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KarlBlessing
130
May 14, 2015
Pair this up with a Canon "Thrifty Fifty" 50mm f/1.8 for under 100-ish and you got yourself an excellent learning/student camera for a large range of creative control, and good low light capabilities (whereas the kit lens is way too damn slow , f/3.5 at 18mm, f/5.6 at 55mm).
That lens but on the very first 'digital rebel' : http://kbeezie.deviantart.com/art/Ethan-Brick-and-Vines-52150887
ApplePi
37
May 14, 2015
KarlBlessingThere is now the new more robust STM 50mm f/1.8 which should work okay, though it's more intended for a full frame camera, rather than the gimped APSC sensor, the 40mm and 24mm lenses are a bit better fit depending on the look you are going for.
KarlBlessing
130
May 14, 2015
ApplePiThe plastic mount 50/1.8 works for full frame too (used it on my EOS-1 for a while) It's just has a cheaper plastic mount. But it's cost is one of it's biggest appeal (years ago it was $60 used on average), cheaper than the kit lens, but so much nicer results in my opinion.
But yea the 40 and 24 would give closer to the 'norm' field of view on an APS-C sized sensor . The 50mm on my first digital rebel made a nice Portrait lens (ie: 80mm equiv). When I moved to Pentax after that, one of my favorite lens was the Pentax 43mm f/1.9 Limited Edition... but that's pricey compared to the Canon 50/1.8 Mk II.
StreakInTheSky
223
May 14, 2015
ApplePiBeing made for full frame cameras but used on a cropped sensor is actually an advantage for the lens, as you're cropping out the less sharp and slightly darker edges of the image circle. It does end up being more of a 80mm lens, but I love that focal length, perfect for portraits but can still work as an all purpose lens once you get used to it. It's also still usable if you end up going full-frame later on. But yes, recommend the new STM version. the old/current version was a cheap piece of crap in terms of build but was able to make some pretty good images.
The 40mm STM is also made for full-frame and is a lot more well rounded, but is a stop and 1/3 slower which is not really a deal breaker, but is something to consider. You won't have as much bokeh and not as good for low light. This is why I consider the kit lens essential for beginners as it lets you figure out what specs are more important to you.
The 24mm STM is made for APSC sensors and will be slightly wide at 35mm full frame equivalent. It's a great all-purpose focal length and is about the focal length of most phone cameras, but you can't use it when upgrading to full frame. I'd recommend the kit 18-55 instead for the price. At wide angles, that extra 1/2 stop in aperture of the 24 isn't as useful, and the IS of the kit lens makes it better for low light. The 24 does have the advantage of size.
scotchguy
10
May 14, 2015
StreakInTheSkyBeing a newbie, I'm having a hard time keeping up with all these numbers... so is the consensus that the Kit lens offered in this drop bad or good?
jgiles
57
May 14, 2015
scotchguyIt's not the worst lens you could get, but it's not exactly the best either. If this is your first DSLR, get it. If you've got canon lenses lying around, forget it.
theycallmeshua
12
May 15, 2015
scotchguyAssuming you don't already have a lens, you'll need one. And you could do worse than this one. But you could also do better. The price is alright. And the lens will do well for most beginner/ ammature photographers to start.
chris.yw
87
May 15, 2015
scotchguydont worry about that now. People will eventually get rid of the kit lens if they are into that system. For beginners, the kit lens give you an idea of what you really want. Then you can upgrade based on your experience with kit lens.