Let's Talk About the Kit Lens (EFS 18-55mm)

[@mikemiller2933]

Not a perfect lens by any stretch of the imagination, but a great lens to learn with. It really does force you to learn composition, lighting and camera settings to get the most out of the camera body. I have managed to get some really decent images with the 18-55mm, but I had to learn how to get those results. I think that once you master using a lens like this you gain a much greater appreciation for what you can accomplish with better quality glass. Expensive lenses may make you feel pro, but they definitely do not help you to produce great images if you don't understand how to use them. I don't often use the 18-55 with my 60D these days, but it still lives in my Camera bag as a back up.

[@reelfilmmaking101]

I completely agree with you! Well said!

[@docchocobo]

This lens will make you a better photographer. After using this lens for even a little while, you'll know the exposure triangle like the back of your hand. That's because you will need to know the exposure triangle to properly get the most you can out of your camera and lens combination

[@ManojKumar-qc5zx]

Can you tell me how to use it??

[@Justsomegamergamingandstuff]

I have a 250D (SL3) and of course, this is the lens it came with. I've always liked it. I do aviation photography, so I use longer zoom lenses but when I do want to shoot closer, I'll always switch to this one. It works great for me, and I like it a lot!

[@YapbreakOne]

Been using the 60D and 18-55 for a while, really forced me out of my comfort zone first starting out, but when I borrowed a few lenses from a friend I was shocked at how easy it was to use them.

[@reelfilmmaking101]

Yeah, the 18-55 definitely forces you to work on basic fundamentals like composition, lighting, etc, but you can totally still get great images with it.

[@gantulgaganhuyag717]

Ok, 95% of the people who at some point bought dslr are not pro photographers. So 18-55mm that comes with most camera does exactly what it needs to do, portraits and street shots.

[@hurleygreen927]

Appreciate the video..I use BOTH of these lenses: the kit lens on a DX Nikon and the 50mm on a full-frame Nikon...they are BOTH great to work with!

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

I've taken some beautiful shots with my kit lens. It's all about knowing your equipment's limitations and being good enough to work with them.

[@startbline]

Day 1 of new camera Canon sl3.. This was helpful since I'm old and haven't used any cameras other than 35mm many years ago...

[@sneakysensei]

Thank you very much for explaining a little bit more about the lenses I’m a film student and next year is my last year at university and honestly at the moment, I’m looking for a Camera to help me with photography and with your making Just how you explain to me like this lens is for beginners, it’s helped me out tremendously thank you very much Have a nice day From Sensei

[@reelfilmmaking101]

You're welcome! I'm glad my video was able to help you out so much.

[@NightPhoenixPress]

Not even sure why people hate this lens. I've used it for photos and movies. It's my preferred lens for day time shooting and it's got stabe which none of my other lenses has. And while it's not Panasonic level, it's helpful. I used it with my Panasonic G7, and my Sony when I had one and will use it with my BMPCC OG and GH5. It's the only lens I've had from the beginning and still have. I have adapters for Sony E-Mount and MFT cameras. That being said, I do mainly shoot in the evenings, but if push comes to shove the lens goes down to f2.8 with my speedbooster, which is good enough to shoot in Downtown wide open and the image is fine.

[@wonderer8629]

I have a Canon T6 and my EFS 18-55 mm lens came with it. Both are so light in weight so I can more easily carry it around than if it was heavier like a full frame is. As an older person, that makes a difference, I'm not as strong as I used to be. As a beginner, I do have a question: in some low light cases, can't you up the iso or use a longer shutter speed? Maybe some of the effects of that can be improved a little in post?

[@volatilesky]

You certainly can, it all depends on your subject. If it's stationary, you can keep increasing shutter time or ISO (but you can get more camera shake or image noise), and there's a point where you need a tripod of some sort since it's just not physically possible to hold it still long enough.

[@lb7144]

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS works great on my Canon C100MKII. I primarily use the Canon EF-S 35mm macro prime STM IS.

[@firealarmapprentice4517]

even after spending $1000s on lenses, I find myself grabbing the kit lens very often. The kit lens f3.5 version has given me great photos, but I heard the latest version f4 is not great.

[@malman1080]

The kit lens my canon t8i came with has an aperture of 4.0 as the minimum. So...consider yourself lucky if you got the 3.5? Idk, I'm pretty ok with it. Still takes banging pictures during the right conditions.

[@reelfilmmaking101]

That's strange, maybe Canon changed the make slightly of this lens at some point. But I totally agree, you can still get some really nice shot with this lens given the right conditions.

[@Ra7imZz]

What’s the best lens for vlogging?

[@dzonipop1]

Can i use this lense to shoot some commercials when filming inside and out?

[@dudemanbrotime-financetech1338]

can it film the subject and have the background blurred?

[@reelfilmmaking101]

Yes it can! It won't be as much bokeh as like an f1.8/f.2, but you can still get some decent good looking bokeh with this lens.

[@fayenewhouse8114]

What is the purpose of the outside ring? Mine doesn't seem to have any focus capability

[@Ra7imZz]

Pretty sure it’s better than 14-45mm lens

[@exol8551]

Could someone tell me that if I have canon EPS 18-55 mm lens, what lens is recommended to buy to upgrade this lens?

[@echochildus2441]

that was a great video. Thank you man.

