A few questions: Is the Kit lens adequate for everyday use?
158700
I'm somewhat new to this too, but I'll try to be accurate. First, this is a "Micro 4/3", not a dslr. Call it a point and shoot that "thinks" it's a dslr. As a user, "you" decide which you want it to be. The 14-45 lense included is 28-90mm in 35mm terms. This is comparable to a typical P&S compact with a 3x zoom. Most dslr user's would consider this a "walkaround" lens. Very useful and versatile for the type of shots common with a simple compact or entry level dslr. This camera has a unique feature called Extended Zoom (EZ) that allows an increase in "zoom" if you find the need on occassion. The camera has a functional pop-up flash as well as a "hot shoe" for using a specialized flash unit if you prefer. You must open the flash when needed, it doesn't pop-up automatically. Amazon has a 30 day return policy I think, and I think the warranty is 1 year, but check Panasonic.com to be sure. In years, most cameras will last indefinitely. In "shutter clicks" that is probably an unknown at this time. "I" am assuming that 50,000 clicks is certain and expect 100,000 or I will be sorely disappointed. At my rate of 2000 per month that buys me 2 to 4 years, but for most people that is a lot. That is roughly the range of a good dslr. That's probably 10 years for someone "normal".
741519
If you're going to use it for mostly still subjects, portraits, etc, you would probably be fine. My only beef with manual focus lenses is that it usually takes me a lot longer to find my focus than with an AF lens - and when I'm trying to catch people interacting at a wedding reception, I lose the shot if I don't get it focused quickly. Since you've been using manuals for a long time, you're probably quicker at it than I am. A major part of the problem with using manuals on Nikon digital cameras is the "focus (not) assist" system. You don't have the same focus guide you do in most 35mm cameras; it's just a little green dot that flashes on when you're focused. Trying to get it focused can involve a lot of trial and error, and by the time you've got it, the shot is gone. I have a D70, and this may have changed for the D80, but I'm fairly certain it has not, as I've looked at one in the store and that would have been one of the first things I checked (and, had it been changed, I would have been so excited I would have remembered). If you're going to be doing much action work, I might consider getting an AF lens for it eventually, but you could probably survive for a while without them. Or, it seems like the kit lenses have a pretty good resale value if you wanted to try it and re-sell it later - they're going for around $300 on eBay. All that said, my favorite lens on my D70 is a circa-1970 50mm F/1.4 Nikkor (S series, I think) manual prime with the metal casing - it's absolutely crystal clear and the shots I get with it are positively stunning. Having difficulty trying to pick up its 28mm cousin though... everyone wants one!
2186824
Notr much. I have not tried the kit lens but the 24-70 was not up to the Zeiss quality standard. The 16-35 and the 35/2 will have much more image quality.
313060
The first two answers are spot on. I bought this lens because it is far less expensive and I use a tripod most of the time.
1801933
This is a great lens, particularly at this price. It is tack sharp even at 500mm. You can compensate for the "smaller" aperture by either slower shutter speed (in which case a tripod may be required), or higher ISO. For tripod use I suggest a gimbal head that is designed to accept the built in arca swiss mounting plate on the lens collar. ISO up to 3200 should be OK on modern (last 5-7 years) DSLRs unless you're making really big prints.
405
Thanks everyone for your help. You've explained a lot and it really helps. After your explanations, I looked at my past photos. I'm thinking that maybe the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 will fill my needs. Thanks again.
1477262
Many thanks for replying. Have just ordered an adapter ( cheaply), as I only wanted the lens to play around with. Lesson learnt ; Hubby cannot buy lenses without me knowing what he's paying out for !!
699880
Ah, the Rebel XT -- I had one of those for a while. Small LCD screen did make it a bit hard to check if something was in focus or not. The Canon 100-300mm USM isn't a bad lens. But you might consider upgrading the 28-80mm USM -- even the newer kit lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, is an improvement. You might also enjoy working with a fast prime lens for the background blurring it can provide. Something like the the Canon 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8 are excellent lenses. Cool images, by the way!
1604814
Cameta is excellent to deal with, kit represents great value and is the best deal I could find. Ask yourself if these big lenses are in keeping with the photography you intend to engage in.
1966850
It is a good lens, manual + auto-focus, image stabilization. It is not an exceptional lens (costing $1,500-2,000) but for $249 it is a good deal. It has become the lens of choice to "kit" a body, so lots are manufactured which might be the reason for a lower-than-expected price.
423139
The kit lens is pretty cheap and probably the best Rebel kit lens to date. Plus its optically stabilized and, as you note, it'll help you get an idea what lens you'd like next so why not?
1927445
Jen, I don't recommend this lens. I owned it for a short while when I was new to photography, and was disappointed with its IQ. Zoom lenses that cover this long of a focal length generally sacrifice image integrity to do so. This lens was no exception with heavy barrel distortion on the wide end, and it was very soft when zoomed even when stopped down. I would recommend getting a lens that does less, but does it better. This lens would not be any better than your kit lens. I would recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for its value and IQ.
1337319
No. It is a fixed lens. However, the zoom level makes it a good everyday lens
681557
My recommendation is Tokina 11-16mm (sharpest UWA lens)+ 18-55mm + 70-200mm f/4 IS for most of traveling and hiking in the mountain, kit lens is actually very good and light. If you are in vacation you also need fast prime for indoor activity like 50mm f/1.8 and dedicated flash like 430EX or bigger. If you only need to bring 1 lens, get 18-200mm IS, very useful and acceptable sharpness in whole range compared to any third party superzoom lenses.
1994170
I think it's a good starter kit just to get u going. The lense you probably won't need though.
827133
It's a good lens for my needs. I have found the 18-300mm type lenses just don't do all that well, I think too much range to cover but this does well and being a f/2.8 it's better for darker shots. Heavier than a kit lens but worth it in my opinion.
464337
Sure! It's an excellent lens. Very sharp. Here's a review. http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm