if you're looking to spend some money, the Tamron 17-50mm covers (almost) the same focal lengths as the kit lens and is quite good. (note, I never used the kit lens, so can't say how much better it is) the Sigma 17-70mm has more range, does better at Macro, and is a little cheaper, but not quite as good at the picture quality. I'd start with one of those three (tamron, sigma or kit) and start to get an idea of what you want to shoot and what focal lengths you're going to need. I picked up the Tamron and love it...