Photography Noob! Advice on DSLR/lens...

[vulcZ]

I just ordered a new DSLR and it's coming with 2 lenses. I got the Nikon D3100, which came included with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens, and Amazon also included a 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens. So this is what I'm wondering. I know the stock lens isn't very good, so is there any point to ever using it since I'm getting the better lens? Like, is there any situation where the stock lens would excel over the upgraded lens? Bare with me, I'm very new to this, being my first camera and all Thanks!

[1ke]

Stock lens is fine, just not spectacular. Neither is the included telephoto. Use the kit lens for wide angle shots.

[lkiller123]

It depends on whatever kind of "better lens" you are getting. What do you have in your mind?

[vulcZ]

Ooops, perhaps I should have been more clear

The camera is arriving with 2 lenses. Maybe MY confusion is that I'm assuming the 2nd lens is just an upgraded version of the "stock" lens, when in reality they are two completely different lenses that serve two different purposes? I guess that's why I ask, because I'm confused, haha.

A buddy of mine told me I should definitely keep both and should expect to use both since the 18-55mm is better for up-close shots, and the 55-200mm is better for things a little further away.

[itznfb]

I still can't convince myself to spend money on a wide angle... so I'm still using a "kit" wide angle zoom. 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6 no less lol.
The lenses that are coming with your camera are actually exceptional lenses. They are both constructed with top quality glass. They are just slow (don't let in a lot of light), slow AF and plastic. The image quality is excellent on those lenses though. I would actually recommend shooting with those lenses for about a year before upgrading.

update:
Yes they are different. The 18-55 covers the focal range of 18mm through 55mm. 35mm is considered "standard". Or the focal length of the human eye. The higher the focal length the closer the subject. The 18-55 is considered a standard zoom. The 55-200 is considered a telephoto zoom. They compliment each other perfectly.

[vulcZ]

Awesome, thank you SO much!

Very informative post

[RADCOM]

Two nice lenses to begin with , they will give you a nice range; you'll be hankering after the 55-300mm and a macro lense in a few months

[Lestat]

you could aways take a look at my AF-S VR 70-300 F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED i have for sale in the for sale section...
will destroy either of those lenses.

[itznfb]

you could aways take a look at my AF-S VR 70-300 F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED i have for sale in the for sale section...
will destroy either of those lenses.

He's a little short on post count

[vulcZ]

Thanks for the great tips and advice everyone!

Actually I COULD see the thread he's talking about, but I think I'm a little too new to be making that kind of purchase just yet I got to playing with the camera this weekend and I absolutely loved it! It's funny, but having/using a DSLR makes you FEEL like a photographer, haha. I love how quickly pictures snap, and I love how you can manually focus too. For the first hour or so I was using the LCD, and then I discovered how amazing the viewfinder on these things actually are, and haven't used the LCD since (to take pictures, at least).

[itznfb]

Ahh yea you may just need 100 post count to create posts of your own. Anyway... congrats on the new camera! Be sure to post up some shots soon