KM 18-70mm DT: Not that bad after all?

[synapseman]

I was thinking of replacing my KM 18-70mm kit lens, and my requirements were that it should cover the same focal-length range, and of course the new lens would have to be "better" than the old one. So my choice was basically narrowed down to the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC MACRO. The CZ 16-80mm looks interesting, but it's out of the question as I don't think it's gonna be cheap.

Did some research through Google, and was led to mostly threads from dyxum.com forums. Here are some of the more interesting reads regarding replacing kit lens.

Stock 'Kit' lens

What lens to replace the kit 18-70?

Kit lens 18-70 vs. Sigma 17-70

So, from what I've been reading, I gather that:

The KM kit lens is actually not too bad? And that the Sigma 17-70mm offers only a marginal improvement over the kit lens?

What do you think: 18-70mm keep, or replace (with 17-70mm)?

 

[dominator]

It's a keeper. Cheap and good lens for me!

I heard from a guy before saying the kit lens looks cheap and he won't bother to bring out for use....because shame. Somehow I believed it was because he himself felt inferior using that kit lens.

 

[satay16]

if you are comparing it with the sigma 17-70, i definitely say keep it, cos the differences between them is subtle. but if you are comparing it to sigma or tamron 18-50, then it will be more of a choice to make.

 

[Galdor]

I am using the KM 18-70mm kit lens on my 7D and I find that it is quite sufficient for me too. I feel that it's a lens worth keeping.

 

[drake336]

It's pretty good for a cheap kit lens... everyone is holding their breath to see if the CZ can be a replacement... but right now, this is the lens to get for this range...

 

[sulhan]

Haha...

Interesting topic that spoke my heart. I really love this littl versatile lens that gets first i nline to be on the camera 90% of the time;...

We'll see how it perform this hari raya...

 

[Clem_C]

The KM 18-17mm is certainly a very competent lens. It’s light, compact and can deliver sharp, contrasty pictures. Quite sharp indeed, I kid you not. :thumbsup:

But two things about the lens have really turned me off. First, the inner elements wobble quite a bit when it hit infinity focus. And secondly, it’s quite dim at the 70mm end. (Especially through a 5D view finder):thumbsd:

The choice is now narrowed down to either the Tamron or the Zeiss. I leaning towards Tamron unless Zeiss can really live up to its reputations. Let’s wait and see……meantime, have to be contented with my KM 17-35.

 

[eow]

it a good lens... lightweight and good range:thumbsup:

 

[rTwin]

the kit lens is definitely a keeper.. well to me at least

here are some shots i took using the kit lens (except for the very last pic, which was taken with a sigma 70 - 300)..

 

[dogears]

if you are comparing it with the sigma 17-70, i definitely say keep it, cos the differences between them is subtle. but if you are comparing it to sigma or tamron 18-50, then it will be more of a choice to make.

hi satay16, do you have both lenses or any comparison images between the two lenses? just curious.
thanks!

Hi synapseman, take it from sulhan the kit lens is indispensable specially when used with flash. a great travel lens as well!

 

[satay16]

hi satay16, do you have both lenses or any comparison images between the two lenses? just curious.
thanks!

Hi synapseman, take it from sulhan the kit lens is indispensable specially when used with flash. a great travel lens as well!

you mean the kit lens or the sigma? i have touched and tested(a few photos) for the KM17-70. when i bought the sigma 18-50, i did a small comparison between them, find that 18-50 is sharper. i haven't experienced the sigma 17-70 b4, but when i did a search on many reviews and forums, i find that most say it is tad bit better, so concluded quite safetly that both lenses are quite close together.

 

[dogears]

you mean the kit lens or the sigma? i have touched and tested(a few photos) for the KM17-70. when i bought the sigma 18-50, i did a small comparison between them, find that 18-50 is sharper. i haven't experienced the sigma 17-70 b4, but when i did a search on many reviews and forums, i find that most say it is tad bit better, so concluded quite safetly that both lenses are quite close together.

I meant the KMin1870 and Sig1770. I'm also just basing on reviews so far. I'll just save then and think about upgrading the kit lens if a worthy replacement comes.... hoping for the Tamron 17-50/2.8.
Thanks

 

[rOnGrEn]

waiting for the tokina 16-50mm f2.8 to see how is it.. (hope they come in alpha-mount... ).. guess the extra 3mm equiv. would be useful ...

meanwhile.. i really love the kit lens optically..my most often used lens too.. only regret is the limited aperture of f5.6 to make it versatile for more situation (of course.. its a kit lens only.. so..see how it goes for the tokina)

 

[satay16]

I meant the KMin1870 and Sig1770. I'm also just basing on reviews so far. I'll just save then and think about upgrading the kit lens if a worthy replacement comes.... hoping for the Tamron 17-50/2.8.
Thanks

yeah, i am waiting for the tamron 17-50 too. when i bought this sigma 18-50, it was a sole player, no other companies had it. if the tamron or tokina performs well, i might sell this sigma and buy one of them. sadly, i bought this sigma in quite a rush, so did not really get it at nice price.

 

[Timber Wolf]

Haha satay ur 7D price so gd.. kena overprice abit for lens nvm wad. Win some, Lose some

I'm looking at the tokina 16-50 too.

I think the 18-70 is kinda acceptable for use on the A100, but i won't use it for anything serious. The lack of contrast and definition are unacceptable imo. It still resolves detail, but somehow I think it looks coarser than what i get on my primes (fine i'm spoilt by them :bsmilie: ) just my 2 cents!

QX

 

[raincool2005]

if u observe closely, the colour of the pic is not as good as 3rd party lens. :think: