Kit Lens Vs. Pro Lens

If money is no object stop reading right here and buy the expensive one.

The Nikon 55-300 Variable Kit Lens Alongside the Tamron 70-200 F2.8

Ok, for those of us in the 99% here is the case for a kit zoom lens versus a pro zoom lens. The price difference is staggering, but your images don’t have to reflect that. Simply, the kit lens in broad daylight at the lowest possible stop you can get it (since it is variable) can be passed off as professional as long as the image is compelling. Where all the kit lens really breaks down is lowlight and fast action. The pro lens will be able to hold a very low stop all the way out to 200mm, (fast glass) meaning more light will be let in at a lower ISO level.

The positives for the kit lens:

• Price

• Portability (both size and weight)

• Can produce professional images with an abundance of light

Cons for the kit lens:

Daytime shot on Nikon 55-300 Variable kit lens.

• Variable aperture

• Poor lowlight performance

• Fishing (less accurate) autofocus

The positives for the pro lens:

• Fixed at F2.8 from 70-200

• Superb autofocus speed and accuracy

• Excellent performance in lowlight

Cons for the pro lens:

Nighttime shot on the Tamron 70-200 F2.8

• High price

• Bulky and heavy

• Purchasing one from Nikon or Canon will nearly double the price

First, a shot in the sun of Little League Baseball from the kit lens. Stops the action, but doesn’t do much to compress the background because I was trapped into shooting F5.6. Still a good shot to everyone who wouldn’t read something like this because it got the job done.

The second photo is of Little League Baseball at night shot on the Tamron 70-200 at F3.2. Extremely poor lighting conditions and fast motion mean this shot could not be re-created in any capacity on the kit lens. Also notice how much more the background is compressed.