First DSLR - 70D 18-55 or 700D 18-135

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marlosfm wrote:

Hello,

I'm a newcomer to the world of DSLR photography. After an extensive search for systems (useless, since I always wanted a Canon), cameras and lenses, the decision to buy a camera is now constrained to the budget. Previously, I was interested in the 700D (t5i), then it came to decide if I'd go for the kit 18-55 or the 18-135, and almost decided for the 18-135.

For me, this new DSLR camera will be a learning tool and a travel companion (not for pro video or pro sports). When shooting with compacts, I always wanted "more zoom", you know, when you are traveling and there is something really far away, the extra zoom is nice.

But then, considering my budget, I'm unsure if I'd pick the 700D 18-135 or the 70D 18-55 (since they are around $1000).

So a have a few questions, I know it is hard to answer them, but if you can share your opinions based on your experience, I'd appreciate.

1) What is the practical difference between 18-55 and 18-135? I know the technical stuff was asked dozen times before and I also read about 18-55 + 55-250, but I'm more into a 18-55 or 18-135 plus a 50mm prime f1/4 (and maybe also a 40mm pancake).

2) Considering I'd use this camera for travelling, the extra ~200g (7oz) of 70D is too much? Had you decided not to bring it with you just because it was too heavy?

3) And, finally, 70D 18-55 or 700D 18-135? Except for the side-by-side comparison (yes, I'd used it), 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?

Thank you in advance.

Marlos

Marlos, after much research and agonizing over the decision, I recently opted for a Canon T5/1200D, as I couldn't understand the difference between it and the T5i. A few weeks later, my adult son bought a Canon 70D. We've been learning together.

I now understand Consumer Reports highly regards the T5 as a newcomer's camera. I've learned my T5 is a remarkably capable piece of equipment despite the fact it's an entry-level DSLR. On the other hand, my son's 70D is something I aspire to. I doubt I'll ever feel a need for a full-frame camera, so the 70D is the end of the line unless the new 7D has a lot more to offer.The articulating screen is a valuable option, easily worth $100 or more (I don't have one).

The standard kit lens, an 18-55 is certainly sufficient for most people until they get a lot more experience and raise their standards significantly. My son and I also have the 55-250 lenses, and we are quite impressed with the results of early experiments at making good images. I highly recommend the 2-lens setup. The 18-135 is on my shopping list, since it covers most of my needs indoors or out. I spent 40 years photographing buildings, street scenes, and neighborhoods to document real estate appraisal work. Now I'm more into outdoor scenes for the moment. If I were you, I'd buy the better camera body - the 70D - then begin accumulating more and better lenses.

Hope this helps. //Don K

After a few months using the Canon 700D (T5i), I can share my experience and overall feeling about it. When I wrote the first post, I considered some features a necessity. But now, with more experience, I have a different opinion. I hope these comments help others to decide the appropriate camera for them.

What I like / What I use often

• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  Yes, I like this zoom lens. I know I get sometimes lazy when using a zoom lens, but I love the soft background when photographing near 135mm. And when travelling, it is great for photographing distance places (when you definitely don't want to go near the subject).
• DoF preview

What I don't use

• Touchscreen
  Sorry, but I can't use it. I prefer to use the camera buttons.
• Flip screen
  Too much time to flip the screen for a quick shot and then you need to change to live view... Forget about it. Ah, and yes, I tried to take selfies with the camera. #stupid, I know.
• Creative modes

What I don't like

• Auto white balance
  IMHO, it never looks right. I prefer to tweak it in Lightroom.
• I think the kit lens is not sharp enough.

Finally, if I would buy a new camera today, I'd consider the 7D Mark II. Or even a full-frame model. And a mirrorless. Sometimes this camera attracts too much attention (usually when travelling).

I totally agree with you about it. Canon 700D is an entry level camera, though it has some edge technology like the touch screen and maybe some more better features than the 600D. However it's not what most people look for if they are photography enthusiasts.

the 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 is a good kit lens.. you can upgrade it with the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM which is said to be a sharp better lens giving a beautiful DOF and bokeh on F/2.8 I never had the chance to try it but I had the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 which I like more than the 18-135

Canon 7D mrkII and even the old version, are great camera bodies and best of all you won't need to change your lenses.. still a cropped frame camera lenses are some how not expensive and even though you can use the full frame lenses (EF) with them.

It's another story if you decided to go for a full frame camera.. you will need to also upgrade your lenses which you will find that it's dam expensive to get a quality lens with a wide aperture.

speedync wrote:

So, there are lenses such as the 24, 28, 35 f/2, 40, 50 f/1.4 & 1.8, 85 f/1.8 & 100 f/2 that can be had for prices ranging between $100 & $700, depending on your budget. Not hard to assemble a brilliant little ( small & light) kit, at not a huge expense. Just something to think about

Would you recommend any particular lenses for this FF small & light kit?

