contrary to what most people want you to believe, some kit lenses are even good. most are imperfect since they are cheap but an example of a good one is the Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6. it has some vignetting at 18mm corrected in body but I couldn't find other issues. Even if I own some Sigma primes for APS-C, I am not selling it, this tells enough.
Been into photography for years, but never had my own kit. Either borrowed other peoples cameras or got me (as of late) a higher-end phone for better photos. But that wasn't enough: I leapt into the a6700 recently and love it. I used the kit-lens for two weeks to get myself accustomed to the alpha, then went straight into the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8. No surprise that everyone recommends that lens! It should have come with the camera from the start! Amazing combo. And I write this, because you're partially to blame, Curtis. Your videos are 10/10.
IM SOOO HAPPY YOU POSTED THIS SO RECENTLY TOO I’ve been watching 2-3 year old videos and none of them really helped but this one did!!! I have a a6400 coming in Thursday with a kit lense and this video makes me feel better lol thank you!❤😂
What a timing of the video. I just tested once again the kit lens for street photography yesterday. I found a way to compensate the inability of the kit lens and limited gear I have - by playing with aperture. Not perfect but at least I found a way to express my style before I can get better lenses. ❤❤
I was very quick to replace that kit lens with the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 which is of such quality that many folks think I was using a prime. The down side though is no stabilisation, which is a big plus for the kit lens. If only I could afford that 6700 body... But, after doing mostly landscape and architectural photography, I went back to street photography recently and yes - now the kit lens got put back on the camera. Immediately my 6400 looks less pro and more like a compact point and shoot. This is great stealth for street and yes - you do not need the sharpest image or distortion free image. Got to say, though, that it gives the best for street in strong contrasty sunlight. The softness of the lens seems more noticeable in cloudy and darker conditions. Just as well I live in the tropics then...
I have taken 1000's of pics with the 16-50, first with an NEX6 and now with a 6400. I bought DXO's PureRaw and have been reprocessing many of my pics through that. What a transformation, they look like they have been shot with a top quality lens, no distortion, no CA. and way sharper. Love that little lens.
Love the content Curtis. As someone who just picked up an A6400 with a kit lens last month this is the kind of content I need as a beginner. The idea of using the specific focal lengths is a really good idea!
Where the kit lens shines, other than being super compact, is in video. 4k video is only 8MP luminance and 4MP chroma, so the kit lens can resolve it fine and is stabilized with a wide starting angle. It's not very wide aperture but f/3.5 is enough for vlogging or travel. It leaves a lot to be desired in photography, though. I actually had good luck with the older 18-55mm kit lens that came with the earlier NEX line which can often be found for very little second-hand.
One thing I like about zooms is that if the different elements in the scene lines up from where you’re standing, but is a bit far away, you don’t have to discard that composition by moving closer and having things shift, you can just zoom in. I do love primes though, only 2 of my 15 lenses are zooms. Have you ever tried the GFX kit lens? The 35-70mm? It’s so good! (Not perfect, but what lens is.)
Great video Curtis. I agree a kit lens is great to start with. I had the Sony 18-135 which gave me a lot more range and most of my photos were from that. As you said composition, lighting etc understanding exposure triangle etc will help improve your game. I now have a wide variety of lenses and have to pick and choose which to take. Including drone! 🍻
Give me any camera and I can have a ball with it. I had fun when I first got into digital photography with a Sony a6000 and the two kit lenses. Total fun. Shot everything and got good results. The kit lens is not that bad as people try to say. Sure, it is no match for a Sony 35mm G Master lens, but it gets the job done.
The way I see it is any lens is better than no lens! I brought a Fuji x system camera used years ago and it came without a lens and sat there for about 2 years as I couldn’t afford a Fuji prime!
Man, I wish the sony kit lens had a mechanical focus ring though. That electronic one is so annoying because by the time you have your desired focal length, the scene is gone :( that was one of my main reasons to get the sigma 18-50 (best upgrade for sony apsc imo)
I used to have Sony NEX-5T with kit lens. I dont hate it but feel limited because of 3.5-5.6 aperture. When I upgraded to a6700, just bought body only and Sigma 18-50 2.8
Ok so if I get the Sony 6700 body only, which 2 lenses would you suggest I take with me on an overseas trip to London and south of France to keep the kit compact. I’m a beginnner/intermediate photographer who’s sick of my iPhone quality photos from my travels - despite the convenience. For this trip though priority is a super compact setup that almost fits in pocket or handbag throughout the day - so the Sigma 18-50 could be too chonky for my liking in this case. Would the 16-50 kit lens cut it if I supplement it with a cheap ‘pancake’ prime that covers my other shots? Like a TTArtisan 27mm 2.8? 7Artisans 35mm 1.4 or the 35mm 1.8 Sony? I’m wanting detailed, wide landscape shots, as well as some beautiful street and interior low light environments - and the odd snap of my husband in shot when he allows it ;)
So the A6700 top tier camera! In terms of lenses you definitely want the 18-50 most versatile lens for APS-C plus is compact and light enough. You’d then want a prime lens. I’d recommend either a 30mm f1.4 from sigma or the 56mm f1.4 also from sigma. I have made dedicated video to both in terms of review and povs on the channel! You want might wanna watch them then see which one suits your needs best! Hope that helps and happy traveling! 🙌
Sigma 10-18 f/2.8 would be a great option for what you describe. The a6700 isn't really pocketable, though. A lot of people would recommend something like a Ricoh GXiii or Sony RX100 if you need it to fit in a pocket.
i have a iphone 14 pro max, its scary to get a camera and a fear of not being worth it, i saw a video of u about the a6000, cameras for begginers, do u think its a upgrade? my bugdet is sooo low cuz i'm young so i really need help in this!
Hola Curtis, te sigo desde Argentina 🇦🇷 me encantaria si puedes empezar a poner subtitulos en español para poder entender mejor tus videos. Gracias, eres el mejor!
@@megaman2016 To keep it easier and less confusing I mentioned the focal lengths on the kit lens as they were rather then confusing people with 1.5x calculations.
@@CocoKoi321 This generic statement makes no sense. The whole point of photography is to take photo and be as you put photographery which isn’t even a word
What are your thoughts on Kit lenses? 🤔💭
contrary to what most people want you to believe, some kit lenses are even good. most are imperfect since they are cheap but an example of a good one is the Sony 18-135 f/3.5-5.6. it has some vignetting at 18mm corrected in body but I couldn't find other issues. Even if I own some Sigma primes for APS-C, I am not selling it, this tells enough.
Simple
Been into photography for years, but never had my own kit. Either borrowed other peoples cameras or got me (as of late) a higher-end phone for better photos. But that wasn't enough: I leapt into the a6700 recently and love it. I used the kit-lens for two weeks to get myself accustomed to the alpha, then went straight into the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8. No surprise that everyone recommends that lens! It should have come with the camera from the start!
Amazing combo. And I write this, because you're partially to blame, Curtis. Your videos are 10/10.
@@JNeverMindMe the sony 16-50 is a $100 lens, the sigma 18-50 is a $500 lens. what can modern technology achieve for $100 has limits
@@giovannigio6217 Thanks for sharing your experinces, I have never tried out the 18-135!
IM SOOO HAPPY YOU POSTED THIS SO RECENTLY TOO I’ve been watching 2-3 year old videos and none of them really helped but this one did!!! I have a a6400 coming in Thursday with a kit lense and this video makes me feel better lol thank you!❤😂
if you got the kit with the 18-135 like me, that isn't a disposable lens. it's quite good
Nice Im not alone
What a timing of the video. I just tested once again the kit lens for street photography yesterday. I found a way to compensate the inability of the kit lens and limited gear I have - by playing with aperture.
