After you have selected your first dSLR, you have to decide which lens you would like to go with it. (For some tips on selecting your first dSLR, refer to http://www.truphotos.com/2009/11/28/photography-basics/) For all entry-level models offered by Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus etc, the main body of the dSLR comes with a “kit lens”. You can also purchase the body and lens separately but most of the time, getting a package is cheaper than buying them individually.
For example, the Nikon D40, D60, and the D3000 comes with a 18-55mm VR lens in a package. This means that this lens is a zoom lens that is able to zoom from a focal length of as wide as 18mm to as near as 55mm. “VR” refers to Vibration Reduction, a technology by Nikon which stabilizes any unnecessary movement caused by the user. On the practical side, it allows you to shoot in darker areas with a lower shutter speed.
For someone just starting out on their photographic journey or users who are relatively new to dSLR, a 18-55mm standard zoom lens should be good enough to practise and hone their skills. Try to find out more about the functions and limitations of your current lens/camera and also identify where your strengths lie, ie, the type of photography they would like to improve further upon or would like to pursue. For example, if they are interested in landscape, they might want to consider a wide angle lens. For wildlife, a telephoto lens and so on.
For more information regarding the benefits and limitations of the 18-55 standard kit lens, refer to Choosing your first lens (Part 2).
Related posts:
If you enjoyed this post, please share it!
Thanks for reading!
I’m just surrounded by inspirational people xD
Post your questions whenever you have doubts and most probably I can expand them into new articles! Some details might be too complex so let me know!
Thank you for the detailed write up (part 2). I think it makes a lot more sense to me now. I shall continue reading more of your other articles. And if i have questions you might then want to expand on your “tips”! The thing about my crafts is that they aren’t exactly that tiny, but would be good to try it out with yours. After I’m done with my amateurish wedding album, you can take some shots to see how it turns out. You’re inspirational! Haha…keep up the good work!
[...] continuation of a previous post regarding selecting your first lens (http://www.truphotos.com/2009/12/27/photography-basics-choosing-your-first-lens/), this short articles addresses the benefits and limitations of the 18-55 lens that is more often [...]
The benefit of a 18-55 lens is that it is wide enough for landscapes and street photography etc in general. One of the limitations is that you might find its range at the long end insufficient at times when your subject is slightly further away. In terms of compact cameras, it has about 3x zoom.
If your craft works are tiny in size, you might want to consider a macro lens which lets you take close up objects. For portraits where you want to achieve that “blurred” background look, a lens with a bigger aperture might be required.
However, investing in a variety of lenses at the beginning might not be the best.
If you want a good mid-range (with more zoom than the 18-55) lens, I can recommend the 16-85, which is wider and longer. The biggest problem here is cost as lenses which are not sold as a set with camera bodies tend to cost much more if you purchase them individually and unfortunately, the 18-55 lens is the only one that comes as a set with entry-level cameras
If you are looking for a budget camera but do not mind the zoom constraint, by all means get the 18-55! If you like, you can test out the 18-55 range on my camera the next time!
I managed to get another article (Choosing your first lens Part 2) written up thanks to you!
Glad to know that there is a kit for beginners like me. I am wondering what is the benefit of using a 18-55mm lens and its limitation. I want to take pictures of people (my kids in the future!!!), landscape (on my walking trails)and my craft works – would the normal lens be sufficient to begin with?