Upgrading the Kit lens, for another Kit lens?

lukechad

lukechad

lukechad

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After reading the recommendations in xxalxx's thread where he purchased the Canon 1000D with the kit 18-55 IS lens, it got me thinking, some said the image quality from the IS lens was superior to that from the non IS version (that I got in my "kit"), I was wondering if its a worthwhile upgrade???

The 18-55 IS can be had brand new for £90. I dont know what i'd sell my non IS for but would it be a worthwhile upgrade for its optical superiority, the actual image stabilization wouldnt be really needed as I tend to use it at the wider end anyway as I have the 50mm or my 55-250. Just wondered if its worth putting the cash towards?

So, thoughts?
 
I did that upgrade and found it worthwhile for the IS function but im not sure i would buy it new. Selling yours and buying a used one for what £60? wouldn't be such a bad idea. I know theres a lot better lenses around but all depends what your willing to spend.
 
I would recommend getting a prime lens for the focal length you shoot at most often - check the Exif data to find this. You will get a far superior lens for those shots that way (this costs more) but will reward you in the long run.

Or save more cash and buy an L zoom later.
 
Canon do a 28mm prime lens, which is useable but I do like the option to zoom in a little if need be.

I was really just asking if £30 is a good spend up rid myself of the NON IS lens for the IS one, im trying to get into my portrait photography a bit more so feel the wide 18mm end would be great for certain photos.
 
Not really - these kit lesnes are not great for portrait photos, neither is a 28mm really. A 50, 60 or 85mm prime lens will be better.

If you're serious then spend £75ish and get the 50mm f1.8 and learn to move with your feet to get the shot you want - you will have better results that way.
 
As said in the OP I have the 50mm but thought I could utilize the wider angle in some particular shots.

Good second hand ones can be had for £60 ish it seems. May go that route.
 
mangobreeder said:
+1
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he says hes already got the 50 though ;)

rather than getting the 18 - 55 IS what about getting the 17 - 50 f2.8 tamron or sigma? You'll still get the wide angle that you require and supposedly both lenses are sharp plus you'll get a couple of stops over the kit lens? :)
 
I didn't read properly - d'oh.

My main point is that for "serious" portraits you are going to get better results (in nearly all cases) with a decent prime lens. If one wants a wider framed shot on a crop frame sensor for protraits, then I'd try the 28mm canon or sigma 30mm before I'd rely on upgrading the kit lens as contemplated.

I do agree the money could be put into a better zoom which is a halfway house option to some degree as there will be a general improvement accross the range from the kit - but it will still not match a prime for portraits (unless perhaps you go all the way up to the 2.8 L series) but even then the standard and wide primes at 1.4/1.8/2 stand up very well, and in some cases better than the L zoom.

Horses for courses - primes exist for a reason, but have fallen out of favour with DSLRs and the convenience factor of having the zoom versatility.
 
Derek W said:
he says hes already got the 50 though ;)

rather than getting the 18 - 55 IS what about getting the 17 - 50 f2.8 tamron or sigma? You'll still get the wide angle that you require and supposedly both lenses are sharp plus you'll get a couple of stops over the kit lens? :)
Click to expand...

Yeah I do agree but its a £190 upgrade, I just wondered for the sake of £20 quid or so after selling my non IS if the IS was worth it for optical performace.

:/
 
lukechad said:
Yeah I do agree but its a £190 upgrade, I just wondered for the sake of £20 quid or so after selling my non IS if the IS was worth it for optical performace.

:/
Click to expand...

No.

The IS version is better, but that's a bit like saying diphtheria is better than botulism... neither are great.

The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 non-VC will be an enormous step up in image quality and versatility because of the fixed maximum aperture.

Personally, I'd look for a nice wide-angle prime lens and crop...
 
I think ive been persuaded not to bother for now. :)

Im trying to get as much gear in between now and christmas as tomorrow I put an offer in on my first house, after that funds for photography will be next to nothing.
 
If you're not a member on Talk Photography yet then I suggest you join, you can have the IS lens from there for £50-55 for practically new examples with people selling off their kits lenses. Then just bang yours on ebay and see what you get for it.
 
lukechad said:
Im not a member, I try not to join lots of various forums.... otherwise I fear this....

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=29415


But looking at the size of that talk photography forum I may make an exception :)
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Cor, just read that story... someone needed to open his window and show him the..

OutsideStill1.jpg
 
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