18-55 IS vs 18-55 IS II lens

[Aashik]

Hey Guys.

                    Am a new DSLR user . just planning to upgrade from a point and shoot. Yes it is a 600d am planning.

wanna know the difference between 

18-55 IS vs 18-55 IS II lens

1. What is the basic difference

2. which one is better for photo shoots

[Skirball]

They are optically identical.  Canon called it a "revised external design".  Basically, they did some cost cutting.   I don't know if the cost cutting made a noticeable difference in the ruggedness or not.  It wasn't really a rugged lens to begin with, but Canon has been known to go pretty flimsy to save a buck *cough*50mm 1.8*cough*

I'd just get whichever one was cheaper.  If they were the same I'd probably get the original.

Just a point of clarification.  There's also a 18-55 without IS.  That one is optically inferior to these two.  Don't get that one.

[ebiggs1]

"... 

wanna know the difference between 

18-55 IS vs 18-55 IS II lens   ..."

If you buy a brand new one from a big dealer, like B&H or Adorma, you are not likely to have a choice.  The "II" may be all they have.

A better choice might be the T3i alone, body only, and a lens of your choice.  The ef 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is usm comes to mind as a great lens to start with.