Need advice, please!

[goose79]

I have recently purchaced a Canon Rebel XSi and it is my first DSLR. Up until now I have always had point and shoot cameras. I am still learning the camera and have only the kit lens. I am wanting to get into wildlife photography and maybe family portraits. What would be a good lens (on a tight budget) for this type of photography? Any advice would be appreciated. ;)

[crashthenet44]

Define tight budget.

[goose79]

Around $300 to $400.

[Tigerkn]

Used Canon 50mm F/1.8 = $100
Used Canon 55-250mm = $200 (250mm is not all that for wild life but it will get you by. I am using it for birds and ducks. Check out my Flickr if you would like to see them.)

[Aaron Peabody]

I've shot good wildlife pictures in the 200-300mm range, though most will tell you you need 400mm+ — it just depends on where and what kind of critters.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html) - $255.00 new - will take your kit lens and extend it further
Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro IF (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/389308-REG/Sigma_795101_28_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_DG_IF.html) - $299.00 new - both shorter and longer than the previous lens, will probably be on your camera most of the time

Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html) - $99.95 new - is your portrait starter, though you'll probably need a wider lens for larger groups

[Tee Why]

Used Canon 50mm F/1.8 = $100
Used Canon 55-250mm = $200 (250mm is not all that for wild life but it will get you by. I am using it for birds and ducks. Check out my Flickr if you would like to see them.)

ditto

[goose79]

Thanks for the help guys! Helped me out a lot.