Baz, being a Nikon man as I am, I can't comment on Canon lenses to be honest.

But, there is a simple rule of thumb that you or anyone else should follow if at all possible when going into SLR photography.

This is, but the best quality lenses you possibly can. You will always be better off with a cheap camera body and good glass.

I'm sure Canon are just the same as Nikon and will be quite expensive for lenses, but that really is down to the quality of:

a: the glass used
b: The motors (auto focus etc) used
c: build quality

Plus many more things besides.

However, there are a few good "other" names out there. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron are the better known ones.

I have to shoot out now unfortunately, I'll come back and continue later