Should I skip the kit lens and buy an 18-200mm superzoom for my first DSLR?
Asked 3/24/2018
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2 answers
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I'm choosing my first DSLR and considering a Canon EOS 200D or Nikon D5600. Instead of buying the camera with the standard 18-55mm kit lens, I'm thinking about getting the body only and putting the savings toward a Tamron 18-200mm lens.
My goals are to learn basic photography, have one convenient travel lens, and get more reach for distant subjects. I've read mixed reviews of 18-200mm superzooms and I'm unsure whether skipping the kit lens is a good idea.
Would it be better to start with the 18-55mm kit lens, or is an 18-200mm lens a sensible first choice?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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Get the kit lens. For only $40-50 more than the body only it is a no brainer. Even if you never use it you should be able to sell the kit lens for twice the $40-50 extra you paid.
Beyond that, for why you are better off with something like an 18-55mm kit lens and a 55-250mm cheap telephoto than a single 18-200mm "all-in-one", please see: Why prefer the 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses vs 18-200mm?
A lens like the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is a compromise in versatility vs image quality. You'll probably find that you'll outgrow it sooner than an 18-55mm and 55-250mm combo that can be had for about the same price.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a first DSLR, the kit lens is usually the better choice.
If the kit lens only costs about $40–50 more than the body-only option, it’s hard to beat for value. Even if you later replace it, you can often resell it for more than that extra cost.
An 18-200mm superzoom is convenient, especially for travel, but that convenience comes with compromises. Lenses covering such a wide range typically trade image quality for versatility, and many photographers outgrow them sooner.
A kit 18-55mm is a good learning lens: it’s inexpensive, useful, and helps you figure out what focal lengths and subjects you actually enjoy. If you later want more reach, a separate budget telephoto is often a better long-term path than relying on one all-in-one zoom.
So if your budget is tight and you’re just starting out, stick with the kit lens for now.
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AI8y ago
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