What should I clean my SLR lens with?

What type of camera lens should I buy to upgrade from the kit lens with on my Canon Rebel SLR?

• I purchased a Canon Rebel about a year ago. Since then I have been shooting with my kit lens that came with it. Photography is just a hobby for me now...but I LOVE it, and hope to maybe go professional one day. Right now tho, I am a broke teacher's assistant pursuing an Elementary Ed. Degree. I want to upgrade my camera lens, without breaking the bank. I would LOVE a wide angle lens, but my budget is in between $100-$200. I know I won't get the GREATEST lens in the world for this price...but I do want something better than what I have now. I mostly shout outdoors. I also mostly shoot portraits. (So far I think I would described as a "natural light" photographer.) I have no lenses other than the kit lens that came with my camera, and I also have no external equipment. (Flashes, etc.) What should be my next lens? I have been pretty pleased with most of my pictures so far...but I want to take it to the next level! Suggestions please!

• Answer:

  Haha it's interesting because I was just in your shoes about two weeks ago. I have an uncle who lives in New York City as a pretty well-to-do photographer. I asked him where I should purchase and which would be the best prices and the best guarantees. He told me to look at B&H Photo. I did and I bought two cameras and now two lenses. (technically three including the kit lens) I am very pleased. I just bought a telemacro lens (Sigma $300) and 50mm f/1.8 (Canon $100) which is good with the depth of field but of course it doesn't zoom; so I got both because I had been saving. But you can search for whichever type of lens you want. After researching I found that it is the cheapest option for what I wanted. This is because within the US it is free tax and free shipping unless the product is imported which it will tell you. Check it out you will most likely find something you want. Good luck and keep on doing it! :)