I don't know much about camera's but have decided it might be a fun new hobby to try. Been researching and for my needs I think the Canon Rebel XT would be a great choice.

One thing that keeps coming up when I read the reviews of this camera is the standard lens that comes in the "kit" camera leaves a lot to be desired. I think I might be better off buying a Rebel XT body and buying a separate lens, but I'm in over my head on this because there are sooo many to pick from. size, style, quality,etc.

Here is what I want from the lens. casual portraits of the wife and kids. Both kids play soccer so I'd like be able to get some action shots. Wildlife, I've never toted a camera in the woods looking for wildlife but I think it could be fun.

I guess what I'm looking for is a lens that'll do a wide variety of things well. I'm sure other "specialty" lens' will come in time, but I'd like a good quality lens that'll work for a lot of applications to start with.

Two that I have in mind are the Sigma 18-50 mm F2.8 EX DC Zoom Lens About $500 and the Canon - EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens about $600. Would these be good choices for a wide range of applications? I figure later down the road after I learn how to use the camera I could buy a bigger zoom and maybe a macro lens. But for now, would these be good "do it all" lens'? Both are a little pricey but I'm thinking it would be better to buy a decent one upfront instead of upgrading later. Right or wrong?

What do think? Any suggestions? I really don't know much about this stuff and could use some help.

Thanks,
Terry

TC1 try this forum. Canon DSL/SLR

These guys are always very helpful.
From what you discribe you really should look at two lens instead of one "do it all" lens.
I am getting the Rebel xt also & will be using the Canon 28/135 USM/IS & the 75/300 USM/IS lens. A comon misconseption about the IS lens is what they were designed to do. THEY ARE NOT FOR STOPPING ACTION. The IS feature allows shooting at slower shutter speeds in low light conditions.

Agreed, two would be nicer and eventually I'll have a few, but the camera budget say's start with one

Thanks for the link. I'll give those guy's a try.

Terry

The kit lens may not be the best, but you could buy one for around $60.00. I have taken a whole bunch of nice pictures with my Rebel XT and the kit lens. Here is one:
http://www.rlrouse.com/alaska-winter-sky.html

The two lenses you have mentioned are not the top of the line lenses, but are excellent for portraits indoors or outdoors, and wide enough from great landscapes shooting. you won't go wrong with either one.

When you are ready to buy, check the prices at B&H. I have also heard that "sigma4less" is pretty good, but i have only dealt with B&H, since I have never had a problem of any kind with this company.

After you have asked some questions at the forum (link provided by another poster above), ask the same questions here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

Well, come to find out one of my neighbors is a camera buff and I didn't even know it. After talking to him and playing around with some of his lenses here is what I ordered. I bought a Rebel XT, a Canon 28-135mm IS lens and a Canon 70-300mm IS lens. The 28-135mm seemed to get down low enough to do most anything I'd need it to do and he say's I'll definitely need the bigger one for the soccer games and wildlife shots that I want to do so the 70-300mm IS will be used for that. I hadn't planned on buying two, but it seemed like the thing to do. After my wallet recovers he suggested I get the 18-50mm Sigma EX as it was a superb lens for close up shots and indoor use.

Thanks for your help and the links! I still have very little experience with all this, but I've learned a lot.

Terry