1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
You answered it 
. The two lens option is $100 more but you get a telephoto zoom lens.
The 18-55mm lens in the single lens kit is an STM lens, which is a newer version of the lens. The two lens kit is not. STM is a good feature if you will be doing videoing; it is much quieter focusing so you won't get the focus motor noise in your videos.
The T5i is a very good camera body.
Since you are just starting out get the two lens kit so you can explore a wide range of photography - you can never have too much telephoto range if wou want to shoot wildlife.
@ebiggs1 wrote:"Canon eStore hs the T5i ..."
I would never buy anything more costly than a paperback novel through Amazon. The Canon eStore Refurbished gear is better than new gear, if you ask me. The gear is hand tested and inspected, repaired as needed, and thoroughly cleaned up. The only difference between the refurbished gear and new stuff seems to be the box that it comes in.
@Waddizzle wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:"Canon eStore hs the T5i ..."
I would never buy anything more costly than a paperback novel through Amazon. The Canon eStore Refurbished gear is better than new gear, if you ask me. The gear is hand tested and inspected, repaired as needed, and thoroughly cleaned up. The only difference between the refurbished gear and new stuff seems to be the box that it comes in.
To each their own, I have never had an issue with items sold and shipped by Amazon, or any item shipped by Amazon as they control the return process. The only time I have ever had an issue with buying through Amazon, is with an item sold and SHIPPED by a 3rd party seller. And even then filling a claim with Amazon's A-Z Guarantee motivated the seller to cooperate.
I do agree with Canon refurbished products being a great deal, and have purchased a number of cameras and lenses that way.
@ebiggs1 wrote:Two things, if it were me buying.
I would go with the better STM version, too. Even though you are only getting one lens it is much better in its IQ. The bottom line is the lens. The lens is where its at, not the camera much of the time.
Second, if this an Amazon package, I would avoid it like the plague. If it is the kit with tons of accessories, they are mostly junk and virtually worthless. A better option is a retailer like B&H Photo, Adorama, Roberts Camera, etc.
Plus a local source like Best Buy or even a local camera shop. It is good to get to handle it first and maybe get a few tips from a real live person!
What's this, Ernie?? Are you suggesting that we're not real live people? 
