As everybody is saying it's all about budget and expectations
When I started out with a 300D I wasn't sure if photography would stick (and if budget control would let me) so I decided to get a Jack-of-All-Trades lens.
I ended up with a Tamron 28-300 Xr Di Ld and loads of other letters , it cost £200 and lasted me three years until I started spending more
It's not a stunning lens but for sheer range / portability I haven't seen anything to beat it yet
Straight from the camera, just a resize/sharpen for the forum
Macro :-
300mm (stationary):-
300mm (moving):-
I've still got the lens, minigub is having fun with it now