When you first purchase a DSLR camera, most likely you buy an entry-level camera body with a kit lens that comes with it because you don’t know what kind of lens you want or need. I bought my first DSLR in late 2012 with a kit lens. I had absolutely no understanding of the best lenses for my photography. In May 2013, I upgraded slightly to a zoom lens with a greater focal range. The quality wasn’t much better than the newest kit lenses on the market today. It was my primary zoom lens until August 2016. I used it extensively on multiple vacations, on numerous day trips and other short excursions, and for hundreds (literally) of Etsy listings, blog posts, and articles.
Brand new to DSLR photography, a kit lens is a great place to start. With a few simple tips, this lightweight, affordable lens will get you through years of shooting in varied environments and experimenting with a wide spectrum of photography. A kit lens is a great fit for landscape photography, street photography, portrait photography, blog photography, and even macro photography. You’ll be hard pressed to find another lens at this price point that has such a light weight and offers such versatility.
On the Photorec.tv blog this week, I’m sharing my best tips for maximizing the potential of your kit lens, covering advice from finding the “sweet spot” of your lens to moving to get your shots. Whether you’re just thinking about investing in a DSLR camera or you’re frustrated with your current level of photography but aren’t ready to upgrade lenses, you’ll be able to pick up some advice to transform your average photos into polished, professional images.
Do you have any tips for maximizing the potential of your kit lens?
Feel free to share your insight in the comments!
More photography resources:
Making the Transition from Auto Mode to Manual Mode
Top 10 Common Photography Mistakes to Avoid
10 Tips for Better Beach Photography
I have a fancy camera and to be honest it has some settings I hate! The touch focus or automatic focus. I suppose you learn through experiences
I have a fairly entry-level DSLR that I have tried to upgrade with nice lenses as I’ve grown up, and I keep coming back to my kit lens again and again! I love the simplicity of that lens – it’s a jack of all trades and it’s easy to carry and use – and I’ve taken my best photos with it. I swear by it!
I’ll have to check out the article. Although I am partial to my 50mm fixed, there are some times that lens just doesn’t cut it.
Agreed. I use my 50mm for 90-95% of my blog posts, but there are times I need a wider angle.
It’s interesting to see that you have the same lens I’m using. I have noticed that adding a UV filter causes loss of contrast, if you need to protect your lens use a lens hood instead. Find the sweet spot on the the lens, mine is at first so when I need to take sharp shots I use Avon and turn on image stabilisation on but keeping an eye on the shutter speed.