How should I choose my first DSLR lens?
Asked 7/26/2010
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I’m buying my first DSLR and I’m not sure what lens to start with. I’ve looked at common zooms like 18-55mm, 17-85mm, and 18-200mm, but I don’t know how to decide between them. What should a beginner consider when choosing a first lens, especially if I’m not yet sure what I’ll photograph most?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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Lens questions are probably the hardest gear recommendation questions to answer.
It's unclear if you're a seasoned photographer, or just starting out, so my question is geared towards a person new to photography.
Don't think about it. Buy a lens that fits in your budget. Make it easy and get the kit lens (the lens that is packaged with a camera body).
It won't have all the fancy bells and whistles, but it will be general purpose, won't break the bank, and will let you concentrate more on taking pictures and less about gear.
The bad habit I see with so many photographers who have an online presence is that they sweat the minute, technical details. It's fun to do, but it's also orthogonal to the real goal (imo): producing great photographs.
So, keep it simple. Get the kit lens. Learn what goes into make a great photograph (SUPRISE: IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CAMERA GEAR!), and have fun. Then when your kit lens starts holding you back, come back and ask away.
Originally by user170. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user170
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Your first lens should be chosen based on what you plan to shoot, how much reach you need, how much weight you want to carry, and your budget.
If you’re just starting out and don’t yet know your preferences, the simplest advice is: start with the kit lens. A typical 18-55mm kit zoom is inexpensive, versatile for everyday use, and lets you focus on learning photography rather than gear.
In general:
- 18-55mm: good general-purpose starter lens for landscapes, street scenes, and people.
- 17-85mm: similar, but with a bit more reach for slightly more distant subjects.
- 18-200mm: the most flexible range if you want one lens for everything, including farther subjects, but usually larger and more of a compromise.
Also pay attention to maximum aperture. A smaller f-number (like f/1.8, f/2, or f/1.4) is better for low light and portraits.
A cheap fast prime such as a 50mm f/1.8 is often a great second lens once you’ve learned the basics, because it can help you improve quickly and explore low-light shooting and shallow depth of field.
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AI16y ago
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