When you buy a camera, the decision to keep the kit lens or upgrade immediately is on your mind. Kit lenses, bundled with camera bodies, are often lightweight and versatile but have a reputation for being limited.
Coming to you from Jason Friend Photography, this practical video explores the capabilities and limitations of kit lenses. Using a Panasonic GX9 paired with a 14-42mm lens, Friend walks through the streets of Edinburgh, demonstrating what a budget kit lens can achieve. One key strength is their portability. These lenses are small and lightweight, making them ideal for everyday use. For example, the GX9 setup is compact enough to carry comfortably all day. Friend highlights that kit lenses often cover a broad focal range, such as the 14-42mm lens offering an equivalent of 28-84mm on full frame. This range allows you to capture a variety of shots, from landscapes to portraits, without needing multiple lenses.
The video also acknowledges the trade-offs of using kit lenses. Their construction often includes plastic materials, which can feel less durable than premium options. Friend points out that a metal mount, when available, is more reliable for long-term use. Another limitation is the aperture range, typically slower than higher-end lenses. The Panasonic lens has a variable aperture of f/3.5 to f/5.6, meaning it lets in less light as you zoom in. In low-light situations, this limitation requires increasing ISO, which can introduce noise and reduce image quality. This makes kit lenses less suited for dim environments without additional lighting.
Friend explains that kit lenses struggle with achieving shallow depth of field, especially for portraits. Even at the longest focal lengths, the f/5.6 aperture doesn’t create the creamy background blur you’d get with faster lenses. For those aiming for professional-level bokeh, investing in a lens with a wide aperture is necessary. Despite this, kit lenses perform well in outdoor settings with plenty of light. Advances in mirrorless cameras and editing software like Lightroom mean many optical flaws are corrected in-camera or during post-processing.
The video emphasizes that kit lenses are not only functional but also a great starting point for honing your skills. Friend shares that some of his best early work was shot with basic kit lenses, proving that artistry isn’t determined by equipment alone. By focusing on composition and technique rather than gear, you can create impressive images without spending a fortune. This approach encourages you to embrace the kit lens as a tool to grow with, rather than something to discard immediately. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Friend.
