hey experts,

considering this camera. i am just starting out in the photobug world. seems like purchasing the "kit" with the 18-55mm lens is the best option. however, there is an option to upgrade to the canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 lens...

the price difference between the two sets is about $470...

i'm leaning towards sticking with the 18-55mm.. i know this would require me to move around more, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've got the kit lens and I must say I only still have it for its 18mm capabilities. Other than that, I find the kit lens pretty average. It takes decent pics, but that's about it. I

You can later go to a place like bhphotovideo.com and buy a better lens for cheap. A must have is the 50mm f/1.8 portrait lens. It's a steal at around $60-70. It's extremely sharp and offers great depth of field. Also, the lens you mentioned is a lot sharper and offers a better range -- but at that price is not worth it, I say buy the lens seperately from a different retailer.

The kit lens (18-55) is actually pretty decent. It's not L quality, but for most of the picture takers, it will do the job nicely.

Percy

thanks guys.

do you think it'd be better to just buy the camera body and get a lens separately?

btw brendan, the packages i listed were from bhphoto

so.. kit lens or?

Depends on how much additional cash you have, and if you're ever going to use the 18-55 lens. I'd save up for an L, but that's me. :)

Percy

thanks percy.

the thing for me is, i'm a big time noob, so i'm not sure.. is the 18-55 a pretty versatile lens to have in the bag?

what would you consider to be some 'essential' lenses for a beginner?

Depends on what you shoot. The 18-55 is a good starter lens...even know of a pro that uses it, so it can't be all that bad. :) Besides, 55 will give the equivalent of a 90mm lens so it can be used for some quick portrait work. If you need more magnification, or find that only a tight portrait will do, then save up for another lens. I'd get used to the 18-55 first, then explore the possibilities from there.

Percy

will do.

thanks for the advice :D