Canon 18-55mm IS kit lens - any good?
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guybrush
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From my limited use with it, I've found the IQ to be more than acceptable - obviously it's nowhere near the likes of the 17-55mm f/2.8, but there is a huge price difference there. I used it on the first day that I got it and printed off at 12x8 and think they look very pleasing. When stopped down it's quite sharp and definitely nothing to be ashamed of.
However I decided not to carry on using mine simply because I was put off by the build quality. Then again, saying that - I have exclusively been using the nifty fifty since then which has even worse build quality. Doh! The rotating front element and lack of manual focus grip really wound me up.
From what I gather, you should be able to sell it for the price difference of buying the 550D without it, so either way you're not really losing any money if you do decide to sell it on, and at least you've got the choice there to test it out.
However I decided not to carry on using mine simply because I was put off by the build quality. Then again, saying that - I have exclusively been using the nifty fifty since then which has even worse build quality. Doh! The rotating front element and lack of manual focus grip really wound me up.
From what I gather, you should be able to sell it for the price difference of buying the 550D without it, so either way you're not really losing any money if you do decide to sell it on, and at least you've got the choice there to test it out.
lauy
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I got the 18-55 IS version when I got my 1000D, and for a kit lens at that price, it was pretty impressive imo, and according to many, miles better than the non-IS version.
It all depends on what you are taking photos of and how serious about it, and also budget. For taking general shots when out and about it will be adequate, but you will definitely want to upgrade if you want anything more than that. The f/3.5 you mentioned is only at the 18mm wide end, at the long end of 55mm it is f/5.6 and varies between as you zoom.
I upgraded to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS and it is miles apart in every aspect, but it is more than 10 times the price.........so I suppose it depends on whether you want the best and pay for it, or are content enough with a cheaper more standard lens. There are obviously lenses in between at in between prices which you may be interested in for a fraction of the price. Before I upgraded to the 17-55, I bought the 28-135mm IS for under £200 used and I enjoyed using that as my main walkabout lens for a while, I then sold it on for £160 recently when I no longer needed it.
There are also lenses from other brands like Tamron, e.g. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which I've seen people rave about, and is a cheaper alternative to the Canon 17-55, so you definitely have options.
I think the bottom line is, you may as well use the kit lens initially, and then once you play around more, you will have a better idea of what your needs are in a lens and upgrade accordingly. If you sell it, you will probably only get about £60 for it.........
It all depends on what you are taking photos of and how serious about it, and also budget. For taking general shots when out and about it will be adequate, but you will definitely want to upgrade if you want anything more than that. The f/3.5 you mentioned is only at the 18mm wide end, at the long end of 55mm it is f/5.6 and varies between as you zoom.
I upgraded to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS and it is miles apart in every aspect, but it is more than 10 times the price.........so I suppose it depends on whether you want the best and pay for it, or are content enough with a cheaper more standard lens. There are obviously lenses in between at in between prices which you may be interested in for a fraction of the price. Before I upgraded to the 17-55, I bought the 28-135mm IS for under £200 used and I enjoyed using that as my main walkabout lens for a while, I then sold it on for £160 recently when I no longer needed it.
There are also lenses from other brands like Tamron, e.g. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which I've seen people rave about, and is a cheaper alternative to the Canon 17-55, so you definitely have options.
I think the bottom line is, you may as well use the kit lens initially, and then once you play around more, you will have a better idea of what your needs are in a lens and upgrade accordingly. If you sell it, you will probably only get about £60 for it.........
trencheel303
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It's got good quality and a nice versatile zoom range - and sharp when stopped down a bit. I've taken plenty of good pics with it. The barrel distortion at 18mm is quite bad though, but it can be corrected perfectly in Canon DPP.
Mad Badger
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Get it, it's good value for money.
Sure the 17-55 is meant to be excellent, I want one, but it costs 10 times more,
IQ is fine, togs will turn up their noses but for pics of the rels at Xmas/birthday etc, the family will love it
Sure the 17-55 is meant to be excellent, I want one, but it costs 10 times more,
IQ is fine, togs will turn up their noses but for pics of the rels at Xmas/birthday etc, the family will love it
Robbo
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its spot on for the price...I find best image is to shoot at f5.6 throughout, maybe F8 at 55...should give you optimal IQ out of the lens.
dont worry about some people mentioning build quality....long as you dont play foot ball with it lol
here some I shot
dont worry about some people mentioning build quality....long as you dont play foot ball with it lol
here some I shot