Kit lens

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A kit lens is a "starter" lens sold bundled with an interchangeable-lens camera such as a single-lens reflex camera. It is generally an inexpensive lens priced at the lowest end of the manufacturer's range, so as to not add much to a camera's price. Originally, kit lenses were generally of normal focal length; more recently, kit lenses tend to be inexpensive zoom lenses that range from medium wide angle to mild telephoto for added versatility. Prime lenses are generally faster (smaller f#), but the change to zoom lenses has usually means that a slower (higher f#) lens is used. This is because in most cases, prime lenses are faster than comparably priced zoom lenses. However, in most cases the inclusion of an inexpensive zoom lens is to maintain a low entry price and maximize usability for the beginner photographer.

Higher end SLRs generally do not come with a lens, as the buyer is assumed to already own lenses or to plan to purchase them separately: kit lenses are often but not exclusively used as a savings and convenience factor for entry-level cameras.

Contents

[edit] Digital single-lens reflex cameras

Because of the crop factor, kit lenses for APS-C format cameras (like Canon EF-S and Nikon DX) have shorter focal lengths, to get the same field of view.

[edit] Canon

[edit] Nikon

[edit] Pentax

[edit] Sony

Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM, bundled with Sony A230, A330, A380.

[edit] References

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