Not perfect but at least I found a way to express my style before I can get better lenses. ❤❤
Ayyy that’s fabulous to hear! Thanks for sharing 🙌
I was very quick to replace that kit lens with the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 which is of such quality that many folks think I was using a prime. The down side though is no stabilisation, which is a big plus for the kit lens. If only I could afford that 6700 body... But, after doing mostly landscape and architectural photography, I went back to street photography recently and yes - now the kit lens got put back on the camera. Immediately my 6400 looks less pro and more like a compact point and shoot. This is great stealth for street and yes - you do not need the sharpest image or distortion free image. Got to say, though, that it gives the best for street in strong contrasty sunlight. The softness of the lens seems more noticeable in cloudy and darker conditions. Just as well I live in the tropics then...
I have taken 1000's of pics with the 16-50, first with an NEX6 and now with a 6400. I bought DXO's PureRaw and have been reprocessing many of my pics through that. What a transformation, they look like they have been shot with a top quality lens, no distortion, no CA. and way sharper. Love that little lens.
I have become a fan of your channel! So many useful resources for beginners with a APS-C Sony Camera
Hey Curtis I love your content, I am actually thinking of picking up an Sony a6700 with a kit lens.
@@infectiousgam1ng You’re gonna love the A6700, I’d also recommend checking out the sigma 18-50 F2.8 as an alternative lens! 🙌
Love the content Curtis. As someone who just picked up an A6400 with a kit lens last month this is the kind of content I need as a beginner. The idea of using the specific focal lengths is a really good idea!
Where the kit lens shines, other than being super compact, is in video. 4k video is only 8MP luminance and 4MP chroma, so the kit lens can resolve it fine and is stabilized with a wide starting angle. It's not very wide aperture but f/3.5 is enough for vlogging or travel. It leaves a lot to be desired in photography, though. I actually had good luck with the older 18-55mm kit lens that came with the earlier NEX line which can often be found for very little second-hand.
One thing I like about zooms is that if the different elements in the scene lines up from where you’re standing, but is a bit far away, you don’t have to discard that composition by moving closer and having things shift, you can just zoom in. I do love primes though, only 2 of my 15 lenses are zooms.
Have you ever tried the GFX kit lens? The 35-70mm? It’s so good! (Not perfect, but what lens is.)
Great video Curtis. I agree a kit lens is great to start with. I had the Sony 18-135 which gave me a lot more range and most of my photos were from that. As you said composition, lighting etc understanding exposure triangle etc will help improve your game. I now have a wide variety of lenses and have to pick and choose which to take. Including drone! 🍻
Ayyy you’re welcome! And Thanks for sharing! Just don’t crash the drone 😅🫡
Well, this is very educational, thanks a lot!!
Give me any camera and I can have a ball with it. I had fun when I first got into digital photography with a Sony a6000 and the two kit lenses. Total fun. Shot everything and got good results. The kit lens is not that bad as people try to say. Sure, it is no match for a Sony 35mm G Master lens, but it gets the job done.
The way I see it is any lens is better than no lens! I brought a Fuji x system camera used years ago and it came without a lens and sat there for about 2 years as I couldn’t afford a Fuji prime!
Do you reckon the canon EOS 750d will be okay with a kit lens, it’s my first camera
Watched your video and bought a Sony a6000 with a kit lens, still saving up for that Sigma 18 - 50mm f2.8 😅
I skipped the kit lense and just got a sigma 18-50mm.
That is a good direction to go honestly! 🙌
@CurtisPadley your video, amongst others, led me to that decision for a first general all around Lense to learn on. so I thank you
@@elegymusic aye you’re welcome! ☺️
Same
Same
Man, I wish the sony kit lens had a mechanical focus ring though. That electronic one is so annoying because by the time you have your desired focal length, the scene is gone :( that was one of my main reasons to get the sigma 18-50 (best upgrade for sony apsc imo)
I think you are pure talent no matter what gun you're holding in tour hands
Ahhh thanks that’s kind of you to say! 🫶
I used to have Sony NEX-5T with kit lens. I dont hate it but feel limited because of 3.5-5.6 aperture. When I upgraded to a6700, just bought body only and Sigma 18-50 2.8
There are certain limitation with kit lenses but that shouldn't limit your creativity. Great upgrade mate with A6700 and 18-50 f2.8! What a combo!
