Deciding between 80D with EF-S 18-55 & EF-S 55-250 OR 80D with EF-S 18-135

[georgekhan]

I am ready to step into the DSLR world and have pretty much decided on the 80D as my camera of choice. I has seen a bundle that includes the EF-S 18-55mm & EF-S 55-250mm lenses, and a separate slightly more expensive bundle that includes only the EF-S 18-135mm lens. I am after your advice on how to commence this journey into DSLR photography.

[ebiggs1]

"I am ready to step into the DSLR world and have pretty much decided on the 80D as my camera of choice. ... I am after your advice on how to commence this journey into DSLR photography."

The decision you need to make is are you trying to be a beginner or are you thinking of more? You comment suggests you are wanting more than just entry level gear, to me.  The 80D is not an entry level DSLR. If you choose to do beginner gear select all beginner gear.  That would seem to me the Rebel line, perhaps a T7 and Canon's EOS Rebel T7 Camera Bundle for Beginners is what you want. Why spend more money than where you want to be?

However, choosing the 80D, a camera that will take you farther and possibly be a single purchase instead of upgrading from something like a T7 to it.  Seems logical to me. It deserves better lenses. The EOS 80D along with the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a bag that will go far.

I would bet you one thing if you take the advice of the folks that tell you to get the entry level kit lenses, you will be buying better lenses, likely the same FL lenses, later on.  So, buy once and be set or buy twice or three times?

[Tronhard]

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@Ray-uk wrote:

Of the two options I would say the one with the 18-55 & 55-250 is the one to choose. Make sure the 55-250 is the latest STM version because that is much better than the earlier versions.

I find 135mm is an awkward length on a crop camera and a lens that covers a huge range from 18-135 is going to be lens full of compromises and probably not perform great at any length.

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From owning these lenses I can say that the 55-250 STM lens is a great unit, but just not long enough for me.  The 18-135 STM is an amazing piece of kit and both of the ones I own produce excellent results for walk-around shooting.  In fact if a kit lens was considered I would suggest that alone, and wait until you know the camera well and wait to get a longer telephoto.  As was wisely suggested you can rent a long telephoto to establish what you really want in that range.

[Ray-uk]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

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@Ray-uk wrote:

Of the two options I would say the one with the 18-55 & 55-250 is the one to choose. Make sure the 55-250 is the latest STM version because that is much better than the earlier versions.

I find 135mm is an awkward length on a crop camera and a lens that covers a huge range from 18-135 is going to be lens full of compromises and probably not perform great at any length.

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Which is absolutely not true for the 18-135.

A. It is a pretty good lens just by itself (I just wish it went to 15)

B. Distortion correction can fix any issues that are there.

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I have never used the 18-135 but looking at this comparison I don't think I would buy one.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1045&Camera=963&Sample=...

[TCampbell]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"...along with the 60mm f/2.8 Macro as the cherry on top of the sundae for close-up goodness & portraits."

I love it. 

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Of all the EF-S lenses I've used, that was was, by far, my favorite.  (Although I never had the 17-55 f/2.8)

[Anthonyhbm]

I agree. Remeber you can always buy lenses refurbished or second hand and save yourself a few dollars. Wider aperatures are important especially if you plan to take indoor photos. Unfortunaeately the 18-55 and 55-250 will quickly frustrate you if you shoot inside. So the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 is a good all-purpose lens. Its f/2.8 constant aperature will allow you to take photos in vastly more situations because it wide opening allows in up to four times as much light as the lenses you mentioned. Right now you can find a good used one at B&H Photo for $664 (new $829). Happy shooting.