I would like to put in my two cents on what lens to choose. I must agree with most of the other posts that recommend the Canon EF-S17-55 2.8, I personally own this lens and find it to be an L lens with a cloaking device on. Image quality is in line with if not some situations exceeding my L lenses I awn also. The only thing that worries me at time about the 17-55 is the build and weather resistance. Build it okay, and this lens does tent to get dust inside it. Mine never has but I have seen some terrible cases of this. I noticed that you camp and hike quite a bit. This makes me think of an L lens for you. My favorite is the 24-70 2.8 monster. But I think the 24-105 f/4 is more versatile. The 24-10 f/4 is my everyday lens. It is brilliant and can stand on its own. One a crop body you will lose some of the wideness of this lens. Just think forward, if you ever upgrade to a full frame (which is only a matter of time for many) than you will be ready. Also the 24-10 f/4 has IS that the 24-70 does not and is several hundred cheaper. I have not been unhappy with my 24-105 lens. I did at times wish she was a bit faster 2.8 would be the best but I use ISO 2000-2500 a lot with little to minimal noise and am very happy. I hope that this helps you. I would stay away from the 50mm until you get a full frame body. I see you are from Bettendorf, I lived there for about 5 years. The QCA is nice, I would kill for a Boozie Burger right now. And I miss shooting some of the cool bridges in the area at all times of the year.