Re: First DSLR - 70D 18-55 or 700D 18-135
3
Factors in consideration based on OP text:
- Newcomer to DSLR photography.
- Learning and travel
- Not for video and sports
- "More zoom"
- Budget approx. $1000
Recommendation: Canon 700D/T5i w/ 18-135 IS STM kit ($949)
Questions by OP:
"1) What is the practical difference between 18-55 and 18-135?"
Portraits. Classical portrait focal lengths on full-frame (such as the 6D and 5D Mark III) is at the 85-135mm range. To match the perspective on crop (such as the 700D and 70D), a lens that goes well beyond 53mm is necessary.
"2) Considering I'd use this camera for travelling, the extra ~200g (7oz) of 70D is too much?"
- Weight of EF-S 18-55 IS STM: 205g
- Weight of EF-S 18-135 IS STM: 480g
- Weight of 700D: 580g
- Weight of 70D: 755g
- Total Weight of 700D + 18-135 IS STM: 1060g
- Total Weight of 70D + 18-55 IS STM: 960g
Net result: the 70D w/ the 18-55 is actually 100g lighter than the 700D with the 18-135. Thus, if you can travel with with the latter, you can travel with the former.
"3) ... is there a strong point in favor of paying more for the 70D based on your experience? I mean, would you pay more for it if you want to become a pro in the (long term) future?"
Video and action photography is the 70D's advantage. Due to your requirements (1) and (3), you are better off starting with the 700D so you can figure out what it is you actually like to shoot before you even think of becoming a professional photographer. There's a saying here in the Canon forums: "Upgrade the photographer before upgrading the gear."
For all you know, in that long-term future, you may realize you don't even want to be a pro because, to be frank, professional photography is more of a business activity than a photography activity.