1100D+ 50mm + 70-300 IS USM?

Shorthand wrote:

I don't think that the 1100D is sold in "body only" configurations, so you'll have the 18-55 lens for wide angle situations. (You will need it more than you think given how long the 50mm is.)

You can find the 1100D as body-only on Amazon or on Canon's sales website, I think, but given the value of adding at least one kit lens, it makes more sense to buy it with a lens.

Beyond that, the 50mm f/1.8 is kind of a given at the price for what you want.

An excellent indoor shooting / portrait lens for the money. In low indoor light (without flash) you still won't stop motion but I suppose there's only so much 'action' in low indoor lighting. Since the birth of my son a few months ago, this lens has gone from 'will I ever use this?' to living on the camera. I really like being able to take available light photos - they are just so much more natural looking than flash shots.

In terms of value for money, I think we're right back at the normal advanced amateur starter kit: The 18-55 IS, the 55-250 IS, and the 50mm f/1.8.

Canon provides us with a real trio of low-cost good performing lenses in these.

• Consumer Telephoto Zooms - Why are you favoring the 70-300 over the 55-250? The new Tamron 70-300 VC supposedly provides better value for money (and better image quality) than the Canon 70-300, but the 55-250 has better usable range for most APS-C applications and its $200-$250. These lenses will be OK at ISO 3200 or ISO 6400 in well lit stadiums but can't capture motion in most homes. For that, you often need f/2.8 or better.

I've read a hundred times that the 55-250 IS is a better lens than the 70-300, and considerably less expensive too I think. It's a very well regarded lens on this forum. Fortunately one isn't too likely to be using these long zooms indoors (in home).