Cheers dude really interesting
@@minus1db Glad you think so! 😃
Hi, can you recommend a camera(with lens if possible) for 50k-60k php? I'm a new subscriber from Philippines
Can you review sony 55-210mm with a6400 please?
Hey Curtis, how did you install the red shutter button on your a6700? bought one and dont know how to remove the stock one.
Ok so if I get the Sony 6700 body only, which 2 lenses would you suggest I take with me on an overseas trip to London and south of France to keep the kit compact. I’m a beginnner/intermediate photographer who’s sick of my iPhone quality photos from my travels - despite the convenience. For this trip though priority is a super compact setup that almost fits in pocket or handbag throughout the day - so the Sigma 18-50 could be too chonky for my liking in this case. Would the 16-50 kit lens cut it if I supplement it with a cheap ‘pancake’ prime that covers my other shots? Like a TTArtisan 27mm 2.8? 7Artisans 35mm 1.4 or the 35mm 1.8 Sony? I’m wanting detailed, wide landscape shots, as well as some beautiful street and interior low light environments - and the odd snap of my husband in shot when he allows it ;)
So the A6700 top tier camera! In terms of lenses you definitely want the 18-50 most versatile lens for APS-C plus is compact and light enough. You’d then want a prime lens. I’d recommend either a 30mm f1.4 from sigma or the 56mm f1.4 also from sigma.
I have made dedicated video to both in terms of review and povs on the channel! You want might wanna watch them then see which one suits your needs best! Hope that helps and happy traveling! 🙌
Sigma 10-18 f/2.8 would be a great option for what you describe. The a6700 isn't really pocketable, though. A lot of people would recommend something like a Ricoh GXiii or Sony RX100 if you need it to fit in a pocket.
Can I do a good job with my 18 - 50 in kit lens for portrait photography? another lens is recommended or necessarily
Yes 18-50 is brilliant! 🙌
i have a iphone 14 pro max, its scary to get a camera and a fear of not being worth it, i saw a video of u about the a6000, cameras for begginers, do u think its a upgrade? my bugdet is sooo low cuz i'm young so i really need help in this!
It definitely is an upgrade as a6000 with a kit lens can shoot way better than ip16
@@quanphung2258 I’m already saving to get it! Thanks for letting me know🫡
Dude where can I get that shirt???
Hola Curtis, te sigo desde Argentina 🇦🇷 me encantaria si puedes empezar a poner subtitulos en español para poder entender mejor tus videos. Gracias, eres el mejor!
I would buy one of the ones off the ZV1 II's kit lens for like $25
It is possible to shoot a short movie with these lenses? It will be crap?
Crop factor
Yes?
@@CurtisPadley can't forget to mention it when giving the focal lengths and uses for the beginners
@@megaman2016 To keep it easier and less confusing I mentioned the focal lengths on the kit lens as they were rather then confusing people with 1.5x calculations.
I have the same a6000 and i also have a7iii. my copy kit lens [28~75]of a7iii is so bad, the a6000 kit lens is way better. 😂
Bro find me a canon m50 or canon 7d mk 2 for 50 quid
@@Hawke-YT Why don’t you do that yourself? 🤨
@@CurtisPadley i have tried😀
@@Hawke-YT Try again plus you can’t expect me to do that for you.
@@CurtisPadley sorry just wanted a little help from the genius
@@Hawke-YT You are never gonna find either of those camera for £50.
I got the sigma 30mm I skipped the kit lens
Great Lens! :)
The somy 16-50 will get you beyond better digital camera photos then a garbage digicam
Same lens architectural design
nothing wrong with kit lenses.
99% of your Photo quality comes from your Skill/Light & Composition not from your lens anyway...
if you have a kit lens and didn't compare then will be alright
Did you ever get in trouble with someone who didnt want to be photographed?
sigma 16mm f1.4 all day will get you the best photos cause using it will make you just *take photos* without trying to be all photographery about it
@@CocoKoi321 This generic statement makes no sense. The whole point of photography is to take photo and be as you put photographery which isn’t even a word
My girlfriend loves her kit lens, and I don't hate it tbh