Whatever level you are as a photographer, buying a new camera will always be a daunting prospect. Decisions like, which camera brand should I choose? Which type of camera should I go for, compact, mirrorless, or DSLR? The list can seem endless, but including a kit lens with many of my camera body purchases has always been a no-brainer. They are the unsung heroes of the photographic world and have been a forever staple in my camera bag, let me explain why?
Kit lenses are predominantly aimed at beginners and hobbyists just starting out and are often included as part of a bundle to go alongside a camera body. My first ever DSLR was a Canon 1000D which came with a Canon EF 18-55mm (f/3.5-5.6) lens. For nearly 15 years a kit lens has always been my main camera lens, and I don’t expect this to change anytime soon.
Throughout the years I’ve bought additional lenses like wide angle, telephoto, and even a prime lens to experiment with different focal lengths, and to shoot from new perspectives. But if I were to calculate how much time I have spent using my kit lenses compared to the other lenses that I have owned, the duration would far outweigh them by some distance. For example, the majority of the images included in my portfolio folder have been taken with a kit lens and are some of my personal favourites.
They are the cheaper alternative to a more advanced standard zoom lens and are very lightweight which is also a big benefit. On many occasions, buying a camera body and a lens separately turns out to be more expensive than opting to buy a bundle with both.
X-T50 · f/5 · 1/0s · 16mm · ISO125
I completely understand that kit lenses aren’t every photographer’s dream to own, as even though I am championing for them, I admit that they have some drawbacks, but doesn’t everything? Because of their affordability, aspects like build quality suffer, in terms of a lack of weather sealing and plastic mounts. Most apertures start at f/3.5in contrast to higher-end lenses which boast crisp-looking details with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. There will be pros and cons for every product that you buy, but the reality is, for their reasonable price and longevity, they are a must-have when it comes to buying a new camera.
I have previously owned various Canon camera bodies and used the Canon EF 18-55mm (f/3.5-5.6) standard zoom kit lens with all of them. I then switched over to Sony buying the Sony A7 II body with a Sony FE 28-70mm (f/3.5-5.6) lens and continued to use it with an upgraded Sony A7R II. I used the former lens as a beginner, and the latter while more experienced. Both lenses far exceeded my expectations, especially image quality-wise. You think you would need to get the best lenses to create the best images but that’s not always the case and kit lenses prove that. I’ve even had the privilege of having some of my work published in high-profile magazines using these two kit lenses.
Canon EOS 700D · f/10 · 1/160s · 52mm · ISO100
The main reason why I have stuck with them is that from personal experience, and you’ve probably been through this as well, is that you can get so caught up in researching different types of lenses that it can become too overwhelming. For instance, a common scenario where you’ve whittled it down to two lenses, you’re now looking at the specs of each one and comparing, watching reviews on YouTube from professional photographers, and you’re swaying back and forth regarding which to choose.
Buying a bundle which comes with both the camera body and an additional standard zoom kit lens automatically eliminates all of that stress. Granted, it might not be the lens you really want, but it gets you out photographing right away.
ILCE-7M2 · f/5.6 · 1/80s · 70mm · ISO200
I’m currently using a Fujifilm X-T5 with a Fujifilm XF 16-50mm (f/2.8-4.8) lens which came with my previous purchase of the Fujifilm X-T50 body. Although this is considered to be more of a premium kit lens than what I’ve previously owned and talked about, in terms of being weather-sealed and having a variable maximum aperture of f/2.8. There are more advanced options like the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm lens which boasts a slightly longer focal length and a constant aperture of f/2.8 which performs better in low-light conditions. Admittedly, it has been on my radar, but it comes at a very expensive cost of just over £1000 which is nearly double the current price of my premium kit lens.
If you find yourself worrying about getting the right lens, then go for the bundle option as it will save you so much time and help you financially. Don’t let the perception of owning a kit lens deter you, once you start seeing the results you won’t look back. PS: Magazine editors will be all the more impressed as well!
- Best cameras for beginner photographers: get started taking great pictures
- Beginners guide – How to use a camera and take photos
- Best cameras for photography students
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About
Craig is currently studying an MA in Magazine Journalism at Cardiff university. He also freelances as a journalist and photographer. His main interests in photography are landscapes and architecture, and loves using creative techniques in his work.
