What's the verdict on kit lenses?

[vjack]

I plan to buy either a Rebel XT or a 20D in the next couple weeks. This will be my first SLR, so I have 0 lenses of any kind. What are your thoughts about the kit lenses? Worthwhile or should I not bother?

[Rhys]

I plan to buy either a Rebel XT or a 20D in the next couple weeks. This will be my first SLR, so I have 0 lenses of any kind. What are your thoughts about the kit lenses? Worthwhile or should I not bother?

From what I've heard, not very good. I have heard that Tamron and Sigma are better and cheaper. I'm looking into the Sigma 18-50 and Sigma 18-125. I'm also looking at the Tamron 28 - 80 and Tamron 75 - 300.

[24Peter]

It's actually not so bad. I've managed to get some pretty good shots with it on my XT. Right now I use it primarily as my wide zoom. I've gotten some nice landscape shots with it.







My primary lenses are the Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5 and Canon 75-300 USM IS. I wouldn't say it's worth much more than the $100 extra you pay for the kit but for me it's a good wide angle option until I opt for a more expensive lens.

[vjack]

Nice pictures! At only $100, I was thinking it would be a good way for me to learn the camera while researching other lenses. Hopefully, that will prevent me from rushing into a bad decision. I suspect the kit lens will be at least as good as I'd find on any non-ultrazoom point-and-shoot.

[sarcazmo]

Not a bad lens to learn on, but I think you'll quickly come to want more.

I think I'd invest in the Tamron 28-75 rather than the kit lens. JMO.

[blossm11]

I just purchased the Canon Rebel XT, with the kit lens. The lense may not be top of the line, but I am in the same boat as you are...this is my first SLR so I have no other lenses. In my opinion, I think its a good lense for me to start out with, until I can afford to add lenses to my collection.

[Khyron]

Bought a Tamron 28-75 the next day for low light, I don't see much difference in the daylight shots.

Khyron

[jparks]

I only received the camera last night. Its colour, resolution, speed of focusing and light weight are impressive. The expensive 17-85 lens is reat for macro, ... but has a parallax problem. Look the the edge of the chess book in the inclosed picture. It should be straight!

[g0tr00t]

Having used a lens similar to a kit lens, I concluded that they are fine for outdoor shots. For indoor, the built in flash will have its limits so an external flash is recommended.

I would recommend a 50mm 1.8 at first. Once you get the 1.8 bug its hard to shake off. I do not recommend lenses starting with aperatures above 2.8.

Get the best lens you can afford and it will stay with your system longer than the camera.

[Rhys]

Having used a lens similar to a kit lens, I concluded that they are fine for outdoor shots. For indoor, the built in flash will have its limits so an external flash is recommended.

I would recommend a 50mm 1.8 at first. Once you get the 1.8 bug its hard to shake off. I do not recommend lenses starting with aperatures above 2.8.

Get the best lens you can afford and it will stay with your system longer than the camera.

Having spent a few days looking at zoom lenses, I can honestly say that my opinion of them from 20 years ago still stands - they suck. I think primes are still the way to go. Get an 18, 28, 50, 85 and you'll be set for most situations.