Yes using a prime lens is good too they have wider aperture and better (T).. they are perfect in studio shooting and photo sessions when you use natural lighting and don't need to change the focal length. They are lighter and cheaper than zoom lenses as well. But you will have to change them when you need different focal lengths.
I understood that you bought a canon 6D which I also use now after the 60D. did you find troubles with continuous shooting?

Abu Mahendra wrote:

On second thought this stands out to me

"Nothing of the foregoing discussion is surprising. It is, after all, a 7x+ Zoom lens,"

You are basically a lens racist with a biased opinion that's worth nothing. Not worth debating with. But I would like to see any evidence you have to backup your claims or the lens zoom creep you were talking about.

Pal, read up on basic lens design and trade offs, and then we will talk. On second though, never mind. Enjoy your mediocre lens. Ignorance is your bliss.

I tend to trust Photozone a lot, and the 18-135 STM for sure does not deserve the attribute "mediocre". I recommended this lens to some as a walk around lens, and was positively surprised by the results within the given context (7x zoom, not L...) You might be referring to the old version, where your judgement seems to be agreed on more commonly.

For the best cheap kit lenses one would have to move to EOS-M though 

marlosfm wrote:

After a few months using the Canon 700D (T5i), I can share my experience and overall feeling about it. When I wrote the first post, I considered some features a necessity. But now, with more experience, I have a different opinion. I hope these comments help others to decide the appropriate camera for them.

What I like / What I use often

• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  Yes, I like this zoom lens. I know I get sometimes lazy when using a zoom lens, but I love the soft background when photographing near 135mm. And when travelling, it is great for photographing distance places (when you definitely don't want to go near the subject).
• DoF preview

What I don't use

• Touchscreen
  Sorry, but I can't use it. I prefer to use the camera buttons.
• Flip screen
  Too much time to flip the screen for a quick shot and then you need to change to live view... Forget about it. Ah, and yes, I tried to take selfies with the camera. #stupid, I know.
• Creative modes

What I don't like

• Auto white balance
  IMHO, it never looks right. I prefer to tweak it in Lightroom.
• I think the kit lens is not sharp enough.

Finally, if I would buy a new camera today, I'd consider the 7D Mark II. Or even a full-frame model. And a mirrorless. Sometimes this camera attracts too much attention (usually when travelling).

Whoa, before you graduate to ff, you have to learn the creative modes. It's almost a requirement!

Start by leaving it in AV mode for a few days and using the dial to try some different apertures. Small number, small depth of field. Large, large.

Then try shutter priority (TV). And mess around with different shutter speeds.

Then and only then are you admitted to full frame, grasshopper!

stratobill wrote:

Whoa, before you graduate to ff, you have to learn the creative modes. It's almost a requirement!

Start by leaving it in AV mode for a few days and using the dial to try some different apertures. Small number, small depth of field. Large, large.

Then try shutter priority (TV). And mess around with different shutter speeds.

Then and only then are you admitted to full frame, grasshopper!

I'm already using M... I would not buy a DSLR if it wasn't to use the Av, Tv and M modes. 

marlosfm wrote:

stratobill wrote:

Whoa, before you graduate to ff, you have to learn the creative modes. It's almost a requirement!

Start by leaving it in AV mode for a few days and using the dial to try some different apertures. Small number, small depth of field. Large, large.

Then try shutter priority (TV). And mess around with different shutter speeds.

Then and only then are you admitted to full frame, grasshopper!

I'm already using M... I would not buy a DSLR if it wasn't to use the Av, Tv and M modes.

Sorry, I thought that you said you weren't using the creative modes:

What I don't use

• Touchscreen
  Sorry, but I can't use it. I prefer to use the camera buttons.
• Flip screen
  Too much time to flip the screen for a quick shot and then you need to change to live view... Forget about it. Ah, and yes, I tried to take selfies with the camera. #stupid, I know.
• Creative modes

Happy shooting with your new camera!

stratobill wrote:

Sorry, I thought that you said you weren't using the creative modes:

Wow, now I understand where is the confusion (mine)! I apologize for my mistake. What I meant was I don't use "Basiz Zone", but I wrongly had written "Creative Zone".

Thanks for pointing the correct name for it. 

Pardon me for not replying soon.. I'm bit busy these days.. however.. photos are beautiful, you have a good eye I have 50mm 1.4 and 70-200 f2.8L IS II I use both, and they satisfies me a lot, I may need to buy the 24-70 later I think of Tamron because it has its vibration control.

Mama and baby