Quote Originally Posted by neuroanatomist View Post
T3i and 18-55 kit lens is fine. Something like the Photoflex First Studio 2-light kit ($250 from B&H, constant lighting). Manfrotto 190XB with 496 ballhead (B&H kit, $186).
+1 Tripod and lighting is far more important than lenses in product photography imo. This will be a good starter kit, and you can expand your arsenal as you reach the limitations of your gears, or when you just want new gears .