holiday advice

[sjl]

Get the widest llens you can find that can open up to at least f/1.8. I don't know the Canon line. I know they make a 50mm f/1.8 but see if you can't get a 35mm f/1.8 On the digital camera with it's "crop factor" the 50mm lens is a mild telephoto.

In Australia, the EF 50 f/1.8 costs (RRP) $179. Street price is probably no more than $150. (Australian dollars, mind you, so about three quarters for US price.) In comparison, the EF 35mm f/2 costs (RRP) $579. If you want the f/1.4L 35mm, it'll cost you a mere $2879 (again, RRP).

Hence the recommendation for the 50mm. It's a damn fast lens, and dirt cheap for the quality. If you want to go wider, you can, but be prepared to pay for the privilege.

You're not wrong about the 50mm being a mild telephoto on most DSLRs, but that's not the point: it's the bang for the buck that makes it a very common recommendation.