| Photo: Richard Butler |
Many cameras, especially entry-level models, most often come as kits with a lens. Appropriately referred to as ‘kit’ lenses, they are usually ‘standard zooms’ that offer a quite wide angle to medium telephoto (such as 18–55 mm on APS-C cameras). The focal length range is versatile and works well for many subjects, which helps you test water without spending money on additional lenses. They are also inexpensive, help to keep the cost of your kit low, and is usually compact, making them easier to move with them.
However, the kit is downside for lenses. If you are interested in enhancing your skills as a photographer, you will probably reach the point where you move the kit lens forward and need to upgrade to something else. To know when you have reached that level, although it can be difficult.
Indicate you have beaten your kit lens
Everyone’s experience and position is different, so there is no exact time limit or answer to upgrade. However, there are some common signs below which may suggest that this may be the right step.
You are struggling in low light
Most kit lenses provide maximum maximum HoleThis means that you have to compensate with slow shutter speed or higher ISO while working in low-light conditions, which is not always ideal. Most variables are maximum aperture, making cases worse, which means you lose light while zoom in.
Upgrade to a high-end lens will provide you with a comprehensive maximum aperture, making it easier to work in low light. In addition, when you zoom in and out, the maximum aperture will remain stable, meaning that the low-light performance of the lens is not low when you zoom in focal lengths for a long time.
You can’t blur the background as much as you want
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| Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is an essential version of kit lens. F2.8 aperture similar fujifilm XC 16-50 mM F3.5-5.6 OIS makes it easier to blur the background compared to the lens. Photo: Richard Butler |
Another issue with small maximum aperture is the depth of the area. Extensive aperts allow you to obtain a shallow depth of the area, creating a blurred background that helps to focus on your subject. Aperture is not the only thing that controls the depth of the area, but due to its small aperture, it can be difficult to achieve a small area in attention with a well -blurred background when using the kit lens.
If you prefer the form of slim areas in the focus with bokeh in the background (or foreground) and are struggling to make it with kit lens, then it will be smart to upgrade in a lens with a wide maximum aperture.
You are having difficulty capturing sharp images
While the new kit lens has shown adequate improvement in the quality of the image, most still still lags behind the high-end lens, as they are designed to be favorable to the budget. Kit lenses often suffer from some image quality issues that can be disappointing.
The issue of primary image quality with kit lens is that they cannot be too sharp on the edges of the frame or on both ends of the zoom. You can see that the center is good and sharp, but the corner looks out carefully. Stopping your aperture can help help, but you do not always want to resort to it.
Kit lenses may have other issues that affect clear image sharpness, such as color fringing-particularly on high-opposite edges, where the cyan or magenta lines usually appear. They can also suffer from more pronounced lens flair and ghosting (bright spots, streaks or duplicate shapes), which can be overcome by overall sharpness and clarity.
If you are disappointed with the image quality that you are getting due to sharpness or strong colored fringing, then it is probably time to upgrade.
Construction quality is a concern
When the lens is produced which are designed to be favorable to the budget, manufacturers essentially have to make some sacrifice to keep the cost low. Construction quality is often one of those sacrifices. Kit lenses are usually made of light plastic and the weather is deficient, which can make them more prone to break.
High-ended options typically use strong material and convenience weather sealing to protect from dust and water. As a result, they are more durable and are able to withstand better conditions. If you know that you want to take your camera in wet or dusty environment, or simply want a durable lens for daily use, you want to upgrade.
Can’t keep autofocus
Finally, the kit lens may have a slow autofocus, which can prevent sharp images when working with fast -moving subjects. Dull autofocus means that you will meet with rapid focusing lenses, more out-off-focus can end with images. If you like to take action of any variety and feel that the lens is not able to maintain, then it is time to upgrade.
What to consider before upgrading
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| For most people, it makes sense to upgrade the standard zoom lens rather than choosing for a separate focal length range. In this way, you get a good range of versatile focal length in a lens and you do not need to rely on the lens that is holding you back. Photo: Richard Butler |
If any of the above issues resonate with you, it is probably time to consider a new lens. However, you should think carefully what the new lens should be, as they can be quite expensive. Having a good understanding of indicating the upgrade will make it easier to do which new lens will actually address your needs, prevents you from buying something that is not quite right.
When you should upgrade, start with the focal length. The kit lens focal length is what you are still likely to use (one of the reasons is the general option for the kit), so for most people, it is smart to upgrade instead of choosing for a completely different focal length. However, if you have seen that you constantly want you to zoom more, or, optionally, get a broad view, a different Zoom range can be the best.
The aperture is the other main factor to note. If your main grievance with your kit lens is poor low-light capabilities or inability to blur your background, you may want to spend additional money to get a wide maximum aperture on your next lens. Look for a zoom lens with a very low, a constant maximum aperture, so that you are not disappointed while zoom in. Alternatively, while some zoom lenses provide very wide aperture, there are prime lenses Usually the best way to maximize low-light capabilities and dramatic depths of the region.
No matter what you are seeing, it is important to spend time in doing research to know what the promised image quality will be. After all, you want to make sure that you really get an advanced option, not just something different. Many zoom lenses are good, but some do not try for average clarity and image quality rather than really sharp, vibrant or impressive results. Our Lens comparison tool This can be a useful way to check if what you are considering is really going to be better alternatively.
Elev your photography
For most, upgrade from the kit lens as soon as possible is later intelligent. The kit lens has improved over the years, but they can still catch you back. If you are a bit serious about photography, do not wait too long to invest in a lens that will allow you to develop and reach your creative goals.
