For most of the serious photographers, the first kit lens for the first beloved and serious camera is the 18-55mm lens.
But why we use this lens so much is a matter of wonder. What is a 18-55mm lens good for actually?
Well, it can take amazing photos, and it is cost-saving and comes with many more benefits. We will discuss everything here.
What Is A 18-55mm Lens Good For?
This lens is good for many a thing to name. In short, it is a versatile kit that can do anything and everything for everyday photography.
![What Is A 18-55mm Lens Good For](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Is-A-18-55mm-Lens-Good-For.webp)
It offers wider views, magnificent close-up shoots, nature photography, and great zooming ability.
The different focal length is another benefit. Moreover, you can travel with it easily as it weighs pretty less.
What Is An 18-55 Lens?
The first thing to know is that it is not a prime lens. It has more focal lengths compared to the prime lens’ one. So, what is it actually?
This is the non-specialized and cost-saving lens that comes with the camera. It is part of the kit that you get with your new camera.
The focal lengths of this lens, as you can guess, are between 18mm and 55mm. So, you can have a wider angle and reach the macro level with a single lens!
When it comes to the apertures, it varies based on the manufacturers.
However, based on the standard model, f/5.6 is the most used for the 55mm range. While the lens can do f/3.5 to get a wider view.
>> What can an 85mm lens be used for
The Versatility Of This Lens:
![The Versatility Of 18-55mm Lens](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Versatility-Of-18-55mm-Lens.webp)
What do we want for our money? Obviously, versatility is what we prefer for any item. But, if it is your camera lens, you are blessed.
An 18-55mm lens is good for so many things that we can mark it as a versatile beast.
You can go for a wider angle and can get down to the macro level sharp photos with this lens.
If need be, zoom in for whatever you want! The close-up shots that you can make with this lens yield stunning photos with impressive sharpness.
The different focal lengths make it worthy of nature photography, landscapes, portraits, and whatnot!
Landscape Photography With An 18-55mm Lens:
![Landscape Photography With An 18-55mm Lens](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Landscape-Photography-With-An-18-55mm-Lens.webp)
Actually, this lens’ different focal lengths make all the difference. The versatility of this lens in its focal length is truly praiseworthy.
At 18mm, this lens is as good as any other lens for landscape photography. So, it can serve as your wide-angle kit whenever you need it.
If you have to shoot landscapes, live events, architecture, or music, this lens can satisfy your thirst. You don’t need a costly prime lens here.
Just set the length at 18mm and show your expertise.
But, the sharpness of the image can be an issue while shooting at 18mm. However, all you need to do here is to use a tripod to make sure you get the sharpest photos.
>> What is the purpose of a 75-300mm lens
Doing Portraits With An 18-55mm Lens:
![Doing Portraits With An 18-55mm Lens](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Doing-Portraits-With-An-18-55mm-Lens.webp)
Whenever we think about portraits, an 85-mm lens pops up in our minds.
But, if one cannot afford that lens or doesn’t have it at hand, for the time being, one can do the job using their 18-55mm lens.
Yes, if you know the tricks, this lens can take amazing portraits for you at any event. Here is how to do it:
Step 1:
Ensure a considerable distance between the background and the subject is necessary.
If you want the depth of field to be nice and shallow, adjust the background until the distance is good.
Thus, you would get the desired resultant blurred background with an efficient depth of field.
Step 2:
Now, you have to adjust the focal length of the kit. Set the length at 55mm.
Then, use the zoom ring to gradually draw the object nearby. Thus, you will reach f/5.6, which is the maximum aperture limit of this lens.
Just make sure the space has enough natural light for the high apertures, and you will get perfect portraits.
>> What is a 50mm lens ideal for
Doing Macro Photography With An 18-55mm Lens:
![Doing Macro Photography With An 18-55mm Lens](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Doing-Macro-Photography-With-An-18-55mm-Lens.webp)
There is widespread negativity that an 18-55mm lens cannot take macro photos or sharp photos.
But the whole argument just breaks down as you can take amazing sharp photos using it. Here is how to do it:
- At first, you have to set the focal length to 55mm, which is the maximum here.
- Once you reach this length, you have to get close to the object you have to shoot.
- Then, the autofocus will fail as you get close to the object.
- Now, utilize the manual focus mode in your lens.
- Use the focus ring and keep adjusting the focus while looking at the viewfinder.
- Once the light indicator in the viewfinder blinks, shoot.
Freedom For Nature Photography:
![Freedom For Nature Photography](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Freedom-For-Nature-Photography-By-18-55-Mm-Lens.webp)
If you are a nature photographer or wildlife photographer, you definitely think about buying a specific zoom lens.
There are many outstanding zoom lenses out there. But they cost too much.
Fortunately, having an 18-55mm lens can save your day. This can be your handy zoom lens and allow you to shoot the wildlife or nature at good quality.
You can zoom in enough utilizing the full zoom range to get the job done with some training.
Imagine, you can see a turtle on the black sand beaches, but you cannot get any closer than you already are.
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture it. So, get your lens and zoom in!
Set the camera at 55mm and get the job done! Isn’t the lens versatile?
More Freedom:
This lens gives you optimal freedom. Considering the lightweight, we often tend to travel with the prime lens.
The problem lies with this. You have to be frustrated with the single focal length from time to time.
Often, we face situations when we have to zoom out as we don’t have any space behind us, or we have to lose the details!
So, an 18-55mm lens will just help you bring everything in the frame just by zooming out. You just have to set the focal length at 18mm!
So, you can just travel with this and feel relaxed. You can just face anything and capture it with the lens.
FAQs about what is 18-5mm lens good for:
How Far Can An 18-55mm Lens Shoot?
Your camera uses an APS-C-sized sensor with an 18-55mm lens. So, you can get 28-85mm FF (full frame) with an 18-55mm lens.
It can in fact shot shoot short telephoto and extend up to medium wide angle.
This general-purpose lens will let you get 3-5 people at 8-10 ft.
Is An 18-55mm Lens Considered Wide-Angle?
No, it isn’t a wide-angle lens. It has a different focal length and the 18mm can allow you to extend a bit for a wide angle.
You can use composition techniques for shooting angels.
Can I Take A Sharp Photo With An 18-55mm Lens?
Albeit propel thinks it cannot take sharp photos, it actually can. You can do it at 55mm.
When autofocus fails, you have to utilize the manual focus.
Which Lens Is Better 18 55 Or 50mm?
Both have different purposes as they belong to a different categories of lenses.
The 50mm prime lens will not allow you to zoom. It has only a fixed focal length.
While the 18-55mm lens allows to capture from various angles with different focal lengths.
But the 55mm prime lens can do way better in low light with its wider and fast aperture.
Final Words:
If your new camera has this lens, you don’t have to think of replacing it right away.
If you know what is a 18-55mm lens good for and how to use it, you can just master photography using this single lens.
Just admit that your lens is one of the best lenses out there, and it can do miracles. Best of luck with your photography adventure!