Arguments with an 18-55mm non-IS kit lens

So guys. How do you get good photos out of the kit lens? I haven't managed to do it yet. (possibly my standards are just too high...)

This is a 100% crop on the left side of an image...f/7.1, middle of the zoom range. Admittedly, I wasn't focussed on this particular spot, but still.

bleh.

looking at this again: yeah, the top left corner of the full image definitely definitely definitely looks way soft.

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Umm...

If you want part of an image to be in focus, then focus on that part of the image!

That lens is considered to be junk, so don't expect edge to edge sharpness, even stopped down.

I'd suggest you stop pixel peeping. For an XT and kit lens I think the full shot looks like a perfectly fine snapshot.

heh, yeah. thanks.

I guess what really bugs me is the fuzzies in the top left...it seems somewhat different from ordinary depth-of-field stuff, which is worrying.

the only thing that looks like it might be in focus is that first pole...what'd you focus on?

edit: i think that came out wrong...i mean it looks like you focused on the pole, and that the rest is just out of focus due to the DOF...i'm not suggesting somethings wrong with the lens

try another picture with the crop area is in focus, but there also looks to be a fair amount of noise in that crop which will contribute to softness. also this lens is not really considered that great of a lens

I've seen you post great images before. I think you're just reached the limitation of the equipment. For what it is, I think the shot looks fine.

The lens is perfectly capable of producing good shots; you just have to nail the exposure. Have a look through the image sample file at the top of the page - there are plenty of excellent examples. This is one I took of my dog, shortly after I got my first camera a few years ago (XTi with 18-55 non-IS).

Why not try again? Choose a subject with good contrast, in good light, and use the centre focus point only. If you get good exposure, your image should be fine. If you're going to do a 100% crop, make sure you crop where you focused. Good luck!

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I struggled for months to get acceptable quality from my 18-55, without success. Out it went. I next tried a Sigma 17-70, but it had irreparable focus issues; out it went. Next off the rank was an 18-55 IS.

Immediate satisfaction!

My advice? Give up now, and get a decent lens.

Okay, yeah - I guess I just will have to make do with what I've got. I'm at the point where if I was going to be a pro photographer I would probably upgrade...but I'm not, I'm a printmaker, and that's my own choice...

and I've gotten stuff like this out of it before.

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J.Lynn.R wrote in post #10340865
Okay, yeah - I guess I just will have to make do with what I've got.

Either that or spend the $50 required to upgrade to the IS lens and rid yourself of the problem forever. Your call.

I still have my original 18-55 non IS kit lens. And it still works fine.

Jon.

I actually have 2 - each came with the used 20D and Rebel XT - which I purchased used as a complete kit for less than the bodies alone were going for...

I use the lens, generally, in it's "sweet spot" so I have a lot of nice photos with it.

I don't go enlarging the corners and rate the image quality - especially after growing up with Kodak Pocket and Polariod cameras...

There's very little room for error with that lens, but if you get the exposure right you'll get some good images. I think there is definately a noticeable difference between the older kit lens and the newer IS version.