Anon,

This is a question only you can answer because it depends on what you want to photograph, how you shoot, how you are going to use the images, etc. (It's all about you...) Before deciding on just two kit options to choose from, take some time to analyze your own needs and desires - what will it take to get the images you are seeking? If you are not sure whether a certain lens has the ability to capture the images you want, then let us know what you are after and ask about the capability of a specific lens to achieve your goal.

If you don't yet know what kind of pictures you want to take, then my advice would be to get a single "basic" kit lens and learn how to use the camera/lens to its best advantage. Thoroughly explore everything the camera can do for you and learn what YOU need to do to achieve results that you consider acceptable. Take a photo class or read and UNDERSTAND one or two basic photography books (like Kodak's "Joy of Photography"). If you eventually find that you cannot capture certain shots because of equipment limitation, you will then know what features you need for your next purchase.

Good luck,
Richard Baker

PS: Lens does not end with "e"

The cannon kit lens is fair, but is $100 in the canon kit and can be had like new on ebay for $70...you can save $30. A much better choice, if yo have the money, would be the Sigma 18-50 2.8 for about $420 on ebay new or $500 other places.

THe canon 50mm 1.8 for about $75 is a great lens.

The Tamron 28-80 3.5-5.6 is about $70 and a great value. A good lens not often mentioned. The Tamron 28-70 2.8 at $350 is much better, but the cost reflects that...

Sigma offers 2 70-300 lenses. The cheaper one is $150 or so. The one you want is the 4-5.6 APO Super Macro 2 version. About $200. MUCH better than the cheaper version. The Tamron version gets good ratings as well. All are pretty comparable to the canon 70-300 in the same price range.

I have both sigma and canon lenses. I currently shoot with the 10d and have had to have the sigma lenses "re-chipped" but they were the older versions. I have had no problems with Canon lenses so it can come down to a budget issue. If you can afford the Canon, go for it in the kit. Later, you can get the Sigma stuff.
Good Luck.

Anthony Borda

Quote:
Anon,

PS: Lens does not end with "e"

Actually Richard, in olde English it does.

Otherwise I'm in agreement with Richard. Only you can say for sure based on the shooting you do and your needs. Once you narrow it down, then you might ask a question like: 'Of the Canon, Sigma and Tamron 100 (90 for Tamron) macro lenses, what are your opinions?'

If you want better lenses to start with, i recently got teh Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC lens, $430 new on ebay. WOW! Very sharp, fast great color and contrast. MUCH better than the kit lens, but then the cost is more. Will save you some post processing time! Very similar to Canon's 17-40L f4 lens, but faster, more range and cheaper too.

Hello yes i just bought me the new Canon Dig Rebel XT.
but i mostly want to shoot pics at long range,so i would go with the Higher mm like the 300 mm.