Nikon 18-55

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byeomans

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This may be a really stupid question but can i get good shots with this standard lens ? It came with my camera and i cant really afford a new lens, can anyone post some pics of what it is capable of producing with this size lens ?
 
Generally thought to be a very good budget lens - very sharp. The only issue with it is that it isn't very fast (i.e I think it is f3.5-f5?) so you cant get really wide open apertures for lots of blurred backgrounds.

If you are on a budget I highly recommend the Nikkor 35mm f1.8 AFS which is a fantastic lens and only £170ish new. It is a prime lens so no zoom but very fast so you can get some great portrait shots with nice blurred backgrounds.
 
I would describe the 18-55 as an adequate performer. Bear in mind though it is the kit lens for a reason.

Should money be tight a very good alternative is the 18-70mm lens from Nikon. Available used for around £100 this lens is a really great performer, pulling well above it's weight.
Has a longer reach too.
 
I use to use this lens on my D5000 before i change to the 18-70mm the above poster mention.

Reason why i change because the 18-70mm does not focus on the barrel like the 18-55 do (if thats what we call it?) and i got a 70-200 zoom lens so it cover that little range as well before i have to swap lens.

Back to the question, the 18-55 is a good lens to start off with and you can do quite alot with it to get you going. Once you start using it more and get to know the lens and the camera then you can consider upgrading in the future. Shot wise you can still produce decent image.

Good photo is produce by the photography not the lens, right setting, exposure, composition is the most important. The lens is only a tool for you.

As someone mention if you want a decent good lens, the 35mm f1.8 is a good one, thats the first lens i bought and i still using it today with my D7000 :) That tell you how good the lens is.
 
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=nikon%2018-55mm#page=0

Hope the link works! That's pictures that have been taken with the kit lens.

I just got my camera as well. And I have been really impressed with the lens for being just a kit lens :)

In my opinion there is not need to get a better lens straight away, there is so much you can do and learn with this lens while you save up for some better glass :)
 
Thanks for the quick reply everyone. I'll have a play about with it and see what's what. I may post a few pics up if i think they are worthy.
 
TCR4x4: Fantastic photo man. Doesn't look like 18-55 lens :), another prove of photography skills rather than equipment. Thumbs up man :)

The one with the bee in the flower is great :) surpraise on how you can get that close to the bee.
 
Tom, I really like those photos. Can I ask about the first shot, have you done any PP to highlight the colours in the field?
 
badboy1984 said:
TCR4x4: Fantastic photo man. Doesn't look like 18-55 lens :), another prove of photography skills rather than equipment. Thumbs up man :)

The one with the bee in the flower is great :) surpraise on how you can get that close to the bee.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Tis true the camera doesn't make the photographer! I was surprised too how close it focussed.


Leslie said:
Tom, I really like those photos. Can I ask about the first shot, have you done any PP to highlight the colours in the field?
Click to expand...

Thanks! I pulled up the yellow saturation a bit and raised the overall vibrance A little. I would imagine the vivid or landscape picture styles would do a similar thing.
 
D40 with the 18-55 JPEG

barn.jpg


D40 with the 18-55 RAW

DSC_3995a.jpg
 
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I find mine is a bit short on contrast and can give flat images. That said with some minmal PP (I don't do huge amounts) it can give some good strong images, usually I stick to contrast, blacks and occasionally vibrance.

The other halfs 18-55VR seems a bit better but she uses a D40x not my ancient D50.
 
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