Noob... I need a starter lens for my rebel xt

Hey, I need to find a starter lens for my canon rebel xt. I just bought a rebel body, and now need to find a good lens to start off with. If you have an ideas, please let me know. Links with good deals would be greatly appreciated! thanks, -Chris

whats your budget?

i would say somewhere up to 100-250.... im not trying to spend too much.

i'd say the 18-55 (kit) lens or the 50mm f/1.8.

For that money I'd go with the kit lens. The 50mm f1.8 is OK but no where near as versatile as the 18-55 kit lens and (I never thought I'd say this) the kit lens should be a bit cheaper.

Any ideas where to get the kit lens or the 50mm f/1.8?

what do you think about this one... hows the quality? price? http://cgi.ebay.com …Z4687QQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

I'd think you could get both the kit lens plus the 50 F1.8 within your budget.

Here's what people think of that store.
Seems to have been slipping in their service this year.

http://www.resellerrat​ings.com/seller3456.ht​ml

Tamron 28-75 is good but seems to be about $310 in US.

Save your money and buy decent glass, because you definitely get what you pay for. There are very good lenses available for under $500, but few in your particular price range other than the ones already mentioned. A decent consumer telephoto zoom that doesn't break the bank is the Sigma 70-300 APO DG ($219 at B&H).

Keep an eye on the market place here at POTN....
http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=14

There's a kit lens and hood there now for $75.

Chris I got your email and tried to respond but its not going through... please PM or email me about your XT... Thanks

I'd suggest sticking with the kit lens, and start saving for a lens upgrade. With any luck by the time you know what you would like, you'll pretty much be there financially. the budget you outline would not be enough to get a meaniongful upgrade, and seriously, the kit lens is not that bad!

The kit lens is good if you want a zoom that covers wide angle(scenes of the countryside like when you're on vacation) to portrait (closeup of people) all in one lens. A normal lens like the 35mm f2.0 is nice to appreciate the quality of your camera and cost about $220. It focuses better both automatically and manually and is bright enough to use under lower light conditions. Of the 2, I use the 35mm most because it's more fun to use, but I miss the wide angle abiilty of the kit lens. so I have both. Alot depends on your preferences. Steve.