Lens upgrade

[tecboy]

Funny! I can't tell the differences from my photographs and other photographs shot with expensive camera gear.

 

[Overread]

If you are comparing web sized images then chances are you can't see many differences. With good processing the internet is incredibly forgiving and at between around 720-1000pixels on the longest side (typical web sizes of photos) its very easy to hide a lot of errors or problems or fix them up.

Further the differences are also often more slight; you won't necessarily notice them until you know how to look for them.

 

[EDL]

In addition to all of the great information and advice so far, another thing to consider is how you intend to view or use your photos. If you keep them small for web viewing (as mentioned above) or don't do larger prints, then the differences in some lenses may not be as critical.

 

[iolair]

Buckster was kind enough to show me just how good photos you can make with the standard kits lens that came with your camera:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-shoulder-kit-lens-justified.html#post2921127

Personally, though, my style/preferences of photography don't fit with it. However, until you know exactly where you're bumping up against the limitations of your equipment, I'd recommend you invest in learning more about photography (time/discussion/books/courses) before investing in equipment. Of course, sometimes the equipment will let you do something new that your current equipment won't and that can be part of your learning experience (for example: isolating the subject from background with wide aperture/longer lens, macro, lighting, long exposures with ND filters and tripod). But I wouldn't invest in a straight replacement for a current lens until you know exactly why it's limiting you.

 

[tecboy]

I understand aperture, longer lens, macro, lighting, long exposures with ND filters, and tripod. I just never have a higher end lens.

 

[tecboy]

I hang around with photographers with big cameras and bulky lenses. Looks like I'm the only one with T3i with lens kit. I asked them how are these differences compared to my camera gear. All they said that their gear are excellence. They don't give me clear explanation why these are excellence. There is one guy I met has super high res camera. He told me the more he crops his image, he aways gets sharper image. He uses 18 percent gray card in the middle of the park to do custom white balance. Why can he do Lightroom instead that he keeps brag about it? I just don't know what are they accomplished by having high end to show off. Sometimes, I feel imitated when they are around.

 

[iolair]

Is it worth getting better lens

Funny! I can't tell the differences from my photographs and other photographs shot with expensive camera gear.

Looks like you answered your own question? If you can't see the difference between photos taken with your gear and expensive gear, you don't need to get a better lens.

 

[Overread]

Why don't you ask some of the people at your local camera club if you can have a go with one of their lenses for a short while? Get some shots with those bigger, better lenses and see the difference for yourself.

 

[zcar21]

I used the kit lens for only about 3 months before I got something else. IQ is good enough, other lenses I've had are only marginally better in IQ, however, there are many advantages when upgrading. No 1 is build quality, also the rotating, noisy element of the kit lens is just horrible in my opinion. Other advantages are USM (fast and quiet autofocus) and larger apertures.
If you feel fine using the kit just keep shooting with it, you won notice any big improvements in your photos after upgrading. If you want something that feels better in your hand you have many choices.