I laughed both times. You are on a roll today, Mr. Ford.

Hello again!

Just updating those interested in my final choice. Although I did not rent the lenses, I ended up choosing the Canon 18-135mm IS lens. The price was right and has a reach that satisfies my needs for photographing my children. I also purchased the nifty fifty ($100 50mm) and let me tell ya...I find myself shooting with this lens more often than with my 18-135mm.

Also, whenever I do use the zoom lens, I find myself within the 50mm range more often than not! The prime also teaches me discipline and makes me concentrate on my frame choice more and allows me to be much more creative, which is ironic because I thought it would hinder it!

Thanks again for all the help and now that I own a a fixed lens, I understand where you guys are coming from better than ever. Both lenses are solid choices for my needs and am very happy with them!

This made my day Perrone. You have my vote, American Idol is still in the hunt for Simon's replacement. LOL

And now, you have a frame of reference for why I was such a pain in the rear to you! The 50 (or 35) is a darn fine lens for what you were describing. And as I expected, you are finding yourself in that range more and more often. There is a reason that since the dawn of SLR lenses, that focal length has been standard on the cameras.

Best of luck with your shooting!