[@tizianoem]

Hi, I'd need your wise hint 😂 Basing on your opinion, should I prefer the 18-55 3,5-5,6 IS STM or the 4-5,6 IS STM? I bought an eon 850D with 4-5,6, but they sent me the older 3,5-5,6 so I'm considering the replacement. Every suggestion would be super-appreciated. Thank you!

[@manal4081]

it can be used for b roll videos ?

[@reelfilmmaking101]

Yes!

[@renegadevida011]

this was awesome thank you

[@jonathancoss7909]

You just made another follower😊

[@Nvghbvbnn]

Can this lens fit a family without the need of walking far from the subject

[@GhostDigital2k]

Good video

[@reelfilmmaking101]

Thanks!

[@tak7022]

sell it and add more and buy one of these lenses.. 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS 24-70mm F2.8 or a prime 50mm F1.8

[@JKtheDJDJJK]

I currently use this lens for zoom calls, it seems to do the job exceptionally and I'm actually thinking of getting a second kit lens for my M50 for about, as you said, $70

[@firealarmapprentice4517]

the contacts are metal.. gold plated in fact.

[@ThisIsSaipanCNMI]

I find a lot of people whine about things they don't understand or take the time to learn to use properly. Hello, Craig here for Alexa (my granddaughter), since she brought your video to my attention, I have stepped in to enlighten some people. First, they're not "PRIME" lenses, since that word immediately invokes "TOP NOTCH" or "USDA Grade A." BULL! . I have NEVER seen a perfect "grade A" lens. They are simply "fixed focal length" lenses. So HYPE is still hype. Next, I like your opinion of keeping the lowly and often disrespected and abused, 18-55mm kit lens around. . Sure its construction is cheap and plastic like, but is the GLASS inside cheap? Did Canon (or any other camera/lens maker), deliberately put crap glass in one of their lenses? Wouldn't putting CRAP glass in any lens weaken their cred in the photo market? Very likely. It's not the tube, it's the glass that makes the lens. The tube just kinda sits there! . What I find most interesting is just how many people love to complain about things they have little to no understanding in how to use. That brings me to the part where you mentioned knowing a lens/camera's limitations. Nice job. However, there is one very important aspect you left out. That is: THE PHOTOGRAPHER. . For many decades I have instructed people of all levels, on the relationship between camera, lens and operator. IF, as a photographer, you repeatedly have an issue with your images, the blame is not on the lens or camera. Simply put, if you can't see the image in your mind to compose it BEFORE you approach the camera or shutter release, you are destined to FAIL, bar none. If you can't see it in your mind, you certainly can't shoot it. I don't care how much was paid for the equipment. . This brings me to a wonderful conclusion in the world of photography. If you shoot gorgeous images that are tack sharp and revered by the viewer, using a KIT lens (they don't know it), just imagine what that PHOTOGRAPHER could do with a "USED" slightly more advanced lens, not the most expensive. . With nearly 6 decades in the industry and having photographed around the world, in combat (I was a soldier during the Cold War), at funerals (yeah, that was different), crime scenes (not my favorite), and a special treat to photograph an authentic Korean wedding in Seoul, Korea by private invite, and using the lenses I still own, I'd say running out to buy the most expensive, newest, fanciest lens, camera, accessory kits, etc. provides much insight into the person and not their capabilities as a photographer. There's that old saying: A fool and their money soon part. Yeah, that applies. . Many people walk by my images and get a gleam in their eyes, or they simply say: OOOO, AAAHHH or WOW! gorgeous. I never tell them the images were shot on KIT lenses, or USED 3rd party lenses. Why would I, I heard all of the evidence I needed to prove spending gobs of money on fancy lenses is a waste and a tragedy. It's a matter of perspective and in knowing your limits and those of your equipment. Most people spending that kind of money will never take the time to learn everything about their equipment. . Loved the vid, hope to see more like it in the future. One should always respect the tools they have been given, or can afford, not envy others, nor believe in the hype. After all, companies are in it to make money. The grass isn't always greener once the money is gone! . Craig Alexander, A Simple Photographer

[@reelfilmmaking101]

Thanks so much for your great words Craig.

[@Sunlove_honeybee]

Beautiful words, very insightful 🤲🏽💌

[@ThisIsSaipanCNMI]

@@reelfilmmaking101 Thank you.

[@ThisIsSaipanCNMI]

@@Sunlove_honeybee Thank you

[@Sera_Vaz]

Excellent insight. Taking a screenshot of this comment to keep with me as a reminder to never stray from becoming a good photographer instead of focusing on fancy equipment!

[@Jon-mz2wp]

I bought thia lens along with Vivitar 75-260. Thought id test the together. 18-55mm has a 10 stop ND on it as 75-260MM has a CPL. I thank God i brought my Vivitar lens or the day would have went to sh@ ! The 18-55MM when working has the possiblities of shooting good pic.s. But it requires lots of light as said. Thia lens may need a Speed Booster ?! But in my Dawn attempt to blur and freeze water ?! No No Joe ! 👎 My Vivitar picked up the alack on all fronts. Staying with my Niffty 50 from here !!!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

You could use this lens just at 18mm...plus IS.

[@Marine_0317]

Hey! Pump the brakes!! That’s great!

[@kadevent]

ok

[@zetacrucis681]

nikon's 18-55 kit lens is quite a bit better. same specs but better results.