Canon T5i - Kit Lens vs. EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM for Video

[jpguitar]

Hey everyone,

 

I currently shoot classical guitar performance videos on my Canon T5i with the kit lens.  I did a bit of research and read good reviews about the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens.  It seems to be a good value for it's low price.  I'm wondering if anyone thinks it's enough of an upgrade from the kit lens for video to spend the $129.  Thanks so much!

[jpguitar]

Well, I ended up ordering the lens and if anyone's interested, can post kit lens vs. EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens video clips as comparison in this thread.

[TheFlyingTraut]

Kit lenses are pretty much not useful. Check out sigma or even Rokinon prime lenses. Also Tamron. The 24 mm pancake lens is good for $130, but maybe just start with a 35mm or canons nifty fifty. Their 50mm 1.8 for like $150? It’s pretty plastastic but it’s pretty amazing. 

[purple_rider]

I believe you made a good choice. The kit lenses aren't great for much. Primes are good as they are made to be really good at one focal length where a zoom needs to be acceptable at many. 

[jpguitar]

Thank you both for the input!  I am very satisfied with the performance of the lens for the price.  Definitely a nice step up from the kit lens!

[D13H4RD]

The word I use to describe most kit lenses is "functional". 

 

I have one for my a6000 and while its optical quality is not great, it does serve its purpose and I have coaxed some breathtakingly pretty shots out of it from time to time. 

 

But going over to a fast prime is a boon for me, especially in situations where you don't have as much light. If you're not varying your focal length during video, a reasonably fast prime lens should do the job. 

 

As one person said, primes are made to excel at one focal length while most zoom lenses are made to be acceptably at a specific range of focal lengths. Some better zoom lenses are good at a portional range of focal lengths but goes down to acceptable quality at another, albeit at a pretty steep premium.