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Kit Lens

Hi All
When I bought my canon 450d it had two kit lenes the one i am concerned with is the ef-s55-250mm 1:4-5.6is when I take a picture with it I can't get a very sharp picture, if I zoom into a 100% in photoshop it's not very clear, so what is the best option carry on with it or buy a new lens if the latter is the answer what lens do I buy. 
Paul

Yeah while the kit lenses aren't as good as higher end glass, they're still capable of producing descent images, sometimes it can be the user who's causing the not so sharp shots, or a too slow shutter speed, or shooting wide open or closed all the way down etc. 
A couple of example shots would help

Jayde

Honest CC whether good or bad, is much appreciated. 
Love and enjoy photography, but won't be giving up my day job. Flickr

While each of the above comments are quite valid, I note that you are an Adelaide 'tog
I would suggest that you arrange to meet with the other local 'togs to a) show them your system, and b) to maybe borrow a lens during an outing, so that you are in a better position to decide which way to go. 

There are a fair lot of Adelaide AP members here, and I'm sure they'd love to spend some time helping you with this issue

If you like this idea, maybe a follow up msg here asking for that help would speed things up
Regards, Phil

Of all the stuff in a busy photographers kitbag, the ability to see photographically is the most important
google me at Travelling School of Photography
images.:  flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Be careful about the lens snobs who portray the sentiment that kit lenses are rubbish, and the only way to take good photos is to buy expensive fast zooms, or high quality primes.  It's simply not true.  Many kit lenses are quite capable of stunning images!  Both my Nikon 18-55 and 55-200 kit lenses are razor sharp when used correctly for example. 

Look to yourself and your system to discover why your shots aren't sharp before blowing money on a new lens.  You're using a 55-200 4-5.6 lens... that's a longish focal length, and pretty slow... what's the lighting like?  Do you have IS engaged?  Are you using any support (monopod, tripod etc...)? 

Later, when you know why you might want a different lens, by all means get one for the right reasons... but this ain't it (unless you decide specifically that this lens is too slow for your lighting conditions and you need a faster (say, 2.8) zoom to work in your chosen conditions). 

Hi Eberbachl
The lighting was tungsten bulb indoors on a tripod with IS engaged and set to AV at 400iso and auto foucus.i also tried a EF75-300mm 1:4-5.6111 lens with the same result so it must be ME then!! 

Thankyou

Thanks for everyone in helping me with my kit lens problem I think now between everybody we now have the problem solved and guess what it was my fault, once again thanks very much you have saved loads of $. 
Paul