Lens recommendation for Rebel XT

I'm looking to upgrade from the 18-55mm kit lens that came with the Rebel XT to a better quality walkaround (?) zoom lens.

I'm an amateur photographer who's content taking pics of kids and family members and have zero interest in buying pro-series or high end lenses ($$$). I also don't think I'll be upgrading the camera any time soon (maybe in 5-10 years?)

Considering that I'll remain as an amateur photographer for a foreseeable future:

1. Do I buy a better quality lens than the camera itself?
2. If so, how much better should the lens be so that the advantages offered by the camera lens are not offset by the limitations of the camera itself?

Please feel free to tell me I don't know what I'm talking about (by asking above q's) or make recommendations!!

What do you find the 18-55 missing? Is it a quality issue? Too long, too short? Do you want to shoot in low light?

A Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8..Works with an XT beautifully..

In response to Shawniwil:

What I find missing in the 18-55mm is the close-up zoom capability to take portrait-like photos of my kids. It would be nice to have something that could create the nice bokeh that I've seen in pictures but it's not essential.

We also have a Quantaray 70-300mm 4-5.6 lens but I find it a bit too much (size, weight, too much zoom capability) for everyday lens.

Again, any suggestions would be great!

24-70mm L but that would break the bank

id recommend a 28-105 f/3.5-4.5, its a relatively good price and a decent walkaround lens in my opinion

ef-s 55-250mm IS

+1 to LIsaRae, 55-250 for some close ups from far away
and a nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 for closer up portraits

For once I really don't agree with the 50mm f/1.8 and the 55-250 being what you should get for your needs. I would also recommend the 50mm f/1.8 and the 55-250 to give you greater focal range and creative opportunity but not as a replacement. They're great lenses but not as walk around lenses. Depending on how much money you want to spend the best choices I'd personally say are the IS version of the kit lens, the already mentioned Tamron 17-50, The Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 macro, the Sigma 17-70, and on the pricey end the 17-55IS.

I've had the Tamron 17-50 on an XT and loved it for its sharpness and IQ, not so much for its bokeh though. That said, it is a great walk around lens.

If you're after a portrait lens with a longer focal length and bokeh, I'd throw in a nice affordable prime like the canon 85mm f1.8. The nifty 50 is also nice addition (cheap), and can produce some great pics when stopped down a little. The beauty with primes is that they are usually lighter, faster, and work well in lower light situations. Of course the draw back is the fixed focal length. (For me that's a plus though).

It all boils down to what are you really after and how much are you willing to spend.

For close up, you need something macroish, and bokeh and portraits, speed, I'd consider either the sigma 18-50/2.8 macro or Sigma 17-70/2.8-4, both are fast, and can do a pretty good job of macro. I am considering these my self for similiar reason, even though I have some L glass. I want something smaller than the 24-70, and fast with some macro capabilities.

Thank you all for the recommendations. Given my extremely limited budget for now, I'm planning on getting the 50mm f/1.8 as suggested by some here (and by many in other threads). This is strictly based on its extremely attractive price point. I'll play with the lens and see if and how the lens works out and re-evaluate what my needs are. In the meantime, I'll continue to read/research/and take into account other recommendations for my Christmas and b-day present wish list. So keep the suggestions coming!

You'll be happy with the performance of that lens at that price point. It's the gateway lens - once I got my 50mm 1.8, f/2.8 seemed slow. enjoy!

LisaRae82 wrote in post #8844655
ef-s 55-250mm IS

Yep. You're going to get a lot of folks telling to get that lens.

You can get it for about 200 new on Ebay and other sources. Usually it's about 250 at stores.