new XTi with the lens or without?

[gsisak]

I'm going to get an XTi. My question is should I spend the $100 and get the 18-55 Canon lens that comes with it, or should I buy the body only and spend that $100 and a little more to get a better basic lens? Thanks.

[some guy]

find me a lens that's for 100 bux can get you 18-55mm that at has a 3.5 wide aperture. ;) if you are a beginner, the kit lens is a good start.

[coldrain]

The Sigma 18-125 costs around 200$ I think. It gives more range and is probably a little bit more contrasty.

The Sigma 18-50 EX DC f2.8 and its new follow up the 18-50 EX DC f2.8 macro, and the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 Di II are a bit above 400$ I think.
And the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-5-6 macro is also somewhere around that mark.

Those are the viable options to an upgrade of the 18-55mm kit lens.

[gsisak]

until i get the hang of it i'm basically going to point and shoot with it. i just want a general purpose lens that i can use in various shooting situations. it doesn't need to be super good at any one thing. just average across the board. then once i see where it lacks i'll buy different lens accordingly. thanks for the quick replies!