Do kit lens perform the same way as lenses bought separately?

Question

I've heard that kit lens are normally of lesser quality than the lenses bought separately.

Answer 1

I think the manufacturers finally wised up and started putting decent lenses in the kit in just the past 2 years - maybe less. We saw both Nikon and Canon come out with the "Version II" of their 18-55 kit lenses. The older Canon 18-55 was not very good at all.

I agree with all the other answers above me, though. You do not have to feel bad about starting with the kit lens. The aperture isn't "huge" and the autofocus might take more than a split second, but the optics are good. It may be all you need for a good long while.

Answer 2

I agree with the above. Kit lenses are generally very decent and you'll get a fantastic price on the package deal. So called kit lenses are also sold seperately at a higher price.
If you feel like getting semi-pro or professional quality lenses... and you're willing to spend +$500 per lens, that stuff is available too. But unless you know in advance that that's what you want, just start with the kit. (You can always upgrade later.)

Answer 3

The lens you get in the box is typically a good, general purpose lens. Certainly, you can pay more and get more. Some camera stores offer interesting package deals of camera bodies with more expensive lenses. But generally, the lens that is included with the camera is a fine pick. And when you do the math to see the price that you're getting the body and lens for as a package compared to buying them separately, going with the kit lens is almost a no-brainer.

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http://www.lenslenders.com

Answer 4

no no no no no no no no no. that 18-55mm lens is a common in all digital camera arsenals, until eventually you've yet another lens that covers that decision. That 18-55mm lens will cover 80% of your capturing. Now what you may do is purchase the body, keep the money from the lens, and get your self the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens for $785 which will be your telephoto and your huge attitude. inspite of you do, make positive you've a lens that is going right down to a minimum of the 20's. you'd be sorry in case you do not.

Answer 5

Depends on how much your going to spend. Like OMG said you will need to spend more than $500-600 for a lens to be better than the lens kit. If you go less than that the quality will be about the same, just that the lens will have a different focal length, aperature, etc.

Answer 6

Not really. They are fairly good.