Ravensmith

Please forgive me if I'm asking a question that has already been discussed. My husband and I are purchasing this camera for a gift for our daughter but we can't decide which lens to get. I am aware that it all depends on what she is taking pictures of, she likes almost everything- Sunsets, the moon are her favorite but she is also into Landscapes, animals, birds, plants, flowers, to name a few. She's not into portraits or weddings. She has decided on the Canon 80D. However, we don't know which lens kit to go with.
I have read where many people do not like "kit" lenses but to start out will these be good?
Which lens will give her better image quality, sharpness . She doesn't mind changing lenses for we have a Nikon D50 with several lenses she has used. We also know she will need more than one or two lenses over time. Higher power zoom, macro etc. but for now we are hoping one of these kits will be great for her.
The lenses from the two different kits are the 18-135m( EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, which offers a 28.8mm equivalent focal length. Uses NANO USM autofocus system, which combines ring-type USM and STM focusing mechanisms) vs the second kit- APS-C-format DSLR with the standard zoom EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the telephoto zoom EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. (a 28.8-88mm equivalent focal length range.). OR we can get the body if you think there is a lens out there that will be better than one from either of these two kits.
If you don't want another discussion on this can you please provide me links where this has been discussed or reviewed by either yourself or others that you trust- I would really appreciate it.
Also, we've never used filters, just a hood, I can research out the filter types but would like to know which brand you like.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I would go for the 18 - 135 USM lens. Optically the 18 - 135 STM is very similar, but the USM has the advantage for still photography. Do not get the version 1 (micromotor) 18-135.

This is not the best deal ever, but it isn't bad. https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-80d-ef-s-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-usm-kit-refurbished

Canon refurbished items come with the same warranty as new. I have an 80D refurb and the 18-135 STM. Several other lenses, but that is my default combination. She should be pretty happy with that set up.

Filters are a different discussion, but do get a lens hood, either third party or Canon.

nhastings Loc: Telluride, CO

18-135 USM. I have used that on my 70d for a few years. Very rarely take it off. It is good for 90% of all your images. Unless you want to spend a small fortune on a host of prime lenses, this is (in my humble opinion) the perfect lens for what you want.

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Absolutely, what nhastings said.

Jesu S

Hurts me to say this as a Canon user, but if you have a Nikon and several lenses, why not get her a Nikon body and let her share your lenses?

Ravensmith

We actually thought she would and she did look at Nikon D7200 and D7500, but preferred the Canon 80D . She also checked out the Canon 77D. Then she moved to another state for her job so sharing would be a little difficult. That was a very strong point we were making too.
Peterff - thanks for the link will check it out.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The 18-135 will cover more situations without changing lenses. But the two lens kit will give her 120 mm more reach for subjects far away.
Those are EF-S mount lenses for APS-C (crop sensor) bodies, if she ever goes to a FF body they will have to be replaced.

If I was trying to set someone up with an 80D (I have one.) I would get a general walk around lens (18-135 or one of the EF mount lens with similar coverage) and a 100-400 tele. I have the $2K Canon but the $800 Tamron (you can get and install a tripod collar-the Sigma you can't do that) will do fine for someone not as into fine detail/IQ as me. I do birds and go for the fine details of their feathers.

If I am going out with my 80D and am not sure what I will be doing I take my 24-105L (came in a kit with a 6D FF body) and my 100-400, I might also put my 1.4x III extender in the bag.

The 80D will take both the EF-S lenses made for it and the EF lenses made for FF bodies. My personal choice is to get EF mount lenses. I can then use them on my FF body or in your daughter's case if she ever goes to a FF body the lenses will fit, no need to replace them.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Good advice with experience to back it up!!
Pat

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I see that someone has already suggested the 18-135 for that camera and that is a good lens with a versatile focal range, personally I had a 15-85mm for my crop Canons and found it to be an excellent lens.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The EFs 18-135 USM is a pretty decent lens, but based on many of the things you say she likes to shoot, it probably won't have enough telephoto "reach". In addition to that lens you might also want to consider getting the EFs 55-250mm STM. If you decide to get that lens make sure that it is the STM version and not an earlier version. If you have much deeper pockets, the best choice for a telephoto lens for her might be a 100 to 400 millimeter zoom. Canon makes a terrific one, but it is very expensive. Tamron makes a version which is literally half the cost and a little lighter and is just about as good.

Ravensmith

This is great! I am so appreciative of the advice and responses. I don't know if you all know how much you have helped me. Any more advice or thoughts I love to hear them!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Another option for longer reach - in addition to the 18-135 - would be the EF 70 - 300 IS II USM https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-is-ii-usm-refurbished

It is also good, and relatively compact, lightweight and affordable.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Yes I considered recommending that one as well, but 300mm is not very significantly more reach then can be achieved with the very good 55-250mm STM. I figured if 250mm was not sufficient reach then a jump to 400 mm would be more meaningful, and the various flavors of 100-400 mm from Canon, Sigma, and Tamron, are much better optically as well as build wise. And the Tamron is probably the most cost-effective version of them

Vietnam Vet

The "L" series lenses from Canon are the best lenses Canon makes. They have the red stripe around the front of the lens. They have better glass in them and should give you the best image possible.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=274&N=4288584247+4108103567+4108103537&origSearch=canon+ef+lenses

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Agreed, there are several good options. It all depends upon size, weight, and cost preferences.