Lowend zoom question

pdxbmw · 11-15-2009, 07:55 PM

Quick question here. I have never had the 18-55 kit lens, but I do have a 35-80, which is actually really sharp and the 28-105 power zoom, which is also quite sharp and heavy, which I like. My question is it really worth the 18-28 difference to get the kit 18-55? I went to the Tamron website to play with the zoom tool, but it doesn't really help me in real world experience.

Finn · 11-15-2009, 08:02 PM

There is a big difference in perspective between 18 and 28. The 18-55 is cheap on the used market, and does a great job. And if you don't like it, you can just resell it for little (if any) loss.

StevenVH · 11-15-2009, 08:03 PM

I haven't used the 18-55, but I love the wide end of the 16-50. I'd say getting something wider is worth it if you find yourself needing or wanting it. You might find a used 16-45 cheap these days. From what I've read that's a much better lens than the kit lens.

gl

reeftool · 11-16-2009, 09:09 AM

If you need something wider, you probably won't find something better for the price than the 18-55. There are better lenses such as the ones StevenVH mentioned but as your thread is indicating something on the lower price end, get an 18-55.

Dangermouse · 11-16-2009, 09:41 AM

If you do a bit of photography at museums or similar locations then the extra width of the 18-55 over a 28mm is very handy. It enables you to get closer to the subject, thereby avoiding the "random person wandering into shot" problem in crowded locations.

Plus it's a great lens - well worth the money.

**Ash** · 11-16-2009, 01:00 PM

Both the kit lens and the 16-45 are great value lenses. You will find a great difference in FOV with the wide end of these lenses. Even greater difference would be the 12-24, which is expensive but a fantastic quality ultra-wide.

pop4 · 11-16-2009, 08:42 PM

The differences in FOV at the short end, say from 18mm to 28mm are a lot more than at further distances:

Click "all sizes" in the link to get a bigger view

11-15-2009, 07:55 PM	#1
pdxbmw Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 218	Lowend zoom question Quick question here. I have never had the 18-55 kit lens, but I do have a 35-80, which is actually really sharp and the 28-105 power zoom, which is also quite sharp and heavy, which I like. My question is it really worth the 18-28 difference to get the kit 18-55? I went to the Tamron website to play with the zoom tool, but it doesn't really help me in real world experience.

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11-15-2009, 08:02 PM	#2
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056	There is a big difference in perspective between 18 and 28. The 18-55 is cheap on the used market, and does a great job. And if you don't like it, you can just resell it for little (if any) loss.

11-15-2009, 08:03 PM	#3
StevenVH Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 475	I haven't used the 18-55, but I love the wide end of the 16-50. I'd say getting something wider is worth it if you find yourself needing or wanting it. You might find a used 16-45 cheap these days. From what I've read that's a much better lens than the kit lens. gl

11-16-2009, 09:09 AM	#4
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	If you need something wider, you probably won't find something better for the price than the 18-55. There are better lenses such as the ones StevenVH mentioned but as your thread is indicating something on the lower price end, get an 18-55.

11-16-2009, 09:41 AM	#5
Dangermouse Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 283	If you do a bit of photography at museums or similar locations then the extra width of the 18-55 over a 28mm is very handy. It enables you to get closer to the subject, thereby avoiding the "random person wandering into shot" problem in crowded locations. Plus it's a great lens - well worth the money.

11-16-2009, 01:00 PM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Both the kit lens and the 16-45 are great value lenses. You will find a great difference in FOV with the wide end of these lenses. Even greater difference would be the 12-24, which is expensive but a fantastic quality ultra-wide.

11-16-2009, 08:42 PM	#7
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	The differences in FOV at the short end, say from 18mm to 28mm are a lot more than at further distances: Click "all sizes" in the link to get a bigger view

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