Buying kit vs buying body

[WombRaider]

I've made up my mind; I'm going to purchase the Canon EOS Rebel XTi. It'll be my first DSLR camera.

With that said, should I buy the kit or buy the body and lens separately? The kit comes with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens. Being a first time user, I'm not sure if the included kit lens would be a good starter lens. If I buy the body only, I'll save about $60. However, I've read that the Canon 50mm is a good and cheap lens, but it doesn't not have focal(zoom?) adjustment.

What do I choose? Buy the body only and get the 50mm lens, or buy the kit with the included lens? Keep in mind this that this will be my first DSLR, so $300+ lenses is out of my budget.

 

[dug777]

Kit lens is pretty bloody average, from what i've read. Not that it would stop you taking fantastic pictures, but it doesn't help.

No reason why you shouldn't get start with a prime (fixed focal length lens), but you might enjoy the flexibility of the zoom starting out...

*Pedantic git* $300+ lenses ARE out of my budget *Pedantic git*

 

[rudder]

If you don't have the budget yet... just get the kit lens. The nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8 lens) everyone raves about is a very good lens for the price. However, indoors you will find a little more difficult taking pictures since with a 1.6 crop body it is like shooting with an 80mm lens. The 18-55 is a good starter lens since it will be more versatile.. especially with the 18mm. Just start saving an extra $50-60 for a used 50mm lens later on.