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Is there any value in full 'beginner's kit bundles'?
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If I were buying my first "serious" camera, is there any value in buying a "full beginner's kit" like the below or should I just buy the camera with the kit lens? The full kit costs about $100 (or 10%) more than the camera and kit lens.
Overview of kit [brand names, other than Canon, obscured]
equipment-recommendation photography-basics
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
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motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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show 5 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
If I were buying my first "serious" camera, is there any value in buying a "full beginner's kit" like the below or should I just buy the camera with the kit lens? The full kit costs about $100 (or 10%) more than the camera and kit lens.
Overview of kit [brand names, other than Canon, obscured]
equipment-recommendation photography-basics
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
1
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
1
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
If I were buying my first "serious" camera, is there any value in buying a "full beginner's kit" like the below or should I just buy the camera with the kit lens? The full kit costs about $100 (or 10%) more than the camera and kit lens.
Overview of kit [brand names, other than Canon, obscured]
equipment-recommendation photography-basics
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
If I were buying my first "serious" camera, is there any value in buying a "full beginner's kit" like the below or should I just buy the camera with the kit lens? The full kit costs about $100 (or 10%) more than the camera and kit lens.
Overview of kit [brand names, other than Canon, obscured]
equipment-recommendation photography-basics
equipment-recommendation photography-basics
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
edited 20 mins ago
Philip Kendall
16.2k44881
16.2k44881
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
asked 1 hour ago
motdde
183
183
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
motdde is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
1
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
1
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
1
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
1
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
1
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago
1
1
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
1
1
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
1
1
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Most of the stuff in those beginner kits is total junk you'll have to replace within a year.
Don't fall for it... like I did :/
The only thing in that kit that makes it a 'video kit' is the mic; everything else is the same old rubbish you'd get in a 'photography kit'.
The flash, filters, close-up adaptors, wide & telephoto adapters aren't worth attaching to the camera.
The tripod will barely be able to hold the camera's weight, let alone keep it steady.
Buy a kit with just the camera, SD card, batteries, chargers & 2 lenses, 18-55 & 55-200... it will save you the trouble of recycling all the other stuff & you'll probably spend $200 less.
Alternatively, if you really want to see what you get, I'll ship you all the shi... erm... cra.. err.. stuff I kept from my first kit, so you can see just how bad it really is ;)
A quick tick/cross value judgement on this type of kit [unmarked items are 'take it or leave it' with no real value call either way]. Camera & real accessories would be assumed to be premium quality, of course.
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Most of the stuff in those beginner kits is total junk you'll have to replace within a year.
Don't fall for it... like I did :/
The only thing in that kit that makes it a 'video kit' is the mic; everything else is the same old rubbish you'd get in a 'photography kit'.
The flash, filters, close-up adaptors, wide & telephoto adapters aren't worth attaching to the camera.
The tripod will barely be able to hold the camera's weight, let alone keep it steady.
Buy a kit with just the camera, SD card, batteries, chargers & 2 lenses, 18-55 & 55-200... it will save you the trouble of recycling all the other stuff & you'll probably spend $200 less.
Alternatively, if you really want to see what you get, I'll ship you all the shi... erm... cra.. err.. stuff I kept from my first kit, so you can see just how bad it really is ;)
A quick tick/cross value judgement on this type of kit [unmarked items are 'take it or leave it' with no real value call either way]. Camera & real accessories would be assumed to be premium quality, of course.
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Most of the stuff in those beginner kits is total junk you'll have to replace within a year.
Don't fall for it... like I did :/
The only thing in that kit that makes it a 'video kit' is the mic; everything else is the same old rubbish you'd get in a 'photography kit'.
The flash, filters, close-up adaptors, wide & telephoto adapters aren't worth attaching to the camera.
The tripod will barely be able to hold the camera's weight, let alone keep it steady.
Buy a kit with just the camera, SD card, batteries, chargers & 2 lenses, 18-55 & 55-200... it will save you the trouble of recycling all the other stuff & you'll probably spend $200 less.
Alternatively, if you really want to see what you get, I'll ship you all the shi... erm... cra.. err.. stuff I kept from my first kit, so you can see just how bad it really is ;)
A quick tick/cross value judgement on this type of kit [unmarked items are 'take it or leave it' with no real value call either way]. Camera & real accessories would be assumed to be premium quality, of course.
