Is the 18-55 really that bad?

[mazawatea]

So, Dorsetdruid, with all these comments, what have you decided?
Salut
Maz

[dorsetdruid]

What have I decided? Good question. As a master of procrastination (I call it research!) I am blessed that in this months issue of Digital Camera is a 12 page special on the 'perfect superzoom for your camera'.
Will have a good read of that over the next couple of days but my gut tells me that, yes, there are certainly better lenses to be had but given the fact that the kit lens accounts for about £100 of the overall cost I shall live with it and come to my own conclusion regarding its suitability and quality.
Thanks for everyone's input. It's great to have such a resource to draw on.

Happy New Year
Dave

[matt wilson]

Carry on with it .I have a 50 d and canon L lenses .My partner a 1000 d and the old kit lens .

In a lot of instances I would defy anyone to say which camera took the shot.(incidently my 50d came with the canon 18 to 200 zoom a very versatile lens that covers a lot of ground )

Yes there are better and for £85.00 you could have canon's 50mm 1.8 it's built like a toy but is simply stunning .

[adam_christie]

I bought the 550D just before christmas with the 18-55 kit lens. It's good, and is good for someone starting out in the world of DSLR Photography (as I am) but as has already been mentioned, there are better lenses out there. When I've mastered the art (probably circa the year 2020) I'll be replacing it with an "L" lens, as the 550D body is capable of so much more. It's a 7D in a polycarbonate skin after all!

****gets flame suit on****

[rbarry]

Originally Posted by adam_christie

****gets flame suit on****

Mind your polycarbonate 550D doesn't melt..........I always keep mine in a flame retardent camera bag when I mention it has the same processor as a 7D, albeit only having one rather than the two Canon so generously provided the 7D.

[Kierano]

I, like a few others here, have bought the 550D, which came with the 18-55. At the time, I opted to buy an 18-200 lens as well, and, whilst this is my 'walkabout' lens, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the 18-55. It is far from as bad as some of the reviews make out. I guess it depends what you want to use it for, but since I don't tend to stick to one particular genre, the 18-200 was always going to be my main lens. Usual advice holds really - a decent flashgun is always going to make a big difference. Thankfully, I had a friend on hand to lend me his and that really convinced me that I should invest in that next. Like Matt said, the prime is definitely worth looking at too, but it all depends on what you're looking to shoot I guess, and your need for zoom.

I must say, I procrastinated for weeks to the point of driving my wife, daughter and circle of close friends insane. Since buying the kit, I have never looked back, and am taking the best pictures of my life (and everybody elses!)

Get the kit, get out there and enjoy!

[colinj09]

Part of my work involves photographs for illustrated glossy magazines. I have repeatedly used both Canon kit lenses on the 550D and have been very satisfied with the results... so have the publications' picture editors. If you haven't yet bought one, go for it.

You can see a couple of results in my gallery and many more at www.caravanboat.info

I have since added the canon 50mm 1.8 and a 60mm macro. These are also excellent.

[springburn57]

There is nothing wrong with 18-55 kit lens. In the right hands it can produce startling results. Remember bad photographs are usually down to the person looking into the view finder. Expensive equipment doesn't always equate to fantastic results. It is unfair to compare it to lenses that cost up to 10 times the cost.

[nikonian]

Who said it`s a poor lens? Photozine give it 3 1/2 stars for optical. I know the build quality leaves a bit to be desired, but for the price it is a good lens.

[Emma Ciarrocca]

I have just recently went and bought mine and still trying to get the grips of all the settings as i come from a point & shoot casio compact and this is my shiney new camera .... I am very pleased with both camera and lens - then i would be as it a massive difference to my old wee compact !!!! lol