Most new DSLRs are sold in a bundle that includes a kit lens. Many times this kit lens is an 18-55mm zoom. The kit lens is sufficient, but it was engineered to be the best for the most. It was designed for a wide variety of uses at an affordable price. But if you really want quality glass you have to step up to a better quality lens.

While the kit lens is versatile, the avid photographer will eventually become curious and want to try a variety of lenses for different reasons. And that’s what I advocate – try (rent) before you buy. The kit lens is decent, but if you’re looking to more easily shoot in less light, effortlessly achieve that blurry background, and produce crisp, pro-quality images, you’ll need to upgrade your lens. Also, pro lenses are constructed with more durable materials and can stand up to more than a kit lens.

It’s no secret. The single most important component of your photography system (besides what rests between your ears) is the lens you’re using. Using a high quality lens can make a noticeable difference in your photography. If it wasn’t the case, pros wouldn’t bother using anything other than a kit lens, right?

You’ll hear advanced photographers preach that it doesn’t matter what kind of lens or camera you’re using. That may be true as it’s related to composition and subject matter, but if you want pro quality images you need pro quality (or “prosumer” quality) gear. That said, I have seen pro photographers practicing what they preach. I once had the opportunity to go on a photo walk with Chase Jarvis while he was promoting his book, The Best Camera is the One You Have With You. Chase advocates the use of your mobile phone camera since it’s the one you have with you most of the time. Formidable mobile phone photography is exploding, partly due to the cool iPhone apps that are out there, like Chase’s iPhone app. But I digress.

How to tell if you’re ready to upgrade lenses

While investing in high quality glass won’t help your composition or guarantee a better picture, it certainly won’t hurt. And chances are good that if you’re at the point where you’re curious about taking the plunge for a better lens you’re also at the point where your photography is markedly improving. You’re at the point where your friends and family are noticing your nice shots and giving you encouragement. You’re ready to upgrade to a better quality lens. And I’m not going to kid you. Getting a nice lens can make a big difference. If you’re in a financial position to invest additional money in your camera gear, read on. If not, you can still fulfill your urge to splurge by renting on special occasions.

Not so fast!

If you’re normal then you’re anxious to bolt away from your pedestrian kit lens and snuggle up with a pro quality lens. Slow down and be methodical! Use the power of the Internet to surf many reviews. Ask other photographers what they think of the lenses you’re interested in. Consider whether you’ll be changing your camera body and how that may affect your lens upgrade choice. Weigh the pluses and minuses of investing in a more expensive lens. And above all, first rent the lens you’re interested in. That’s the acid test.

Consider your evolutionary path

If you are likely to change your camera body (say from Canon to Nikon) at some point then decide on whether you can afford to buy an expensive lens that only mounts on one brand of camera. If you’re likely to stray from your camera body brand any time soon it may be better to hold off on that new lens. Also, if you imagine that you’ll soon upgrade from a cropped frame to a full frame sensor camera take that into consideration as well by ensuring you buy a lens that will work on both kinds of cameras.

Step 1 – Rent

Regardless of what lens you’re considering you should rent it first. It’s a prudent way to ensure you really like the product. And there’s no better way to get that warm feeling that you’re making the right decision than by taking it for a real test drive. Tip: always buy the rental insurance.

New vs Used

Buying a used lens can obviously be a way to save a lot of money. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of inherent risk. The warranty may not apply, among other things. But if you’re going to purchase a used lens I would recommend buying it from a reputable camera store, like B&H. Also, rental companies like Borrow Lenses put their lenses up for sale from time to time. I would not recommend buying a used lens off eBay or Craig’s List unless you have some special knowledge of the seller. Also, avoid buying a used lens from  friend or family member. You’d both feel uncomfortable if there ended up being a problem with the lens.

If you buy a new lens you’re going to have a full warranty and be assured that if there are any defects in the quality of the product that you can return the lens for replacement or repair. Buy once, cry once.

Which Lens to Get?

Now that’s the $2,000 question! There are so many lens reviews out there. But a natural place to start is on your camera manufacturer’s website. A few questions you can start wrestling with:

• What kind of photography do you do most of the time? Portrait, landscape, general walk-around, sports, macro? That’s the lens to get first, obviously.
• What can you afford? The best lenses (especially Nikon and Canon) can get really pricey. If you’re going to go into debt buying this new lens, don’t do it. Rent instead.
• Generally speaking, a lens with a constant low f-stop is going to be a higher quality lens. Get that one!