18-55mm lens

[Octoshark]

I am looking at DSLR's and my option is to either get just the body, or get the body with a 18-55mm lens with it for a little more money. I am wondering if the 18-55mm lens is even any good or if it is just a cheap throw in? I know someone is going to say "well it depends upon how much extra you have to pay for the lens" but lets just talk about the quality of the lens and not let it depend upon how much extra I would have to pay.

Beerguy, if you are reading this then I know you say a cheap lens turns a DSLR into an expensive point and shoot so I am wondering if this lens is one of those situations?

Thanks!

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

The generic 18-55's (at least Canon and Nikon) tend to be pretty cheap and pretty slow. Canon re-vamped their 18-55 which is a solid improvement over the old model, but I personally would still skip it.

 

[BlueCorn]

The newer version is better but yes, you'd be better served by getting something else. That said, the newer one would be fine to use while learning your camera if your budget doesn't allow replacing it right away. It's not a closeup lens unless its pretty heavily modified.

You can actually turn it it into a pretty decent 4:1 macro, on a cropped sensor.

I took this picture of a dime over the weekend with the 18-55 that came with my old Rebel XT. That frame is about 5/16th of an inch in real life.

Granted, the lens looks like this now:

 

[Octoshark]

That said, the newer one would be fine to use while learning your camera if your budget doesn't allow replacing it right away.

That was my main concern. I can't afford the macro 100 yet so hopefully the 18-55 would suffice for the time being.

Thanks for the input.

 

[DivineStler]

I'd get the body only and grab a fixed 50 with a 1.8 stop. Not sure if you're getting a Canon or a Nikon, but I got a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 for my 40D for like 100 bucks. I think Nikkor lens is around the same price.

That will hold you over until you can get a nice macro with a low stop, or a telephoto. Just my opinion...

 

[J. Montgomery]

I took all these pictures with a Rebel XTi and the 18-55mm lens:

 

[boodlefish]

Any lens is better then no lens.

 

[boodlefish]

The newer version is better but yes, you'd be better served by getting something else. That said, the newer one would be fine to use while learning your camera if your budget doesn't allow replacing it right away. It's not a closeup lens unless its pretty heavily modified.

You can actually turn it it into a pretty decent 4:1 macro, on a cropped sensor.

I took this picture of a dime over the weekend with the 18-55 that came with my old Rebel XT. That frame is about 5/16th of an inch in real life.

Granted, the lens looks like this now:

beerguy do mind explaining this, is it a kit one can order on ebay or some gnarly DIY???

 

[BlueCorn]

beerguy do mind explaining this, is it a kit one can order on ebay or some gnarly DIY???

This falls under the "gnarly DIY category." Basically, I took the lens apart, and put it together backwards. The ribbon cable connects the lens mount to the electrical connection on the back of the lens so I still have full aperture control.

It's not very practical for aquarium use because the working distance is only about 1.5" but it's fun to play with. It's also the only $50 4:1 macro I've ever seen.

 

[DivineStler]

This falls under the "gnarly DIY category." Basically, I took the lens apart, and put it together backwards. The ribbon cable connects the lens mount to the electrical connection on the back of the lens so I still have full aperture control.

It's not very practical for aquarium use because the working distance is only about 1.5" but it's fun to play with. It's also the only $50 4:1 macro I've ever seen.

That's very cool man! What do you shoot with anyways?

I've recently upgraded from a Rebel to a 40D (used). Really loving the feel of the body, over the plastic Rebel body. It just feels so much better sitting in my hand.

 

[BlueCorn]

That's very cool man! What do you shoot with anyways?

5D and a 7D.

 

[Blownsvt]

I took all these with the 18-55 that came with my nikon d3000, had the camera for under a month now.

those first 3 were camera in hand with no tripod.

IMO if it is a good price you may as well get it for the time being. If you have extra to get somethign better right away then go for it. I would love a macro but can't swing it right now.

 

[boodlefish]

This falls under the "gnarly DIY category." Basically, I took the lens apart, and put it together backwards. The ribbon cable connects the lens mount to the electrical connection on the back of the lens so I still have full aperture control.

It's not very practical for aquarium use because the working distance is only about 1.5" but it's fun to play with. It's also the only $50 4:1 macro I've ever seen.

it sounds fun tho.

 

[smoothdog]

IME for macro shots, the best "bang for buck" money spent is on a tripod and remote release. It doesn't matter how good the lens is, if it's shaking the picture will suck.

Stock 18-55 Nikon