Help closing a new lens for Canon Rebel XT

[damkmi]

Hello,
I just purchased a Canon Rebel a couple of weeks ago. I have the standard kit lens currently and I'm looking to upgrate the lens.
I am a beginner, just learning the basics of the dlr. I've had a Nikon digital point and shoot for about 3 years.
I am truly overwhelmed with the information and reviews for a new lenses. I'm looking for a everyday lens with a good zoom.
I mostly take photos of the kids, sports, and vacations.
My budget is about $500.
So far, this is my list of possible lens:
Canon EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon EF 28-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Standard Zoom Lens
Sigma 70-300 mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro Telephoto Zoom

Of course, I am open to any suggestions.
I would appreciate any help / tips on selecting a lens.

Thanks a lot,
Carrie

 

[Master Mason]

Hello,
I just purchased a Canon Rebel a couple of weeks ago. I have the standard kit lens currently and I'm looking to upgrate the lens.
I am a beginner, just learning the basics of the dlr. I've had a Nikon digital point and shoot for about 3 years.
I am truly overwhelmed with the information and reviews for a new lenses. I'm looking for a everyday lens with a good zoom.
I mostly take photos of the kids, sports, and vacations.
My budget is about $500.
So far, this is my list of possible lens:
Canon EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon EF 28-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Standard Zoom Lens
Sigma 70-300 mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro Telephoto Zoom

Of course, I am open to any suggestions.
I would appreciate any help / tips on selecting a lens.

Thanks a lot,
Carrie

Of the 3 choices, only the 28-200 could be concidered as an everyday lens. The others starting point is too large, and you would lose your wide angle capablity.

I have a Sigma 18-125 that I use as my walk around lens. Good starting point and it gets has a pretty good zoom. If I need greater, then I have to change lenses. I have been most happy with it and it was about $350

Cannon also has a 28-135 lens that gets good reviews, most find in general, that if your trying to get too much streach on the zoom, you lose clarity at both ends of the spectrum. But I have never used the canon 28-200, so I can't offer personal experience

 

[damkmi]

Thanks for the respond.

I will check out the Sigma lens.
Like a said, I am very new to this.

Thanks again,
Carrie

 

[Miss Kelly]

I'll be interested in reading everyone's responses to this question as I just got my new Canon Rebel XT on Monday. I bought the body only and then got the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens from Amazon . So far, I love this lens. Very easy to use and great photo's. I will be looking for additional lens too though. I need more variety.

 

[matthew_hull]

Get the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS --- about $600. The Image-stabilization and good image-quality is what makes this lens such a good value, and the focal-length range is good for most anything outdoors. One could always use a faster lens, but those generally cost more, of course. You may also consider the Canon 70-200mm f/4L if you'd rather trade the IS and some of the reach for more speed and better build-quality. Also around $600.

For indoors, get the Canon 35mm f/2 prime. Around $220.

For reviews, see Fred Miranda's site at http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews