Choosing the right lens can feel tricky when you’re just starting out with photography. Lots of new photographers wonder about the 18 55 lens vs 75 300 debate. They seem so different, and it’s hard to know when to use each one.
But don’t worry! We’re going to break down these two popular lenses in a super simple way. We’ll show you exactly what they’re good for and help you pick the best one for your needs.
Get ready for a straightforward guide that will clear everything up.
Understanding Your Camera Lenses
When you get a new camera, it often comes with a lens, usually something like an 18-55mm. This is a great starting point! It’s called a “kit lens” because it’s pretty much standard with camera bodies.
On the other hand, a 75-300mm lens is a telephoto lens. These two lenses cover very different ranges of what you can capture. Think of it like having two different sets of eyes for your camera, one for seeing a broad scene and one for focusing on distant subjects.
The Versatile 18-55mm Kit Lens
The 18-55mm lens is super popular because it’s so flexible. It covers a wide angle (18mm) which is great for landscapes, group shots, and indoor pictures where you need to fit a lot into the frame. Then, it zooms in to 55mm, which is useful for portraits or getting a bit closer to your subject without moving your feet.
Its main advantage is its ability to adapt to many common shooting situations. You can use it for:
- Everyday photography
- Travel shots
- Landscapes
- Street photography
- Casual portraits
Because it’s often included with cameras, many people already have one. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for just grabbing your camera and going out for the day.
The Powerful 75-300mm Telephoto Lens
Now, let’s talk about the 75-300mm lens. This lens is designed for bringing distant subjects much closer. The “75mm” at the low end is already more zoomed in than the 18-55mm lens.
When you extend it to 300mm, you can photograph things that are far away, like wildlife, sports action, or details on buildings across a street.
This type of lens is often called a telephoto lens. It has a narrow field of view, meaning it only captures a small portion of the scene in front of you, but it makes that portion appear much larger. This is perfect for:
- Wildlife photography (birds, animals)
- Sports events (capturing players from the sidelines)
- Capturing distant details
- Creating portraits with a blurred background (bokeh)
Telephoto lenses are fantastic for isolating your subject and making it stand out. They also tend to compress the background, which can create a beautiful, artistic effect.
Key Differences Explained
The biggest difference between the 18-55mm and the 75-300mm lenses is their focal length range and what that means for your photos. Focal length is measured in millimeters (mm) and tells you how much of a scene the lens can capture and how magnified the image will appear.
Focal Length and Field of View
A lower focal length (like 18mm) gives you a wider field of view. Imagine standing in a wide-open field; an 18mm lens would capture almost everything around you. It’s like looking through a wide window.
A higher focal length (like 300mm) gives you a narrower field of view. If you were in that same field but pointed a 300mm lens at a bird on a distant tree, you would only see the bird and a small area around it, but the bird would look very large in your picture. It’s like looking through a telescope.
Aperture: Letting In Light
Another important difference can be the aperture. The aperture is the opening inside the lens that controls how much light reaches your camera’s sensor. It’s measured by an f-number (like f/3.5 or f/5.6).
A smaller f-number means a wider aperture, which lets in more light. This is good for low-light situations or for creating a blurred background.
Kit lenses (18-55mm) often have a variable aperture. This means the maximum aperture (the smallest f-number) changes as you zoom. For example, it might be f/3.5 at 18mm but f/5.6 at 55mm.
Telephoto lenses (75-300mm) also often have variable apertures, and these tend to be smaller (higher f-numbers) than kit lenses, meaning they let in less light, especially at their longest zoom.
Size and Weight
Generally, 18-55mm lenses are smaller and lighter. They are designed for portability and everyday use. The 75-300mm lenses are typically larger and heavier because they have more glass elements to achieve that longer zoom range.
Image Quality
When comparing typical kit lenses to dedicated telephoto lenses, the image quality can vary. Entry-level 18-55mm lenses are designed to be affordable and versatile. While they can produce good images, they might not be as sharp or have as pleasing background blur as higher-end lenses.
Dedicated telephoto lenses, especially more expensive ones, are built to provide excellent sharpness and image quality at their longer focal lengths. However, even affordable 75-300mm lenses can offer great results for specific uses like reaching distant subjects. For the best image quality, you often need to use them within their optimal range and avoid shooting at the extreme ends of their zoom.
When to Use Which Lens
The decision of which lens to use really comes down to what you want to photograph.
Using Your 18-55mm Lens
Grab your 18-55mm lens when:
- You’re exploring a new city and want to capture wide cityscapes or street scenes.
- You’re at a family gathering and need to fit everyone in a shot.
- You’re hiking and want to photograph the vastness of the landscape.
- You’re doing some casual food photography or close-ups of objects.
- You want a versatile lens that doesn’t require you to change lenses often for everyday shots.
This lens is your go-to for most general photography needs. It’s the lens you’ll likely keep on your camera for a significant portion of your shooting.
Using Your 75-300mm Lens
Bring out your 75-300mm lens when:
- You’re at a sports game and want to get clear shots of the action on the field.
- You’re at a zoo or wildlife park and want to photograph animals without disturbing them.
- You’re trying to capture details on a distant landmark or building.
- You want to take portraits with a beautifully blurred background, making your subject pop.
- You’re at an event and need to photograph someone or something from a distance without being intrusive.
This lens is your specialist tool for when you need to bridge the gap and bring faraway subjects into focus.
