Question about lenses for the rebel xt

[neutrino]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and was hoping I might get a little advice.

I'm very much a novice when it comes to photography so please assume I know nothing.

Anyway, I was recently thinking of getting this package deal:

www.thenewconnection.com/vi-51853________.html

which comes with the rebel xt and a 28-300mm lens. Now when I talked with a sales representative about it he told me the lens is plastic rather than glass and it would thus be low quality in comparison to the camera.

So my question is just how bad is a plastic lens? I really liked this deal as I thought it would give me a decent quality setup with an all around lens that would be good for a beginner. However, I still want to take nice quality photos. So should I maybe pass on this and try to get a better quality lens? Would appreciate any opinions. Thanks.

[Buddy4344]

I have never heard of a plastic primary lens. I have heard of plastic filters. I would shy away to anything below the quality of the XT's standard kit lens. It's not great, but I want my optics to be glass.

[neutrino]

Thanks. I tried finding out just what exactly the lens was but was unable to. All the company told me was that it was some all plastic lens that they gave away in package deals. I don't know, but I'm not about to buy it I don't think.

If I may ask an additional question, I was looking at the Sigma AF 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Aspherical IF HZ lens found here:

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prod...?prodid=193457

Would this lens be alright for someone who wants just an all purpose decent quality lens? Or are there any website that might have reviews for it?

[Buddy4344]

I am no expert on lens. Several at this site are. I do know someone who shoots that Sigma lens and loves having so much range.
Buddy