This lens is truly one of the best values you will ever find. It takes amazing portrait shots, and at f/1.8, has a super large aperture (lens opening) that will give you the nice background blur that so many people love. It's also extremely lightweight, so you won't get tired from carrying this guy around.

Pay the $7 and get this filter. Then put it on your 18-55mm lens and never take it off. This filter will protect the glass on your lens from getting scratched or damaged. If something comes flying at your lens, it will either break this $7 filter or your $150 lens. It's truly one of the best investments out there. In fact, get UV filters for all of your lenses.

Now that you have a new digital SLR camera, an extra lens (or two), filter wrenches, and additional accessories for your camera, you'll need something to carry them in. A normal knapsack won't suffice because it won't protect your equipment, but this bag was made for your camera. You can even throw in your laptop, and still have plenty of room left over. It's under $45, so you can't go wrong.