kit lenses

[bobc163]

Could some one please explain to me the "difference in a standard supplied lens and a "kit' lens
I see them advertised on several sites and I am just wondering why the "same" lens is sometimes listed a reduced price when it is listed as a kit lens
Thanks

[Kym]

Marketing terms.
"Kit" lenses are usually low cost, not fast (i.e. they don't open as much as a 'fast' lens ... the f/stop max is higher on a kit lens) and often not quite as sharp as a better lens.
That said, working with the kit lens sweet spot (typically f/8 .. f/11) they can be quite good

[bcys1961]

Yes , that was my understanding as well , it is all marketing . You can buy the Kit lenses separately as well but the term "Kit" just means they are bundled in with the camera body as a complete kit , and usually a few hundred dollars cheaper than if you were to buy it separately . So it can be a good way of getting started . I got the 12-50mm Zuiko "kit" lens with my Olympus OMD and whilst it is perfectly acceptable, now I have had a few months of practice with it , I am thinking of upgrading to the 12-40mm Zuiko Pro lens as based on all the reviews I have read it has a much sharper image and is much better in low light as the f value is lower. ( And its much more expensive as well unfortunately !!)

[bobc163]

Canon currently offer 24-105 l series is lens as both a kit lens and a stand alone as far as I can determine it is the same lens . Go figure

[Babu]

Sometimes, "white box" lenses are Canon refurbished lenses ( See B&H or the-digital-picture.com news) which sell at lower prices than "standard boxed" versions.
It is also my understanding that, for marketing/ supply reasons, kit bundles are often split with the lenses being sold as "white box" lenses at a lower price than the regular Canon/Nikon... labelled box lenses. This seems to impact on cashback offers and warranty in some countries.

A local grey importer offers the "standard" boxed version of the Canon 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens for $943.70 & the "kit" version for $885.85. Under the latter they note: "This a kit lens & may not come in a box or may come in a plain, white box. It may not include a manual. Includes Front & Rear Caps as per the standard version. Full warranty applies." No mention of the soft pouch, software disk etc you get with the "standard " version of the lens.

They could well be identical lenses marketed differently though I've yet to see conclusive proof of this.

[William W]

My answer is here at Post 166: http://www.ausphotography.net.au/for...4-L-Died/page9

This is a response to the same question that you asked in Post 165, on that thread.

WW