Why do DSLR kits often pair an advanced body with a basic zoom lens?
Asked 11/19/2010
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I often see DSLR kits that bundle a relatively expensive body with an inexpensive zoom lens, such as a Nikon D7000 with an 18-105mm lens. That seems odd at first: if the body is aimed at more serious users, why include a lens that appears more entry-level? Wouldn’t experienced photographers replace it quickly, while beginners get similar results from a cheaper body with the same lens? What is the reasoning behind these kit-lens combinations?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I don't think it's 100% universally true that all kit lenses suck (5D Mark II kit came with a 24-105F4 IS which is a high-quality zoom lens).
Much of it has to do with information, sales, and the psychology of money.
Kits with 'low quality' lenses aren't targeted to semiprofessional/professional photographers. They are targeted to first time buyers who might not yet understand why a lens would cost more than a camera body. If camera kits only came with high quality lenses, first time buyers might balk at the nearly $2000+ price tag.
Kit lenses also simplify the buying process. Imagine being a first time dslr buyer; how overwhelming all those choices are. Having a pre-packaged kit makes it easy for newbies to buy a dslr, which increases sales.
And I suspect for many people, they are perfectly happy with the kit lens.
As photographers better come to understand the relationship between gear and results, it might be puzzling to us, why anyone would buy a cheap lens, but I do understand that not everyone is trying to take their photography as serious as we do. Some people just want to take photos. A kit helps them do that, in a cost-effective way.
Originally by user170. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user170
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Kit lenses are usually chosen to make the camera affordable, easy to buy, and ready to shoot immediately. They are often aimed at first-time DSLR buyers, not necessarily advanced users.
A bundled zoom like an 18-105mm offers a useful focal range for everyday photography, keeps the package price lower, and avoids overwhelming new buyers with lens choices. Many buyers expect a zoom lens and want one purchase that works out of the box.
That doesn’t mean all kit lenses are bad. Some are quite capable general-purpose lenses, just not as fast, sharp, or specialized as more expensive options. A lens like the 18-105mm can still be a very practical “getting started” or travel lens, even on a higher-end body.
Also, the camera body still matters: autofocus, controls, viewfinder, handling, burst rate, and other features can make a better body worthwhile even with the same lens.
For buyers who already know what lens they want, body-only is usually the better choice. For everyone else, the kit lens is a convenient, lower-cost starting point rather than a statement that it’s the best possible match for the body.
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