upgrading soon or have room in your budget for a different lens, then defiantly consider skipping the kit lens.