Choice of lenses on T2i kits: 18-55 or (18-55 + 55-250) ?

<p>I have the opportunity to but a Canon T2i with a (A) 18-135, or with (B) 18-55 + 55-250. There is a slight price difference of around 100-150 (don't remember) if I choose (B) which I am willing to pay if that is the choice.</p>

<p>What I see from my view on limited lens knowledge:<br>

Choice (A) would let me work on that range without changing lenses, which I don't like so much(changing lenses).<br>

Choice (B) gives me more mag, but I have to change lenses<br>

I like taking zoom photos of animals on the lake front at home, but 135 os not that much of a zoom, is it? I don't even likea 200 and this is only 135 max. I guess proper for portraits distance.<br>

I would like to have creative alternatives, so choice B would seem more advantageous.</p>

<p>Which one would you recommend and why></p>

<p>Thank You</p>

<p>Of the two, choice B is the better one.</p>

<p>If you buy from B&H, the T2i with 18-55 ($750) and adding the 55-250 ($200) is $950.</p>

<p>The T2i with the 18-135 is $950.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I would choose B without hesitation. Everybody would like just one single lens, but in real life the options of what you can do with one lens are limited. One of the biggest advantages of an SLR camera is that you can change lenses - and every new lens can open up a new word of photographic possibilities for you. </p>

<p>In addition, many people use the 18-55 and 55-250 combo, and are happy with the results. Those lenses simply provide excellent value for money, and the switch over point is very convenient. For example when taking photos of the family indoors, you would only ever need the 18-55. The same is true for your general landscape/garden type of photography. However, if you want to take photos of a sports event or of wildlife, you only need the 55-250. There will be few situations where you have to go back and forth between the two lenses.</p>

<p>The 18-135mm is probably not a bad choice either, but I don't know much about this particular lens. At any rate, there is a BIG difference between 135mm and 250mm.</p>

<p>Anyway, I checked again and the difference is null. They are about the same price, $20 difference only.... And with choice (A) I would be dealing with a seller in NY city while choice (B) is local. No problem.<br>

The other possible situation is getting the camera body and adding the two lenses separately, but for that, I can do the math and research. Thank you guys, I wanted to be sure for this will be a 5-7 years camera. Prompt and very useful information. I think I am getting a a new toy. :-) Soon</p>

<p>What kind of things do you like to photograph? Do you have a camera now? What focal lengths are you using the most? I can't begin to make a recommendation without that information. Almost nothing digital is a 7 year thing.</p>

<p>Just make sure its not the new mkII version of the 18-55is, it is getting slated and seems to be a step backwards for Canon.<br>

The MK I<br>

<a href="http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/181-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-is-test-report--review?start=2">http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/181-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-is-test-report--review?start=2</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/180-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-ii-test-report--review?start=2"><br /></a>and the new MKII (Ouch!)<br>

<a href="http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/180-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-ii-test-report--review?start=2">http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/180-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-ii-test-report--review?start=2</a></p>

 

<p>Gary,</p>

<p>Do not confuse the IS with the Non-IS versions of these lenses. The 18-55 non-IS has 3 versions (I/II/III) whereas the 18-55 IS has 2 versions (I/II).</p>

<p>The 18-55 Mark II (non-IS) that you have linked to was included with the Canon XT/350D.</p>

<p>The 18-55 IS Mark II is included with the T3i. The T2i comes with the 18-55 IS. The optics on both are the same, the only difference is cosmetic. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Right now I have several cameras to choose from depending on what I am going to shoot. This are: A Nikon D70 with a variety of lenses, Canon G10, and Canon SX30 IS. Fellows, a camera will last as much as I want to use it, since I am not going to let the manufacturers or media hype decide for me when to change my camera. My curiosity now, having a 5MP Nikon DSLR and a 14 MP Canon is a 18 MP DSLR. Anything I will buy I will keep for 5-7 years as a main camera. I am 65 and after that, you bet I will not spending my money in cameras.</p>

<p>The kit only says That it has </p>

<ul type="disc">

<li>Canon EOS Rebel T2i Body </li>

<li><strong>Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens </strong></li>

<li><strong>Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens -- ETC<br /></strong></li>

