best lens opinions for beginner?

[OldClicker]

Great response! I couldn't have stated it any better...

Wait, I did state it the same way in post #9. Right down to the grammatical errors

It's cut & paste spam - just report it. We get a ton of it though most don't cut it from the same thread. - TF

[Frog]

And we will welcome you at the Nikon board.
We all have our preferences and try not to get into manufacturer wars here.

[w.slayman]

Crystal,

I am disapointed, I had high hopes you would get a Canon FD series and come into the light. But you went over to the dark side with a new digital, and the darkest side with the Nikon. :lol:

Seriously the most important considerations when choosing a new camera, if it is a major brand, are: Does it feel comfortable?, are the controls where you want them?, and will the camera / system do what you want.

CONGRATS :thumbsup: and ENJOY

[Anthony Reiss]

Get the 40D and save money. Upgrade when the 70D comes out, 10 years down the track... Spend more on quality lenses which outlasts the camera bodies.
The EF 17-40mm F4L is a great choice all around lens. It is a Full Frame lens so when all cameras are full frame in a decades time, this lens is still relevant. It will fit any EF-S mount camera.