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The Next Step: Kit Lenses

Progressing beyond the 18-55mm kit lens

While much or our world has got smaller and thanks to the mobile phone, devices have been integrated into other devices, the SLR camera or Digital SLR camera (DSLR) has remained mechanically very similar. While electronics continues to evolve, the lens optics, which are the critical part of the cameras view, remain a key component in the system. While we can wrap image stabilising electronics and fast ultrasonic motors around these devices the fundamental laws of physics and light itself, mean the lens should be considered almost a device in itself. When we think system we think about component items forming a whole machine. High quality components throughout can be limited by one low quality component. Think formula 1 car with remould tyres! The same can be said for an expensive camera fitted with a cheap lens!

The DSLR sensor (The electronic 'eye' of the camera) can 'see' many tones, colours and shades. Put this through a cheap, damaged or dirty lens and it may not be able to record this accurately. For those starting out you are likely to have a look around and then buy a kit deal, which normally includes the camera body and a kit lens (or two lenses). As with most other manufacturers the entry level Canon EOS cameras more often than not ship with an 18-55mm model, which offers a good entry point into digital photography.

We still have our first 18-55mm lens from a Canon 350D kit that we bought back in 2005. The camera itself is still working (Having to work for a living it is a little tired) but most importantly it is now used on its third Canon camera body. Through each iteration and upgrade of the primary camera body we have kept the lenses. For this reason it is always worth considering the investment in lens stock and not just hoping that throwing more money at a better camera body will make for better photos.

The primary differentiator in lenses is their optical quality, which increases the cost accordingly. The better the optics the better the focal range, wider the aperture, faster focusing and general construction. As well as sharper images, with less distortion, in lower light conditions.

It should be noted that there is nothing wrong with manufacturer's kit lenses. They are all of a high quality and provide a good all-round lens solution. It is only when you start to improve or develop for photography that you need consider additional lenses

So what is a good stock of lenses?

There is no real answer to this. It depends on the type of photography you produce; wildlife, sports, portraiture, panoramic etc. All have different requirements for lens stock.

Without getting into too much detail the best aim for those moving on in photography is to be able to cover a wide range of focal length. Without spending too much money this can be covered in about three lenses. Listed below are examples for Canon models:

• Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens
• Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens

Recommended reading

• Optical Focal Length for beginners
• Nikon or Canon?

• More blog articles.
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Posted in: photography | Comments: Feel free

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