What is the difference between an 18-55mm IS lens and a 70-300mm Lens?

The 18-55 is generally considered a standard zoom so it goes from 18mm (wide angle) to 55mm (back in the day of 35mm film it was the 'standard' all round focal length, its roughly what your eye sees) these lenses usually come as part of a kit with the camera. 'IS' means image stabilisation, elements inside the lens move to compensate for unsteady hands, this allows you to take sharper pictures with lower shutter speeds. Don't expect miracles though.

The 70-300 is a telephoto lens which allows you to get nice and close to distant subjects.

Edit: may be worth looking in here http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1474813 too

Thanks for the info!

I am looking to get - the EOS 1000D 18-55mm IS with tempron 70-300mm also.

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/75075/Show.html

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/Digital%20Camera%20Accessories/Digital%20Accessory%20Kits/products/Jessops/DSLR%20Zoom%20Starter%20Kit%20for%20Canon-77996/Show.html

In your opinion, good for starters?

derRoboter