Okay, so last time I told you that you might not want your kit lens. Nope, that's not crazy-talk at all!!!
First, let's talk about sensors. Unless you're buying a Canon 5D, or something similar, your camera will have a cropped sensor. That means that a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor camera is really like having a 50mm lens (that math isn't 100% accurate - the crop is really 1.6% if you want to get technical). The kit lens that comes on the Rebels is a 18-55mm IS lens. If you're wanting to shoot sports - that's not really going to give you much in the way of zoom. Even zoomed all the way, that 55mm is only going to give you about 88mm. What you might REALLY want is the 70-300. It's about the same price as the kit lens, and while not SPECTACULAR in quality, it's a good first lens. An even BETTER option would be the 70-200 - but I'm assuming that you also just robbed a bank and we really shouldn't be having this conversation.
Now, about aperture. If you're wanting to shoot portraits, or will be shooting indoors a lot, you're DEFINITELY going to want something with a small aperture. The 18-55 kit lens only goes as large as 3.5, which is good, but you can get better. What IS aperture, you ask? Well, it's the amount of light that can get to your sensor at any given time, and it's also what allows those pictures where the background is all blurred. Basically, the smaller the number, the more light your camera allows in. Also, the smaller the number, the blurrier you can get the background. If you're shooting indoors a lot, having a "fast" lens can mean the difference in needing a flash or not. And pictures are ALWAYS better if you can get by without using the flash that comes on your camera. Here's a better idea of what aperture is.
So why did I just go into all that about aperture? Because the BEST lenses for shooting in low-light are prime lenses. These lenses don't zoom - they just ARE. And they come in all sizes, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm. The best thing about them is that their maximum aperture is 1.something. Crank up your ISO to 400 or 800, and set your aperture to 1.4 or 1.8, and you can pretty much shoot in the dark. And the very best, cheapest lens you can buy is the 50mm 1.8. It's almost ridiculous how little this lens costs for the quality. But I think the Amazon rating pretty much speaks for itself. I personally own this lens and the color is amazing. It weighs next to nothing too. And although it's been known to not be very sturdy, I've had mine for almost 2 years and it's going strong. I LOVE this lens.
I'm definitely more of a prime lens kind of girl. I love them!!! And as far as zooming - well, you can always zoom with your feet!!!!
Helpful Hints:
- Did you know you can rent lenses and other camera equipment?! If you're not sure what you want, then rent one or two of the ones you're considering. Use them for a week in a variety of situations and base your decision on that. Trust me - buying a lens that doesn't fit your needs is way more expensive than spending a little money on rentals. Try BorrowLenses. They have a great reputation and a big selection of all kinds of stuff!
- Lenses are one item where you should buy the best you can afford. Camera models are updated all the time - but lenses last forever. Good glass can make all the difference. There are more expensive upgrades to almost all of the inexpensive, entry-level lenses, and you WILL notice a difference, both in your final images AND how your lens focuses/sounds/works. But don't hesitate to start with the "cheap" models. If you decide you want to upgrade later then sell your "starter" lens. They do a good job of holding their value because they ARE so popular! Or keep them as a backup.
I hope this information is helpful! Anything you guys specifically want to know?