I am a newcomer to DSLR's and lenses, but have decided on Canon equipment and the EOS 450D looks to be in my chosen budget, along with a couple of lenses.
I will be mostly using it for scenery/landscape work and wildlife, possibly with macro work which is an area that really interests me.

I have a good tripod, SLIK D 50 and a cheap and cheerful lightweight jobbie too, but would anticipate a fair amount of freehand shots.

I am considering the EOS 450D with Canon's own 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS lenses. I like the IS idea as I suffer from shakey hands, but am unsure of their benefit.
This kit comes in at £659-99 with a case and 4GB memory card.

My own doubt is whether I would be better with the same camera and the Tamron 70-300 lens for greater range.
This kit comes in at £579-99 with a case and 4GB memory card.

Any opinions welcomed.

I don't want to have to be swapping in a couple of months time.

Both prices are before the Cashback deal.

If at all possible, I would always go with an IS lens ...I have the Tamron 70-300 and don't personally think it is as good as some others

Iain - both myself and Steve Loveridge have the Sigma APO DG 75-300 mm macro zoom f4-5.6. I find it a belting lens and surprisingly cheap too. I know Sigma do the same lens with IS now too.

I've used it to zoom in on birds sitting +100m away and also on bees, flies and other small beasties right up close on macro setting.

Image Stabilisation is certainly a wise choice - dearer outlay, but cheaper in the long term.

Sigma lens are, IMHO, better than Tamron ...hubby has a Sigma and I have a Tamron .. I am considering mugging him

Not sure how they compare price wise but another lens well worth considering is the Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM.

I find that extra bit of length (85mm) means I'm changing the lens less often which if your outdoors is a bonus. The 17mm end is good for wide landscapes too.

With landscapes in mind sometimes you want a wider lens so remember with the 450 (cropped sensor) that an EF-S lens will be the true focal length range of the lens and an EF lens will actually be 1.6 X longer.

I would just echo what the people above have said, get IS if you have shaky hands. Not sure it would be needed on the 18-55 tho?

Off shopping tommorrow, Jessops will be getting a severe quizzing and Canons products will be prodded, poked and fumbled until I am happy it is the right kit.

I will let you know how I get on.

Best of luck, have a great shop!

Ohh good luck and look forward to seeing the photo's in the future!

12 megapixels at full resolution on dial-up..............Hmmmmmm......I guess we will be seeing Hillmouse's photos by, say, 2010?