The Canon EOS Rebel T2i standard lens is the same standard lens that the T1i uses and the former XSi (which model has since been discontinued by Canon), when purchased as part as the Canon DSLR kit (which is your only option). When purchased with the kit it is also pretty cheap in price. The entire lens is covered in plastic, which reduces costs. The cheaper plastic material obviously isn’t quite as durable as other lenses, however; it does reduce weight.

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens has a great mid-range zoom, and is appealing for its small size (2.7"X2.7") and its light weight design (7 oz.), making it a great lens for when you’re on the go. Canon has said that the advantages of the IS lens is that first, the photographer is able to look through the finder and see the image stabilization effect making a steady image where the AF point is poised. This feature also makes panning easier and more effective as well. Secondly, for different applications, an IS (image stabilization) lens can be individually designed and tailored to optimum performance for that specific application.

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens has an upgraded optical performance from that of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens. Physically you will notice that the new IS lens has a different groove grip for the zoom. You will also note that the IS lens is slightly longer than the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens. Unfortunately, the lens’ manual focus isn’t the easiest to use. It uses the further portion of the inner barrel as its focus ring instead of a focus ring on most lenses that is dedicated for that sole purpose. The inner ring has a wide of range of motion and therefore is very sensitive to your touch, creating a vast amount of movement with your viewfinder. However, though it doesn’t use the best USM Auto Focus, it’s still pretty good.

In Conclusion:

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is a great standard lens (obviously Canon thinks so too) and it’s very nice when it comes to its light weight and small size. For the money ($100), you won’t get a better lens; in regards to price vs. performance it doesn’t have much competition. Basically, because of its decent range and fair price, you can’t go wrong with purchasing the IS lens.