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Most of the stuff in those beginner kits is total junk you'll have to replace within a year.
Don't fall for it... like I did :/
The only thing in that kit that makes it a 'video kit' is the mic; everything else is the same old rubbish you'd get in a 'photography kit'.
The flash, filters, close-up adaptors, wide & telephoto adapters aren't worth attaching to the camera.
The tripod will barely be able to hold the camera's weight, let alone keep it steady.
Buy a kit with just the camera, SD card, batteries, chargers & 2 lenses, 18-55 & 55-200... it will save you the trouble of recycling all the other stuff & you'll probably spend $200 less.
Alternatively, if you really want to see what you get, I'll ship you all the shi... erm... cra.. err.. stuff I kept from my first kit, so you can see just how bad it really is ;)
A quick tick/cross value judgement on this type of kit [unmarked items are 'take it or leave it' with no real value call either way]. Camera & real accessories would be assumed to be premium quality, of course.
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
Most of the stuff in those beginner kits is total junk you'll have to replace within a year.
Don't fall for it... like I did :/
The only thing in that kit that makes it a 'video kit' is the mic; everything else is the same old rubbish you'd get in a 'photography kit'.
The flash, filters, close-up adaptors, wide & telephoto adapters aren't worth attaching to the camera.
The tripod will barely be able to hold the camera's weight, let alone keep it steady.
Buy a kit with just the camera, SD card, batteries, chargers & 2 lenses, 18-55 & 55-200... it will save you the trouble of recycling all the other stuff & you'll probably spend $200 less.
Alternatively, if you really want to see what you get, I'll ship you all the shi... erm... cra.. err.. stuff I kept from my first kit, so you can see just how bad it really is ;)
A quick tick/cross value judgement on this type of kit [unmarked items are 'take it or leave it' with no real value call either way]. Camera & real accessories would be assumed to be premium quality, of course.
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
edited 46 mins ago
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
answered 1 hour ago
Tetsujin
6,98321741
6,98321741
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
I'd tick the backpack too. It may not be the best, but any backpack is better than none.
– Alexander von Wernherr
44 mins ago
1
1
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
I left it as a 'no judgement' - the zip on mine broke within 6 months, so I had to buy a decent one anyway.
– Tetsujin
44 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
@Tetsujin are you how would you spend the 1300 USD as a beginner. Are you saying I should go with the bundle that comes with the two Kit lens? [amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm-Telephoto-70-300mm-Autofocus/dp/…
– motdde
20 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I would certainly aim for something that doesn't just try to sell you 'one of everything' as most of that 'everything' is utter rubbish. Some of those items I have the exact same.. complete waste of money; used once, dropped in a drawer never to be looked at again.
– Tetsujin
15 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
I'd disagree with some of the crossed out items: A light cheap tripod is okay when used with a cabled release, and can also be reused as a flash or mike stand. The small flash is useful when used with a sync cable or radio trigger. The filters? Well, one transparent lens cap, one good enough polarizer ... the FL filter will be rarely needed. The converter lenses might not be great but hey, cheap problem solvers and fun toys. The mike? Great if you do video, costly clutter if you don't.
– rackandboneman
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
motdde is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
motdde is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
motdde is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
motdde is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
Hi mottdde and welcome to Photo.SE. On top of Philips comment please note that this is a photography site. You link to a "video creator kit". Questions that are only relevant to videography and not to photography should be asked at video.stackexchange.com. The people over there can help you better in the video area. Please read the help section there before posting a question.
– Saaru Lindestøkke
1 hour ago
I think as a 'word of warning' this is worth keeping here. if I'd read my own answer 2 years ago, I'd have taken my own advice ;)
– Tetsujin
56 mins ago
1
I'm tweaking the question to be more generic; as I do think there's value in it once genericised.
– Tetsujin
49 mins ago
1
Possible duplicate of Does it make sense getting any of these "extra" lens packages?
– mattdm
41 mins ago
@mattdm - I don't see it as a true dupe of that. Link to the specific 'deal' is broken too. Buying a camera with 2 lenses from the original manufacturer wouldn't be the same kind of pratfall as one of these kits.
– Tetsujin
38 mins ago