Canon T4i - Which lens? 18-55mm or 18-135m

[100AcreWood]

Looking for expert advice . I currently own an old Canon RebelX that is broken. I'm planning to buy a Canon T4i. I currently have a 70-200mm lens that I use mostly on beach vacations, the zoo, etc.

Should I buy the T4i with the 18-135mm or stick with the 18-55mm? I have three young kids so that is the focus of my pictures.

Would love any advice! I also thought about getting the T3i since that would be a huge upgrade over my currently old RebelX but it sounds like the T4i has a lot of nice features worth paying more for.

 

[Experiment_626]

Should I buy the T4i with the 18-135mm or stick with the 18-55mm? I have three young kids so that is the focus of my pictures.

I can't speak to the Canon lenses specifically as I shoot Nikon, but I can say that I had two lenses of the exact same focal lengths for several years. I found 18-135 an exceptionally useful range for all sorts of things. Sometimes with kids you can get more candid results if you're not right up on top of them, and obviously that means more reach. Unless the 18-55 is obviously superior in some respect that is important to you, I'd go with the 18-135.

Scott

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Exactly what Scott said and the 18-55 isn't superior. The 18-135 is. I have both, and many others. The 18-135 is my walk-around lens about 80% of the time.

 

[photo_chick]

Is it the 18-135 STM? Because that has benefits that only the T4i/T5i can use with video and would be my choice for that reason.

 

[100AcreWood]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846


This is the one I'm looking at - so yes it is the STM. It sounds like the clear way to go. I'm also really looking forward to having a camera that does video as well. I'm terrible about video! I have plenty of pictures but I always forget to take video.

Thanks for your help!

 

[mikegood2]

I would definitely go with the 18-135 STM, as long as you can afford it! For $150 more than the 18-55 kit lens, strangely the body only version is $50 more than the kit, it is a no brainier. Currently Amazon is charging $550 for that lens separately. I would also look to see what the current deal with the 55-250mm is if you purchase at the same time. When I bought my t4i with 18-135mm last year it only cost me $40 more for the 55-250mm.

Not trying to complicate things for you, but have you looked at the canon discount price program for broken cameras (can't remember the official name of the program)? I have never used it, but have heard about some people getting some great deals with it! You might also want to look at the t5i. I don't think they updated much on it, but if you can get close to comparable prices it might be worth it.

 

[wdwmom2]

I bought the T4i with the 18-135 STM a few weeks ago from Canon's refurbishment sale. Right now this kit is selling for $735. Love this lens! Everything came in perfect condition. It even had the new camera smell

Here's a link. I think this sale only goes to the end of May, but I could be wrong.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_331230_-1

 

[bob100]

Exactly what Scott said and the 18-55 isn't superior. The 18-135 is. I have both, and many others. The 18-135 is my walk-around lens about 80% of the time.

I agree, the 18-55IS isn't "superior" but the 18-55IS gets a good rating at photozone and other sites. The 18-55IS and 55-250IS is a good inexpensive combination, the newer 18-135 STM is a better "walk around" lens