A newbie question

[mnchevygirl]

I'm sure this question will show how new I am to the dslr world.

My canon camera will be coming with the kit lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens with optical image stabilizer... My question is, Will I be able to create a shallow DOF with this lens?? I'm wanting to get a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 but that's gonna have to wait a few paydays So I was wondering if I could get the background to blur with my plain jane lens until I could afford a better one?

[maritimer]

Definitely without a problem. I have an SMC 18-55mm F 3-5.6 ( Pentax ) and it does great shallow DOF work so I would safely assume yours should do the same.

[Saralonde]

The depth of field with a kit lens is pretty broad, however you can manage to get a fairly shallow depth of field. Open up your lens (low number) as much as possible, move your subject away from the background if you can, but get close to your actual subject. Maximize the focal length (55mm in this case). A little trial and error will help.

The 50mm 1.8 will definitely make a difference and will be a nice choice for you once you can afford it, but spend some time seeing what the kit lens can do.

[frankda4]

Trial and error are one of my favorite ways to learn =D

pulse its easer to do trial and error with digital than with film!

[morts]

I can't see why not!

It worked pretty well for me!
Yes, admittedly the DoF is not quite the same as, say a 1.8 50mm lens but it's still reasonable if you set it up right.

One more point: don't go for the f/1.4 unless you got money to burn. The f/1.8 is more than adequate for a beginner!

[PRH]

you certainly can get shallow DOF with a kit lens. I set to max zoom (55mm) and can get shallow DOF even at f/8. Here are some examples of mine.







obviously not as good as you would get with a fast prime but as long as you know the limits of your equipment, you can work around it.

PS I had a trial with the 50mm 1.4 in the shop and I'm in LOOOVE!! with it. It was supposed to be a self acquired birthday present but the falling aussie dollar has put it just beyond my reach.

[Winyari]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

The depth of field with a kit lens is pretty broad, however you can manage to get a fairly shallow depth of field. Open up your lens (low number) as much as possible, move your subject away from the background if you can, but get close to your actual subject. Maximize the focal length (55mm in this case). A little trial and error will help.

I just wanted to say thanks for this post. I recently got a new camera (Nikon D40x) with a kit lens of 18-55 f/3.5 and have been having a tough time getting a shallow DOF. While I want to get a new lens, this advice is gong to really help me!!! So thanks!