DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

Hi - I"m a DSLR beginner...mostly wanting to use it to take better quality pics of my kids (both close-ups of their faces as well as action shots as they grow). Might experiment with landscapes at some point, but for now...priority is the pics of the kids.

The camera stores recommend getting the kit...but I've read in a few places that the lens that comes with the kit is not usually the best quality?

If so, what lens would I get?

I will probably be getting a Nikon (3100 or 5100) but haven't ruled out Canon. I actually really like the t5i a lot but since it's newer, less chance of finding it used or refurbished.

Anyhow, I'd appreciate feedback on the lens issue as well as good beginner DSLR models for my purposes. TIA!!

ETA: or if you could recommend a good DSLR online forum. TY!

Message edited 6/14/2013 1:49:57 AM.

Re: DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

I have the D3100 but I'm just a beginner like you. I did was purchase a few groupons for Berger Brothers and attended a few classes. They are extremely helpful. Check their website it lists all the classes that upcoming. They did give me a forum for other helpful information but I didn't write it down. I'm sure if you call them they'll tell you.

DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

The answwer is, it depends. I don't know canon very well, as far as kit lenses.

On the Nikon, the kit lens is very good for what it is. unless you're spending a decent amount of money on the lense, you're not going to get a a better image quality zoom lense. You can get more range in the zoom with the 18-105, 18-200 or 18-300. they are all decent lenses, during the actual zoom range of the kit 18-55, there isn't much difference.

IMHO, the 18-105 can be bought for around 200 as a refurb from a good dealer, and is a good value.

I have a D90 and an 18-200. I like it, but it gets kind of heavy. if I had to do it over again, I might just stick with the 18-105.

If it were me, I'd probably ditch the kit lense for the 18-105 b/c its a better zoom range, you might find the 55 kind of short and be changing lenses more frequently.

Message edited 6/14/2013 10:56:11 AM.

DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

i had my canon t1i with the kit lens and pretty much hated it. The lens it came with was (i believe) 18-55mm and to me, that's not nearly enough zoom. After using the kit lens for about a year, i bought myself a Sigma 18-200 lens and i'm sooooo much happier with this lens. As PP mentioned though, it does make the camera a lot heavier though.

the Kit lenses are usually good as far as quality of the pictures. It's just a matter of the zoom amount (18mm is close-up and that's probably fine. The larger number is the zoom and 55 is just not enough unless you're in the same room as your subject).

so ultimately, i would say that if you have it in your budget, i'd buy the camera & lens separately. Otherwise, just get the kit for now.

Re: DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

I personally would not by the kit. I did with my first DSLR (Nikon D5100) and what a waist!

I would buy the body only and buy a 50mm 1.8G lens. Once I bought this lens, I never used the kit lens again but I prefer prime/fixed (doesnt zoom) lenses. It was very easy to get used to. You get the best "bang for your buck" with this lens IMHO. Its great in low light conditions and gives you a soft creamy/blurry background which is what most people like in portraits. It cost about $220 which is a great price for such a great lens.

DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

I would never buy the kit lens again. I will only buy a camera body only and then invest in a good lens. The kit lenses aren't that great IMHO. It's ok but for what I'm looking for its not enough zoom. I'm actually buying a new camera very soon and I'm only buying the body. I have money leftover after for a good lens. Lenses are really what make the difference in pics anyway.

Re: DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

Nikon is running a good deal now. Nikon D3100 with the regular lens and a zoom lens. That is what I would buy.. If you are new and just starting out, that is good enough... You can always upgrade to a bigger lens later on

DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

Are you planning on going into the photography business? If not, I'd get the kit. The Nikon lenses in the kit are not crap. They do the job and the camera takes beautiful pictures. When you bring yourself to a new level of photography, start investing in lenses. But if your goal is just to take nice pictures of your kids, the kit will do the job and then some. JMO.

DSLR: buy kit w/lens included or body-only then add lens(es)?

Start with the kit lens while you decide what it is you need and learn photography.

When you improve, you can decide which lenses suit your personal needs best. Some of the all in one lenses as mentioned before are very good for general purpose photography, but if you decide to branch into landscaping, chances are you won't be happy with the image quality. You'll find yourself itching for a fast, wide angle prime lens. On the other hand, maybe you'll discover you have a passion for sports/action and you'll desire a fast telephoto lens with image stabilization..... but most kit lenses these days are more than sufficient for a beginner's needs.