Are camera-and-lens bundle packages worth buying?
Asked 12/20/2010
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I often see cameras sold in bundles that include extra lenses or accessories. Are these bundles usually a good value, or is it better to buy the camera and add lenses later? I’m especially wondering about the difference between a manufacturer kit lens package and store-made accessory bundles.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
14
There's a difference between cameras with a kit lens, and camera kit accessory bundles.
The former are from the manufacturer, and generally give you a good deal on a low-end wide-normal zoom. (Sometimes, it's even cheaper to buy a camera in this form than body only!)
Camera accessory bundles are put together by camera stores, and include things like a cheap memory card, a crappy UV filter, and maybe a serviceable camera case and wobbly tripod.
These are high-margin items which serve to increase the seller's profits and are generally not a good deal at all. These are often also sold with the term "kit", probably in order to confuse people into buying them. You can tell you're shopping at a skeevy merchant when they insist you need one.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Sometimes—but it depends on what kind of bundle it is.
A manufacturer kit (camera body + the standard kit lens) is often a legitimate deal. In some cases, buying the camera with the kit lens can even cost little more than body-only, so these can be good value.
Store-made bundles are different. These often add accessories like cheap memory cards, low-quality UV filters, basic bags, or flimsy tripods. Those items are usually high-margin for the seller and often not a great deal.
If the bundle includes extra lenses, ask whether you actually want those lenses. A discount is only worthwhile if the lens fits your needs. Many bundle lenses aimed at beginners are consumer-grade zooms: perfectly usable, but typically lower in image quality than more specialized or higher-end lenses.
So the rule of thumb is:
- manufacturer kit lens bundle: often worth considering
- retailer accessory bundle: often poor value
- extra lens bundle: only worth it if you truly need those lenses
For most beginners, consumer lenses can still produce excellent photos, so buy based on your shooting needs rather than the size of the bundle.
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AI15y ago
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