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Triggered: Counting Converter Lenses as Real Lenses

In this new impromptu series called “Triggered” (a popular pop-culture term these days), we are posting things retailers do that are very annoying or sneaky or anti-consumer. In this inaugural installment, we are Triggered by online retailers counting converter lenses as actual real lenses in DSLR kits. It’s not a three lens kit when you have the 18-55 kit lens and two converter lenses. It’s ONE lens. Here’s one of the many examples among the eBay Deals.

July 6, 2016 Filed Under: shopping news Tagged With: ,

Comments

  1. S. W. Anderson says
    July 7, 2016 at 1:07 am

    Good for you for pointing this out. First-time DSLR or MILC buyers should be aware that third-party add-on (or supplementary) lenses virtually always degrade image quality to some extent. Camera manufacturers’ add-on lenses tend to be *much* higher quality, with a much higher price tag to match. Camera manufacturers design their add ons to be used on a specific lens whose characteristics they know everything about. That makes a big difference. They also use better glass.

    I can testify to the quality difference. I have Olympus wide angle and fisheye add-ons for the Oly 14-42mm kit lens. The difference in IQ is negligible, which is quite an achievement.

    If abundle with Brand X add ons costs even a nickel more, I would keep looking to get the best price on the camera by itself, or at least without the third-party add-on lenses. If the budget is tight, hang on, save some money and keep an eye out for one or more lenses of the type desired in *manufacturer-refurbished* form. The savings can be significant, and in my experience the lenses are indistinguishable from brand new, except for the box they come in. They have all performed just as they should, as well. (I can say the same for manufacturer-refurbished cameras.)

    • 1001nc says
      July 7, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      indeed, quality refurbished (eg manufacturer) can be a great way to save up versus new condition and still have some warranty.

  2. S. W. Anderson says
    July 7, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    Ninety days seems to be standard for refurbs from most camera manufacturers and third-party refurb outfits. That’s a nice cushion, even during the end-of-year holidays. With electronics, cameras included, if it works right at the outset, chances are excellent it will continue working indefinitely provided the item doesn’t get damaged. Having bought several refurb desktop PC’s and cameras over the years, I have never received one that was bad or went bad in any way. Not at the outset, not in the months and years since. Every one I’ve ever bought looks new and works like new right now. (Yes, I do baby my gear.) Being able to buy refurbs has made it possible for me to have some better-quality, more-advanced cameras and lenses than I ever could’ve justified making the outlay for, since I don’t use them to make money.

    Excuse me now; I have to go knock on wood. I’ve got a pretty good thing going here, and I don’t want to jinx it. 🙂

    • 1001nc says
      July 8, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      yes, knock on wood may be necessary! The last time I praised a good price for an item at a B&M store, the next time I went there, the price went up 🙂