How important is IS?

[hawksbjammin]

EOS Rebel T5 bundle with 2 lenses, etc. for $500 seems like a pretty good buy. 70-300 lens lacks IS. Getting the same basic stuff with IS lens would cost about $175 more. Bundle will be a gift for 14-year-old daughter - first "real" camera. Is getting IS worth the additional $$? Thanks for considering.

[hawksbjammin]

Thanks, very helpful.

[hawksbjammin]

Thank you for replying. Very helpful.

[hawksbjammin]

Guess we're quickly uncovering my lack of camera knowledge (or even ability to accurately report what I'm looking at.) I appreciate your help very much.

[ebiggs1]

"... we're quickly uncovering my lack of camera knowledge ..."

We were all there at one time!

The link I gave you and the package it offers is a way better deal and buy for you and your new photographer.  You are about to start her on a fantastic, either hobby or career.  She will be entering the wonderful world of phtography.  

[Skirball]

The package that eBiggs linked, with the 55 -250, is a far better lens, but unless there's a deal on it I'm not seeing the package is also 50% more than what you're looking at.  That's a significant difference in price.

If you are looking for something around the $500 mark you can get the same kit from B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1040758-REG/canon_eos_rebel_t5_dslr.html

I highly recommend buying from someone like B&H over Best Buy when it comes to camera equipment.

[Skirball]

Just saw this come up:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-sl1-18-55-...

It's a SL1, which is smaller than the normal rebels, but it's a better camera than the T5 that you're looking at.  And a 14 year old girl might like the smaller size.  It's refurbished, but comes straight from Canon with a full warranty.  I wouldn't recommend used, but I have no issue with refurbished.  Some do though.

It's only $350, with that savings you could buy the 55-250 too.  In fact, here's the previous generation of the lens for $130:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-lenses/ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-56-is-...

And here's the latest version, with some improved optics (but work AF system in my opinion):

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-lenses/ef-s-55-250mm-f4-5-6-is-...