Need camera lens recommendation

[MarkD]

Spouse was recently given a Canon Rebel xs body. Asking for lens recommendations for all around photoshooting, telephoto, and macro. Thanks.

[OWC Jamie]

One 'does it all' lens or specific task lenses ?

[Ombligo]

For a do it all lens - I suggest the Tamron 18-200. $200 shipped from Amazon, BH Photo, or Adorama

I was putting them on student cameras and was impressed enough that I got one for my general use. It is sharp, well-built, and affordable. Has wide, telephoto and macro -- at f3.5-5.6, it isn't the fastest thing out there, but you'll pay a lot more for f2.8

[MarkD]

I am looking for a variety of options. One is the do it all lens (Thanks Ombigo! Just the kind of rec I needed.) or a specific lens that would be helpful for a specific task such as a macro lens, telephoto, or "action" or sports type lens or even a task I did not list such as night photography.

I am also looking for good flash recommendations too.

[jdc]

How about 2 lenses for $500 or even $700 (oh yeah, and a new body, bag, SD card and other bonuses?)

http://dealnews.com/c528/Electronics/Cam...R-Cameras/

[pRICE cUBE]

Canons zoom clockwise. Tamrons zoom counterclockwise like Nikons. sigma.....they sometimes make a model zoom one way and the next generation zoom the other. Currently you can find some sigmas or rebrand under quantaray that zoom clockwise. If it is not a big deal to you the both tamron and sigma sell great 18-200 and 18-250/18-270 and soon 18-300 lenses. Just depends on how much $ you want to spend.

I personally use an 18-270mm tame on and it has been a nice, lightweight all around lens. It is the same size as a Nikon or canon 18-55 before zoomed out.

[Ombligo]

Shoemount Flash.. I like the Metz 44AF-1, Currently $185 from Amazon. Equivalent to the Canon 430 but a lot cheaper

If you need a dedicated macro (which is unquestionably better than any macro mode on a zoom) - buy used from KEH - they currently have a Canon 60mm f2.8 Macro in EX condition for $299 (vs $470 new or $370 for a Sigma macro)

For sports - The Tamron 70-210 f2.8 is a great lends and a bargain at $750 new. It does lack Vibration Reduction, but that version with it will cost you another $700+. Buy a monopod if you need it for $50