Beginner- question about lenses

I've just got an XT, moving up from point and shoot digital cameras, and am wanting to learn more about photography, so I'm definitely a beginner. Anyway, I have some old lenses from a Canon- a 100-300mm 1:5.6, and a 35-70mm 3.5-4.5. I don't want to spend tons on lenses, I just want some decent ones to learn on until I decide to move onto a better system. Are these decent lenses for a beginner to learn on? Should I look into getting an other ones to round out my collection? I'm going to be taking a lot of landscapes, so I was particularly interested in knowing if I need a more dedicated wide angle lens that won't break the bank.

Thanks!

Welcome. You might want something a little wider if your shooting mainly landscapes. Your current lenses will do just fine. A kit lens 18-55 that you'll find around here for 60ish would be nice for landscapes and wouldn't break the bank. I've seen somenice landscape shots with the kit lens. Run search to find your info. It will keep you busy for a while.

thezwashere wrote in post #5713218
Are these decent lenses for a beginner to learn on? Should I look into getting an other ones to round out my collection? I'm going to be taking a lot of landscapes, so I was particularly interested in knowing if I need a more dedicated wide angle lens that won't break the bank

You can surely learn a lot with those lenses. However, you may want to add a wide angle lens like the Canon 18-55 (IS or non-IS) as the 18mm end will come in handy. Enjoy the light!

Depending what you want to spend, you could go for a Sigma 17-70 too, or a Sigma 18-50/2.8, or Tamron 17-50/2.8. We got some awesome pics from our kit lens before moving on though.

I'd definitely spend the $80 on a Canon 50/1.8. It really opens a lot of doors that would otherwise be closed to you.

If budget is really tight, consider a sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 IIRC or a Canon 18-55 non IS.
Both should be under $100 or so.

If you can swing it, consider the Canon 18-55mm IS for about $180. Optically it's very nice and a big jump up from the non IS Canon version.

If you can spend more, I think a Sigma 17-70 is more versatile at about $360 or so.

Good luck.