</ul>

<ul type="disc">

<br />

</ul>

<p><strong>Bernhard,</strong> that is what confuses me, the many convoluted names the lenses have. How can I know which are the lenses included? Is it probable these kits are provided with junk lenses?<br>

Are you saying the worst lens is included with the T3i?</p>

<p>Nidia,<br>

I'd go with the set up that includes both the lenses. Make sure the lenses are EF-S 18-55 IS or EF-S 18-55 IS II and EF-S 55-250 IS or EF-S 55-250 IS II. I don't know whether the EF-S 55-250 IS II is being bundled with the kits now.<br>

Buy from a reputable dealer you should not have to worry about them misleading you into junk lenses. That said, read the names of the lenses well. If you see EF-S 18-55 without the "IS" it is not the current and better kit lens.<br>

DS Meador</p>

<p>Nidia, still no word on what kind of things you photograph, or for example, what focal lengths are you using most with that D70?</p>

<p>This is the answer from the Canon Tech I asked about T2i's and their kits:</p>

<p>"Mr. Palomo, I am not sure where you obtained this particular information<br />but there is only one version of the 18-55mm lens. There isn't a MKI or<br />MKII"</p>

<p>Having written that, I am sure he has a vested interest on not acknowledging any negative data on Canon lenses; so, I cannot validate or trust his information. I photograph mostly animals on a lake view I have (I think I said that) and buildings, people, and I also do some macro photography. D70 is most used for animal photos (on the wild with a 70-300) . We all "shoot" people, don't we? We all shoot buildings, etc... But, my decision has been made. The seller can be trust, though it sells by Internet there is a local store close by that I can return it to, and their return policy favors the customer, no questions asked. Cannot be better.</p>

 

<p>More on the tech support, getting me more confused.<br /> <strong>Canon people words:</strong><br /> <strong>"</strong>The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5/5.6 IS II lens was recently released when the EOS<br />Rebel T3 and EOS Rebel T3i were released. The advertisement would <br />indicate which lens were included with the kit; there has been a version<br />of the EOS Rebel T2i kit with the version II lens listed, but it has not<br />been released yet. if the advertisement does not list the version II <br />lens, then the original lens would be the one with the camera."</p>

<p><em>So, I suppose the lens listed -with the T2i in question- has the original lenses, not the II version, which are best and T3i buyers shoudl stay away from the II version lens.</em><br>

<em><br /></em></p>

<p>People make this more complicated than it needs to be. Of the 18-55 there are two versions that are significantly different. One has IS and the other not. You want the one that has IS, first and foremost because IS is a handy feature. In addition, the version with IS is also optically improved over the version without IS. The version without IS has been replaced by the IS version several years ago. Unless you are buying second hand equipment, the whole thing is a non-issue, because any kit that's new or even refurbished should have the IS lens. A lot of people will have forgotten by now that the non-IS version even existed.</p>

<p>There has never been a version of the 55-250 without IS, and all versions of this lens made to this date are equivalent for all practical intents and purposes.</p>

<p>The whole MkI / MkII or I / II debate is mumbo-jumbo as long as we are talking about the 18-55 and 55-250 lenses.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Frank,</p>

<p>With all due respect, it is not mumbo-jumbo because it is an attempt to correct the error that Gary introduced into the thread. In for a penny, in for a pound.</p>

<p>And yes, I agree that the only thing the OP needs to be concerned with is the kit with IS lenses. <br>

18-55mm IS<br>

55-250mm IS</p>

<p>As long as it says "IS" then the lenses are the correct ones.</p>

<p>So, guys, I think the discussion should end. The issue is clear<br>

I ordered the new T2i , the lenses are both IS(on paper) and the kit cost $849. I think it is a good deal, but if you know of a better one, please don't tell me.<br>

<br /> I had a goof time with this discussion. Thanks to all and many happy returnings.</p>

<p>$850? That is a very good deal. </p>

<p>Yes, indeed. I know must of you are beyond this entry level camera and would probably favor more advanced models.</p>

<p>You can find it at Costco via the Internet, not available on the stores, I think. What they have available at the store I visited is the 60D at $1249 with 18-200 lens. Not bad either but comparable to BB.</p>

<p>Go for it.. both lenses are great for $ spent.. color and contrast especially in 55-250 beats 18-55..</p>