Comparing the Lenses Directly
To make it even clearer, let’s look at a direct comparison. This table shows the key areas where these lenses differ:
| Feature | 18-55mm Lens | 75-300mm Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length Range | Wide Angle to Short Telephoto (e.g. 18-55mm) | Medium Telephoto to Long Telephoto (e.g. 75-300mm) |
| Best For | Landscapes, groups, general use, travel | Wildlife, sports, distant details, portraits with bokeh |
| Field of View | Wide | Narrow |
| Light Gathering (Aperture) | Often variable and wider at wide end (e.g., f/3.5-5.6) | Often variable and narrower, especially at long end (e.g., f/4-5.6 or f/4.5-6.3) |
| Size & Weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Portability | Excellent for everyday carrying | Less convenient for constant carrying, better for specific outings |
As you can see, they serve very different purposes. The 18-55mm is your everyday multi-tool, while the 75-300mm is your specialized zoom for reaching out and touching distant subjects.
When One Might Be Better Than The Other
The 18-55mm lens is typically the better choice for:
- Beginners who need a versatile lens for all-around shooting.
- Travelers who want to pack light and capture a variety of scenes.
- Photographers focused on landscapes or architectural shots.
- Anyone on a budget who already has this lens included with their camera.
The 75-300mm lens is generally better for:
- Nature photographers aiming to capture shy animals or birds.
- Sports enthusiasts wanting to photograph action from the stands.
- Anyone who finds themselves wishing they could get closer to their subjects.
- Photographers who enjoy the look of portraits with very compressed backgrounds.
It’s important to note that some photographers choose to upgrade from their kit lens to a prime lens (like a 50mm f/1.8) for better low-light performance and sharper images for portraits, but that’s a different comparison altogether.
Can You Use Them Together
Absolutely! The best approach for many photographers is to own both. You can use the 18-55mm for your wide shots and general needs, and then quickly swap to the 75-300mm when you see an opportunity to use that extra reach.
This gives you the most creative freedom.
For example, you might start your day photographing a wide scenic view with your 18-55mm. Then, as you walk, you spot a deer in a field. You can then switch to your 75-300mm to get a detailed shot of the deer.
Having both lenses means you’re prepared for a much wider range of photographic situations.
Choosing Your First Telephoto Lens
If you’re considering buying a 75-300mm lens, think about what you want to photograph most. If you’re really into wildlife or sports, it’s a worthwhile investment. There are many different 75-300mm lenses from various brands, ranging in price and features.
For beginners, an affordable option is usually a great place to start to see if you enjoy using this type of lens.
Aperture Matters For Certain Shots
Remember that aperture? When you’re shooting with the 75-300mm lens, especially at the longer end (like 300mm), the aperture is often smaller (e.g., f/5.6 or f/6.3). This means you’ll need more light.
If you’re shooting in dim conditions, you might need to increase your ISO or use a slower shutter speed, which could lead to blurry images if your subject is moving.
This is where a more expensive telephoto lens with a wider constant aperture (like an f/4 or f/2.8) would be beneficial, but these come at a much higher price point. For most casual photographers, an affordable 75-300mm will work well in good light.
Getting the Best Results
With the 18-55mm, try to get as close as you comfortably can to your subject before zooming if you’re trying to fill the frame. For the 75-300mm, practice shooting at different focal lengths to see the effect. You might find that 200mm is perfect for a certain shot, or that you truly need all 300mm.
Also, remember that stability is key with longer lenses. Using a tripod or resting your camera on a stable surface can make a huge difference in getting sharp images when you’re zoomed in far. Even image stabilization in the lens or camera body helps, but a tripod is best for maximum sharpness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is the 18-55mm lens good for portraits
Answer: Yes, the 18-55mm lens can be used for portraits, especially at the longer end of its zoom range (around 55mm). It’s best used for full-body shots or environmental portraits where you want to show the subject within their surroundings. For tight headshots with a blurred background, other lenses might perform better.
Question: Can I photograph wildlife with a 75-300mm lens
Answer: A 75-300mm lens is an excellent starting point for wildlife photography, especially for larger animals or birds that are not too far away. It allows you to get closer without disturbing them. For very small or distant birds, you might need an even longer telephoto lens.
Question: Which lens is better for video
Answer: Both lenses can be used for video. The 18-55mm is versatile for general scenes and vlogging. The 75-300mm can be used for dramatic shots of distant action or for creating depth in your videos.
Smooth zooming and autofocus are key for video, and some lenses perform better than others in this regard.
Question: Do I need to buy both lenses
Answer: Not necessarily right away. If you are just starting, the 18-55mm lens is usually sufficient for learning. As you discover what you enjoy photographing, you’ll know if you need the extra reach of a 75-300mm lens.
Many photographers start with the kit lens and add a telephoto later.
Question: Are there other lenses I should consider
Answer: Yes, there are many other lens types! Prime lenses (fixed focal length) like a 50mm f/1.8 are very popular for low light and portraits. Wide-angle lenses (wider than 18mm) are great for expansive landscapes.
Macro lenses are for extreme close-ups. The best lens depends on your specific interests.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the 18-55 lens vs 75 300, it’s clear they serve different photographic needs. The 18-55mm lens is your versatile everyday tool, perfect for capturing broad scenes, group photos, and general travel shots where you need flexibility without changing lenses often. It’s your reliable companion for most situations.
On the other hand, the 75-300mm lens excels at bringing distant subjects into sharp focus, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, or isolating details. It’s the lens that allows you to explore subjects that are far out of reach for the 18-55mm.
Neither lens is inherently “better” than the other; they are designed for different tasks. Your choice depends entirely on what you aim to photograph. For newcomers, the 18-55mm is a fantastic starting point, offering a great balance of usability and capability.
As your photographic interests grow, adding a 75-300mm lens will significantly expand your creative possibilities, allowing you to capture those captivating moments that are just out of normal view. Consider what excites you most to shoot and let that guide your lens selection. Experimenting with both, if possible, is the best way to feel their unique strengths in your own hands.
